Thursday, April 30, 2009
eBay Class in Michigan
We had a wonderful time in Michigan teaching the Basics of Selling on eBay to a enthusiastic group in a small town in Michigan. The library hired us and charged their patrons a minimal amount so that they could learn the ins and outs of selling on eBay. We were impressed! Here's a state that has been majorly affected by the economy and the library understood the importance of helping people learn how to make a few extra bucks. Thank you to Ann for all you work in setting this up. And thank you to all the community who participated. We enjoyed your participation and your questions. We wish you all the luck in the future selling on eBay.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Ask the Experts eBay Sellers 2009 Mastermind Group Meeting/Dinner Special Event
We are organizing our first annual "Ask the Experts eBay Sellers 2009 Mastermind Group Meeting/Dinner Special Event". This event will be held on Wednesday, May 13th for our Meet Up members only. You must be a member of the Chicagoland eBay Sellers group to attend. Guests of members must also join the Meet Up group to attend. This will help us limit the attendees to those who want to be successful selling on eBay.
This is an opportunity to meet successful eBay sellers, who either have a full time business or a part time business selling on eBay. Many of our guest speakers are Power Sellers and have been in business for several years, one with approx 59,000 in feedback and another with 38,000 in feedback.
Our guest speakers include:
*Education Specialists Trained by eBay to teach others to sell on eBay
*eBay Trade Assistants who sell product for others
*eBay Sellers who sell wholesale products on eBay
*Sellers who create their own product to sell on eBay
Each one has created their own niche and has been successful on eBay. Our guests will talk about how they got started, what they sell on eBay, and various tools and tips they use that could help you with your own eBay business. We will go live on eBay to visit our guest speakers' stores and items.
Come and network with other eBay sellers in many different levels. We have done much research and planning to find a location that would allow as many people as possible to attend this event while keeping the cost affordable.
The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m with registration and networking. At 6:30. we will have a Buffet meal which includes salad, pizza, pasta and soft drinks. From 7:00 til 8:30, each of our guest speakers will have the opportunity to talk followed by a brief question and answer period. From 8:30 to 9:00, we will open up the floor for panel question and answer discussion.
The cost of this special event is a very reasonable $10.00 to cover food and soft drinks and the room rental cost. If you plan to attend, you must RSVP and pay in advance $10.00 no later than May 6th. You will be able to pay through PayPal. As a courtesy to our pre-paid guests and to guarantee there will be enough food, walk-ins will not be allowed.
PLEASE NOTE: IN ORDER TO KEEP TRACK OF PAYMENTS, YOU MUST RSVP YES THROUGH MEET UP ALONG WITH YOUR PAYMENT THROUGH PAYPAL to biddingpros@gmail.com. ONCE YOU HAVE RSVP'D, WE WILL BE ABLE TO MARK YOU AS PAID.
To Sign up for this event, please go to this link: http://entrepreneur.meetup.com/940/calendar/10128797/
This is an opportunity to meet successful eBay sellers, who either have a full time business or a part time business selling on eBay. Many of our guest speakers are Power Sellers and have been in business for several years, one with approx 59,000 in feedback and another with 38,000 in feedback.
Our guest speakers include:
*Education Specialists Trained by eBay to teach others to sell on eBay
*eBay Trade Assistants who sell product for others
*eBay Sellers who sell wholesale products on eBay
*Sellers who create their own product to sell on eBay
Each one has created their own niche and has been successful on eBay. Our guests will talk about how they got started, what they sell on eBay, and various tools and tips they use that could help you with your own eBay business. We will go live on eBay to visit our guest speakers' stores and items.
Come and network with other eBay sellers in many different levels. We have done much research and planning to find a location that would allow as many people as possible to attend this event while keeping the cost affordable.
The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m with registration and networking. At 6:30. we will have a Buffet meal which includes salad, pizza, pasta and soft drinks. From 7:00 til 8:30, each of our guest speakers will have the opportunity to talk followed by a brief question and answer period. From 8:30 to 9:00, we will open up the floor for panel question and answer discussion.
The cost of this special event is a very reasonable $10.00 to cover food and soft drinks and the room rental cost. If you plan to attend, you must RSVP and pay in advance $10.00 no later than May 6th. You will be able to pay through PayPal. As a courtesy to our pre-paid guests and to guarantee there will be enough food, walk-ins will not be allowed.
PLEASE NOTE: IN ORDER TO KEEP TRACK OF PAYMENTS, YOU MUST RSVP YES THROUGH MEET UP ALONG WITH YOUR PAYMENT THROUGH PAYPAL to biddingpros@gmail.com. ONCE YOU HAVE RSVP'D, WE WILL BE ABLE TO MARK YOU AS PAID.
To Sign up for this event, please go to this link: http://entrepreneur.meetup.com/940/calendar/10128797/
Monday, November 3, 2008
How to Reach 5.0 On Your eBay Detailed Seller Ratings (DSR's)
Another friend of ours that is also an Education Specialist trained by eBay, gave us these tips on how to increase your DSR's or Detailed Seller Ratings. We wanted to pass these along to you. Please check out the items she sells and her feedback rating. Her eBay seller ID is hunter-gatherer
Accurate Item Description:
** I do my best to write an accurate/detailed item description & include a good picture (or pictures) ... . including mentioning/showing any flaws in the item.
** I insert my pictures within the written description, especially if there are any flaws/problems. That way I can describe the flaw and show the picture of the area described ... making it easier for bidders/buyers to get a clear understanding of the condition.
** I include a "condition" section that summarizes the condition of the item.
Communication:
** I answer any questions received right away.
** If I add something to the item description, after there is a bidder, I contact the current bidders to let them know about it.
** When the item sells, I send an invoice and put the following info in the message section. (1) Congratulations on winning this auction.. or .. Thank you for using Buy it Now to purchase this item. (2) Payment is due by month/date ...I give the exact date, not just time frame (such as in five days), to avoid any confusion; (3) I tell the buyer "I will post feedback when I receive your payment and send you an email to let you know when I will ship your item (so they know what happens next) and (4) a note to "please let me know if you have any questions.
** When I prepare the item for shipping, if I discover that I missed something in the item description ... I write to let the buyer know and give them the option of canceling the transaction or (in some cases) receiving a partial refund.
** When the payment arrives, I post feedback for the buyer and then I send the buyer an email .. thanking them for their payment, letting them know I already posted feedback for them and when I will mail their package. I also include a reminder about the USPS estimated time frame for delivery (which I think also helps my shipping DSRs).
** If I find out that I cannot mail the item on the date I told them I would, I send them an email explaining the delay. .
** I include a personal, hand-written thank you note on the packing slip.
Shipping Time:
** I state, in my item description, that I mail items within one business day of receiving payment. And, with rare exceptions, I am able to do this because I already prepared the item for shipping, so I could include accurate shipping information in the listing. Then, when the payment arrives, I just have to print and attach the shipping label and take the package to the post office.
** If the payment arrives early enough in the day, I mail the item the same day payment is received. If not, I mail it the next business day (as stated in the item description).
** And, as I mentioned above, when I notify the buyer I am shipping the item .. I remind them about the estimated delivery time.
Shipping & Handling Charges:
** I offer two to three shipping options for all listings (unless it is something big like furniture or a car) ... as I think buyers like to have a choice in shipping method and cost.
** I include a section in my item description about shipping .. letting bidders/buyers know that (1) I do not charge a handling fee and (2) that I will gladly combine items for shipping to save them money on postage. If I offer free shipping, I mention this, too.
** When I ship the item, if I find out I can ship it for less than the buyer paid for shipping, I (in most cases) refund the difference to the buyer.
** I print the postage amount on the shipping label.
And.. three other things I do, in certain circumstances.
Free Shipping Upgrades - Usually this happens when the buyer pays for parcel post shipping, but priority mail is not much more. By giving them a 'free shipping upgrade' I actually save money, as I can use the free USPS boxes & get free delivery confirmation. But sometimes I do it because it is a repeat customer or someone who has just been extra nice to "work with". Sometimes I don't tell the buyer that I've done this .. but often I send the buyer a note to say something like "To thank you for your fast PayPal payment, I have upgraded your shipping to priority mail so you will receive your item a bit sooner" or "I wasn't able to mail your package within one business day of receiving your payment, so I've upgraded your shipping to Priority Mail so it will still arrive 'on time' or "To thank you for your repeat business, I've upgraded your shipping to priority mail."
Free Insurance - When a shipping upgrade isn't financially feasible, but I still want to do a little something extra for the buyer, I sometimes pay to add insurance on the item. And send a similar thank you note, but mention that although I've never had an eBay item lost or damaged by USPS, I've paid to add insurance to your item.
Free bonus item - Since I've been hunting and gathering for a very long time . . . I often have extra items (such as stickers, a post card or spare part) that relate to something I've listed/sold .. so I tuck one in the box as a little surprise for the buyer.
Accurate Item Description:
** I do my best to write an accurate/detailed item description & include a good picture (or pictures) ... . including mentioning/showing any flaws in the item.
** I insert my pictures within the written description, especially if there are any flaws/problems. That way I can describe the flaw and show the picture of the area described ... making it easier for bidders/buyers to get a clear understanding of the condition.
** I include a "condition" section that summarizes the condition of the item.
Communication:
** I answer any questions received right away.
** If I add something to the item description, after there is a bidder, I contact the current bidders to let them know about it.
** When the item sells, I send an invoice and put the following info in the message section. (1) Congratulations on winning this auction.. or .. Thank you for using Buy it Now to purchase this item. (2) Payment is due by month/date ...I give the exact date, not just time frame (such as in five days), to avoid any confusion; (3) I tell the buyer "I will post feedback when I receive your payment and send you an email to let you know when I will ship your item (so they know what happens next) and (4) a note to "please let me know if you have any questions.
** When I prepare the item for shipping, if I discover that I missed something in the item description ... I write to let the buyer know and give them the option of canceling the transaction or (in some cases) receiving a partial refund.
** When the payment arrives, I post feedback for the buyer and then I send the buyer an email .. thanking them for their payment, letting them know I already posted feedback for them and when I will mail their package. I also include a reminder about the USPS estimated time frame for delivery (which I think also helps my shipping DSRs).
** If I find out that I cannot mail the item on the date I told them I would, I send them an email explaining the delay. .
** I include a personal, hand-written thank you note on the packing slip.
Shipping Time:
** I state, in my item description, that I mail items within one business day of receiving payment. And, with rare exceptions, I am able to do this because I already prepared the item for shipping, so I could include accurate shipping information in the listing. Then, when the payment arrives, I just have to print and attach the shipping label and take the package to the post office.
** If the payment arrives early enough in the day, I mail the item the same day payment is received. If not, I mail it the next business day (as stated in the item description).
** And, as I mentioned above, when I notify the buyer I am shipping the item .. I remind them about the estimated delivery time.
Shipping & Handling Charges:
** I offer two to three shipping options for all listings (unless it is something big like furniture or a car) ... as I think buyers like to have a choice in shipping method and cost.
** I include a section in my item description about shipping .. letting bidders/buyers know that (1) I do not charge a handling fee and (2) that I will gladly combine items for shipping to save them money on postage. If I offer free shipping, I mention this, too.
** When I ship the item, if I find out I can ship it for less than the buyer paid for shipping, I (in most cases) refund the difference to the buyer.
** I print the postage amount on the shipping label.
And.. three other things I do, in certain circumstances.
Free Shipping Upgrades - Usually this happens when the buyer pays for parcel post shipping, but priority mail is not much more. By giving them a 'free shipping upgrade' I actually save money, as I can use the free USPS boxes & get free delivery confirmation. But sometimes I do it because it is a repeat customer or someone who has just been extra nice to "work with". Sometimes I don't tell the buyer that I've done this .. but often I send the buyer a note to say something like "To thank you for your fast PayPal payment, I have upgraded your shipping to priority mail so you will receive your item a bit sooner" or "I wasn't able to mail your package within one business day of receiving your payment, so I've upgraded your shipping to Priority Mail so it will still arrive 'on time' or "To thank you for your repeat business, I've upgraded your shipping to priority mail."
Free Insurance - When a shipping upgrade isn't financially feasible, but I still want to do a little something extra for the buyer, I sometimes pay to add insurance on the item. And send a similar thank you note, but mention that although I've never had an eBay item lost or damaged by USPS, I've paid to add insurance to your item.
Free bonus item - Since I've been hunting and gathering for a very long time . . . I often have extra items (such as stickers, a post card or spare part) that relate to something I've listed/sold .. so I tuck one in the box as a little surprise for the buyer.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Big Crumbs - Shop Online & Save
It's been awhile since we have posted anything on our blog. We've been very busy teaching people how to sell on eBay, selling our own products on eBay, as well as keeping up with our everyday sign business. Whew! There isn't enough time in the day.
We had a wonderful time at eBay Live which was held in Chicago this past summer. We are always amazed at the eBay community, their passion and drive, and the many different items each one sells. We went to many seminars and wish we could have gone to more but time didn't allow it.
In September, we gave a presentation and manned a booth at the SBDC convention (Small Business Development Centers) in Chicago. We were asked by eBay and Power U to promote eBay Education classes to the SBDC. It was a wonderful experience and hopefully, we will be able to do it again next year.
Now, we need to gear up for the holidays. With Christmas around the corner, we will busy selling our many personalized novelty signs. Please visit our store http://stores.ebay.com/Appealing-Signs
We just joined a new group called Big Crumbs. If you haven't heard about it, please check it out. We've found an easy way to earn some extra income.
BigCrumbs.com gives us cash back when we shop online at places like Best Buy, Target, Gap, Old Navy, Overstock.com and a lot more.
Even better, when we tell people about it and they sign up, we get paid every time they shop.
It's based on a sound business model and it's FREE. Just follow the link below to check it out.
http://www.bigcrumbs.com/crumbs/frontpage.jsp?r=AppealingSigns
">
We had a wonderful time at eBay Live which was held in Chicago this past summer. We are always amazed at the eBay community, their passion and drive, and the many different items each one sells. We went to many seminars and wish we could have gone to more but time didn't allow it.
In September, we gave a presentation and manned a booth at the SBDC convention (Small Business Development Centers) in Chicago. We were asked by eBay and Power U to promote eBay Education classes to the SBDC. It was a wonderful experience and hopefully, we will be able to do it again next year.
Now, we need to gear up for the holidays. With Christmas around the corner, we will busy selling our many personalized novelty signs. Please visit our store http://stores.ebay.com/Appealing-Signs
We just joined a new group called Big Crumbs. If you haven't heard about it, please check it out. We've found an easy way to earn some extra income.
BigCrumbs.com gives us cash back when we shop online at places like Best Buy, Target, Gap, Old Navy, Overstock.com and a lot more.
Even better, when we tell people about it and they sign up, we get paid every time they shop.
It's based on a sound business model and it's FREE. Just follow the link below to check it out.
http://www.bigcrumbs.com/crumbs/frontpage.jsp?r=AppealingSigns
">
Thursday, January 31, 2008
eBay New Pricing, Free Gallery, Changed Feedback
eBay has just announced some major changes to the eBay marketplace. Insertion fees will be lowered and gallery pictures will now be FREE!!! However, Final Value fees will increase. Also, the feedback system will change. Sellers will no longer be able to leave negative or neutral feedback for buyers. However, eBay is not forgetting the seller. Check out the strategy to help Sellers deal with dead beat buyers.
Let us know what you think about all the changes.
http://www2.ebay.com/aw/core/200801.shtml#2008-01-29054823
Let us know what you think about all the changes.
http://www2.ebay.com/aw/core/200801.shtml#2008-01-29054823
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
How To List An eBay Auction For Maximum Profit
Take a look at this great article by Mike Panic, a freelance photographer and network administrator. Mike offers a checklist of tips in "How To List An eBay Auction For Maximum Profit":
* List the item on Sunday
* Know the item you’re listing
* Research what similar items have sold for
* Be honest with your description
* Be realistic with what you expect to get for it
* Avoid most eBay add-ons
* Get a good starting bid, avoid reserves, use Buy It Now
* List the item for maximum visibility
* Be as descriptive as possible
* Use quality photographs
* Explain any flaws
* Spell check
* Explain shipping & handling fees up front
* Create a disclaimer
* Reply to all questions in a timely manner
* Ship fast
* Use PayPal
* Promote your auction
For more detail on this checklist, go to:
http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/07/how-to-list-an-ebay-auction-for-maximum-profit/
* List the item on Sunday
* Know the item you’re listing
* Research what similar items have sold for
* Be honest with your description
* Be realistic with what you expect to get for it
* Avoid most eBay add-ons
* Get a good starting bid, avoid reserves, use Buy It Now
* List the item for maximum visibility
* Be as descriptive as possible
* Use quality photographs
* Explain any flaws
* Spell check
* Explain shipping & handling fees up front
* Create a disclaimer
* Reply to all questions in a timely manner
* Ship fast
* Use PayPal
* Promote your auction
For more detail on this checklist, go to:
http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/10/07/how-to-list-an-ebay-auction-for-maximum-profit/
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
WE'RE IN THE NEWS!!
Check out this awesome article from Pioneer Press, Elk Grove Times, regarding our eBay classes. Staff writer, Karen Shoffner, does a fantastic job relating information about the importance of eBay classes, as well as the benefits of selling on eBay. If you are interested in taking a group eBay class in the surrounding Elk Grove Village, Illinois area, please check out our calendar. You can also call us at 847-228-5677 to schedule a private consultation.
Pioneer News Article
Pioneer News Article
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