How Do You Think You're Going To Sell That Item?

So you haven't heard from me lately. I know. I could give you the usual, "I've been busy..." excuse,  but truly, I just haven't had much to say. That changed last night, however, when I decided to browse a category at OLA. Oh my goodness! Folks, how do you think you're going to sell that item? I was a serious buyer last night, and so disappointed to find more than a few auctions that lacked vital information that every seller should include in order to close a sale.

Now before anyone gets offended, let me say that not all the auctions I viewed were a disgrace. OLA has many experienced, professional sellers, and to those that care enough to be one of those, I salute you. The others? I certainly will not name names. We should discuss, though, the years of posts and mounds of information that has been shared in the chat room at OLA regarding best practices for listing, for photographing, for shipping, for Search Engine Optimization, etc. Apparently some sellers have not listened. Or learned. Or tried. (Are they the ones complaining that sales are non-existent?)

Yes, sales are slow. Hopefully we'll see an uptake with the Holidays approaching. But even in my full-time job, which includes managing an antique store, we feel that antique purchasing has slowed considerably over, say, the past 10 years. Everything being cyclic, we all pray for that cycle to come back to our type of goods. Practicing proper selling techniques online, all the time, can help keep a seller prepared for a sale at any time. (Like me, window shopping last night!)


So there I was in the Antiques category. Two hundred fifty-six auctions. I couldn't wait to dive in and shop! Let me tell you, I looked at each auction. First of all, can I ask you a question? What age is appropriate to be using the terms Antique, Vintage and Retro? (Please answer in the comments!) It's a personal pet peeve, feeling like I am being misled by sellers who mislabel products with those popular words.
I've always tried to abide by the following:

• Antique is 100+ years old.
• Vintage is 20 - 100 years old
• Retro is up to 20 years old, but not "last year's model". 

Next, let's talk about descriptions and titles. Seriously, I saw an auction that the seller did not even tell what they were selling. The items were photographed beautifully, but nowhere in the title or the description did it say what those items were. Another auction had a fantastic item, but it was difficult to determine size based upon the photo, and this seller did not give any measurements.

Really? Common sense should prevail here. If I cannot hold it in my hands, and talk to you about it, you ought to write to me as if selling this item is your first priority, your singular objective. Not just a few words of how great it is! I need details... as many as you have. It's that simple.

Kudos on the photographs, sellers! I mean it. Either cameras have gotten so ridiculously good, or people have finally realized that quality pictures are worth the effort.

Now about the Shipping Policy area...
I really don't care if you have to walk 10 miles, uphill, barefoot, in the snow, to get to your Post Office, and stand in line for an hour in order to purchase postage for my item. All I need to know is: What's it gonna cost me? And be fair, please. We all know postage is outrageous, but if I think you're scamming me in that arena, I will breeze past your auction towards the guy who sells with exact shipping costs.

Please go to the chat room and find the help sections and tutorials on ways to improve your listings. So many sellers have shared knowledge and experience. Surely there is something there that will assist you in creating attractive listings, filled with relevant content.

In the past I've written plenty of blog posts about how I love OLA, (I do!), and how to get the most out of selling at a place where you control every aspect of your business. This time I am blogging from a buyer's point of view and I just can hardly believe that after all this time, and all the coaching, and all the struggling, there are still sellers out there that resist change... that don't want to evolve into sellers who can operate outside the walls of eBay. (Yes, I said it!) Well, listen up. I am not gonna buy from you. And it's doubtful if anyone else will, either.

Charity Auctions for Fallen Firefighters

OnlineAuction.com has organized a group effort to raise funds to benefit the families of the firefighters who were lost in Prescott, AZ not long ago. Sellers from all across the U.S.A. have donated various types of items to be put up for bid. From jewelry and collectibles, to top-brand name purses and golf clubs, there is sure to be something to tempt even the most discerning buyer!

The sellers will be donating the cost of shipping, as well, so don't miss this opportunity to save on shipping fees and, more importantly, support these national heroes and their families!

How can you participate in this worthy cause?

Join in by bidding, of course!
Browse the current auctions right now!

Do you have something you can donate for resale?
List your item now!

You must be an OLA member to participate, but that is as easy as filling out a quick form.
Click here to join for free!

Got questions? The Customer Support Department is waiting for your call.
Talk to a live representative today! 800-900-2828
Or email support@onlineauction.com

C is for Collecting...

C is for Collecting...

Thanks for shopping on OLA, where some of the best online deals are made.  Here are a few Current offerings, all of which fit into the C-Category of my ongoing blog list.  Here goes!

Comics:

The Avengers

Coins:

Gold Coin from DandyDon

1859 coin from NJcoin

Cameras:

Kodak Brownie Starflash less than $5

Kodak Movie Camera $5

The wonderful sellers on OLA offer many cameras and lots of camera accessories...use the advanced search function to specify your wants.

Clocks:

Mickey Mouse Clock from Vermont

Time on My Hand Art Clock

Elgin Key wound Anniversary Clock

Candleholders:

From KornKountryTreasures:  Friendship Candleholder

From OLASwansea, a GREAT pair of Figural Candleholders

Candy:

Old Pair of Santa's Boots:  Crystal Candy Containers

More next time with the letter D!  

Until then, Happy Shopping,

Chloe

Making the Best of Online Auctions ~ Part Two: Sellers

Here at OLA, we are all gearing up for a new and exciting online presence, which is FAST upon us.  Last week I wrote a few words of thanks to the OLA Buyers, who have helped make this site so successful.  

Today, my thoughts are turned toward the OLA Sellers, you folks who work at keeping your online sites inventory laden, updated, interesting and attractive.  

And, as if scouting out new merchandise isn't tasking enough, the online seller has to keep up with the latest technology.  The online seller needs to:  

• Know how to take excellent close up, highly detailed pictures; 
• Know how to write an accurate description of the items offered for sale; 
• Have a general idea of the worth or value of the items offered;
• Be prepared to respond to inquiries immediately;

Most online sellers are concerned with developing and maintaining an online presence so that customers know that you: are worthy of their trust, have integrity, and offer a stable site on which to shop.  (That's what positive feedback is all about.)

For new members and first time sellers, OLA offers many how-to directions on their great community site map:

Sellers Hub

---

• Current Auctions
• Completed Auctions
• Feedback
• Bidder Block

Sell

---

• How Do I Sell?
• Choose Your Auction Format
• List Your Auction

---

• Seller Info &; Tips
• Seller FAQ's ; Answers
• Shipping Services

Sellers Tutorials

---

• Auction Listing Tutorial

Show Your Stuff

---

• Tips On Your Item Pictures

These links can help you learn about the OLA site, and can help you in educating your customers.  

Can you earn lots of money selling things online?

YES!  

But you need to find a good product, represent it accurately, and provide superb customer service, too!

As much as we would love to have dollar bills fly out of our computer screen, I don't think it will happen, folks.  Selling online can be fun and profitable, but you only get out of it what you are willing to put in.

So after you have listed your auctions, wait a bit and then review them, as if you were a new customer.  Ask yourself if you have written a clear description, disclosed the necessary info about that item (size, model #, serial #, any damages or defects), and inserted a few good pictures of that item.

Make sure you have listed your Terms of Sale (what you expect, and what you will do).

Look at the title of your auction.  Is it Search Engine Friendly?  I have found that keeping titles simple seem to generate more hits on my auction pages (traffic). 

Does the subtitle area have key words that may attract potential bidders to you?

Do you have the name of your shop and contact information posted clearly? (an email link is good).

Do everything you can do to make your auction appeal to potential customers...and then PROMOTE it.  Learn to tweet, Pinterest, and share your auction on Social Networking sites (FaceBook, Tumblr).  If you don't over do it, I am confident that your friends on these sites wish you well, and will gladly help to promote your business.

Lastly, check your OLA site with regularity.  Do your best to be the kind of seller that inspires you.

Lastly, don't forget the Feedback.  The sale isn't complete until the package is received, and feedback is left.  I often keep my buyers updated with shipping info, too.  Especially with insurance and tracking numbers.   

Don't forget to check in with the OLA Chat Rooms, too!  These threads offer a world of friendly support.

Whew.  This was a long blog, I hope that you have found it to be worth your time.  If you have selling tips you want to share, please do so in the comments below.

Until next time,
Happy Shopping!

Classic_Chloe

Making the BEST of Online Auctions ~ Part One: Buyers

Here at OLA, we are all gearing up for a new and exciting online presence, which is coming SOON!  I thought it might be in keeping to write my next couple of blogs about how to make the best of your OLA experience.  I will dedicate the first blog to the OLA buyers--because without you buyers, this site would not be here.  You make it possible for we OLA  sellers to survive in these tough economic times, and we are all grateful for your purchases.

Buying something from an OLA seller is pretty easy.  If you have never visited OLA before, you may want to familiarize yourself with the OLA Site Map.  On this page, you will see many links leading you to lots of How-To information.  For the purposes of this blog, I am going to refer you to two sections:  Buyers Hub, and Buyers Help.  

Under Buyers Hub, you will find links to YOUR Personal OLA Bookmarks, Current Bids, Completed Auctions, Feedback, and Wish List.  

Under Buyers Help, you will find links to Buyers Info and Tips, Using Search,  Bidding Explained, and Buyers Facts & Answers.

By following these links you can probably learn all that you really need to know about buying online on OLA, but as a long time seller (and buyer) on this site, I have a few more tips:

1.  If you find something you like, the pictures and description of the item look good, and you want to make sure that what you are bidding upon is what you really want, always ASK the Seller any specific questions that you may have about that item before placing your bid.  Here on OLA, most sellers are friendly, and happy to answer any questions that potential buyers may have, and would appreciate the opportunity to answer your questions, so you can feel good about your purchase.

2.  Read the Seller's Terms of Sale.  Each OLA seller is unique, and may have different Terms of Sale.  

3.  If you are unsure about a seller, then check their feedback rating.  Look at the comments made by previous customers.  This is the best way to find out about a seller's integrity.

4.  If you live outside of the U.S., let the seller know as soon as possible.  Some OLA sellers do not ship worldwide.  I do, but I like to know in advance, so I can properly estimate the shipping cost for that item.  Do not wait until after you have received your invoice to tell the seller that you live in Japan, England, Mexico, etc.  Shipping costs via the U.S. Post Office vary as to the destination of the package.

4.  Know that your bid is a contract to buy the item upon which you bid.  If you decide after bidding that you do not want the item, please do the right thing:  Contact the seller, and let them know.  As a long time seller, I can say that bidders who do not follow through on their sales probably represent the biggest problems we sellers have.  Why?  The answer is simple:  when an item receives a bid, then that item is considered sold--and off the market.  After someone bids on an item that I am selling, I immediately pull it from my inventory and prepare it for shipping.  If a buyer knows that he/she is not going to follow that transaction through, letting the seller know will allow the seller to make the appropriate changes so that item can stay listed on auction, so someone else can have the opportunity to buy it.  It is frustrating for me, as a seller, when I set aside merchandise for a non-paying bidder, especially if I have wrapped it for shipping.  It is a waste of our time, supplies, and energy and because it removes merchandise that could potentially sell to someone who will pay for it from the public eye.

5.  Pay promptly when you receive your invoice.  If there will be any delay, please communicate with your seller, so they are aware of your intentions.  Do not hesitate to ask any OLA seller to work with you if you see something that's way expensive.  I have had great experiences with open & communicative buyers.  

Note:  the picture above does not reflect all of the online payment options offered by OLA sellers.  If there are any questions about what the seller accepts as payments, ASK.

6.  Please leave feedback for the seller after you receive your item.  We want to know that the merchandise we shipped arrived safely.  The feedback rating is a good way to support your online seller.

I hope you have found this info to be helpful in your online buying experiences.  I know as an OLA seller, I aim to please my customers.  I try to accommodate all requests, if possible.  Know the answer to online buying is as easy as asking:  communication is the key to good relationships.

Next time, a blog for OLA Sellers.

Happy online Shopping until then,

Classic_Chloe

OLA STORES

I do not know about you but I am getting ready for OLA to launch their new server and new ways of doing things. This means I am getting my store up to date, making sure my listings are right and that all my pictures are there.

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.

Battle For Your Dream Mustang

Meet Sally.
She's my entry into Ford's latest contest...
Battle For Your Dream Mustang,
where you can build and customize your dream car, maintain a garage, share your Mustang and challenge your friends,  and even enter one of your cars into a contest to win the very Mustang you created!

My daughter and I have been having a lot of fun with this! Wow, I think she's created over a dozen cars now. (She's a typical college student!) Me? I've got 2... so far. See my garage here. That link will also allow you to sign up for a garage of your own. I'll warn you, though, it's addicting!

Interestingly enough, when I did a search at OLA for the word mustang, I got 35 pages of results! From parts, to cars, to memorabilia, there are plenty of auctions to browse. If you're a Mustang fan, (and, come on, who isn't?), you will not want to miss out on the steals and deals.

Here is just a peek:

From Goldi,
finally, a Mustang that I can afford!

If you're a collector of all things Mustang,
you'd better see this sign from Auction5!

Love to rebuild cars?
RoundPrairie2 has this gas cap from the 1960's!

You'll find plenty of parts!
This tail lamp is from BlueRacer!

No patience? Just want that Mustang now?
This beauty is from QuickSilverAutos!        

OLA Sellers hope to see you soon!

~ FleaPirates

What Kind of Donkeys Can You Find at OLA?

I've had donkeys on the brain today. Perhaps it was because I saw the cutest photo of donkeys on one of my social media sites? The foals are especially adorable! You don't need to be an equine lover to appreciate those faces.

That got me to thinking...


What kind of donkeys can you find at OLA?

Let me show you!
The following items are available for purchase, right now, at OnlineAuction.com.

Just click on the auction title to see the description and pricing!
And, if you're ready to browse around, just click on the seller's name to visit their store.

Or, you can always visit me, at FleaPirates Plunder... but I am fresh out of donkeys!

Very Old Donkey Pulling a Cart, Toothpick Holder, Planter? from Goldi

 Frankoma Donkey Mug - 1980 - Democratic from jsmahays

Not in the market for a collectible? How about a book?
There's always an assortment at OLA!

The Christmas Donkey 1984 Little Golden Book from Classic_Chloe

We hope to see you soon!

Hadrian's Wall by William Dietrich

This hardcover from William Dietrich is a First Edition!

ISBN: 0-06-056371-0

Status: Used

Condition: This book is in exceptionally good condition. There are no marks, no rips, creases or tears, and no spine bending. There is normal shelf wear, very minor, to parts of the dust jacket,but no rips or tears.

Cover: Hardcover

Dust-Jacket: Yes

Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4 x 1 1/8 inches

When the Roman emperor Hadrian first envisioned the awesome edifice in A.D. 122, he used stone, wood, and iron to shield Roman Brittania forever from the unconquered Celtic barbarians. Stretching voer seventy miles to divide the island, Hadrian's Wall has maintained the security of the Roman Empire's nothern outpost for more than two hundred years. Now a Roman bride has come who will unleash jealosy, passion, and an epic war that will shake a tired and tottering empire to its core.

 Purchase Hadrian's Wall for only $2, with $3.50 shipping!

Browse other books at FleaPirates Plunder!

Shop OLA!

Thanks for visiting!

FouFou Dog Luggage Tag Bulldog

This cute luggage tag from FouFou Dog is brand new!

It features a Bulldog.

Perfect for luggage, purses, or any type of bag, this tag has an inside address card for you to fill out.

The tag is made of black leather and has the dog stitched on it in white and yellow leather.

These luggage tags are a must-have for any pet lover!

Measures 4 x 4 inches
and has a 4 inch adjustable strap.


Click here to visit this auction right now!

Tempt yourself... browse FleaPirates Plunder today!

Still want more? Check out all the fantastic sellers at OLA! You'll find tons of great deals!