The Powerseller Report

eBay Live 2005 - Map of Hotels within walking distance

2005-03-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

If you're planning on attending eBay Live 2005 in San Jose CA, you might find it hard to cut through all the marketing, and advertisements trying to lure you into their websites while you just want to see what is around the McEnery Convention Center.

Something I found very difficult when planning for eBay Live 2004 in New Orleans was finding a decent map of the area so I could plan my business / vacation. The problem is, every site out there that has anything like that was so commercialized that it was of no affect, and I found it very hard to get a decent map.

Well, I have one here for you, I created it using Google's Keyhole application as a guide - http://www.keyhole.com

You can sign up for a free 7 day trial that will allow you to see everything from Hotels, restaraunts, gas stations, shopping etc. The best part is you are in control of what you want to see. All you do is toggle the overlay you want to see.

Here is a map of Hotels with in walking distance of the Convention Center. The distance was gathered with a measurement tool I used in Keyhole.

Take a look at these tips I used last year to book $200 per night Hyatt Regency rooms for only $65 per night, I'll be using them again. Tips and tricks to get the best deals on Hotels for eBay Live 2005

Mystery Envelope Sold For $7,600

2005-02-28T15:11:00.000-07:00

An envelope with "UNKOWN" contents just closed today for $7,600 and the seller will not disclose the contents, not even now that the auction is closed. I guess this is part of the marketing draw because now you will have to go to the winning bidder's website to see if they will tell the world what was INSIDE.

It never ceases to amaze me, how some of these off the wall auctions make tons of money.

Take a look at this auciton . . .

Mystery Envelope

BTW, GoldenPalace.com was the winning bidder, and it seems they have their eyes and ears out for any auction that is getting attention.

So at the very least, if you can come up with something original, and off the wall, and you can draw tons of traffic to your auction, you're likely to see GoldenPalace come running.

Keep checking back, if I find out what was in the envelope, I will post it here. At least that way you don't have to visit the casino's website. They have the MOST annoying flying pokerchip that floats around on the screen and gets in the way of what you're reading, I HATED IT!!!

So I will spare you the frustration, subscibe to our RSS feed and you will know when we do ;-)

Enjoy . . . Scott

Ever been hit by the spelling and grammer Nazi's

2005-02-22T14:11:00.000-07:00

First , I want to say I believe in proper spelling and grammer, and I admit I am far from the best. I often carry on with sentances placing commas everywhere, as well as many other aspects I have forgotten since English class, which was not my best subject I might add. I prefered Math and Science. There may even be mistakes on this page, but it should be the message first then the technical aspects such as spelling and grammer.

Often times I find myself having to type out a page on a computer that doesn't have a spell check, or I am typing so darn fast I miss something. I'm sure there are more people out there who share my dilema, why is it that some people get so hung up on a typo or improperly structured sentance. You would think someone was running their nails down a halk board with the way some of them react to spelling mistakes.

Anyway I am always thankfull when readers point out mistakes I have made, I love it when people do it in a helpful manner.

BUT . . .

I can't stand it when a person shoots you an email and tells you there is an error on your website, or they include a small snipet of the text and no referrence to the page where the error can be found.

I often wonder how helpful they think they are being, like I have time to hunt through my website of more than 500 pages to find a typo. PLEASE if you want to help, let the person know where you saw the typo. Just because the page is new to you, it may be a year or more old therfore making it very difficult for the site owner to remember the page let a lone where to find it.

. . . Scott

eBay Treasure Hunt madness, or better yet INSANITY

2005-02-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

For me it all started the day before the launch (Feb 15th) I was prepared to start the Treasure Hunt at 5am Wednesday (MST) morning. I was thinking there wouldn't be too many clues given out in the first 4 hours.

So on the morning of launch day at 5:36am (I'm an hour ahead of eBay' time) I started working through the clues, and at that time there had only been 4 given out thus I was working on clue #5 "One of Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders" .

Needless to say I had NO idea how the connection to the auction title related to the clue "Annie Braodway karaoke CD" and at this time it was possible to catch a glimpse of the winning auction. as eBay hadn't started pulling the auctions before updating the found status.

It didn't take long before eBay noticed people in the forums posting links to the winning auctions before they were pulled, even though they urged users not to post them in order to protect everyone from scamers posting false treasure hunt auctions.

This lead to a delay in the updated to the clues being found, for obvious reasons it appeared eBay was now pulling the auctions before the clue grid was updated. It was mentinoned in the forum (from a user not an eBay employee) that she was told the clues are posted automatically in random intervals according to a Live Help support operator at eBay.

I don't agree, I saw a clue posted with the date of 2/26 and upon a refresh a couple of minutes later the typeo was corrected. If the process was automated then the typo would have remained or not have happened altogether.

At around 11am a good friend instant messaged me asking about the Treasure Hunt, so we started working on the clues together, she also emailed her Husband so we could use his crossword solving skills. We were fanatical, I had two computers with three monitors running in order to multitask through the different screens, as well as keep an eye on the forum to see if anything would help.

Later that evenning the three of us continued in the insanity until 2am in the morning, and then started up again after we had slept for a few hours.

Skipping forward to today, we are getting burned out FAST, especially now that eBay has changed all the patterns we were using thanks to people who couldn't keep their mouths SHUT in the forums. These people thought they were helping others ( as is the nature of many eBay users) but what they didnt realize was, eBay was also listening. There was a huge 4 hour lapse on Thursday between clues, and the next clue that came out didn't have any of the patterns we were used to seeing. No doubt eBay most likely called a meeting to fix the patterns. ( I don't know that for fact, but it only makes sense)

Now that the pattern is gone and it's taking longer, I don't have the time to sit here refreshing the creen every 30 seconds and clicking on thousands of auctions in hopes I will beat someone to the treasure.

I will continued to keep an eye on things but not as close as I had before.

If you would like to listen to our Treasure Hunt search for the 13th clue (was the first 3 hour clue) I have used a recording of our progrssion through that hunt to post a pre-launch segment to our upcoming Podcast (internet radio show)

AuctionPodder.com

I wish you all good luck, and let me know you win, I would love to here about how you found the winner.

Enjoy . . . Scott

eBay Treasure Hunt - $25,000 per day giveaway

2005-02-16T06:44:00.000-07:00

The hunt begins February 16th - Presidents Day - where eBay will begin giving away 25 $1000 cash prizes to those who find the "Treasure" hidden in special eBay listings.

According to eBay's general announcement board;

"For eight days, we'll list 25 listings a day at various times, going through the end of Wednesday, February 23, 2005.

To help you find the prizes, we'll post a clue on our “Get Clues” page for each listing we put up. In celebration of President's Day, the clues will be words or phrases relating to U.S. Presidents, U.S. history or other Americana. Each clue will be a puzzle, and solving it will help you find the hidden prizes! Since we'll be listing items and posting clues at different times throughout each day, you'll want to check the page frequently."

"eBay will host a "Treasure Hunt clues board" and a "Treasure Hunt discussion board" where you can visit with other treasure hunters to solve clues and discuss the treasure hunt.

"Here's an example of how a clue might work: Let's say you figure that the answer to the clue we've given you is “motherhood.” With that answer in mind, you might try searching on “maternity dress” to try to find the hidden listing. If you find it, you'll know – just follow the instructions on the item page to claim your prize. We've made it so that none of the text in the description is searchable, so you'll have to use your wits (and maybe some teamwork) to figure out where the prizes are!"

In addition to the treasure hunt, eBay will also host a Grand Prize Sweepstakes for a chance to win $25,000, plus an eBay Featured Store subscription for life! Each day of the contest, you can earn one entry into the sweepstakes simply by buying, bidding on or listing an item (up to a total of 8 entries) on eBay.com or eBay Motors.

For more information visit the eBay Treasure Hunt page then head over to The Powerseller Report where we will be discussing the clues.

Enjoy . . . Scott

New eBay affiliate tool

2005-02-15T13:51:00.000-07:00

There is a new tool that can be found in the eBay affiliate toolbox Keyword Linking Tool

The Keyword Linking Tool provides eBay affiliates with an easy way to generate trackable links by entering keyword searches or unique identifiers such as ISBNs or UPCs. Affiliates can submit a list of up to 5,000 different search terms and quickly create links to the corresponding search results pages.

In addition, if the affiliate chooses to submit a list of ISBNs, UPCs or MPNs (Manufacturers Part Number), they can build search results links OR links pointing to the Product Details Page for each of the corresponding products.

Keyword Linking Tool

Enjoy . . . Scott

Have you Googled your own name lately?

2005-02-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is SCARY . . .

I was listening to Adam Curry's Podcast and clicked on the BioPedia link and saw the page on the background of Adam Curry.

I was curious if there was anything on my name, so I entered my name in and as expected there was nothing, but I clicked on the web search button and noticed a Google Adwords ad with my name as the title.

Click on the title of this entry to go to that search page.

I have to thank BuySafe for posting an Adwords on the hopes people will be searching for me and see their ad. I'm assuming they linked to the testimonial I gave them ;-)

Anyway, I thought it was just WEIRD to see my name in an Adwords ad.

Enjoy . . . Scott

I can't Stand eBay's Contact System

2005-02-07T13:11:00.000-07:00

I know eBay has the security of it's members in mind but have you ever seen how your emails look to the recipient after they have been HACKED by the eBay contact system.

If you haven't then imagine 1000 characters all ran together, no line breaks between paragraphs, just everything scrunched together. I would encourage you the next time you send a seller a question, make sure you check the box to send a copy to yourself.

It's no wonder the majority of sellers don't answer their emailed questions. You would think eBay would understand how difficult it is to read 1000 characters ran together.

Another part of it I hate is when the responce comes back, the recipient has the option of using the system instead of regular email. I guess that is an option left up to the recipient, and I again, I understand the privacy, but what happens when a legit question requires more than 1000 characters.

Used to be you could send a quick one or two line question and follow up with a more detailed one.

Maybe I should write Bill Cobb, President of eBay North America with my frustrations, as if he isn't already swamped with emails after his announcement Sunday.

Ok, I'm done throwing a fit now,

Enjoy . . . Scott

Traditional Marketing Techiques for eBay Auction Ads

2005-02-07T10:54:00.000-07:00

by Chuck Mullaney - pajamaexecutive.com
article at TPRweb.com

Ya know, I sort of giggle when I look at an ad on eBay that's just a black and white description of the item or product that's up for bid. It wasn't long ago at all that I would have done the exact same thing, but once I understood some traditional marketing techniques, not just been exposed to them; everything looked totally different.

It's been a few years now and I can't imagine how I got by in a "sales" career beforehand. I had been a fairly successful salesman in the mortgage business, or the term the public uses; Mortgage Broker. A commission only job with no promised monthly salary. My income was totally based upon my sales success or "lack of", each month. How was I able to eat without knowing how to write ad copy or how to use the "hook", or how to effectively use a "take away" move..?

Simple answer: Born for it.

If you're like me, in that you enjoy selling something that you, yourself are sold on, then eBay is where you need to be and learning traditional marketing techniques is the way to have any type of success. There is no other way for, us po folk(not millionaires), to reach such a huge amount of potential buyers for ANY type of item at all. One hundred twenty five million users! Whoa. At this point, they have daily new user sign ups in excess of one hundred thousand people...100,000 each day!

THE PRODUCT IS NOT WHAT YOU ARE SELLING!!!

Things are much more technical than that. Here's a short list of the different focuses: ( read the rest at TPRweb.com )

eBay Learns a Lesson in Customer Service

2005-02-07T09:58:00.000-07:00

eBay Learns a Lesson in Customer Service

By Joe Craparotta of http://www.replymanager.com
Article at TPRweb.com

On Sunday February 6th, Bill Cobb President of eBay North America addressed eBay members as to the recent changes to the company’s policy regarding the response to handling customer service emails. ... (clip)

... This lesson transcends all online businesses. You simply can’t survive by ignoring or simply providing a vague auto-response to your customers. As a an eBay Platinum Power Seller I have found that effectively responding and managing inbound emails can strengthen your relationship with your customers and produce numbers to your bottom line. ... ( read more at TPRweb.com )

Common Sense Runs Wild: Still Crazy for You Bear

2005-02-04T22:27:00.000-07:00

"Still Crazy for You Bear"

This blog has some good discussion on this little bear.

. . . Scott

Crazy For You Vermont Teddy Bear

2005-02-04T22:06:00.000-07:00

"Crazy For You Vermont Teddy Bear under $100"

Yet another page you can use in your search for that allusive Crazy For You Bear from Vermont Teddy Bear.

Crazy For You Bears Under $100

'Crazy For You' bear off the market

2005-02-04T21:11:00.000-07:00

"USATODAY.com - 'Crazy For You' bear off the market

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) %u2014 To the relief of advocates for the mentally ill, the Vermont Teddy Bear Co. said Thursday that its straitjacketed 'Crazy For You' bears are sold out and that it will not make any more."

Read more . . .

This is an opportunity in the making, the last count on eBay was 101 open auctions with another 100 already sold.

Some bears are fetching as high as $500

Crazy For You Bears On eBay

Grangatulations to those who have been lucky enough to get a hold of one or more.

Hey, who has the number to the liquidation company that will be selling Vermont unsold inventory ?? ;-)

Enjoy . . . Scott "

Business Opportunities Weblog | Interview Help

2005-02-04T19:08:00.000-07:00

Hey folks, Dane is in need of some help here. . .

"Interview Help

I'm going to be interviewing a very successful eBay-based small businessman soon, and I'd like to offer you the opportunity to help me come up with questions to ask him.

If there's something you always wanted to know about running profiting from eBay now's the time to ask. Please post your questions in the comments."

Ask Dane some questions

Enjoy . . . Scott

Rare CDs, not LPs, are going for big bucks on eBay

2005-02-04T18:54:00.000-07:00

"These are some of the out-of-print CDs that recently sold for more than $100 on Ebay: .
HANSON: Boomerang

Independent release from their early days in 1994. $709.

AFI: The Days of the Phoenix EP

Only 500 copies were made in England. $306.

TORI AMOS: Y Kant Tori Read

The singer-songwriter's overlooked debut. $215.

RICK JAMES: Cold Blooded

A rare '80s Motown CD of the funkateer's 1983 original. $200.

CARL WILSON: Youngblood "

Full Article . . .

Free Music Blog: Auctioning My Cat on eBay to Raise $$ for New CD

2005-02-04T18:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a clever way to get noticed with an auction.

"Auctioning My Cat on eBay to Raise $$ for New CD"

Tiziano The Tabby

I got Tiziano and Torre, my two tabby cats from a friend. I remember Tiziano had a hemp collar made by one of the gals I got the kitties from.

Tiziano was the quiet one. And it's always the quiet ones you have to watch for. That was the case with Tiziano. From the beginning, he was a bit of an explorer... meaning he got into everything.

Check out the auction

Enjoy . . . Scott

The Powerseller Report now has a Blog!

2005-02-04T16:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome!

This is the first post as you can see.

I wanted to start a blog so I could just ramble, or better yet, I want a place where I can freely speak my mind and not care if I offend anyone. ;-)

No, I'm not going to be purposely rude, but there's a lot of pressure writing content for a paid membership site for a market as big as eBay, and most of the time I have to really concentrate on how I write.

Now I have a place where I can just write without the pressure so to speak

I will also use the blog to keep you informed of new things happening at TPRweb as well as the online marketplace in general.

OK, now lets get blogging . . . Scott