OnlineAuction.com Welcome Home Sale Aug 2 - 9, 2009

Kicking off this Sunday is the OnlineAuction Welcome Home Sale! As of this writing, there are 62 sellers planning on participating in one of OLA's premier seller-sponsored events. (Yes, I am one!)

During this exciting week, those 62 sellers will be creating their own specials to showcase many new items. Each Sale item will be running in Classic Auction style, for a duration of one week. Times may vary, so be sure to check ending times, to be sure you are not outbid! The perks will also vary from seller to seller, but you can expect to find an extravaganza of items, all at starting bids ranging from .25 cents to $9.99, and all with reasonable shipping charges.

Browse often, bid early, and most of all, have fun!

To search for Sale items, you may enter the letters WHS into the search engine at OLA. From there, you can sort your results using the advanced grey search box, which you'll find located to the right of your results list.

Are your favorite sellers participating? Check my list! Below are the names of the sellers who have officially joined the Sale. Click on any name to be taken to either their storefront, or a list of their current active items.

sandkseller	magrizz	icecoldsales
k6559	rosesattic1	sophia02
goldi	victorious_rival	atouchofclass
yesterdaycollectibles	resellinggalore	robinsgoneshopn
1947girl	jenbana88	bargainsbyirene
abigmixedbag	ilivetobuy2007	rmksfl
honeycreek	debsvarietyshop	glasslass
brightgems4u	piasrotty	malco762
notner	elitecomputers	thetreasureshelf
weemansmom	redheadedgoddess	yawningdawg
davendeb1178	fleapirates	theroyaltreasures
raggy-lady	metzymom	curiocache
lookingforwhat	oddstoendless	draggontagger
kidatheart10	grammykay	ginmarie
jahjesters	maggiemaybecrafty	crochenlady
the*tiki*shak	aphrodite	cshort0319
janeshope102289	hidden_treasures1	tjintx
fabulous12345	the_trove2	lfwoodworking
seewhatimselling	aesthetics48	blbokram
jaswood2	sunflowerranch	mvpcollectibles
looking4agreatdeal	marysmeowskittyrescue	Your name could be here!

Choose A Category Special for July 29, 2009!

The OnlineAuction.com Wednesday Wave is a great time to take advantage of special sale prices offered by participating sellers! To qualify, you must be an OLA member, (buyer, seller, or both), sign up to be a participant, and make a single purchase during game hours.

You may register to be an OLA member by clicking the banner below.



The Wednesday Wave info and sign-ups are located HERE.

I am offering a Choose A Category Special for July 29, 2009!

10% Off Items in the Jewelry & Watches Category
15% Off Items in the Books & Publications Category
20% Off Items in the Pottery & Glass Category
25% Off Items in the Collectibles Category

Sale prices do not include discounts for shipping,
(although I always offer combined shipping rates).

Hope to see you at the Wednesday Wave!

House-Cleaning at OLA!

I've been checking out all the great bargains at OnlineAuction.com!

There's a nice variety of used and new products, in every price range, and offered from some of the friendliest and most knowledgeable sellers online.

While the majority of OLA members are located across the entire breadth of the USA, I've recently noticed that more international folks are joining the ranks. That is wonderful... welcome! I am experienced in both buying and selling internationally, and would encourage every member to learn more about reaping the benefits of international trade. A good place to start is the USPS, where you will find a wealth of topics detailing shipping instructions, requirements and restrictions to each and every country.

Did you listen to OLA-Radio last week? OnlineAuction.com owner Chris Fain was the guest speaker! He spoke at length about his vision for building the #1 online marketplace, the successes we've already enjoyed and the continual improvement plans that he has set for the future. Although he did not expound in great detail on some of the upcoming surprises that members can expect, he did mention an advertising campaign and other enhancements that are in the works to benefit all members. You can hear the archived OLA-Radio program by clicking here.

Since we are growing, isn't this a good time to ensure that you are up-to-date on all the features at OnlineAuction.com? It is time to put our best face forward! By effectively using the tools that are available to you, from both the OLA staff and other OLA members, you may increase the efficiency of your own business operation and leave a positive impression upon people who are visiting the site for the first time.

Let's face reality... if a new buyer visits you, and can't find what they are looking for in your store, (or your individual listings), they are less likely to come back. If you don't have good photographs, they will look for someone who does. And if you don't list your shipping charges, they might not take the time to write you and ask.

Here is a list of HELP topics that you can find in the OLA Chat Forum:

• Setting up your OLA Store, by Renee, OLA Support
  
  
• Setting up your House Categories, by StubsInc, OLA member



• Using Auctiva, by Dragonmum2 & Aesthetics48, OLA members



• Shipping Calculator and Services, by Renee, OLA Support



• Resizing Your Pictures, by Ragmop, OLA Support



• Picture Tutorial for Chat Set-up, by Aesthetics48, OLA member



• HTML Help, a collaboration between OLA Staff and members



• Seaching OnlineAuction.com, by Fleapirates, OLA member
  

Now, these suggestions are just a cross-section of all the HELP topics available! Please take some time to peruse all the aids, and let's do some house-cleaning... we've got guests on the way!

I am on a kick about category organization right now. Yes, it is a chore, especially when you are adding new items and selling existing ones. Remember this... who wants to sort through a bunch of category selections and receive numerous No Auctions Found results? Not me! I try to re-set my category list at least once a week, to minimize the chance of seeing that notice in my store.

Anyone who needs help or tips on this task may contact me! It is not difficult, once you have walked through the steps a time or two. You may also contact either Renee or Rowen in OLA Support, by calling the toll-free phone number, 800-900-2828.

Let's all work together to create a welcoming site for new buyers and sellers, one that is easy to navigate, fun to shop, and encourages repeat business!

Thanks for reading! Be sure to stop by Fleapirates Plunder the next time you are browsing OLA!

For the musicians...

Do you have musicians in your family? Boy, I sure do... my kids! It started when they were toddlers, and much to my delight, music has stayed with them through the teenage years. They've developed an appreciation for all styles of music, and with that goes a curiosity and desire to explore the possibilities of creating music with various instruments.

We've had maracas, zylophones, an assortment of drums, (the djembe is the favorite), a violin, a piano, a recorder, and various guitars, just to name a few! Right now, my oldest child is an accomplished bass guitar player, playing in a local band, and is working to make a career in the music field.

Naturally, I keep an eye on what great deals are available online for music lovers and enthusiasts. While I am not always in a position to buy instruments or accessories, I love to browse, (and I've certainly bought a good share)! I've met some great people while doing business at OnlineAuction.com, and today I'd like to talk, once again, about one of my favorite members.

Bryant, from Build-A-Box, loves to buy, re-build and re-sell guitars. A true musician, he thrives on the hunt, puts his heart into the re-build, and prides himself on offering quality instruments to even the most discerning players. He offers other things for sale at OLA, as well, (like the computer tablet that I gifted last Christmas), but if you talk for any length of time with Bryant, you'll know that music is his passion. Last holiday season he even worked with me to find just the right gift for my bassist son, from ProTools, who was thrilled to receive a set of books which are teaching him how to create and operate a recording studio on his computer!

This kind of personalized service, with thoughtful communication, great products, excellent pricing, and affordable, fast shipping is exactly why I watch Bryant's auctions on a regular basis. I wanted to feature him today for this reason, and because he's got the coolest Custom Fender Stratocaster listed right now! You gotta see it!

Isn't the just the most beautiful guitar you've ever seen?

Luthier made, hand turned, birds eye maple neck.

Custom Luthier hand wound pickups.

Period correct tuners.

Flawless shaping.

Original bridge and blue paisley floral finish.

And the kicker? Best offers considered!

He's the expert, so click HERE and read all about this offer!

Browsing his store, you'll also find two other really nice guitars. I'll post the pictures and the titles, just to give you a little teaser! You click on the title to view the details.

G&L S-500 Premium Tribute Tri-Burst 06 Swamp Ash Body

Godin Performance Series

All you guitar folks have fun, and don't forget to stop by Fleapirates Plunder, too!

Searching OnlineAuction.com

Did you know that there are numerous ways to find the great bargains available at OnlineAuction.com? From Antiques to Video Games, and from Verified Sellers to Founding Members, if you know how to search correctly, that can't live without item is easy to locate. Let's take a peek at the various options... I'll bet there is one you haven't used before!

The Search Bar on the OLA Home Page:

• Enter your search criteria and search ALL CATEGORIES.
  This is the broadest search, and will give you results that match any and all of the word(s) you designate.
  
  
• You may also set this search bar to show results in a specific category, by using the drop-down menu to change the words ALL CATEGORIES to your category of choice.

Advanced Search:

Advanced Search offers you the opportunity to set parameters. You may enter as much information as you like, and the more specific your request, the more specific the results will be. They are useful to search other people's auctions, as well as your own! Here is a brief synopsis of what they search fields will accomplish for you:

• The Search Phrase is where you place the words describing any specific item you are searching for.
  
  
• If you know the auction number, enter it into the Auction # field for a fast way to get directly to the listing.
  
  
• The Categories field allows you to choose a single category to search.
  
  
• The TYPE field gives you the option to view only certain types of listings, (Classic, Fixed Price, Dutch, Absolute or Sealed).
  
  
• The SORT option is a drop-down menu which will display the results according to the method you choose. Try them all!
  
  Price Lowest First / Price Highest First is a great tool for researching the prices of your competitors, or to see if an item you are interested in is in a reasonable price range as compared to other sellers.
  
  Bids Lowest First / Bids Highest First is especially useful if you are researching a product that has multiple listings and you'd like to see the amount(s) of bids that have been placed.
  
  Ending First / Ending Last is one I use quite often. When featuring an item in the chat forum, under Interesting Auctions of the Week, I usually choose the ENDING LAST sort option, so that I can quickly pick an item which has plenty of time left for maximum viewing on the thread!
  
  Title Descending / Title Ascending will alphabetize the listings for you.
  
  Auction ID Descending / Auction ID Ascending is a great way to check your own listings! Use the Descending tool to sort auctions from newest to oldest, and the Ascending tool to sort from oldest to newest.
  
  
• On a budget? You may also set a price range, and peruse only those listings which fall within your boundaries.

Advanced Search also allows you to search by seller and by bidder.

MEMBER SEARCH:

• Do you know the name of the member and wish to see what they have for sale? In addition to using the Advanced Search link, you can click on Member Search and enter their user-name. This will bring you to their Feedback Record, where you can click on View All Member's Auctions, (if they are a seller), or Ask A Question, which will initiate an omail to the member.

SOME EXTRA TIPS:

• Another way to get to see a certain member's listings is to click on their name, either in the chat forum or on any OLA page. This will also bring you to the member's Feedback Record.
  
  
• When accessing someone's listings through their Feedback Record, you will be taken to an OLA Search Page, which will highlight all of that member's active listings. You can sort through their products by using the grey Search These Results box that is located on the right of your screen. The functions work similarly to the Advanced Search options.
  
  
• Verified Sellers do not have a store. You may recognize that a seller is a Verified Seller by looking for a key icon located next to their name. The easiest way to search products that a Verified Seller offers is to use the grey Search These Results box detailed above.
  
  
• Founding Members have a store. You may recognize that a seller is a Founding Member by looking for a set of gold wings located next to their name. The easiest way to search products that a Founding Member offers is to access their store directly. Do this one of two ways:
  
  1.) Enter the url into your browser's address bar. It will read the same for each seller, changing only the name at the end. See below! (The green text will be changed to feature your intended seller.)
  http://www.onlineauction.com/store/fleapirates
  
  
  2.) Click to enter any one of the auction listings in the OLA search results. You will find a store link under the Details, Shipping and Payment box at the top right, (look for a house icon). You will also see the words See all My Auctions at My OLA House at the bottom of the listing. Click either of these links and go right to their storefront! Categories are located on the left of the store.

NOTE: If any seller has not yet organized their store categories, please contact me for assistance! You can also contact either Rowen or Renee at OLA by omail or by calling 800-900-2828.

OnlineAuction.com Knows Antiques!

Have you visited the OnlineAuction.com
Antiques Category lately?

This category has items starting at .25 cents,
as well as items that start for as much as $7,500.00!!!
With 42 subcategories and more than 1200 listings,
you're sure to find something you can't live without!

Some of the wonderful things you can find in this category:

Signed Toby Weller Mug, Occupied Japan

1920 LANG Chair

1930s Marlene Dietrich Silver Gelatin Portraits

1800s Mercer Art Deco Platter

Rogers Bros Silver (all kinds!!!)

1940's Celedon Lamp

Signed Wedgewood Pieces

17th Century Brass Thimble

1938 Zenith Tube Radio

There's even a signed Ivory Buddha!

Click here!
Take a trip through the OnlineAuction
Antiques Category today!

Proudly presented by:

And composed by

2 yards BANYAN Floral Chintz Fabric by Brunschwig and Fils

Beautiful 2 yard remnant has a cream background, with pattern featuring shades of pink, red, blue, green and gold. Fabric is 54 inch width, and has a small border. This is designer fabric, and is usually available through interior design professionals.

Drapery quality, this lovely fabric is also perfect for pillows, table accessories and crafts.

Available at a starting bid that is a
small fraction of the original cost!

Click HERE to view all the details of the auction.

And be sure to check Fleapirates Plunder for more fine fabrics,
fabric embellishments, collectibles, and more!
(Click my banner to visit the store.)

A Safe and Happy 4th of July to All!

Wishing a Safe and Happy 4th of July to All!

How are you celebrating?

We've got a laid-back day planned,
which started with our town's parade,
continues with a barbeque for friends and family,
and climaxes with an evening of fireworks!
They're always fabulous...
thanks, City of Highland Park, IL!



Actually, yesterday my teenagers attended the
Taste of Chicago
and
the Chicago Lakefront Fireworks,
and they said while it was
jam packed with people,
both events were spectacular!
If you haven't had the chance to visit
Chicago and sample the treats at
The Taste of Chicago, this would be a trip
that I would highly recommend!

In the midst of all this fun,
I am also working on adding more listings
at my store, Fleapirates Plunder,
which you'll find at OnlineAuction.com.

Today, I'll be adding more baseball cards...
whats more American than good 'ole
baseball, hot dogs and apple pie?

Here's one I posted just this past week:
(click on the photo to visit the auction)

1997 Topps Awesome Impact
Edgar Renteria # AI15
Florida Marlins

July 1st Kicks Off the OLA Team Blog Challenge!

July 1st kick off the OLA Team Blog Challenge! Here we are, at the start of 30 days of committed blogging, intended to rev up the SEO of all participants. I'd like to issue a big welcome to our newest members, SunflowerRanch, Curiocache and KidatHeart10, who have already gotten into the swing of posting on our blog. Kudos to you!

There is always room for more bloggers on our team, so I hope many more OLA sellers decide to join in the fun and take charge of advertising their own businesses! Those who have questions are encouraged to contact either myself, (Fleapirates), StubsInc, MetzyMom, Aesthetics48, or SunflowerRanch. Any of us would be happy to help you get started, get motivated, learn blog techniques, and reap the rewards of consistent blogging!

Another way to get information would be to attend the Team Blog Webinar that will take place this coming Monday, July 6th, at 9pm EST, 8pm CST, 6pm PST. It will be held in the LIVE CHAT room that you will find on the right sidebar of the OLA Team blog. Just click the button, and be sure to enter your OLA username, as "guest" questions will not be acknowledged.

And finally, I'd like to shout a huge Welcome Back to one of my favorite sports card dealers, Cardmanlou1, who has just returned to OLA! He is such an inspiration to me and other sellers, and we're all glad to see him back listing product and active in the chat forum. Do you know I, (jokingly), tried to race him on listing auctions today? At last count, I had hit 84 and he was still going at 532. WOW! In one day! Everyone stop by his store, check out all those items and welcome him back to our OLA family!

In Lou's honor, here's one of my latest baseball card listings:








1995 Upper Deck MINORS Scott Rolen # 78 Phillies Top Prospect

Click the title to visit the listing!