• Welcome from Brian McGregor 
• Inspirational Quote of the Day
• News and Views
• Cross Promote Yourself to More eBay Profits
• 21 Success Strategies of an eBay Powerseller
• How About eBay Paying You for a Change?
• A Gift from Me to You
• Someone's auctioning what? Unusual items currently available
• Finally
• My Products Catalogue
• Back to Newsletter Archive

Hello and welcome.

A particularly warm welcome to you if you're a new subscriber. It's good to have you as part of the family taking my eBay newsletter.

However, I can't really write this newsletter without reference to the recent news from London.

What started out as a marvellous week with London being given the honour of hosting the 2012 Olympic Games, ended so sadly with the terrorist bombing attack.

It is not the remit of this newsletter to enter into the politics of the causes of terrorism, but my heart goes out to any family touched by needless violence anywhere in the world.

Events such as these certainly put our own lives into perspective.

As individuals, we can do many things - but not everything.

What helps me through some of the events which cause me to jump up and down in frustration is a little saying which I'd like to share with you. I'm sure there are many versions of this saying, and a number of suggested authors. It matters not. It's the words that are important:

"Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference."

My fervent wish is that those who hold the power reflect on these three lines before they take action.

Speak to you again soon.

Brian
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1. 106 ebooks You Can Sell on eBay and Which Cost You Nothing

In the last newsletter, I introduced you to a package of 106 niche market ebooks which I managed to get hold of. It seems there was a problem with the download link for some readers, so I'm giving you another chance to check this out.

The 106 ebooks are available to you free, and you can sell them on eBay and keep every penny you make. You can sell the package, or individual ebooks, as you wish.

Most importantly, the ebooks come with Master Resell Rights. This will really help to make your auctions succeed as eBayers often only look for products with these Rights. Master Resell Rights mean that your customer can offer Mater Resell Rights to their customers.

All you have to do is download, and start selling on eBay. To help you do this, each ebook comes with a pre-prepared sales web page which you simply modify to turn it into your personal auction description page.

(Before we move on, I know that one of the issues many sellers have with selling ebooks on eBay is that they have no easy way of delivering them to their buyers. Some sellers have their own website, or have hosted web space, and they know how to set up an ebook delivery mechanism. But what if you don't have any of these facilities, or you've never sold and delivered ebooks before?

Well, the last newsletter showed you a really slick way which gets over all these problems very simply. And at zero cost. You can find it here.)

If you want to check out these 106 ebooks, you can do so here.

Good luck with the ebooks. I hope you find them useful and make lots of sales.


2. How Would You Like to Enjoy More Auction Profits?

Regular readers may recall I've talked about consignment selling before.

Consignment selling is a service which is offered to non-eBayers.

Anyone who would like to sell items on eBay, but who doesn't want to do it themselves, can have them sold by a consignment seller. The consignment seller sets up and runs the auctions on behalf of the owner of the items. In return, the consignment seller earns a fee or a commission, or both.

Another term used by eBay to describe this type of service is Trading Assistant. Any eBayer with a solid track record in eBay sales can set themselves up as a Trading Assistant.

The problem for all Consignment Sellers/Trading Assistants is in finding customers.

A friend of mine has devised an excellent solution to this problem.

With his solution, you are provided with your own pre-designed website which is fully hosted. The website describes your service whereby you will sell any items on eBay behalf of others. It makes for easy communications between you and your item owners.

The beauty of having your own website is in marketing your service. All you have to do is to bring the site to the attention of potential customers.

You can do this in many ways - offline advertising, eBay Trading Assistants list, Google Adwords, email to your contacts etc.

If you want to expand your eBay business by selling on behalf of others, here is a smooth way to do it. Check it out here.

3. Free Auction Software Programs

I recently came across this fine auction services site. It contains some very useful auction software - all free.

You can take a look here.


4. Glad to See Others are Interested

I've been running this newsletter for 3 years. And every issue has included the unusual auctions sections.

It's great to announce that someone has taken this idea on, and is trying to make a business of it!

If you enjoy my unusual auctions section, I think you'll like this.

Here is a way in which you can increase your eBay auction profits. It uses a cross promotion technique.

This is the basis of it ......

First, you run an eBay auction at a price-point so low you know it will attract lots of visitors.

Then, having attracted a high number of viewers, you "upsell" them to another higher priced auction.

Now to the detail.....

You probably know eBay doesn't allow you to place a link in your auction listing to an outside sales page. But it does allow you to put a link from one eBay auction listing to another.

And herein lies your opportunity.

Create two auctions. One to entice the price point buyers, and the other as the upsell product.

Let's describe this by way of a practical example so you can get a better idea of how to make this work for you.

Let's assume that you sell doorknobs. In one auction listing you have your barebones, lowest priced doorknob. You price it at cost, or even less than cost. But make sure you place a link in this auction to another of your eBay auctions with a higher priced product.

The link needs to say something like, "Go here now for other great deals on designer doorknobs".

You make the upsell auction with lots of "value". Your objective is to make it harder for the buyer to turn it down. For example you might offer free bonuses such as an extra set of keys, a doorknob polishing kit, and a free installation video. The more extras that are included the more "value" there will be and the greater your conversion rate will be.

Doorknobs are only an example, although hopefully it shows you how you can use this strategy to upsell anything.

Is it worth it?

My own testing indicates that between 25% and 55% of the time a buyer trades up to the higher price point item.

AS you've seen, this is very simple to implement. It's not difficult to create two auction listings and to link them. (By the way, don't do a reverse link. You don't want visitors to your high value auction clicking away to your low price auction.)

If you execute this correctly, you definitely can generate higher profits.

I came across this super article recently by Dave Espino, an eBay Powerseller.

If you ever wondered if you had what it takes to become a Powerseller, take a look at the level of professionalism and commitment which Dave gives to his ebay business.

"The online auction giant - eBay - has exploded on the Internet scene. Currently boasting over 140 Million members, eBay is one of the most visible and far-reaching Internet companies in existence, with a large segment of the population either using the service, or at the very least, aware of it. Among the eBay sellers, there is a designation given to approximately 4% of the people. These are eBay's "Powersellers", a group of sellers that is distinguished by the amount of volume they produce. The entry-level Powerseller, the Bronze level, does at least $2,000 a month in eBay sales, maintains a 99% positive feedback level and maintains their eBay account current. Higher award levels are granted at the $10,000 level, (Silver level) and at the $25,000 level. (Gold level)

What are some of the strategies and techniques that these Powersellers use?

As someone who achieved Powerseller status a little over a year ago and continues to study other Powersellers, I've compiled a listing of the 21 Success Strategies of eBay Powersellers.

Powersellers are serious
Powersellers treat their eBay business just like they would any other business. They are dead-serious about it. Look at any Powerseller operation and you'll find organized systems and "assembly-line" techniques being used. While a Powerseller may not have invested thousands of dollars into her operation, she treats it as if she has.

Powersellers are focused
A Powerseller is focused on listing, packing and shipping, often on different days of the week. Their focus is as intense as that of a Corporate Executive or an Olympic athlete, because they are juggling various activities at the same time.

Powersellers are organized
The Powerseller is organized, otherwise they wouldn't make it to the level of Powerseller. Since Powersellers do a huge volume of listing, packing and shipping each month, they must develop processes to ensure that the items sold are delivered within a reasonable period of time and that customer satisfaction is always at the forefront.

Powersellers delegate
Powersellers delegate because they have to! Their volume dictates that they hire an assistant to do some of the more repetitive tasks that don't require the Powerseller's attention. This way the Powerseller can focus on the important money-making tasks of product acquisition and marketing.

Powersellers use assembly line techniques
The Powerseller has developed smooth running systems to make sure that product fulfillment is accomplished as quickly and efficiently as possible. This may involve setting up a large 4' by 8' table with bubble wrap and packing materials at one end, products in the middle, and boxes, labels and packing tape at the far end.

Powersellers use Dutch auctions
Many Powersellers have graduated from selling one-of-a-kind knick-knacks found at yard sales and are now selling a volume of the same item through Dutch auctions. In a Dutch auction, a seller can place a large number of the same item up for sale. The bidders can bid on one or more of the item, but the highest bidders will be first in line to actually get or "win" the products they bid on. So there is a possibility that if someone bid too low, they might not get a product. A Powerseller uses Dutch auctions often because it is a huge time-saver. This is a true "assembly line" auction from start to finish. The packing and shipping goes a lot faster when the same item is being packed and shipped over and over again.

Powersellers do efficient work
Another trait of the Powerseller is that they are extremely efficient, knowing that time is money. A Dutch auction is a great example of this efficiency. In the same period of time that it takes to list one item, you are listing dozens, or even hundreds of items! This time-efficiency is a powerful way to leverage your time and profits.

Powersellers "Bulk List" their auctions
Bulk listing your auctions using a bulk listing software or auction management service will dramatically organize your time and allow your eBay operation to run a lot more smoothly. There are various options in this area, from eBay's own "Mister Lister" to Blackthorne software to Andale, and Auction Watch auction management services, there are a lot of options for you to look into. These services allow you to list your auctions at your leisure and then schedule them to go live on a certain day and time. This saves you the hassle of having to list your auctions on the particular day that you want them to go up.

Powersellers use clearly focused photos
Powersellers have acquired their status by using clear photos or scans of the items they are selling and making sure that the photos show all flaws. In effect, along with all of the other skills they have acquired, they have also become semi-pro photographers! Many have built a "mini-studio" with optimum lighting and background, that is available at their beck and call for those quick shots when they need to e-mail an additional photo to a bidder. The Powerseller usually has both a Digital Camera for photographing 3-dimensional items and large items and also has a scanner for the paper items and flat items.

Powersellers use headlines with key words and no fluff
A Powerseller resists the temptation to use "fluff" words like "L@@K", "WOW" and "MUST SEE". Instead, the Powerseller uses descriptive words in the headline, realizing that the headline is the "ad for the ad". A Powerseller is also "search engine savvy", realizing that keywords in the headline are picked up by the eBay search engine. They are sure to load the headline with descriptive, key words that help the bidder determine if the item is what they are looking for and keeps out the "fluff".

Powersellers write thorough and detailed item descriptions
A Powerseller has achieved their level by maintaining a high ratio of positive feedback. This is primarily accomplished by having clear and accurate descriptions of the items so that the bidder can clearly "imagine" the item as if it were sitting in front of her. The art of writing a great item description involves an interesting mix of using "selling words" (such as "beautiful", "fantastic", "intricately designed", "gorgeous", "spectacular", "powerful", "colorful", etc.) along with describing the flaws in the item. A great description should entice the bidder to bid while at the same time providing full and complete disclosure of the item's condition. Your test of whether you have a great description or not is if it answers the following two questions well:

A. If I were to compare the description to the item, while holding the item in my hand, would it be an extremely accurate description? or would I have good reason to return the item?

B. Does this description entice me to place a bid on the item?

Powersellers give "Benefit of the doubt" customer service
Customer service is such a cliched catchphrase in American Business today. In the eBay auction world, it is mandatory that you implement a very meticulous level of customer service. Powersellers have a clear reflection of their level of customer service in their feedback profile. One glance at any eBay seller's feedback profile and you have an instant snapshot of that individual's customer service rating. (Imagine if regular "brick and mortar" stores had a feedback rating posted at the front door!) This public feedback rating is both your best advertisement (if you provide great customer service) and can also be your downfall. (if you don't) A Powerseller is constantly aware of this "sign at the front door" and places a high priority on giving stellar customer service. I call it "Benefit of the doubt" customer service because even in those instances where the customer is clearly wrong, the Powerseller doesn't argue or get into an emotional "war of words", she simply refunds the money or reduces the shipping cost or sends an unexpected gift with the package. The Powerseller realizes that business and ego don't mix, they leave their ego on the table - they go on to build lifetime customer relationships.

Powersellers have their own websites
A Powerseller realizes that business conditions change. On the Internet, business conditions can change literally from quarter to quarter! Because of the transient and high-speed nature of change in the Internet business, the Powerseller realizes the value of having their own storefront on the Web. They have either built a website themselves or have had someone build a site for them. They have developed a following and a customer base through their eBay auctions that can help sustain them even if dramatic changes come about on their main selling venue. As eBay continues to evolve and change - applying restrictive and invasive policies - this will become more of a priority for all eBay sellers, not just Powersellers.

Powersellers make it easy for bidders to pay
By offering a variety of payment options, Powersellers make it easy for winning bidders to pay for their items. They offer to accept Checks, Money Orders, all types of credit and debit cards through PayPal or their own Merchant Accounts. By offering a wide variety of payment options, they open up their market of available bidders and end up with higher ending bids as a result.

Powersellers offer discounts on multiple items
Whether it is a discount on shipping multiple items or a discount on the actual price of multiple items, Powersellers realize the value of a good customer and treat that customer special. Unexpected discounts tell the customer "You're special" and build a reciprocity that keeps customers coming back or searching the Powersellers' auctions.

Powersellers are always on the lookout for great deals
The Powerseller is the consummate "deal-maker". Whether it's at an antique store or at a swap meet, the Powerseller is always thinking about things they can re-sell. They find that pop-culture collectible and buy it. List it the same day and see the bid amount grow and grow. Part of the thrill of selling on eBay is "taking a shot" and listing items that you are not familiar with. Seeing the items shoot up in price is a fun and enjoyable hobby!

Powersellers do not mind making money!
A Powerseller has no "issues" with making money. Many Americans have been brought up with the notion that the only "respectable way" of making money is by working at a job for thirty years. Sales and selling is looked down upon. The Powerseller is way beyond that. They have a healthy attitude towards making money and it becomes like a "hobby" to them! As new and strange as it may appear to the more traditional types, selling on eBay is one of the easiest and most lucrative ways to make a part-time income. The alternatives to selling on eBay are either too time consuming or too unrealistic. This "new" way of earning an income is powerful and realistic.

Powersellers enjoy their work-at-home lifestyle
Powersellers love the fact that they get to work from home while the rest of America sits on the freeway, waiting for their fellow "worker-bees" to move. The freedom of having a Home Based Business is something the Powerseller relishes and appreciates. This enjoyment of the lifestyle has many tangible benefits - better health, freedom of time, being able to spend more quality time with kids, attending their school functions and field trips, better scheduling of time (around the rush hours) and an overall feeling of well-being. There is no doubt, working from home is the wave of the future.

Powersellers are willing to invest in their business
Whether it means investing in a high-speed cable modem or DSL connection, high-quality computer components, including digital cameras, monitors, keyboards, etc. or whether it means buying a "Featured Auction" listing which will drive further traffic to their other auctions, the Powerseller knows how to use their money wisely. There is a difference between wasting money and investing money in your business. An eBay Powerseller knows when to "invest" money into their business. Basically, anything that saves you time or saves you money is an investment in your business. As an example: A digital camera is a huge time-saver over taking traditional 35 mm photos and then scanning them.

If you go the scanner route, here are the steps you must take:

Buy film. (this takes driving time and money)
Shoot the photos.
Get the film developed. (this takes driving time, waiting time and money)
Inspect the photos for clarity and re-shoot, if necessary. (this takes additional time and additional money)
Scan the photos (additional time)
Crop and edit the images
Upload the images to your web host

The same actions using a digital camera are much more efficient:

Shoot the photos. (film purchase not necessary)
Inspect the photos for clarity and immediately re-shoot. (no additional cost)
Crop and edit the images.
Upload the images to web host.

The investment in a digital camera is one of the best ways to become a more efficient eBay seller! I paid a little over $700 for my digital camera about two years ago, it was the best time and money-savings investment I've made!

Powersellers stay up-to-date on auction trends and changes
Because Powersellers take their business seriously, they constantly keep themselves up to date on the latest industry trends and changes. They do this by buying books about online auctions, participating in eBay Message Boards / Forums, and staying tuned to the eBay Announcements Board. They don't want to be caught off guard with a new change or new policy that might affect their business.

Powersellers are always looking for better ways to do things
Whether it's listing auctions, packing and shipping, getting organized, or expanding their business, Powersellers are always looking to improve their online business. This is the nature of all successful business people, they want to improve their business constantly.

As the 4% of eBay sellers known as Powersellers continue to improve their processes, here’s hoping that the above strategies will be helpful reminders in improving yours!

There are many places on the internet which offer you thousands each month for doing next to nothing! Surprise, surprise, these don’t work.

It may be that eBay could come to your rescue here. eBay’s affiliate program now pays up to $45 for each referral you introduce who joins eBay.

Whatever level of internet expertise you have, eBay’s affiliate program is worth adding to your revenue streams. It is one of the most successful affiliate schemes currently available on the internet.

eBay's top 100 affiliates each earn over $25,000 commission each month. Now that's the real success offered by eBay's affiliate scheme. Not the pipe dream that others peddle.

As I’ve reported in this newsletter before, eBay’s membership just keeps on growing. The current rate is around 114,000 new members each day!

How about if you could have been the person to introduce just a handful of these? At up to $45 for each sign-up, you’re talking big money.

The eBay affiliate program is free, and is simple to join. It’s the best in the business and provides a wide range of tool and resources to help you promote eBay.

If this sounds enticing, it might be worth your while checking out the eBay affiliate program. Isn’t it about time eBay paid you for a change?

eBay run more than one affiliate scheme.

If you want to join the eBay UK affiliate scheme, click here.

If you want to join the eBay USA affiliate scheme, click here.

Many people have asked me whether it is a requirement to have a website to complement their eBay activity.

Whilst it isn't necessary, it's true that you can probably take advantage of additional opportunities if you have your own website.

The free gift this time is a course which takes you through, step by step, how to build a website in 5 days. The course is in the form of an ebook, and includes video coverage of various topics.

If you don't have a website, but would like one, I hope this gives you the confidence to get ahead and create your own presence on the World Wide Web.

You can download the ebook here.

Nothing surprises me when it comes to internet auctions. Amuse yourself with some of these beauties.

Thanks to Michelle for this one:

I had heard there wasn't much to do with your spare time in Canada...

And here are some I spotted:

So, he disappeared to Middlesex!!

Well, it made me laugh. Wanna a dool over it?

As a Geordie, take it from me, don't drink this!!!

Anybody out there in the police? Surely this can't be legal?

Disclaimer - I have no association with any of the sellers of the above items.