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UK
eBay Auction Newsletter

 

The newsletter for buyers and bidders on UK eBay

 

September 24, 2004 - Issue 5409

 

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This latest issue is now also available online at

 

http://www.workwinners.com/newsletter/040924.htm

 

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In This Issue

 

1. Welcome from Brian McGregor

 

2. News and Views

 

3. Get More Value For Your Listing Fee

 

4. New - Speed up Your eBay Auction Creation

 

5. UK Wholesalers 

 

6. A Wonderful Announcement

 

7. Someone's auctioning what? Unusual items currently available

 

8. Finally

 

9. My Products Catalogue

 

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Inspirational quote of the day

 

"We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make

our blessings count."

 

Neil A. Maxwell

 

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1. Welcome from Brian McGregor

 

Hi and welcome to the latest edition of my Newsletter.

 

These past few weeks have been really hectic. We're in the

process of testing a new service for eBay users. This was due to

be launched in August. It's late, but I'm not really surprised.

You see, it involves the development of some software. I spent 20

years in IT, and in my experience very few IT projects ever come

in on time! Just ask HM Government. IT projects such as Benefits,

Passports, Child Support Agency, Immigration, Magistrates Courts

all overshot!

 

As soon as my service is ready, you'll hear about it. And you can

rest assured it will be fully tested!

 

Speak to you soon.

 

Brian

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P.S. You receive the UK eBay Auction Newsletter because you have

bought from me or enquired about my auction items on eBay or QXL.

 

If you do not want to receive this newsletter, the only one

dedicated to eBay UK bidders and sellers, please send a blank

email to unsubscribe@workwinners.com

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2. News and Views

 

a) Negative or Neutral

 

If you're thinking about bidding or buying on an item, one of the

checks you will most likely wish to carry out is to vet the

seller's feedback. If you're like me, you really want to cut to

the chase, and just read those negatives or neutrals. To save you

time from leafing through page after page of feedbacks, there is

a lovely tool which will take you straight there.

 

It doesn't cost anything to use, and you can find it here:

 

http://www.workwinners.com/nlr9201.htm

 

b) Does Your Auction Counter Work?

 

Have you noticed that the eBay counter on your auctions doesn't

seem to display on some occasions? I'm not sure why this happens,

but it's been enough of a problem for someone to go out and

develop an alternative.

 

Dave from Dave's Bookshop has created a new service which is

worth your consideration. You can use this counter without

charge, and you can find out about it here:

 

http://www.workwinners.com/nlr9202.htm

 

c) Your Questions Answered

 

One of the great aspects about eBay is that they host thriving

discussion boards. By visiting the boards you will find out the

latest topics of concern and interest to fellow eBayers.

 

On one of my regular visits, I came across an excellent

"frequently asked questions" entry:

 

http://www.workwinners.com/nlr9203.htm

 

Any issues or questions you have with eBay might well be answered

here. It's pretty comprehensive. Just keep scrolling!

 

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3. Get More Value For Your Listing Fee

 

Yesterday I was reading about a PowerSeller in America who was

left with egg on his face, and a hole in his wallet! He was

trying to sell some Porsche sunglasses which cost him $69, and

which retailed at around $300. After trying various starting

prices with and without reserve, he eventually sold them for $29.

The counter showed that he got very few visitors. Whilst auctions

for other designer sunglasses received plenty of hits - Burberry,

Prada, Gucci - Porsche sunglasses were nowhere near as popular.

 

What he learned was that he had forgotten a tip which he knew he

should be using. At the bottom of all of his designer sunglass

auctions he should have had a statement like "I have many famous

designer sunglasses at my other auctions. Please CLICK HERE to

see these famous name bargains". And under the words CLICK HERE

was a link to the list of all his of auctions.

 

This is a very easy way to maximise the returns on your listing

fees. Make sure you have a hyperlink on each of your auction

pages to the auction list page showing all your auctions.

 

You find out what this link should be by clicking in your own

auction on View seller's other auctions. This will take you to

the page that list all your current auctions. Copy and paste the

web address of this page into your HTML code on your auctions

under the CLICK HERE mentioned above.

 

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4. New - Speed up Your eBay Auction Creation

 

You know how quickly you get used to something? How, as time

passes we forget the way things were?

 

I've been on Broadband for over a year, and I'd almost forgotten

how impatient I was when I had a dial-up connection.

 

I can still vividly remember how long it took to create an eBay

auction. It seemed to take forever when submitting those selling

screens!

 

If you're still on dial-up connection, you'll know what I mean.

 

Well, today I've got some great news for you.

 

A new service has been announced which can make your dial-up

connection run up to 5 times quicker. In technical terms if you

use a 56Kb modem, your actual transfer speed can be up to 256Kb.

 

In effect you get broadband speed over a dial-up connection. And

it is priced at less than 1p per day!

 

I've known about the technology behind this breakthrough for some

time. It is only now that the service is available. And it's

great to see that the company who have brought this to market are

British. Hooray!!

 

I also like the style of this company. They're a pretty confident

lot. Why do I say this? Well, just take a look at the reviews

page on their website. It looks like they've sent this product

for review to every PC magazine under the sun.

 

And the reviews are stunning!!

 

Are you looking for broadband speed without having to pay

broadband prices? Or is broadband unavailable where you live?

This might be exactly what you've been waiting for.

 

If I was still on dial up, I would definitely find out about this

product.

 

By the way, it speeds up Broadband connections too. By a factor

of up to 3! I know, because I use it on my own Telewest broadband

connection.

 

Installation is very easy. A small download, and your new high

speed connection starts instantly.

 

Can't you just imagine those eBay selling screens flying by?

 

See this in action for yourself....

http://www.workwinners.com/nlr9204.htm

 

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5. UK Wholesalers

 

One of the questions I often get asked relates to where to source

reasonably priced products for sale on eBay.

 

This can usually be translated into "where can I find a wholesale

source for product x?" And, how can I buy from them as a private

individual - I am not a company?

 

Let me deal with the first issue, that of finding wholesale

sources, and then we'll go on to talk about how you can approach

wholesalers even though you are not a company.

 

There are 4 basic ways to locate a wholesaler of the product line

in which you're interested.

 

a) You can buy ebooks containing wholesale contact information.

These are widely available on eBay and on web sites. The two main

problems with such ebooks are that they often originate from the

USA, and that they can be out of date.

 

If you're looking for UK based wholesalers, be careful that the

directory you're considering isn't of American companies. And,

try and find out when the ebook was last updated as you can waste

time trying to get in touch with wholesalers who no longer exist.

 

b) You can subscribe to one of the web based wholesale

directories. There are several of these now which concentrate on

UK wholesalers, and which are updated. Here are some you might

like to consider:

 

http://www.theuktrader.co.uk/

One of the first established in the  UK. Directory of 900 UK

wholesalers. £9.99 to join, pus £3.99 per month.

 

http://www.uk-wholesaler.co.uk/

Over 4,000 UK wholesalers. From £8.99 up to £24.99 depending on

services selected.

 

http://www.ukwholesalersonline.co.uk/

800 UK wholesalers. £14.99 lifetime joining fee or £2.99 per

month.

 

http://www.firstwholesale.net/

1,400 UK wholesalers. £17.99 annual fee or £29.99 lifetime

joining fee.

 

http://uk.wholesalerhub.com/

3,000 UK wholesalers. £3.99 per month or £24.99 lifetime joining

fee.

 

http://www.ukonlinewholesalers.com/

2,300 UK wholesalers. £9.99 annual fee.

 

c) Free web based wholesale directories

 

There are a couple of online directories of UK wholesalers:

 

http://www.thewholesaler.co.uk/

 

http://www.wholesale118.co.uk/

 

d) Printed material

 

The best publicly available printed wholesale directory is called

The Trader. This is a monthly publication in A5 size. It is

currently £2.90, and can be found in WH Smith and other large

newsagents.

 

The weekly paper, Exchange & Mart, also has some wholesale

content. This is published each Thursday and is available from

all newsagents.

 

Now, let's move on to how to approach wholesalers.

 

It's true by their very nature, almost all wholesalers will state

they are for 'trade only'. But if you think about it, if you plan

to sell-on your wholesale purchases, then you are indeed a

trader. You don't have to be a limited company.

So, you don't need to have a shop or work for a big company to buy

from a wholesaler. They are as happy to sell to sole traders as

they are to large companies.

 

If a wholesaler only wants to sell to big companies they will

control this by having large minimum purchase requirements. Very

few will do this, however, and you will find some have small

minimum orders of £50 or £100. Others might have no minimum order

level at all. A device used occasionally by wholesalers is to

place a minimum value on your first purchase.

 

Some wholesalers will be happy to sell goods to you without you

having to give proof of being a trade buyer. What they are

interested in is that you're not just buying their products for

your own personal use. In other words, they want you to become a

regular customer, not a one-off buyer. Proof of trading can

easily be provided in the form of a business card or a letterhead

bearing your trading name. You can of course quickly prepare this

using your PC, printer and some imagination.

 

An invoice from another wholesaler may also be also be sufficient

to start your trading relationship with a wholesaler. What you do

here is first use a wholesaler who doesn't need such an invoice,

and then use THEIR invoice as the way in to those that want to

see a trading invoice.

 

If one local wholesaler demands a large minimum order or has

other unhelpful conditions, it makes sense to call or visit other

wholesalers until you find one that best suits your needs.

 

So have a look around. Ring one or two wholesalers. Get used to

talking to them with you being BP Trading, or some appropriate

name (actually I'd rather you used your own initials. BP Trading

is my trading name with wholesalers).

 

It really is easier than you think. And once you're in, you'll

wonder why you felt any hesitancy in the first place.

 

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6. A Wonderful Announcement

 

What is wonderful about life for you?

 

For me, playing football with my 3 year old grandson definitely

qualifies. As does the anticipation in waiting for the delivery

of my second grandchild, due four weeks today.

 

But I also find wonder in something else.

 

Something I've wanted to do all my life.

 

And something which only now is bearing fruit for me.

 

I am talking about earning my living from writing.

 

I tried many years ago. I wrote comedy scripts. I sent them off

to all the right places, but never sold much. In fact my biggest

sale was a speech I wrote for Mike and Bernie Winters in 1971.

They were hosting an awards ceremony and wanted me to write an

opening speech. I was paid the princely sum of £25.

 

I've also had articles published. In fact earlier this year The

Scotsman published a series of articles I wrote several years ago

about management.

 

But, it's writing business ebooks that has given me the most

satisfaction.

 

It is gratifying to know my ebooks have helped so many people

towards meeting their own small business aspirations.

 

And as I write this, I realise I've attained the heady heights of

having ten publications in print.

 

And I want to celebrate this double digit milestone in a special

way.

 

All is revealed here:

 

http://www.workwinners.com/nlr9205.htm

 

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7. Someone's auctioning what? Unusual items currently available

 

Nothing surprises me when it comes to internet auctions. Amuse

yourself with some of these beauties ...

 

As they say in my part of the world "Shy bairns get nowt!" To

translate, if you don't ask, you don't get!

http://www.workwinners.com/nlr9206.htm

 

I wonder if I could tow the caravan with this?

http://www.workwinners.com/nlr9207.htm

 

Hmm. I could use that. I wonder if they'll send me the glue too?

http://www.workwinners.com/nlr9208.htm

 

If you win this, all you'll need is a river....

http://www.workwinners.com/nlr9209.htm

 

I think I got to this before it could be pulled by eBay. What, no picture?

http://www.workwinners.com/nlr9210.htm

 

Disclaimer - I have no association with any of the sellers of the

above items.

 

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8. Finally

 

If you are changing email addresses soon please put a note on

your calendar to send a blank email to:

 

newsletter@workwinners.com

 

after you get your new email address.

 

I don't want to lose touch with you!

 

If a friend sent you this newsletter, you need to send a blank

email to:

 

newsletter@workwinners.com

 

That way you can get your own copy next time!

 

Increasingly, email filters are preventing genuine email

communications such as this newsletter from reaching subscribers.

 

If you use any method of checking on your email, and you wish to

continue receiving the newsletter you may need to include my

email address in your safe list, whitelist or address book.

 

Thank you for continuing to take my newsletter - I hope it gives

you as much enjoyment to read, as it does me to write.

 

Regards

Brian McGregor

Editor - "UK eBay Auction Newsletter"

 

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9. My Products Catalogue

 

All the following are original products, services and

opportunities written and created by myself.

 

 

"The eBay Formula"

How to sell successfully on UK eBay - time, after time, after

time. Special Price offer to newsletter readers.

http://www.workwinners.com/rd01.htm

 

 

"UK Dropshipping Sources"

Twenty six genuine UK dropship companies.

http://www.workwinners.com/rd02.htm

 

 

"Sourcing DVDs, CDs and Videos at Trade Prices"

Where and how to buy DVDs, CDs and Videos at trade prices, and

how to sell for profit.

http://www.workwinners.com/rd03.htm

 

 

"Sourcing and Selling Electrical Products for Big Profits"

Where and how to buy Widescreen TVs, DVD players and VCR players

at trade prices, and how to sell for profit.

http://www.workwinners.com/rd04.htm

 

 

"Sourcing Maternity Clothing and Baby Needs at Trade Prices"

Where and how to buy at trade prices.

http://www.workwinners.com/rd05.htm

 

 

"Sourcing and Selling Jewellery for Big Profits"

Where and how to buy jewellery at trade prices, and how to sell

for profit.

http://www.workwinners.com/rd06.htm

 

 

"Sourcing Mobile Phone Accessories at Trade Prices"

Where and how to buy mobile phone accessories at trade prices,

and how to sell for profit.

http://www.workwinners.com/rd07.htm

 

 

"The Streetwise Buyer's Guide to Radar Detectors"

Don't buy a Radar Detector system until you read this.

http://www.workwinners.com/rd08.htm

 

 

Oil Painting Marketing Business

Become my partner in this pleasant money-making venture.

http://www.workwinners.com/rd09.htm

 

 

Your Own ebook and Software Sales Business

Valuable ebooks and software which you can use and resell on

eBay, and through the website pages provided.

http://www.workwinners.com/rd11.htm

 

Discounts for your use

If you shop at Curry's, Dixons, the Early Learning Centre, PC

World or Littlewoods Extra, you will be interested in this. I

know it's nothing to do with eBay, but a reader brought this to

my attention, and I thought we all might as well all benefit.

 

Here is a way in which you can get from 7.5% to 20% discount on

purchases of new items from the Online Shops of these retailers.

Check it out here:

http://www.workwinners.com/nlr902.htm

 

See the whole catalogue here:

http://www.workwinners.com

 

 

Finally, a book which isn't mine, but is worth reading. In 'The

eBay Book', long time eBay user David Belbin, explains how

eBay.co.uk works and how to get the most out of it, whether you

are a buyer or seller. Step-by-step, he takes you through the key

features of the site, advises on bidding and selling tactics,

explains how to minimise the fees you pay and why feedback is so

important. He explores the best ways to pay for goods, and what

to do if your transactions go wrong. This hugely readable book

also contains a wealth of case studies covering a wide variety of

eBay users. It is stocked by Amazon here:

http://www.workwinners.com/nlr809.htm

 

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"UK eBay Auction Newsletter" is published approximately two

weekly.

 

In each issue you'll get ideas on how to make the most of buying

and selling on eBay sites from a UK perspective.

 

If you would like to unsubscribe please use the link at the

bottom of this email.

 

Finally, be assured that your email address will never be shared

or sold - ever!

 

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Copyright Information

 

Copyright © 2006 Brian McGregor. All rights reserved.

 

No part of this newsletter may be copied or published without

prior permission, but do please forward it to your friends and

colleagues as long as you keep it in its entirety. Brian

McGregor, as publisher, disclaims any liability for the use of

any information contained herein. We further claim no

responsibility for the legality or accuracy of any advertisements

or articles. It is the reader's responsibility to practice due

diligence in any product or service acquired based on information

contained in this newsletter.

 

To unsubscribe, send a blank email to unsubscribe@workwinners.com

 

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