Announcing the OLA Six Week Stimulus Extravaganza

Announcing an exciting new event at OnlineAuction.com,

The OLA Six Week Stimulus Extravaganza!

January 31, 2010 through March 13, 2010

Why is this exciting?
Because it is a collaboration of online merchants, all working towards promoting OnlineAuction.com, and offering great deals in every category! From antiques and art, to real estate and automobiles, there will be specials to entice even the most discerning shopper. Look for advertisements on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, blogs, and all over the internet, as well as locales across the U.S.A!

And why are you telling me this now? The Extravaganza starts at the end of January?
Mark your calendars!

For sellers: Right now merchants are encouraged to sign-up for the weekly specials. Information about being a merchant is located in the OLA Chat Forum. As each week progresses, merchants and products will be featured in advertising that will be spread far and wide by the participants. This blog, in particular, will be a showcase for all the fantastic deals!

For buyers: Now is the time to plan your shopping experience! Check out the categories in each week listed below... what are your favorite things to shop for?

To make weekly browsing easy, just use the letter W and a week number in your search. For example, using the search term W1 during January 31st to February 6th, will show you the specific specials to be found during Collector's Week.

W1 - Week 1 - Jan 31st - Feb 6th - Collector's Week:
Books and Publications  *  Coins and Currency *  Educational  *  Equestrian  *  Historical Memorabilia  *  Knives, Swords, Cutlery  *  Militaria  *  Military Surplus  *  Photographs  *  Sporting Goods  *  Sports Memorabilia  *  Stamps  *  Trading Cards  *  Writing Instruments

W2 - Week 2 - Feb 7th - Feb 13th - Interiors Week:
Antiques  *  Art  *  Clocks  *  Collectibles  *  Holiday and Seasonal  *  Home and Garden  *  Native American  *  OOAK  *  Pottery and Glass  *  Western

W3 - Week 3 - Feb 14th - Feb 20th - Personal Week: 
Baby  *  Clothing and Apparel  *  Costume and Period Clothing  *  Food and Wine  *  Health and Beauty  *  Health and Fitness  *  Natural and Herbal Products  *  Jewelry and Watches  *  Medical Equipment  *  Metaphysical

W4 - Week 4 - Feb 21st - Feb 27th - Tech Week:
Cameras and Photo  *  Communications Equipment  *  Computers and Networking  *  Consumer Electronics  *  DVD and Movies  *  Electronics  *  Home Entertainment  *  Marketing  *  Music  *  Musical Instruments  *  Video Games

W5 - Week 5 - Feb 28th - Mar 6th - Hobby Week:
Crafts and Hobbies  *  Dolls and Bears  *  Entertainment Memorabilia  *  Handmade Items  *  Memorabilia  *  Movie and TV Memorabilia  *  Pets and Supplies  *  Toys and Hobbies

W6 - Week 6 - Mar 7th - Mar 13th - Splurge Week:
Automotive  *  Business and Industrial  *  Construction  *  Everything Else  *  Firearms  *  Livestock  *  OLA Cares  *  OLA Motors  *  Multiple Dwellings  *  Real Estate  *  Surveying and Scientific Equipment  *  Tools and Equipment  *  Travel

What if I am not yet a member at OnlineAuction.com?

It is FREE to be a basic buyer at OLA. Sign up takes only a moment or two!
Only certain items, like firearms and automobiles, require verified buyer status, so if you are interested in those types of purchases, please be sure to carefully read and understand the MembershipOptions / Fees page at OLA. Still have questions? The customer support department is available Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm PST at 800-900-2828.

Basic Seller status at OLA is only $8 per month for unlimited selling! Why not let us show you how much fun and success you can enoy, selling at OLA during this exciting Extravaganza? Read more about selling opportunities.

We hope to see you during the
OLA Six Week Stimulus Extravaganza!

Practicing the Art of Effective Communication

In two of my recent blog posts I talked about the importance of timely shipping in the area of ecommerce sales. As buyers' expectations hold sellers to a high level of customer service, you'll find that successful sellers are also practicing the art of effective communication.

Effective communication guarantees your customer's comfort. Let's be realistic... in today's online world, you often know little or nothing about the person or company that you send your hard-earned dollars to. By communicating with the customer, the seller is proving their committment, providing valuable information and putting the buyer at ease. This is especially important with online transactions, as they take days to complete. Compare yourself to the largest retailers, like Walmart and Target. Most send an email, confirming your order and sending shipping notification. Do you?

At OnlineAuction.com, we have an in-house communication system. Along with regular communication, all of our invoices are sent through the o-mail system. While I find it extremely useful in communicating with seasoned members, it has been challenging, to say the least, for new members. The staff at OLA have taken steps to make new members aware of this feature and it's benefits. What can you do to help new members communicate with you?

Something new I have started is adding a brief paragraph in each listing about the importance of checking OLA o-mail. I currently have 700+ listings, so adding this to each one is going to take some time! I think it is worth it, though, as the first place someone will check for information is the listing itself. Here is an example of what I am adding:

PLEASE NOTE!
If you are the winning bidder,
please remember to check your OLA o-mail for an invoice from me!
(Not your email!)

This small blurb may be all that is necessary to inform them of where to find communication from me! Since they'll be aware to look for an invoice, I can also get their attention for matters pertaining to payment options, shipping preferences and estimated delivery times. And if they have a question, or a comment, they will know that I am easily accessible via this method.

Now I know it not always that simple. So here is my recommendation if you have a member who is not communicating with you. Contact Renee. Be sure to send her the auction number and the member's ID. She has a friendly form letter, sent by email, that will remind a member to check their omail. It is not accusatory, not threatening, and it has been effective for me several times. Renee can be contacted through the omail system, (just type in Renee), through email to renee@onlineauction.com, or by calling OLA Support at 1-800-900-2828.

Want to communicate with me? Drop me an omail! Leave a comment here! Find me on Twitter!
I love to chat!

Good luck!
Keep on practicing the art of effective communication!

Timely Shipping is important!

In my last blog post, I asked my readers to share their practices and expectations about ecommerce sales. There were two polls, and readers were encouraged to participate in whichever poll applied to them. The response was over-whelming... timely shipping is important!

The first area of discussion that was polled focused upon sellers. The topic was: When I sell an item, my standard shipping practice is...

Results varied. Seventeen people responded, and I will assume they are all active sellers. One person voted for Same Day Shipping. Wow! That is outstanding customer service, and anyone who can achieve that on a daily basis deserves a pat-on-the-back! That is awesome!

Nine people voted for within 24 hours and six people voted for within 48 hours. This is what I expected, and the standard that I hope all sellers strive for.

Finally, one seller also voted for within one week.  In my opinion, one week is the longest it should take, and while delays are not unheard of, especially with made-to-order products, perhaps this seller should pay close attention to the Buyer's poll, where they may find that their buyers are looking for delivery options that are considerably faster. At the very least, I expect that this seller is maintaining open lines of communication with their clients, to put the clients at ease with a longer estimated delivery time.

What might cause an acceptable delay in shipping? Acceptable, to me, means that either the seller has stated clearly in their listing that they only ship on certain days, or that their item(s) are custom-made. If a buyer knows in advance what to expect, longer delivery times are no longer an issue. It is, however, an issue that every seller must consider. Are your shipping restraints putting off buyers?

The second area of discussion that was polled focused upon buyers. The topic was: As a buyer, I expect my order to arrive...

The results were close. Eighteen people responded. Here are the results:
Within 5 days - 6 votes
Within 1 week - 6 votes
Within 10 days - 3 votes
Within 2 weeks - 3 votes

This is enlightening! These results should prove to all sellers that today's buyers are savvy about shipping transit times. They expect prompt service, and are likely not to return if they don't have a satisfactory buying experience.

Let's all do everything we can to ensure that our buyers are repeat buyers!

Thank you to everyone who participated!
Fleapirates Plunder at OnlineAuction.com

How long is too long to wait for an order placed?

How long is too long to wait for an order placed?

I am pondering the answer to this question today. How many of you order from favorite vendors online? Being an online seller myself, I am very comfortable placing orders online, and do so often. Usually I am buying from a seller at my favorite site, OnlineAuction.com, but I also place orders from my favorite stores, like Barnes and Noble, Victoria's Secret and Nuts Online. All three of those stores, by the way, have excellent customer service and very speedy shipping!

What I would like your help with today is defining the standard of customer service expected from a small business owner who is either selling at their own website or selling at a venue like OnlineAuction, or other similar sites, like eBay, Etsy, Bonanzle, etc.

With my own store, I pride myself on fast shipping. The standard for me is next day shipment, meaning your item goes to the Post Office within 24 hours of receipt of cleared payment. Sometimes, I am fortunate enough to get payment early enough in the day that I can manage a same day shipment! Rarely do I need more time to get things prepared for shipment, and if I do, it is always accompanied by some sort of online communication explaining the delay.

What are your standards, as a seller? Please let me know by participating in the poll below!

When I sell an item, my standard shipping practice is:

To ship the same day cleared payment is received.To ship within 24 hours of cleared payment.To ship within 48 hours of cleared payment.To ship within 1 week of payment.To ship within 2 weeks of cleared payment.Oh heck, they'll get it when I'm ready!My items are made to order. I am prompt, with good communication.My items are made to order. I'll get around to it eventually!

pollcode.com free polls

As a buyer, my expectations are a bit more lenient. Two weeks from the date I paid is not unacceptable for me to wait for a package. If it arrives earlier, than I am pleasantly surprised. (That happens often!) Anything longer than two weeks, and I feel forgotten. After three weeks, I am beginning to think about contacting you for confirmation, or maybe beginning the chargeback process. How about you? Tell me your buyer's standards in the poll below!

As a buyer, I expect my order to arrive:

Fast! 2-3 days tops!Within 5 days.Within 1 week.Within 10 days.Within 2 weeks.Within 3 weeks.Anytime is good, as long as the seller stays in touch with me.Whenever - I don't mind waiting!

pollcode.com free polls

Perhaps these polls will encourage sellers to re-evaluate their current shipping practices. Good customer service is the greatest thing we can provide to our clients, in addition to outstanding products, so let's all remind ourselves to maintain a high level of customer service. Our buyers put their trust in us... they expect, and deserve, our committment to excellence and a satisfactory buying experience!

And buyers, please remember to pay promptly, check your messages for communication from us, and remember to allow ample time for our shipping services to get the order to you! Oh, and don't forget to leave appropriate feedback, if you've purchased at a venue that offers feedback for sellers. Our reputation is important!

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!

Have you checked out the OLA Wednesday Wave?

Have you checked out the OLA Wednesday Wave?

I've been playing the Wave for some time now. It's an evening of socializing with fellow sellers and buyers, and a chance to offer some specials, nab some deals, and motivate people to browse my store. Sounds pretty good, eh?

A weekly event, the Wednesday Wave is hosted by TheRoyalTreasures and Raggy-Lady, with back-up hosting provided by DraggonTagger. This week featured 26 participants. I've seen that number go as high as 40 - 45 people, however, and the atmosphere is always welcoming, in hopes of attracting a larger crowd! Perhaps this week, people were busy starting their summer activities... whatever the case, it was still a successful night. In total, there were 133 items either sold, or bid on during the game.

There's always a prize awarded to the participant who catches the most waves, (ie; makes the most bids/buys). Each week one member donates the prize. This was my week. I purchased a $25 Starbucks gift card, and was fortunate to have my local Starbucks donate a coffee mug as a bonus! Many thanks to the Starbucks on Central Ave in Highland Park, IL!

Our winner this week was Rodbusterscubadog, with 16 waves!

Special mention goes to the_trove2, who ended the night with 43 bids/buys! WOW! Everyone should stop by this lady's store, because she's obviously putting up some great stuff for sale. (And as a past customer, I can recommend her quality merchandise and great service!)

Personally, I'd like to see the Wednesday Wave grow to include 50+ participants each week. What fun, chatting and bargaining with that large a group! Many of the sellers offer discounts and freebies, but having a special is not mandatory to participate in the game. The only requirement for inclusion in the game is to make a purchase from one of the participating sellers in the game. (You may make as many purchases as your wallet will allow, but one purchase fulfills your obligation!)

What do you need to shop for next week? Most Wednesdays we have sellers offering a wide range of products, from soap and candles, to edible goodies and homemade crafts, to assorted advertising, packing and mailing supplies, and both new and vintage jewelry and collectibles. We'd love to have new members join us for this special evening of camaraderie and fun!

The Wednesday Wave info and sign-ups are located in the OLA Chat Forum, under the Special Sales Events and Weekly Games section. Hope to see you there!

Here's one item in my store that didn't get swooped up last night...

Green Crackle Glass Cruet with Double Ball Stopper

I think this gorgeous crackle glass cruet is from the Rainbow Glass Co. There is no sticker, but it was common practice years ago to remove the stickers from the bottom. It is the stopper that led me to Rainbow Glass, as this particular style was offered by their company. This cruet is in excellent vintage condition! I find no chips or breaks, and no evidence of any prior repairs. A beautiful collector piece. It is green... I'd call it an emerald green. Measures 6 1/2 inches tall, including the stopper. The cruet without the stopper is 4 1/2 inches tall. Total width is about 3 3/4 inches. Weighs 9 ounces.

Interviewing Buyers and Sellers, Part 3

In Parts 1 and 2 of Interviewing Buyers and Sellers, I spoke primarily to online sellers, asking thought provoking questions such as, On how many venues do you offer product? and What's your favorite venue?

Hopefully, this started you thinking about your own options! Soon we'll discuss things like SEO and social networking, but first let's look at the results of my last poll regarding favorite venues.

I must admit that I expected OnlineAuction.com to rank high, as I am already a member there and pray that I have a following of readers from that venue. I was not disappointed, as OLA took 3 votes! Seller's Arena followed with 2 votes, and the three venues which had single votes were Atomic Mall, eBay and "My Own Website". Thank you all for participating!

Surprisingly, there were no votes for Bonanzle! I sure hope that means that their sellers were too busy packaging product for shipping! One thing I have learned about Bonanzle, that I really like, (and commend them for), is that they have a button to tweet your items, (on Twitter), while you are listing them. BuyItSellIt offers this also, and I think we'll see more and more venues adding this feature, don't you?

As for me, I've already made arrangements to have a new mall store at Seller's Arena. As soon as their testing is complete, and stores are available, Fleapirates Plunder will be expanding. It's rather exciting, and I am looking forward to managing 2 venues!

For this week's poll, I'd like to address the buyers! Your answers to my poll will lead us into our next discussion about SEO strategies. I am curious as to how everyone searches for products. Let's say you want to purchase a gift, and you know exactly what you want. For the example we will use an iPhone... that's a popular buy. (Not in MY field, but it should work for this purpose!) Where do you look first?

Where do you search the internet for specific items?

GoogleAlternative Search EngineThe Manufacturer's WebsiteBig Box StoreseBayCheck my favorite venue firstAn online service, like PriceGrabber

pollcode.com free polls

Thanks again, my readers! I hope you all had a safe, relaxing and enjoyable Memorial Day!
Look for me on Twitter, under the username fleapirates!

Interviewing Online Buyers and Sellers, Part 1

Anyone who regularly reads my blog knows that I am an online seller. Right now I am happily peddling my treasures at OnlineAuction.com. In the past year, thanks to my membership there, I've learned html, SEO, social networking, and self promotion, in addition to meeting a whole bunch of super nice folks, many of whom I am proud to call new friends.

I am a buyer, too! Most sellers are buyers, I believe. It's about being comfortable online... and those who are, in my opinion, are more likely to use the internet as a tool for all of their needs.

Let's face it though... times are tough, for buyers and sellers. So, with that thought in mind, I would like to take an informal survey and find out what the rest of the online world is up to. Each week we'll explore a new topic and build upon it in the weeks following. I encourage you to participate, both by taking the poll and leaving a comment! And I thank you for the discussion that I am sure will follow.

First. let's start talking to the sellers. Let's preface the discussion by admitting that sales are down everywhere. From my experience, long gone are the days when I could post a product for sale on my venue of choice and sit back, waiting for the bids/sales to arrive. It's taking a lot of dedication just to stay active and motivated. Do you agree?

My first poll touches on a subject of great interest to me. I know of several people who maintain stores at multiple venues. They spend an enormous amount of time going between the sites, and those who I know are handling the pressure well. I haven't expanded yet, (OLA is my top priority), but it sure is tempting to consider adding a venue to what I am already doing! If you are a multiple site seller, do you think that choice has been a positive one for your business?

In regard to listing at multiple sites, (for those who do), if you had a single item, would you offer it at each location and remember to remove it from the other venues when it gets a bid or a sale at one place? Or do you believe that certain wares are better suited to specific sites and prefer to offer your items in categories which are based upon complimenting the strengths of each individual venue? For me, if I decide to take on another venue, I would prefer to have items unique to each location, just to avoid any confusion or potential disappointments for my buyers.

So tell me...

On how many sites do you offer product for sale?
	One
	Two
	Three
	Four
	Five or more
pollcode.com free polls