Category Archives: ecommerce

Free Product Sellers Seminar September 17th – See You There!

Posted on by
Reply

Learning about online sales is a ever more involved and challenging task. Where to go, what to read, who to listen to and the ever important How much does it cost?

We are all familiar with the numerous seminars and trade shows held around the country. Some with low registration fees and others with seemingly outrageous up front attendance fees which eliminate all but the most serious attendees.  Add other expenses to the registration costs like hotel, airfare, gasoline, food and the costs of attending even the most modest of seminars begin to intimidate would be Internet marketers.

What to do, if you want to learn, but you don't want to spend?

Well, how about a free 3 day conference which provides experts from around the world - For Free?

Thats right - Completely Free The Product Sellers Seminar Sponsored by: Michelle Waters of Product Sellers Talk Radio

Coupon Shoppers – Good For Online Business? & Tjoos Who?

Posted on by
Reply

Tjoos.com is an Australian company founded by Kim Chen and Bart Jellema after a very frustrating online shopping experience. Apparently these Aussies believe coupons are the key to quality shopping and they have put together a website which satisfies the coupon needs of 250,000 daily visitors.

A quick peek at the home page will reveal coupons from the following well known merchants directly under a search box entitled...

More Coupons Less Crap

Selection of thousands of merchants on the site:

AlwaysForMe Ames Walker Anonymizer Auto Parts Warehouse Bellacor.com Best Buy Blockbuster Total Access Carbonite.com Checks In The Mail Coastal Contacts CosmeticMall.com Delivery.com Design Toscano DivX.com DTI Soccer eDressMe.com eFaucets Nursery Depot Overtons.com PartsAmerica.com Peter Glenn Ski and Sports Pink Mascara Poker N Stuff Polsteins Proflowers PsPrint  Quill ShopKitchenAid.com SpaLook.com imOutlet.com Vanns.com Vault.com Verizon Wireless VistaPrint.com

Why Should A Small Merchant Care?

In the press release below, Tjoos.com has announced the creation of a "merchant portal" where any merchant can create and upload coupons into this system.  This is a very good way for small to mid sized online merchants to gain additional exposure for any online ecommerce store.

eBay?

Certainly any eBay store owner could drive traffic to their eBay store using the Tjoos Portal.  Simply create a store coupon, upload to Tjoos.com (with an eBay Partner Network link attached) and your eBay store is instantly gaining additional traffic from a widely viewed destination site on the World Wide Web.

Name of the game is Traffic

Tjoos.com is just one more way to bring traffic to your online store or website, why not read the press release below and drop on over to Tjoos.com for a look... It could be a good day for finding new coupon shoppers!

Everyone loves a deal! Tjoos is FREE for Merchants!

This is not a paid enforcement - there are no affiliate links in this article - I am not a representative of Tjoos.com - I just read the press release and thought it was a great idea! Venture forth and try it out, let me know what you think!

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tjoos Helps Merchants Drive Sales Using Coupon Codes

September 3rd, 2008 (San Francisco, CA) - Today Tjoos.com, one of the largest online coupon sites, launches its Merchant Portal, allowing online stores to add their store information and coupons.

Coupon codes are similar to traditional grocery coupons but for online stores and give customers instant discounts on their purchases. They have proven to be an effective online marketing tool to achieve specific business objectives.

For example, merchants aiming to find new customers issue coupons that are only valid for first time buyers. To increase their average order size, stores can issue coupons that apply only to orders over a certain amount. This encourages customers to "up-size" their order to qualify for the discount. Adding an expiry date to coupons creates a sense of urgency and helps reel in those consumers that are sitting on the fence. By tailoring their coupons to meet their business objectives, merchants are able to create targeted marketing promotions through the use of coupon codes.

After they have crafted their promotions, merchants need to get the word out to the right consumers about their coupon codes. To help online merchants reach their audience, Tjoos.com developed a merchant Portal (http://www.tjoos.com/Merchant-Portal/). This new self-serve portal gives any merchant the ability to add their coupons and store information to the coupon directory. Doing so gives the store free exposure to the quarter million people that visit Tjoos.com monthly. Sites that complete their listing by providing an exclusive coupon and placing a badge on their site are featured on the homepage for a limited time and receive premium exposure on an ongoing basis.

Bart Jellema, co-founder of Tjoos.com says "We are excited to connect with merchants and give them a place to get the word out about their coupons while at the same time help our users find excellent value deals."

About Tjoos.com
Tjoos.com has the largest collection of verified online coupons. The company was founded in 2007 with the mission of making online shopping easier and more transparent for consumers and merchants alike.

Amazon vs eBay? – Cliff Aliperti's Inside Scoop on Amazon FBA

Posted on by
10
Cliff Aliperti - Guest Blogger

Cliff Aliperti - Guest Blogger

Cliff Aliperti is known in some circles (Twitter - Land) as the eBay buyer/Amazon seller.

Cliff Aliperti specializes in paper goods and collectibles and is a long time eBay seller and buyer. He has a nifty blog/website called "things and other stuff" which focuses on his passion for these items he collects and sells.

Recently Cliff has ventured into the world of Amazon and Amazon FBA as a merchant and he is quite active on Twitter discussing with excitement his daily purchases on eBay and then subsequent sales on Amazon through the FBA program.

I asked Cliff to explain Amazon FBA to our readers here at the Trading Assistant Journal because we are always aware of the desire to look outside of eBay and learn about eBay competition. Naturally Amazon is one of the first places eBay sellers think about when considering a switch.

I think Cliff's frank and honest story reveals two constants.

  • It is not always greener on the other side of the fence - but sometimes it is cooler.
  • The tournament is always easier to win - When you know how to play the game.

I want to extend my personal thanks to Cliff for this amazing insight into Amazon FBA, not only is it a great story, but when told from the perspective of a long time eBay seller it brings the ring of truth rarely found in these types of reviews. Thanks Cliff!

Amazon FBA from a eBay Powersellers perspective: by: Cliff Aliperti

You ever get that feeling that you're dealing with a bunch of idiots who know less about the company that they work for than you do?

This was my start to selling on Amazon.

I'd never sold on Amazon before, wait, that's not true.  At the time of my return in Spring 2008 I had one seller feedback from an old Z-Shops sale back in 2000.  That was almost embarrassing.

Then sometime in 2007 I signed up for one of their web stores under a free trial, quickly became confused, then irritated, then shut down well before the trial was up.  I left shaking my head content to continue selling on eBay.

Then I started reading Randy Smythe's My Blog Utopia! and his adventures with something called FBA and little by little the thought of trying out Amazon one more time sprouted.

Amazon FBA

Amazon FBA

Amazon FBA

FBA is the acronym for Fulfillment by Amazon.  Basically, you take your product, list them for sale on Amazon, click a button to convert them from merchant fulfilled (ie: you pack it up and ship it out after a sale) to fulfilled by Amazon.  Then you just have to put some identifying labels on your goods, box 'em up, ship 'em out, and sit back while Amazon fulfills your customers orders.

The Goods Will Move! Continue reading “Amazon vs eBay? – Cliff Aliperti's Inside Scoop on Amazon FBA” »

Online Auction's Chris Fain Plan for the Future: Charge Buyers $8.00 a Month

Posted on by
Reply

Online Auction.com CEO Chris Fain, during a live Internet Radio show presented by ECMRN (e-commerce Marketing Radio Network) , detailed a plan to charge buyers $8.00 a month subscription for access to buy from the auction venue in the future. (He did clearly state this plan would not be implemented anytime soon, but from the excitement in his voice when describing the subscription based buyer access, it sounds like more than a passing idea).

Chris compared the plan to purchasing a membership in Sam's Club or Costco, where buyers will join the venue to gain access to goods and services.  Additionally, Chris Fain envisions a day when OnlineAuction.com becomes a venue which surpasses eBay in volume of listed items and even exceeds eBay's revenue model.

Interesting vision of the future, I will say that before buyers would pay for access to listings on any online marketplace, I think some sort of extraordinary value proposition will have to be developed. What can OLA offer buyers, beyond a place to hunt for bargains, which will inspire them to pay a monthly subscription fee?  Possibly bulk access to other services?  Discounts on web hosting?  A Buying service much like a professional gift buying service, available to those buyers who do not want to search listings for the best price/value? No indication from Chris Fain, but the possibilities are certainly interesting to ponder.

What would inspire you to pay a subscription fee for access to OnlineAuction.com?

In other news from OLA

  • Sellers will soon be given access to Reliabid protection. (Follow the link to learn more about the Reliabid service.
  • Also The World Lingo Translation Service is now offered to sellers for a small fee. The service automatically translates listings into multiple languages.

  • In less than 10 days time, OnlineAuction.com will offer sellers a fixed price listing option. This should help sellers get more search engine traffic to the items listed on OLA.  Additional plans include OLA Ad buys from Google and other Search Engine marketing efforts.

It seems like OLA has a plan for the future based upon providing sellers value for the low fees OLA charges for access to the venue. Valuing the sellers as a resource to build upon the initial success at OLA is a nice approach.

Stay tuned for more updates on OnlineAuction.com

Paypal re: IRS – A "Small Percentage" PayPal Customers Process $20,000.00 Per Year

Posted on by
Reply

Our friend and co- blogger Richard Brewer Hay, over at eBay Ink reported today about the move by the US Congress to require PayPal and other online payment processors to report annual gross receipts of individual online merchants in excess of $20,000.00 to the IRS.

Richard's report was partially sourced from the Wall Street Journal and also from the official PayPal blog. (See the block quote below).

In my humble opinion,

The following statement  "a small percentage of PayPal customers are effected" by this impending IRS & Online sales tax issue, says little for PayPal or eBay as a route to business success.  I mean... if the use of PayPal as a business solution to process payments from online sales, is a healthy concern, wouldnt more than a "small percentage" of PayPal users be effected by this IRS fact finding mission?

How can any online or ecommerce business stay in business if they do not process more than $20,000.00 per year in PayPal payments? What is the incentive? Continue reading “Paypal re: IRS – A "Small Percentage" PayPal Customers Process $20,000.00 Per Year” »

Internet Merchants Association Lost 89% of Membership – 49% Went to PESA

Posted on by
Reply

According to our recent Trading Assistant Journal/Polldaddy.com Poll,

...with over 10% of the IMA membership responding, we can predict that the IMA has lost almost 50% of its membership to PeSA. With over 89% of the membership (who responded to our poll) leaving altogether...

And then there were 2...

Only 2 of the respondents stated they will stay with the IMA while 17% of the respondents said they would never join an association or group again.

The questions and results are as follows: (This poll is still open, if you are an IMA member and would like to respond, please follow the link above and give us your reply).

  • Already Joined the ECMTA/PeSa Organization 14 votes = 48%
  • Done with associations and groups altogether 5 Votes = 17%
  • No - I have my Refund or Applied 5 Votes = 17%
  • Looking Elsewhere 2 Votes = 7%
  • Yes - I will Stay with the IMA 2 Votes = 7%
  • Other - "Will Make a Decision when my subscription expires" 1 Vote = 3%

These responses to our unscientific poll indicates 89% of our sampling have left the IMA and with a response from 10% of the prior healthy membership, I would say the IMA is in for some serious membership retention issues.

We have heard from our readers the Internet Merchants Association is offering a special rate to renew an active membership of only $49.99.

This may sound like a good idea under the current circumstances but our advisor's tell us that if as a 501C(6) Non-Profit trade organization any member is offered a reduced rate for membership, all members (current and future) from that point forward must be given the membership deal, otherwise the IMA will lose the coveted as a 501C(6) Non-Profit trade organization status they fought so diligently for. The same Non- Profit designation which restricts the organization from making so many smart business decisions for its membership.

If, even at a $49.99 renewal rate, over 89% of the membership has decided to move on to other endeavors, what would the point be to continue offering a reduced membership price?

Our Poll is not over so if any currently loyal members of the IMA would like to respond to give the world a better understanding of where this trade group is heading, please take a moment to give us a simple poll response.

Trading Assistant Journal/Polldaddy.com Poll,

These Poll results are a simple statistical representation of our reader opinion. Actual results may vary, no representation of actual membership numbers has been made here.

eBay Fees ? Amazon Fees ? Etsy Fees ? Overstock Fees ? Try eBCalc

Posted on by
Reply

 eBCalc the venerable online fee calculator for eBay and PayPal has been used by knowledgeable eBay sellers for years.

Many of us long standing eBay sellers are very familiar with the interface and usefulness of this nifty free program found at the following URL: http://v1.ebcalc.com/

You may not be aware that eBCalc has changed,

...at least I was surprised to see that the simple eBay & PayPal fee calculator has undergone a growth spurt.  eBCalc is now much more than a tool for eBay & PayPal and it seems we have a certain Mr. Doug Boudreau to thank. 

eBCalc is now a multi-channel fee calculator with more functionality than ever before.  Not only will eBCalc return results for eBay's many marketplaces and fee structures at the following URL: eBay Fee Calculator but it will now also help with fee calculation for many other marketplaces such as Amazon.com, Overstock.com and Etsy (among others).  Continue reading “eBay Fees ? Amazon Fees ? Etsy Fees ? Overstock Fees ? Try eBCalc” »

Larry Phillips – Live On The Air – Filling In For IMA President

Posted on by
Reply

Larry Phillips has volunteered to fill in for Steve Grossberg on the eBay and Beyond, Basics to Business Internet Talk Radio Program next Saturday...

Larry Phillips Former IMA Board Member

Larry Phillips Former IMA Board Member

Guest Blogger and Former Member of the Internet Merchants Association

When asked to to the show, Larry readily agreed with one caveat...

I'll be happy to do it.  When you announce it, I want it to be made clear that I am only agreeing because Steve canceled.  The current and former membership still have questions, and deserve answers.  Since I am no longer a member through the actions of the existing Board of Directors, I am not bound by confidentiality, and will be happy to answer any questions regarding what happened up until my membership was removed on Monday.  I would certainly prefer that Steve participated, and if he changes his mind again and decides to participate, I will then leave it up to him whether I should participate or not.

I think Larry is indeed correct, the membership does deserve answers.

Since Larry was a member of both the Board of Directors and the Ethics Committee, I believe he can shed light on numerous topics which the rank and file members of the IMA have questions about.

Larry knows what happened, and when it happened.  I have spoken with Larry at length and find him to be an honest and above board individual who simply devoted a significant amount of time to do his share at the IMA.

Listen Live

Listen Anytime - Live Show on Saturday

His summary dismissal came after he purportedly brokered a deal in which all of the current board members, including himself, would resign and offer the membership a chance to elect a new board.  This deal was completely reversed without Larry's input or knowledge on Sunday, he resigned from the board but not the organization. The next day, Larry was removed without his consent from the organization as a whole, without a grievance or explanation.

It will certainly be interesting to hear what Larry Phillips has to say during next Saturday's eBay and Beyond Radio Show!

ANYONE may call in to ask a question or share their story during or after the scheduled interview with former IMA Board member Larry Phillips: 866-357-7746

eBay & Beyond

Breaking News – Internet Merchants Association President Backs Out of Confirmed Interview

Posted on by
Reply

As reported here on the Trading Assistant Journal, Steve Grossberg - President of the IMA, had agreed and confirmed with Dave White of the eBay and Beyond Internet Radio Program to an interview.  This interview was to occur next Saturday July 12, 2008.

Mr. Steve Grossberg, Internet Merchants Association President and Treasurer, has just informed the eBay and Beyond radio program of his decision to back out of this live radio talk show interview.  Dave White was notified of this decision via email and Dave has given the Trading Assistant Journal permission to reprint this short notice.

David

I am going to have to back out of this interview. Right now my time and energies are geared toward #1 my family, #2 my business, and #3 getting IMA moving forward. We already have an open dialouge and interactive dialouge in place for IMA members to voice their opinions and be heard.

Regards,

Steve

1Busyman's Inc.

As will be commented here and elsewhere, this is not an unexpected development.  I will say I think it is a mistake to back away from an opportunity to offer a different side of the story.  This is a move which would not have been deemed advisable by any top notch PR firm or advisor.

Mr. Grossberg's comment in the letter above, stating there is already a place for members to voice opinions seems very empty, especially if Mr. Grossberg himself will remove any members from the Association who dare to voice a differing or dissenting opinion from his own, as has been reported by numerous sources.

Dave White would like to extend an offer for any of the remaining members of the Board of Directors at the IMA to fill in for Mr. Steve Grossberg.  Former members of the Board or Ethics Committee are also welcome.  The show will still be scheduled and the topics will certainly center around the recent implosion of the IMA governing body.

ANYONE may call in to ask a question or share their story during the show: 866-357-7746

eBay & Beyond

National Radio Show Offers Open Mic to Internet Merchants Association Board Members and President

Posted on by
Reply
Listen Live

Listen Anytime - Live Show on Saturday

Dave White, the host of eBay and Beyond, Basics to Business Live Internet Radio Talk Show offered an opportunity to the IMA Board of Directors and/or President. This would allow these IMA managing members to share their side of the growing controversy emanating from inside the Internet Merchants Trade Association.

Any Board Member may clear the air in a live interview on this nationally recognized talk radio show and podcast next Saturday.

The invitation is open for all members of the Internet Merchants Association Board or Ethics Committee. This Internet radio program airs live every Saturday between the hours of 10 and noon EST and can be heard in a 24 hour loop on Live 365 radio.  All programs are also converted to podcast MP3's and offered on iTunes.

Dave has interviewed almost every heavy hitter in the Internet eCommerce trade on the show including people like Scot Wingo of Channel Adviser, Ted Murphy of IZEA, Bjorn Espenes of Infopia and many more.  Dave White is a former eBay University instructor and software specialist, his show is highly rated on iTunes.

To read more about this offer to clear the air, on the air... follow this link: ebasicstobusiness

ANYONE may call in to ask a question or share their story during or after the scheduled interview with IMA President Steve Grossberg: 866-357-7746

eBay & Beyond