The eBay UK Bulletin: Issue 228

The eBay UK Bulletin: Issue 228, 12th September 2011

Topics in this issue:

1. eBay news – No news!

2. Micro-payments – UK page

3. Top tips for Christmas selling

4. Ask Molly – How can I start home-working?


Hello and welcome to this week's edition of The eBay UK Bulletin.

Before I start this week I must apologise if I have missed your note to Molly; I am not the best at managing paperwork and now have 64,000 e-mails in my inbox, hard to keep track of [Ed - that's one-fifth of what you'd have if you worked in publishing]. If I have ignored you, please do send it in again and I’ll try harder next time.

The kids are back at school and soon Mum will start thinking about Christmas and (hopefully) writing a big list, so now is the time to prepare your sales campaign. I have included a few ideas below. Saying all that, there is still time for another short break, so I’m off again. You may have noticed the irregular bulletins of late which is due to Molly taking most of the summer off, recharging the batteries in advance of the selling season.

If you are considering a change of career check out ‘Ask Molly’ below for a few ideas relating to home working in general.

[For details of this newsletter, please scroll down to the end.]

-------------------------------------
1. EBAY NEWS – NO NEWS!

-------------------------------------



It is a very quiet time with not much news about so instead here’s a quick spoof sent in by ‘somethingsnappy’. I like this one as the title only has one ‘c’ in the word ‘account’ and an extra ‘e’ in the word ‘speed’, I guess the mistakes balance each other out.


-------------------------------------------------

Title: Acount Limited



Dear PayPal client,

You have received this email because you or someone had used your account from different locations. For security purpose, we are required to open an investigation into this matter.

In order to safeguard your account, we require that you confirm your details.
To help speeed up this process, please access the following link so we can complete the verification of your PayPal Account registration information.

http://www.paypal.com

If we do not receive the appropriate account verification within 48 hours, then we will assume this PayPal account is fraudulent and will be suspended.

The purpose of this verification is to ensure that your account has not been fraudulently used and to combat the fraud from our community.
We appreciate your support and understanding and thank you for your cooperation in this matter.



Copyright © 2011 PayPal

--------------------------------------------------



Of course the PayPal link takes you to a false website intent on obtaining your log-in details. If you see this note, just delete it.

Please keep them coming – Mollybol@ebaybulletin.co.uk


------------------------------------------------
2. MICRO-PAYMENTS - UK PAGE

-------------------------------------------------


Following on from the ‘Ask Molly’ of last week concerning the PayPal micro-payments account, here’s a more direct link for UK users.


“Hi Molly!

I've managed to find the British (£) PayPal page for micro-payments and have attached a link for all your readers.”

https://www.paypal-business.co.uk/take-micropayments-with-paypal/index.htm


Camellia Designs - http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Camellia-Designs


------------------------------------------------
3. TOP TIPS FOR CHRISTMAS SELLING

------------------------------------------------



With the Christmas selling period about to start gathering pace there are a few things you can do now which should help you keep ahead of the game.

1) Order enough packing materials for the duration. With one eye on cashflow and storage it does make good sense to stock up now so that you don’t have to worry about boxes and bags when you should be focused on selling. I have also noticed increased competition between packaging sellers on eBay as they fight for business. When things pick up prices might rise.

2) Photograph as much inventory as you can now and store the pictures for later use or stock your shop early.

3) Don’t sleep until December 24th, just list, sell & pack 24-7.

4) Offer more shipping options for buyers who want items quickly and are prepared to pay for the privilege.

5) Consider shorter duration listing times to get your item to the top of ‘ending soonest’ more often.


If you have a tip for the bulletin that might help us survive the holiday season, please send it in to the usual address.


-------------------------------------------------
4. ASK MOLLY – HOW CAN I START HOME-WORKING?
------------------------------------------------


“Dear Molly

I was wondering if you could give me some tips on home-based work. I am determined to work from home. I have tried numerous options from the net and of course spent a fortune on all the systems out there.

I would really love to work from home for two reasons: 1) tired of my job and 2) I would love to start a family one day soon and to support a family from one income would be hard, therefore home-based work would be the solution for us. Could you please give me some tips as I am really out of ideas here?”



Good idea, who wants to work in a job they don't like? Come to think of it who wants to work at all?

There is a fantastic home-working site run by a great pal of mine - Emma Jones - http://enterprisenation.com. It is full of tips and help for the home-worker and supported by top experts in their fields as opposed to me blundering along in a shed.

My thoughts would include:

- Set aside an area for work, some people even dress up and 'go to work' as the distractions of home life can interrupt the working day.


- Start with the home working kit you already have, old PC, printer etc and invest as you grow just in case it doesn't work out.


- Keep on top of your book-keeping, I am not the world's best in this field but life is a lot easier if your accounts are up to date. I just find it so boring and would rather be selling.

- Get the family involved, pay them no wages and make them work long hours; they will thank you one day.


If you have any ‘clean’ suggestions, please send then in – Mollybol@ebaybulletin.co.uk



If you have a question about eBay or home working in general, please send it to: mollybol@ebaybulletin.co.uk - I will reply personally to every e-mail I receive and remember, there are FREE copies of my book available for the best questions, tips, or stories.


-- END NOTE --


That's all for this week. Check out www.ebaybulletin.co.uk for the latest news from Molly HQ.


Well that’s it for another week, I’m off on hols again, with the laptop of course and a few choice items in case of a sales rush.

Just before I disappear I must ask if other readers are having problems with the automated dispatch e-mails sent by eBay.

Ever since eBay took over this function (which I greeted with joy at the time), I have seen an significant increase in the number of ‘Where is my item?’ e-mails. If you have any thoughts, please let me know


See ya!

Best wishes and happy eBaying

Mollybol


Author of the bestselling title, 'The eBay Business Handbook' - available direct from the publishers: www.harriman-house.com/ebaybusiness