Sunday, January 20, 2013
OLA STORES
So I thought I would help OLA a little by sending out an omail to some people who do not have pictures even though they have lots of listings. I sent a lot and I just went and checked and only four were opened and I checked those four stores and it seems they chose to ignore my asking them to either get their pictures up or delete the listings without pictures. I tried.
So, here is what I am thinking. Why would anyone want to have over 100 listings with not one picture. Items sell with pictures. Buyers want pictures. I know that if I see something I am interested in and it has no picture I just move on and forget about it. Well in my travels through OLA today I did see something that interested me so I ask the seller a question. No reply as of yet but the omail was read.
Another thing that got my attention. There are those of us who participate in the chats in one form or another. I saw stores today that I have never seen a post in the chats. They are missing some good free advertisement and some good fun also. I share others items by putting them on face book and twitter them. I wonder if those who do not participate in the chats would like some of this free treatment and making friends that help with what ever is needed.
I ask them to please take care of this issue before OLA launches it's new site. I am going to think positive that a few will do it. It helps us all when everyone does their part to keep the site up to date and that means their photo's also. I even informed them that by putting pictures to their listings would probably increase their sales.
I do not know what else I can do. Maybe if some others did as I did and as Val is doing also the sellers will get tired of people reminding them about their listings and no pictures and maybe do something about it.
As for me I will keep mine up to date so I am totally ready for the change over. If anyone has any suggestions on how we might get to these people please let me know and I will do my part. I sent nice omails, maybe if I got a little testy with them they would at least get fired up enough to tell me to mind my own business to which I would be able to reply "OLA IS MY BUSINESS" just as it is theirs.
Thank you for reading this blog and I know some who will read it have already done as I am doing now and they got no positive response. My Omail sent folder has a full page plus that I sent out and as I said only four have been read and no responce to me whatsoever.
Sad thing when sellers lose pride in their stores.
I am not going to put this on face book as I do not want people thinking we have problems we cannot handle. This is for the ola community.
Be safe, be healthy, be happy and be prepared.
Friday, September 17, 2010
eCommerce and Taxes: Both Sellers and Buyers Will Pay
It’s too early to know exactly how much the Nebraska chapter of the March of Dimes raised this week at its annual Signature Chefs Auction in Omaha, but odds are that more than 10 percent of the charity’s proceeds are going straight to the tax man.
That’s because the March of Dimes went online when it bought about 4,000 T-shirts from a Florida vendor to give to donors during its March for Babies Walk last April. The charity often buys supplies and other materials online, and it also raises money online by selling items at auction — racking up a big tax bill in each case.
“We didn’t know that,” said Rosemary Opbroek, director of the Nebraska chapter. “We wish the law was different. It is taking money away from helping ... babies.”
Article continued: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39159604/ns/business-personal_finance
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT ANYONE AND EVERYONE IN ECOMMERCE READ THIS ENTIRE ARTICLE!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Announcing the OLA Six Week Stimulus Extravaganza!

January 31, 2010 through March 13, 2010
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
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.
OLA Six Week Stimulus Extravaganza!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Cleaning House at OnlineAuction.com!
,
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

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!
