5 sets of Studio Hummel Ornaments

FleaPirates Plunder is bringing her blog back to life with a test. (Yes, I know, it's been months since I've had something to say!) You all know that I am an OLA gal. Actually I've been exclusively listing at OLA for over 4 years now! Wow! But I read an interesting article the other day, about the competition, eBay. In this article, (or what I call a bundle of fluff), the author is attempting to convince the reader that it is feasible to earn $10,000 in a year, selling your treasures on eBay. Really?

The comments section is the most telling. There you will find a score of folks who have been there, done that and disagree with the author vehemently. So I thought, "Why not give it a try?" I'm in possession of 5 sets of Studio Hummel Ornaments, which are in like-new condition and highly collectible. This is the perfect opportunity to see if eBay still has a buying audience.

The ornaments are made by Berta Hummel. All the boxes are dated 2004, although 2 sets have ornaments which are signed 2003. With the exception of a single ornament, all come with COA's and original boxing and packaging.

I've researched these ornaments extensively. Some sell as complete sets, which I prefer, keeping the set intact. Others sell individually, with select ornaments fetching some mighty impressive values, I might add! Taking all this information into account, I settled on an opening bid of $34.65 for each set, with a shipping cost of $5.35, bringing a total investment, for one set, to $40. (Combined shipping is available at FleaPirates, of course!)

Now for those of you who are saying, What the heck is she thinking?, I must admit this fact... I paid absolutely zero in listing fees. I was shocked, never expecting that small windfall. Apparently, if you are listing in Classic Auction formats, eBay now allows you to list 50 items, (without "the extras"), at no cost to you. If they sell, I must pay a Final Value Fee.

If they don't sell, they'll eventually arrive at my standby, and favorite listing place, FleaPirates Plunder at OLA. I've got lots of great items listed there already... you should go take a peek!

In the meantime, I'd really love to have tons of folks browse those Studio Hummel Ornaments at eBay. It would sure be fun to find out just what the Final Value Fees have become since I left in 2008. Just click on the Set # below to visit the auction... the ornaments are real treasures!

Set #26
Dolly and Me
Hold Me Tight
A Helping Hand

Set #27
Holiday Errand
Wrapped with Love
Bundles of Holiday Cheer

Set #28
Special Christmas Greetings
Sneaking Christmas Treats
Christmas Lullaby

Set #29
Quiet Thoughts
A Shiny Christmas Apple
Holiday Anticipation

Set #30
Christmas Prayers
Christmas Train
A Story for Christmas

Fleapirates is promoting Classic Auctions!

Today I moved 10 of my items for sale into the Sellers Specials category of Fleapirates Plunder. Each and every auction in that category is a Classic Auction, and all 10 of these fabulous finds are currently starting at just a quarter!

Fleapirates is promoting Classic Auctions!

I miss the bidding days, don't you? So I grabbed 10 things, dropped the price down to .25 cents, and we'll see what happens. At the very least, I'll be moving some product, and making room for all the things I've not taken time to list yet! LOL!

This link will take you to my Sellers Specials offers.

Please take a moment to see if something there peaks your interest! And keep checking back, because I believe I will try to keep this category stocked. Values will vary, and my aim is to keep a variety of products offered, so that collectors of many different genres may find a bargain or two. Happy shopping!

Flea's Field is Swinging For the Fences!

When I opened Flea's Field at OnlineAuction.com, in December of 2009, I had no idea how much work two stores would entail. Eager to establish a sports collectibles and trading card store, I slowly began the process of listing the thousands of trading cards our family has collected over the years. I use the word slowly generously, as the holiday season, family commitments and school activities managed to bring my listing to a crawl. This summer, however, Flea's Field is swinging for the fences, as I dedicate more and more time to filling that store!

It starts with baseball trading cards. In my collection, you'll find 13 large volumes of baseball cards, all sorted alphabetically, by player name. Right now only 1 volume has been completely listed. There are over 500 card auctions live in my store, with current selections in the C's of the alphabet. I am doing it right, with proper SEO in mind, of course. That takes time. Titles and subtitles are carefully planned and repeated in my description. Photos are titled and tagged using Picasa. Research on current pricing is completed at Beckett. And every now and then I share an interesting card on either Facebook or Twitter.

How's your listing going? Just this past week I was helping a seller who is new to OLA. She wanted a few tips on creating auctions that are Search Engine Optimized, setting up a template and decorating her store. I am afraid she may have been a bit overwhelmed, but just stop to think about this for a moment and you'll see how logical, and how easy, it really is.

Start with a solid template. Include all the pertinent information that you will use in every listing. (Things like your store policies, payment methods accepted, shipping details, and return policies should be standard on every auction.) Set that template so that this information is after your description, but before the last paragraph of the description. Your last paragraph should contain your title again, (leave a space for it), and any links you want to share with your customers. How about a link back to your storefront for easy access? You may also choose to include a link to your blog, or a social networking address. Put all of that in the last section!

Now that your template is set, SEO for individual auctions can be simple if you remember these guidelines:

• 72 character maximum in your title
• 50 characters maximum in your subtitle, (Yes, you should use a keyword rich subtitle!)
• Repeat your title in the very first words of your description, and plug it back in at the end.
• Use a keyword rich, detail orientated description.
• Title and Tag any images.
• Share!

Are all of my auctions perfect? Of course not! (That's why I love the Sell Similar feature at OLA! Easy editing!) I am confidant though, that I have served them well upon creation, and that they have a greater chance of being seen, noticed and purchased.

All it takes is a little practice... a little repetition, and these steps will become second-nature to you!

So why not join me in taking time this summer to vamp up your listings, restock your stores, and get your name out into the world of social networking? Find me at Twitter or Facebook! And don't forget to stop by Flea's Field and see what's new!

Like this:
1998 Pacific Home Run Hitters #9 Vinny Castilla Baseball Trading Card

OnlineAuction.com Its Back Sale starts Sep 15th!

Courtesy of: OnlineAuction.com
~ and ~
RaggyLady

OnlineAuction.com Knows Art!

Have you visited OnlineAuction.com lately?

OnlineAuction.com Knows Art!

This category has items starting as low as .25 cents, as well as items that start for as much as $7,500.00!!! With 41 subcategories, and more than 1300 listings, you're sure to find something you can't live without!

Some of the wonderful works of art you can find are:

Signed pieces of Jiang Tie-Feng
Work by Richard Montanro, Phyllis Shanks and many other gifted artists!
Lindena Orchid Litho Plates
Handcarved Quartz Crystal
Hand Blown Glass
Ivory Sculptures
There's even a Bronze Statue!!!



I've included are some photos, just to entice you...
just click on the photo to visit the auction listing!



With so many items to look at, there's sure to be something for everyone on your gift giving list this year. And who knows what you might need for yourself!


Take a trip through the OnlineAuction
ART Category today!

In addition to Art at OLA,
you can find other treasures in my store,
Fleapirates Plunder!

OLA Welcome Home Sale Concludes

Today marks the conclusion of the OLA Welcome Home Sale. Over 62 sellers participated in the year's largest OnlineAuction.com sale, featuring 5000+ products, attractively priced, and promoting Classic Auctions which lasted for 7 days.

I am thrilled to say that I had several sales at Fleapirates Plunder! Thank you to all my treasured buyers! I am proud, and blessed, to be a part of such an active, friendly and professional community.

Holiday shopping was at the front of my mind this week, as prices were slashed and great deals abounded. You should have seen my bookmark list... it was over 3 pages long! Unfortunately, some unexpected home issues affected how much I could spend, and I was only able to snag one treasured gift. What didn't get gobbled up in the sale remains on my bookmarks, and I'll continue shopping again soon. I usually start holiday shopping early, don't you? Last year, I bought nearly every gift on OLA! This year will be no different.

My plunder this week is a purchase from The*Tiki*Shak. It is a Cardinal Bird Feeder that my Mom will adore! She loves cardinals, and collects anything that shows off those beautiful red birds. Tiki has lots of other neat treasures in her store... click on the cardinal pic and I'll take you there to browse!

This may not be the brightest idea I've ever had, but I am going to let you peek at a few of the items that are still on my bookmarks. (Fight me for 'em, if you must!) These items are still listed in Classic Auction style, and to see their details, just click on the photo. And don't forget... if you are not yet a member of OLA, sign-up takes only a minute or two, and it doesn't cost a thing to become a basic buyer. We'd love to welcome you to our community!