Ah yes Collections what are they and how do they work. I am always so amazed that eBay provides us sellers with innovative ways to do business. The one thing I know for sure is that I am a small seller in the world of selling online with just small amounts of knowledge on how things work. I am so thankful that eBay who plays a major role in the big pictures can come up with things to help us small sellers flourish on line.
The good news is that you do not need a store to have collections.
Collections are eBays "Pinterest" answer. Instead of boards we create Collections. The key is to do the same as you would do with Pinterest, and that is create interesting collections that have special themes. You want to create may collections so think about what type of themes you can make collections of. Add something that is really interesting to capture the eye of people.
If you are just starting to do your collections you will want to start your Collections by clicking on an item and then it will prompt you to Give Your Collection a Title. Use keywords that relate to your items for the collection.
But it goes further then that so let us look at that. Here is an example of a Collection I did on Mens Ties.
http://www.ebay.com/cln/mylittlegeneralstore/tied-up-with-ties/120529997015
You will notice that I put a video at the top, so when you go into your collections and choose one of them it will have a button to edit at the right side on top. When you click on edit it will then bring up the screen to "add image or video". This is the first thing you want to tackle so that you have content that the SEO likes.
Now you have a choice to put in an image or a video from You Tube that may relate to your collection. Do know that if you use a video it will be an advertisement for the person who did that video so be careful that it does not take away from your items.
Next you want to add a description to this collection as an example I added this to the ties. This should relate to the item. You find this place to do that on the left side right under the image/video area.
Here are some things to consider before you buy a necktie for dad: Always keep in mind the preference and taste of your father. It is the most important criteria, not only for your necktie, but anything that you want to present your dad. Think over whether the tie would go with his personality. Many fashion conscious people feel that ties reflect a wearer's personality.
Now to add to the collection, at the top where the price is located on your item there is a small wording that says "add to collection". Click on that and it will bring up a menu of all your collections and you will choose which collection you want to add to.
Once you have chosen which collection, now you will want to add a description. I usually just copy some of the description in my listing and add that. It is important that you add this on your items because again it makes content for the search engines.
Once you have this, just clip on add to collection. Hope this helps.
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Thoughts for Today what are you THINKING???
I keep reading over and over again the struggles that people are having with their business. Low sales, no sales, eBay is in the tank and on and on. Why do you think this is happening???
Maybe there is something to "there is power in your words" maybe some of the old quotes like "hung by the tongue" do hold true. Did you ever think about the thoughts that run through your mind that seem to keep you in a mental state of almost depression. Then the next thing you know is the words that come out of your mouth start to build that doom and gloom cloud over you.
What is even a more challenging thing is we now can post it on Instagram, Snapchat or Facebook for all the world to hear our woes. So then we think it, we speak it and we write about it. Three times we plant those seeds of doubt till they start to grow and we start to believe them. But the most alarming part is that we infect others with this same attitude who then infect others who infect others. Then we have an epidemic started all because of the the thoughts that come to us when we are having a challenge.
Life always has challenges, that is just life. Living to be 70 I think we have experienced a thing or two about that, but I still can get up every morning and be thankful that I am alive and breathing and have the opportunity to experience either a great day or I can choose to have a bad day. You see it really is the choice we make each day when our feet hit the floor, we can let the circumstances control our day or WE can control the circumstances.
So choose your thoughts very carefully and don't let them decide your future. The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy and he plants those thoughts in your mind. Let every breath you breathe be something you are thankful for each day. Being thankful is the key to your success, so take a look around and see what you have to be thankful for and focus on that.
Remember these words in the famous song in "Annie"
Just thinkin' about
Tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs,
And the sorrow
'Til there's none!
When I'm stuck with a day
That's gray,
And lonely,
I just stick out my chin
And Grin,
And Say,
Oh
The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on
'Til tomorrow
Come what may
Tomorrow!
Tomorrow!
I love ya
Tomorrow!
You're always
A day
A way!
I keep reading over and over again the struggles that people are having with their business. Low sales, no sales, eBay is in the tank and on and on. Why do you think this is happening???
Maybe there is something to "there is power in your words" maybe some of the old quotes like "hung by the tongue" do hold true. Did you ever think about the thoughts that run through your mind that seem to keep you in a mental state of almost depression. Then the next thing you know is the words that come out of your mouth start to build that doom and gloom cloud over you.
What is even a more challenging thing is we now can post it on Instagram, Snapchat or Facebook for all the world to hear our woes. So then we think it, we speak it and we write about it. Three times we plant those seeds of doubt till they start to grow and we start to believe them. But the most alarming part is that we infect others with this same attitude who then infect others who infect others. Then we have an epidemic started all because of the the thoughts that come to us when we are having a challenge.
Life always has challenges, that is just life. Living to be 70 I think we have experienced a thing or two about that, but I still can get up every morning and be thankful that I am alive and breathing and have the opportunity to experience either a great day or I can choose to have a bad day. You see it really is the choice we make each day when our feet hit the floor, we can let the circumstances control our day or WE can control the circumstances.
So choose your thoughts very carefully and don't let them decide your future. The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy and he plants those thoughts in your mind. Let every breath you breathe be something you are thankful for each day. Being thankful is the key to your success, so take a look around and see what you have to be thankful for and focus on that.
Remember these words in the famous song in "Annie"
Just thinkin' about
Tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs,
And the sorrow
'Til there's none!
When I'm stuck with a day
That's gray,
And lonely,
I just stick out my chin
And Grin,
And Say,
Oh
The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on
'Til tomorrow
Come what may
Tomorrow!
Tomorrow!
I love ya
Tomorrow!
You're always
A day
A way!
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Better to have Peace then Be Right all the Time
What is really Old????? Old
It is said that old is in the mind, and I totally agree. As we approached the 70's last year we are more aware and active then ever on the internet. We blog, use Pinterest, Facebook,Twitter, Periscope and each day we are learning something new in technology.
What is so interesting is I talk to young people all the time who don't know what Periscope is, do not use Twitter or Pinterest. So I do think that age is only how you feel and think. Each day we look for something new and exciting to experience.
Life is what you make it and choosing to have less stress will keep you young. Best to have peace then to be right all the time.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Attitudes, the difference between Lemonade and Lemons
Ahhhh! The Fall season is upon us and the thoughts turn to Thanksgiving and the Holidays!
That means, for those of us that are suppliers to the marketplace, we are either ramping up or in the final stages of making sure we have all the inventory necessary to provide the goods and services that are in demand for this time of year.
It is also that time of year when the pace of buying picks up and the services we offer is put on display for the world to see. Customer service becomes the major difference, I believe, in having a customer purchase from us, or someone else.
I was raised from an early age that the customer is Always right, even when they are wrong! (in our view) So, the encouragement is to take a look at our "Attitude" on customer service this year to produce the greatest results and the best Bottom line for all of us.
Wanted to share an interview we did recently as an encouragement that you do make a difference by having that Great Attitude.
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!
That means, for those of us that are suppliers to the marketplace, we are either ramping up or in the final stages of making sure we have all the inventory necessary to provide the goods and services that are in demand for this time of year.
It is also that time of year when the pace of buying picks up and the services we offer is put on display for the world to see. Customer service becomes the major difference, I believe, in having a customer purchase from us, or someone else.
I was raised from an early age that the customer is Always right, even when they are wrong! (in our view) So, the encouragement is to take a look at our "Attitude" on customer service this year to produce the greatest results and the best Bottom line for all of us.
Wanted to share an interview we did recently as an encouragement that you do make a difference by having that Great Attitude.
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Keeping Family and Friends in Mind all the time
I love what happens in just one month (and a couple of days) since my
last post to this blog. September was an amazing month on eBay over $6000
in sales.
I think the biggest secret is to plan your process, determine what you want to make and where you want it to go. That way when the profit is there you have already purpose that money and you can have that reward. If you don't do this, it may just wind up being spent who knows where and then you get frustrated.
So my advise is to alway pre-plan where you are going to spend the money and then stick to that plan. Discipline yourself to get into the habit and before you know it, you will have conquered managing your money.
One of the things I find so valuable when I treasure hunt is to keep in mind what my family and friends collections, hobbies and things that are important to them.
Recently a very dear friend was saddened at one of her favorite collectibles breaking. So as I was out doing my "normal" shopping/treasure hunting, there on the shelf of a thrift store was exactly the item she broke!!!!! Can you imagine the thrill when she opens her Christmas present and see's her beloved little treasure in the box.
No it does not cost very much, but yet it is the fact that I listened to her and remembered what was important to her.
It is not about how much you spend, it is about how much you care. It cost me just a few dollars, but it will say so much to my friend to know that I listened to just a passing comment from her.
Your ears are a very important tool, but sometimes we do not use them as we should. Remember we have 2 ears and 1 mouth, and we should use them in proportion to that.
Boy am I speaking to me on this one!!!!!
During my weekly visits "treasure hunting" I am always keeping an eye out for just the right thing for someone special in my life. It has nothing to do with being "cheap", but everything to do with the fact that they are on my mind and I remember what is important to them.
So this coming year why not make a practice of really looking with your heart and eyes to what might be a special treasure to someone on your Christmas list. You will save so much stress at this time of year, and you will bless someone with the gift of "YOU are important to me and I listened to your wants and needs".
Think about how you can stay within your budget and yet have the most wonderful Christmas or other holiday ever!!!
How would you feel if when you opened up your gift that it wasn't so much about what was inside but that someone really cared enough to keep you on their mind? The fact that they actually listened to you and what was important to you.
This is the time of year to show that you care. It is not about buying expensive gifts that will break or wear out, but to truly say "I love you and you are my TREASURE"
I think the biggest secret is to plan your process, determine what you want to make and where you want it to go. That way when the profit is there you have already purpose that money and you can have that reward. If you don't do this, it may just wind up being spent who knows where and then you get frustrated.
So my advise is to alway pre-plan where you are going to spend the money and then stick to that plan. Discipline yourself to get into the habit and before you know it, you will have conquered managing your money.
One of the things I find so valuable when I treasure hunt is to keep in mind what my family and friends collections, hobbies and things that are important to them.
Recently a very dear friend was saddened at one of her favorite collectibles breaking. So as I was out doing my "normal" shopping/treasure hunting, there on the shelf of a thrift store was exactly the item she broke!!!!! Can you imagine the thrill when she opens her Christmas present and see's her beloved little treasure in the box.
No it does not cost very much, but yet it is the fact that I listened to her and remembered what was important to her.
It is not about how much you spend, it is about how much you care. It cost me just a few dollars, but it will say so much to my friend to know that I listened to just a passing comment from her.
Your ears are a very important tool, but sometimes we do not use them as we should. Remember we have 2 ears and 1 mouth, and we should use them in proportion to that.
Boy am I speaking to me on this one!!!!!
During my weekly visits "treasure hunting" I am always keeping an eye out for just the right thing for someone special in my life. It has nothing to do with being "cheap", but everything to do with the fact that they are on my mind and I remember what is important to them.
So this coming year why not make a practice of really looking with your heart and eyes to what might be a special treasure to someone on your Christmas list. You will save so much stress at this time of year, and you will bless someone with the gift of "YOU are important to me and I listened to your wants and needs".
Think about how you can stay within your budget and yet have the most wonderful Christmas or other holiday ever!!!
How would you feel if when you opened up your gift that it wasn't so much about what was inside but that someone really cared enough to keep you on their mind? The fact that they actually listened to you and what was important to you.
This is the time of year to show that you care. It is not about buying expensive gifts that will break or wear out, but to truly say "I love you and you are my TREASURE"
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Having a GREAT Holiday Season without the worry and stress
Happy Fall
You mean it is really October already, but wasn't it just Summer time yesterday, oh yes it is 86 out today in our beautiful California weather so it still seems like summer.
You do not want to be stressed for the holidays so here are a few tips.
1) Plan ahead
2) Plan ahead
3) Plan ahead
Oh did I mention that you might want to plan ahead? LOL.
Many years ago when we were struggling financially the holidays seemed to be our worst time of year, never money to buy gifts or do all the things you are suppose to do for a "happy" season. Then I realized that having money to make it a happy season was not what it was all about. It was about blessing others. So we started doing something that we still do today. Gift giving is all about what we can do for others and not what we buy them. Check out some of these ideas.
a) Give a little "personal coupon" for something you can do special for that person. Such as baking them something special a few months out of the year, or even making a special dinner for them. Oh come on I know you can cook even if you have to buy most of it pre-made. Just think of at least setting a pretty table and serving them.
One year we did this for some very dear friends. We invited them to the "Gilson Dinner House". Greeted them at the door, checked their reservations and seated them at the reserved table. Then I was the chief and Alan was the waiter. We made it just like they had come to a fancy restaurant with a nice table setting and candlelight. It was so fun and our friends still remember this to this day. Gosh I think we should do this again!! You could do this for an anniversary, birthday or any special occasion.
How about making something special, or whenever I am out looking for things to sell on eBay I am also thinking of things my family and friends have an interest in. This means that they are always on your radar and you are thinking of them. That is what people really want, to know that they are important to you.
So don't make the holidays a miserable time for you, make it a time to make people feel blessed. We even spent some times serving at some food kitchens for Thanksgiving, What a great way to not stress and do something special at the same time. Then you WILL have a wonderful holiday season.
You mean it is really October already, but wasn't it just Summer time yesterday, oh yes it is 86 out today in our beautiful California weather so it still seems like summer.
You do not want to be stressed for the holidays so here are a few tips.
1) Plan ahead
2) Plan ahead
3) Plan ahead
Oh did I mention that you might want to plan ahead? LOL.
Many years ago when we were struggling financially the holidays seemed to be our worst time of year, never money to buy gifts or do all the things you are suppose to do for a "happy" season. Then I realized that having money to make it a happy season was not what it was all about. It was about blessing others. So we started doing something that we still do today. Gift giving is all about what we can do for others and not what we buy them. Check out some of these ideas.
a) Give a little "personal coupon" for something you can do special for that person. Such as baking them something special a few months out of the year, or even making a special dinner for them. Oh come on I know you can cook even if you have to buy most of it pre-made. Just think of at least setting a pretty table and serving them.
One year we did this for some very dear friends. We invited them to the "Gilson Dinner House". Greeted them at the door, checked their reservations and seated them at the reserved table. Then I was the chief and Alan was the waiter. We made it just like they had come to a fancy restaurant with a nice table setting and candlelight. It was so fun and our friends still remember this to this day. Gosh I think we should do this again!! You could do this for an anniversary, birthday or any special occasion.
How about making something special, or whenever I am out looking for things to sell on eBay I am also thinking of things my family and friends have an interest in. This means that they are always on your radar and you are thinking of them. That is what people really want, to know that they are important to you.
So don't make the holidays a miserable time for you, make it a time to make people feel blessed. We even spent some times serving at some food kitchens for Thanksgiving, What a great way to not stress and do something special at the same time. Then you WILL have a wonderful holiday season.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Choose your Consignors Wisely
This is the middle of September already???? Is time passing fast for you like it is for us. Entering into the last 4th Quarter means the best time to profit for the whole year. For some it is the "cream on the top" for the year. So lets make it the best yet!!
Now on to how do you choose who you may want to sell for? Sometimes they come out of the woodwork once they know you sell. The nice thing is you do have choices, but it takes some serious thought ahead of time. Let me give you some examples of some of my consignors that I sell for.
JB is a lady who came to me about 2 years ago to sell some very high end designer shoes and clothing for her. Things like MuuBaa leather jackets and Fiorentini Baker Shoes that sell well over $500 SRP. I have made a profit of over $4000 with those items. Now she also had a few lower end items that I could only sell for $40 or $50. Now this is not my normal policy to sell things that low, but when they give me higher end items or they continue to bring me items, I feel that I can do this for them. One of the things that I know is that I cannot always find these high end items when I source so it is well worth selling for her.
BK and RB recent new consignors did something I just loved. They sent me either a list or pictures of items they wanted me to sell. I was then able to research quickly what they would sell for and then let them know what I could sell for them. BK had over 200 items that she wanted us to sell, but in my research I only found about 100 of the items that sold for good prices. I could have taken everything, but sometimes you have to consider the time you have to get them listed. And because I have about 12 clients now, I did not want to take items that I would not be able to get listed for a long period of time.
So I ask for a list or pictures and some info on the items before I take them in. Nothing is more frustrating then to take things and then find that they do not sell for much and have them stack up till they come back to pick up the items. Takes up needed space and is a constant eye sore of frustration.
Now let us talk about our friends and family that sometimes think we will either sell for them and not charge or they have things that just are not worth the time it takes to do that. I know I know, but they are family or friends. I learned something years ago that has really helped me handle this. I was a hairdresser for many years and of course I was always ask to do my family and friends hair for nothing. I must admit I did that and it started to be that I was doing so much on my day off, it really was not my day off. I was like running a private salon at my home. Cannot tell you how much stress this caused. So I had to either just stop doing that or do it with restrictions. The only ones I would do were my mother and MIL of course. After all they gave us life and that I felt was a pay back to them.
I had never taken into account the cost to me to learn that trade and the experience that I had gained through the years of working and the value of my time. This is also what you as a consignment seller need to take into account, even for friends and family. Treat it as a business and you will be surprised how they will accept that and most will appreciate you doing it professionally. If they do not respect that, then it will only be a headache you do not need. YOU are valuable and you are the professional with mass experience and knowledge. Look at yourself as a teacher on the payroll. :)
So to sum this up make wise decisions about your time and what you have to offer. Think about the benefits to selling for others that help you become more profitable and will not add any added stress. And most important think about your time and ability to be able to do this.
I am always here if you need some guidance so email me at sherrygilson@att.net
Have a blessed September
Now on to how do you choose who you may want to sell for? Sometimes they come out of the woodwork once they know you sell. The nice thing is you do have choices, but it takes some serious thought ahead of time. Let me give you some examples of some of my consignors that I sell for.
JB is a lady who came to me about 2 years ago to sell some very high end designer shoes and clothing for her. Things like MuuBaa leather jackets and Fiorentini Baker Shoes that sell well over $500 SRP. I have made a profit of over $4000 with those items. Now she also had a few lower end items that I could only sell for $40 or $50. Now this is not my normal policy to sell things that low, but when they give me higher end items or they continue to bring me items, I feel that I can do this for them. One of the things that I know is that I cannot always find these high end items when I source so it is well worth selling for her.
BK and RB recent new consignors did something I just loved. They sent me either a list or pictures of items they wanted me to sell. I was then able to research quickly what they would sell for and then let them know what I could sell for them. BK had over 200 items that she wanted us to sell, but in my research I only found about 100 of the items that sold for good prices. I could have taken everything, but sometimes you have to consider the time you have to get them listed. And because I have about 12 clients now, I did not want to take items that I would not be able to get listed for a long period of time.
So I ask for a list or pictures and some info on the items before I take them in. Nothing is more frustrating then to take things and then find that they do not sell for much and have them stack up till they come back to pick up the items. Takes up needed space and is a constant eye sore of frustration.
Now let us talk about our friends and family that sometimes think we will either sell for them and not charge or they have things that just are not worth the time it takes to do that. I know I know, but they are family or friends. I learned something years ago that has really helped me handle this. I was a hairdresser for many years and of course I was always ask to do my family and friends hair for nothing. I must admit I did that and it started to be that I was doing so much on my day off, it really was not my day off. I was like running a private salon at my home. Cannot tell you how much stress this caused. So I had to either just stop doing that or do it with restrictions. The only ones I would do were my mother and MIL of course. After all they gave us life and that I felt was a pay back to them.
I had never taken into account the cost to me to learn that trade and the experience that I had gained through the years of working and the value of my time. This is also what you as a consignment seller need to take into account, even for friends and family. Treat it as a business and you will be surprised how they will accept that and most will appreciate you doing it professionally. If they do not respect that, then it will only be a headache you do not need. YOU are valuable and you are the professional with mass experience and knowledge. Look at yourself as a teacher on the payroll. :)
So to sum this up make wise decisions about your time and what you have to offer. Think about the benefits to selling for others that help you become more profitable and will not add any added stress. And most important think about your time and ability to be able to do this.
I am always here if you need some guidance so email me at sherrygilson@att.net
Have a blessed September
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