I love sports teams that are no longer in existence. I scored again!

I really don't know anything about sports....but I'm learning!  Picked up this Vancouver Grizzlies shirt at a yard sale.  The owner of the shirt mentioned that the team is no longer in existence, so I was pretty excited.  I guess the team moved to a new city.  The shirt only cost me a quarter.

According to Terapeak, I should be able to get about $20 or more.  Only one other person has this product, and that seller's shirt is new with tags.  It's listed at a fixed price for $49.99. I listed my shirt at auction for $19.99 ...just in case.  The auction starts tonight!

The eBay Life "Score of the Day" is two vintage coffee pots purchased for $1 each and sold for...

I love vintage kitchen items.  I don't actually cook (in fact, I dream of having a personal chef), but I like the idea of having a kitchen filled with funky finds.  Frome orange bread warmers to Fire King mugs, some people definitely collect this stuff!

A few weeks ago I picked up two vintage coffee pots: an orange Poly Perk and a glass Pyrex.

I go to a lot of yard sales, and I'd never seen either of these at any of the sales I'd visited.  So I figured they would be of interest to eBay buyers.  These coffee pots cost me a buck a piece.

Here's the Poly Perk which sold for.....

  

$24.99!

And here's the Pyrex pot which sold for.......

$19.99!

(OK.  Not the greatest picture, but you get the idea!)

For more awesome scores, don't forget to check out this blog each and every day. I try to provide you with eBay selling tips and tricks! If you need shoes, you know where to go: Bluefrogshoes.com. Interested in being notified when I post something new? Sign up for email updates (upper right-hand corner of this page). And for even more eBay selling tips and tricks, check out Skip McGrath's newsletter. It's an amazing and free newsletter filled with tons of information. He even provides his readers with lists of wholesalers!

Important eBay Selling News: YouTube is now helping users edit their videos!

A few days ago I was uploading a video to Youtube to use in one of my listings and noticed that YouTube is now offering users easy-to-use editing software. I definitely recommend embedding video in your listings if you are selling products that are expensive.  I would also create videos for multi-quantity listings.  

Today I was on Twitter and noticed that someone had posted a link to an article about the new YouTube video editing features.

 Click here to read article

Need inspiration? Read about Sergio of Bueno Bargains!

I first met Sergio Bueno at the end of April 2011 when he joined the Skip McGrath coaching program.  He was very interested in becoming an entrepreneur.  Since then, Sergio has been attending estate sales on the weekends and has quickly learned what to sell on eBay to make real money.  

When Sergio started the program, he invested in a photo studio.  I am always impressed by his pictures.  The photo studio wasn't cheap, but I'm positive that his photos have helped him capture the attention of buyers.

Another reason Sergio is experiencing success is that he studies the completed listings of successful eBayers.  It gives him ideas on what to sell.  He pays an average of $5 per item.   After only four months, Sergio is selling over $1,000 every 30 days.  I love reporting on Sergio’s latest sales!   Check out his eBay store, Bueno_Bargains!

Still wondering how to make your photos stand out? Try having someone model the products you are selling..

If you are selling a piece of clothing, you might consider having someone model the product.  When I shoot a picture of someone modeling clothing, I don't shoot the person's face.  If hair is showing, I crop it out of the photo. When writing the description, I usually include the height of the person modeling the piece so that people get an idea of how it might look on them.

Check out this red leather jacket!

(I'm marketing this leather jacket as a Michael Jackson costume to get more interest. I had 3 watchers last week, but it didn't sell. I relisted it. It will sell eventually.)

If anyone else would like to submit a photo, send it to Bluefrogshoes@live.com.  I'd love to get some new ideas!

Need money to grow your biz? Check out Kabbage in Businessweek!

If you're in need of money to grow your business, don't forget about Kabbage!  Kabbage provides online sellers with cash advances.  For more information about this company, check out this awesome article that just came out in Businessweek!

Businessweek Article  

eBay Selling Tip of the Day: Take a picture that will get their attention!

I'm going to start posting photos that I think make certain listings stand out from the crowd. 

I'm selling a pair of Charter Club capris.  My assistant photographed them, and the picture turned out so-so.  It certainly didn't highlight the fact that the pants are made of a cool black and white fabric. I decided to have her take a close-up picture of the fabric.  When buyers look at this listing, they see this picture first.

I think it gets people's attention, don't you?

And here's another photo I took that highlights the pattern on a sports-themed tie:

Sometimes closeups are the way to go!

 

Interested in learning how to take better photos? Check out this eBay video!

I'm no expert when it comes to photography, but I do know that photos can make or break a sale.  Check out this short video created by eBay that shows you how to set up an inexpensive photo studio at home.  It's basic but still very informative!

Click here for eBay video
    

The eBay Life "Score of the Day" is a Ralph Lauren sweater purchased for $2 and sold for..

Ralph Lauren is always hot.  But Ralph Lauren sweaters with American flags on them are really hot!  I've sold quite a few patriotic Ralph Lauren sweaters and tops -- even ones that were popular 20 years ago!

Last week I sold an RL sweater that was purchased for $2.  It was new with tags, and it sold to someone in Europe for ...

$49.99

Not bad!

(If you're interested in seeing more "Score of the Day" posts, click the appropriate link under "Labels.")

Have a great weekend!

Awesome Educational Teleseminar Featuring Thrifting With the Boys and Lynn Dralle!

Interested in learning more about thrifting?  You might want to join the Queen of Auctions and my friends Jason and Bryan of Thrifting With The Boys for a cool teleseminar that's taking place next Monday.  It costs $29.95, but I'm guessing it will be worth every penny. You don't have to be available on Monday to attend this class.  Just download it and listen to it in your car!  They will be talking about a wide variety of products that can be purchased at thrift shops around the country.

I have purchased teleseminars from Lynn Dralle in the past and have made back every penny in no time flat.  The last time I ordered one from her, I listened to it on a roadtrip to California's Gold Country.  I made back the cost of the class at the first yard sale I attended!  Great stuff!

Even if you're not interested in this teleseminar, be sure to sign up for the Thrifting With The Boys Facebook group where people post scores and ask each other questions about products they have purchased. 

Here's the link if you're interested in the teleseminar:

eBay Selling Class

Have a great day!

Patagonia opens eBay store to encourage people to sell used Patagonia products.

Say it isn't so!

There's actually a company that wants to see its high-end goods sold on eBay?


Yup, that's right.  Since I'm about the greenest person on the planet (well, at least the greenest in my neighborhood) I was happy to hear about the Patagonia Common Threads initiative which encourages people to resell their used Patagonia gear.  For those of you not familiar with this brand, Patagonia is a maker of high-end outdoor gear.  By the way, this brand has always been hot on eBay.  When I find a Patagonia item at a yard sale, I jump for joy.

Patagonia has started its Common Threads Initiative and is hosting an eBay store in which people can sell their used goods.  People who decide to take the Common Thread pledge will also have their items featured in the used clothing section on Patagonia.com.  Pretty cool!  

Check out the "used clothing" link on the lower left-hand corner of the  Click Here to take a look!

New eBay Commercials -- Check them out!

eBay Ink just posted some new eBay commercials.  Hmmmm. I don't know.    If I had created an eBay marketing campaign, it wouldn't have looked anything like this.

I'd love to know what everyone else thinks. 

Here's a sample:  

For more ads, see the latest eBay Ink post here 

And don't forget to check out this blog each and every day for eBay selling tips and tricks! If you need shoes, you know where to go:Bluefrogshoes.com. Interested in being notified when I post something new? Sign up for email updates (upper right-hand corner of this page). And for even more eBay selling tips and tricks, check out Skip McGrath's newsletter. It's an amazing and free newsletter filled with tons of information. He even provides his readers with lists of wholesalers!
M

eBay Selling Tip of the Day: Always check for sales! Salvation had a $1 sale!

I walked into Salvation Army today, and they were having a fabulous sale on shorts and capris.  After shooting this video, I headed off to the second Salvation in town (the swanky one) and picked up about 30 more items including 3 pairs of Tommy Bahama shorts -- one of them was new!

Don't forget to check out my store, Bluefrogshoes.com and for eBay selling tips and tricks, sign up to receive emails!

Check out this cool eBay success story on the Auctiva website!

I just finished reading about a woman who is selling craft supplies and home decor full-time on eBay.  I love reading stories about eBayers who quit their days jobs to become full-time entrepreneurs!   

Auctiva Story

Hey, eBayers! The Bling My Bra breast cancer fundraiser is going on now!

Interested in supporting breast cancer research?  You might want to participate in Bling My Bra, a fundraising campaign benefiting the Susan G. Komen foundation.


Members of the eBay community create bras that are sold by the Bling My Bra store on eBay. The blinged bras will be auctioned on eBay throughout October in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All proceeds are donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the global leader of the breast cancer movement, via eBay's Giving Works charitable program.

Here's a bra that's already posted that features one of my favorite eBayable characters: Pac-Man! 

For more information, check out Blingmybra.com

Important eBay News: List up to 150 auction items for free on Tuesday, September 13th!

eBay just announced that tomorrow, September 13, 2011, sellers will be able to list up to 150 items auction-style and pay no insertion fees! According to eBay, this offer applies to both eBay store subscribers and those who do not have a store.

Unfortunately, I have to work tomorrow. Hmmmmm....  I think I might be coming down with a cold.


M 

Attention all serious eBay sellers: Skip McGrath's newest newsletter is out!

Skip's latest newsletter is, once again, filled with great information for eBay and Amazon sellers. 

Check out Skip's Newsletter Here

Important eBay News: Save your messages by today, September 12th!

Here's the announcement from the eBay "Announcements" board.  (I'm sorry I didn't post it earlier!  I'll be on it next time!)

"Over the next couple of months, we’ll be making changes to improve the Messages system within My eBay. Once complete, you’ll enjoy enhanced search functionality, a new auto-archive function for easy email organization and more.

Take action: Because most users don’t look at emails older than six months, and the additional capacity gained by removing older messages will help the Messages system run faster, we will be reducing the length of time emails can be stored in your Messages folders from one year to six months. 

On September 12, we will begin the process of removing  emails older than six months from your inbox and folders. This includes messages that you have saved in an Archive folder. You will not be able to retrieve these emails once they are deleted. If you want to save messages older than six months, you can either:

• Forward the message to your personal email inbox
• Save the message (or a folder of messages) to your computer

Be sure to save or forward your messages before September 12. Once implemented, we hope you find these improvements to the Messages system make member-to-member communications on eBay even better."

Alrighty then.  Take action today if you have messages you want to keep!

eBay Selling Tip of the day: Got Gaudy? Take advantage of the Halloween season!

I have a few gaudy items listed in my store.  One of these items is a 1980's Dolly Parton-esque rhinestone jumpsuit.  A few years back, Paris Hilton and friends were wearing this type of thing to parties, but I think the fad has passed.

Halloween, however, is still around.  Since we now get 25 more characters in our titles, I changed the title of the listing to try and attract Halloween shoppers.  It is currently listed as a Dolly Parton Halloween costume for $49.99 or best offer.  Check it out:

Let you know how it goes!

Important eBay Selling Tip of the Day: Sometimes apostrophes matter!

Last spring, I purchased three vintage ashtrays at Salvation Army for a total of $4.00.  These ashtrays were from a San Francisco restaurant that's no longer in existence.  I didn't want to make competition for myself, so I only listed one.

The first ashtray went for $50. Last week I sold the second one for $24.99.  A few days ago, I listed the third one.

After the second one sold, I searched for this product on eBay.  I noticed that two other sellers were offering it for only $9.99.  Why did mine sell?


Well, I think I figured it out.  The title of my listing included the name of the restaurant with and without an apostrophe.  Someone searching for the ashtray without the apostrophe would only have seen mine.  

Sometimes apostrophes don't matter.  For example, if you search for "mens shoes" and then search for "men's shoes" the search results are almost the same.

Obviously, this is not always the case!  Good to know!   

Hey, eBay Sellers! New Auction Hunters episodes are here!

Finally!  Spike has posted some new Auction Hunters episodes on their website.  Watch them on your second monitor while you list!  (What?  You don't have one?  You need one.  Go to a yard sale and get a second screen, quick!)

Auction Hunters Link

What sells on eBay? How about used baseball mitts and golf clubs!

Don't miss these two great segments on the Ask Janelle show that covered what to watch out for when purchasing used baseball gloves and golf clubs at yard sales!

Ask Janelle covers baseball and golf link

The eBay Life "Score of the Day" Reader Edition is a pair of hearing aids purchased for $10 and sold for...

Sergio strikes again!

One of my star students, Sergio, just emailed me with a ridiculous score.  (His eBay store is Bueno_Bargains.)  He has been diligently studying what others are selling, and it's really paying off.

He was out and about at yard sales and found a pair of hearing aids.  He purchased them for $10 and started the bidding at around $44.  They sold for the unbelieveable price of..........

$445

Excellent job, Sergio!

Interested in attending a wholesale trade show? Check out my latest Auctiva article!

A few weeks ago, I attended the San Francisco International Gift Show.  It was great!  If you decide to attend a trade show, it's important to plan ahead.


To help you plan, check out my latest Auctiva article!  

Trade Show Article

Today's the day! eBay sellers get 50% more space in their titles!

Starting today, eBay sellers get 25 extra characters in their titles.  I have a whole closet full of items to list that I've been saving!

Some people fear that this change will clutter up search results.  We will see what happens.  For now, I'm happy!

eBay Selling Tip of the Day: Shopping at yard sales? Pay with PayPal!

I did it again!  I went to a yard sale and paid for my purchases with PayPal!

Today we were out and about and ended up spending a whole lot more than we thought we would at the last sale of the day.  We had two options -- drive into town and find a supermarket with an ATM or ask to pay with PayPal.  Well, the seller let us send her money using PayPal.  I whipped out the old iPhone and completed the transaction.  What a time saver!

Attention Sellers: The new eBay Seller Protection rules are now in effect!

Yesterday eBay announced the start of its new eBay Seller Protection rules.  Here's the blurb from the Announcements section of the eBay website:

"We know you want to do right by your customers—that’s why eBay always encourages buyers to contact the seller before filing a Buyer Protection case. Starting today, if a buyer doesn’t contact you before opening an eBay Buyer Protection case, and you act quickly to resolve it, the case won’t be included in your performance rating.

As always, any case that is escalated and found in your favor will not affect your performance rating." - Todd Lutwak, Vice President, Seller Experience


Good to know!