Great Things Happen When A Community Comes Together

You won't find any links in my post today.
Nor will you find any advertisements, useful tips or an amusing story.
Today, I am going to ask for your time.

Great things happen when a community comes together.

One of the finest aspects of being a member at OnlineAuction.com is the sense of "family" that you receive once you join. It sounds corny, doesn't it? But member after member continues to feel it and comment upon it. We all have our own comfort level of sharing... some prefer to keep it strictly business, while others share monumental life moments, and others just share tidbits of their personal life.  Everyone receives the same respect, concern and genuine friendship. It an amazing thing to be able to see this interaction on a daily basis, between folks so many physical miles apart and yet so close as peers.

At 8:00 am this morning, one of our own will be undergoing major surgery.

For those of you who do not know, her name is Jen. You'll find her under the username DraggonTagger. Her doctors will be removing an aggressive cancer from her body today... this is her 3rd battle with this horrible disease. She needs us today.

Those of you who do know Jen, can easily bring to mind her strength of character, her unlimited kindess towards others, her joy for life, and her determination to heal, among other things. She's a member who is much beloved, with good reason.

So without bringing religion into this, all I am asking our community to do today is take a moment to think of Jen. Do whatever strikes your fancy... say a prayer, spend a minute of silence, light a candle, sing a song, recite a poem, or just visualize sending some good ju-ju.

She will feel it.

Cleaning House at OnlineAuction.com!

(Repost)

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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!