Monthly Archives: January 2013

Can I merge other items into a niche Store?

For many years I was one of those people who only sold needlework patterns because my store name was Stitchery X-Press.  I was finding great items at the thrift store and local garage sales that I knew would make money but I really didn’t want the cost of another eBay store or even another account for that matter. 

I decided that I could add items that did not pertain to needlework to my eBay store because I had store Categories.  Store Categories are a must for any seller on eBay who has a store.  You can can have up to 300 store categories and then sub categories under these categories.  

So I added categories like flatware, coffee cups, European Finds, Clothing Men, Clothing Women, etc.   I have not had one complaint from anyone saying that they don’t like I added stuff to the needlework store.   

Make categories and move the items there.  It really works.  


eBay Mobile Video w Drafts

I had the great opportunity to spend some time with Rolf Skyberg in Philly at EOL and am tickled he made this video explaining how you can start a listing on an Iphone, put it away, pick up your Ipad and continue and even work on your IMac or PC or laptop with the same draft. Great Video.. Thanks eBay Mobile. I love you guys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=atp6MTtHKZs


Photo Tent for Mobile Listings

I was really excited today to find a great Mobile tent that is small, compact and perfect for listing on eBay with the mobile devices.  Only to find out it was from my friend Scott Henshaw.

Photo Tent for Mobile Listing on eBay
Photo Tent for Mobile Listing on eBay

Check out the great deal. Free USA Shipping.

 Mobile Tent for Listing on eBay.


Flipping Thrift

Many of you know me for selling needlework on eBay. You have to sell a lot of patterns to make money so a few years ago I started looking for unique items to flip… (as in flipping houses).  I started going to my local thrift store and headed right for the needlework section and would purchase old kits and patterns.  I was worried if I bought other things that I would lose customers to my needlework store.  I decided I needed to start making more money so I branched out, got out of my comfort zone and Thank God I did.  I now sell Coffee Mugs, Hawaiian Shirts, flat ware and about anything I can to make money.  Get out of that zone you know and do research.  Yes, everyday I walk by items I could make money on because I don’t know that market.   Get to know those.. One of the best places to find out what sells for what is by visting two of my dearest friends Jason and Bryan at Thrifting with the Boys.

thriftingwiththe

Thrifting With the Boys Facebook Group

 


Ask Cindy: Seller Protection International

Kim asked tonight if she is covered if she ships international with first class package by USPS.

Kim you have to have proof of delivery such as a delivery confirmation. Easy in the US if you ship online and get free delivery confirmation with First Class and Priority packages.

Much harder internationally.

Sellerprotection

You hear people say all the time that you can ONLY get delivery confirmation with Express.  I went to the USPS website tonight and this is what they have on their site.

internationalregistered

So as I ship a $300.00 order tomorrow to the customer in Russia (0 Feedback and brand new buyer on eBay)  I will not only be praying but I will be using the signature confirmation on the service that works for seller protection.

I will keep you posted.

I hope this helps Kim and thanks for stopping by my blog.

 

 


Bulk Edit New Shipping on eBay

I am worried that many of you have not edited your shipping charges if you offer flat rate international first class package or parcel shipping, (including me). I am right there with you. I figured I would do it tomorrow night.  

Bulk editing on eBay has become so wonderful.  If you have not tried it recently and you remember the old clunky format, you are in for a treat.  

Go to your active listings

I will cover flat rate priority envelopes first since they are going from $12.95 to $19.95 in Canada and from $16.95 to $23.95 worldwide.

Let’s say you have 25 coffee mugs that you ship FOMO method by putting in a flat rate padded envelope and ship.  If you have categories (store owners) go to that category if not in active listings type in coffee or mug

Highlight those listings and hit edit editalllistings

A new screen will pop up with columns

Hit this same Edit button on left of the listings and select all

Select Edit then  select shipping international editinternational

a new screen will pop up editbulk2013

For For Priority Flat Rate Envelopes you will change it all here.  Edit in Bulk   Flat (not calculated)  you can do your Canada and add another service for worldwide.  

Save and submit.  All have been saved. 

You can do the same technique if you offer a flat rate on items that are a flat fee per item that you ship first class… do the steps I suggested such as breaking into categories of if you know the weight of each highlight those.  Follow the steps for First Class International and you are done. 

 

 

 


Priority International USPS Increase

I talked about the Priority Flat Rate International rates going up quite a bit on the 27th of January last week in my blog.

The good news for other international Priority is it is a slight increase.

Make sure you have your Flat Rate International Envelopes and Boxes Fixed in your shipping on eBay!  If you have calculated shipping on eBay, it will automatically fix on January 27th.  If you have $16.95 for flat rate, fix by Sunday to $23.95

note that International Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes are MORE expensive than mailing by weight if 4-pounds or under so mail these items First Class if possible.

Priority International USPS January 27, 2013
Priority International USPS January 27, 2013

USPS First Class International Parcel + 60% Increase

I wrote last week about the changes to the USPS shipping service for International First Class Parcel that is coming on January 27th.  

I think the biggest shock is going to be mailing packages to Canada for most sellers.  

Most of the first class international packages are going to be going up at least 60%  Yep Sixty percent..  Remember you will get delivery confirmation on many first class to Canada for free (you pay for it, believe me). The post office has been secretive about what exactly will be “Select”.  I have made a form below to give you an idea of the difference.  Check back tomorrow for Priority Prices. 

Note:  this is online prices if you use Stamps.com, eBay Shipping, PayPal Shipping, etc.   If you go to the counter you will pay more.  

First Class International Price Changes 2013
First Class International Price Changes for Parcels (not Flat) 2013  Comparisons to Current 2013

 


San Francisco Here I Come

Tonight we are taking the California Zephyr from Salt Lake City to San Francisco.  Some of our airline employee friends ask “why when you can fly free?”  We said.. for Thomas (age 11).  Well…. I was with them in their thinking and dreading a long 16 hours on a train when I could be there in an hour… a few days after making the reservation and getting closer to the time.. we leave in an hour… I have to say I am more excited than Thomas… Screen Shot 2013-01-18 at 8.54.40 PMScreen Shot 2013-01-18 at 8.54.16 PM

We procured (sounds Orient Express like) a room on the bottom in yellow, the family bedroom.  We get two windows.   We will be dark until about Winnemucca, Nevada but we are looking forward to the scenery going through the Sierras.   We will keep you posted.

Pray for us as we venture on this train trip.  Oh yea, we are flying home.

 


What is Hot in Cross Stitch?

I have never had a cross stitch pattern that has been so popular.  These three little witches have taken the world by storm…

It helps to be one of the only people on eBay to carry this design by Lettie. of The Needle’s Notion.  These little ladies are called Bewitching Trio. Lettie has also designed three Alphabet Dolls with the same look in Colonial Dresses

Bewitching Trio Cross Stitch Pattern
Bewitching Trio Cross Stitch Pattern

Get the pattern Bewitching Trio here at our eBay Store Stitchery X-Press

 


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