Canaltown Booktraders - Quality Books, Good Prices, Great Service. Ebay's premier Antiquarian Book Dealer. Purveyors of fine incunabula since 1994. Out of print vintage titles for Readers, Librarians and Collectors. From the common to the collectible. Professional appraisal from one volume to an entire library.
Hello Everybuddy!
I just wanted to let everyone know that the 3rd Ruger Memorial Auction by my dear friend docwoman, and fellow Doors2Stores member, of eBay Store Metro Retro Vintage NY has just been listed. It’s 100% proceeds to charity; Noah’s Wish, my favorite charity.
As you know, I don’t expect everyone to bid, but hoping my friends can pass the word to all their friends, click on "Watch this item" on the listing (top right of listing just above Meet the Seller) to try and get it to eBay's The Pulse, post a link in your private chat groups, blogs, or maybe even add the link/notice to your website (only if possible of course).
She has raised around $400 for the two previous year’s listings and something special she does in memory of Ruger who passed away on December 13 of 2004.
Kathy
Favorite Treasurers - Welcome to Favorite Treasures. Here you can buy Books, Sheet Music, China, Porcelain, Glass, Records, Disney Memorabilia, Magazines, Collectibles, Christmas Items, Needlepoint Canvases, Household Items, French Shea Butter Soaps, and Piano Rolls. We keep adding things, so visit often.
Be sure to get your orders to their destination on time!
Holiday deadlines, listed by destination and mail type, for USPS.
Suggested mailing deadlines for Canada Post.
HTF Toys and More - Welcome! We offer Name Brand Toys, Dolls, Action Figures, and Children's Clothing! Our inventory includes Barbie, Bratz, Power Rangers, Disney Toys, Star Wars, Pre-school Toys from Fisher Price, Playskool and more! Our newly added clothing stock includes Polo Ralph Lauren, Gap, Gymboree & more!
Frazier's Finds - Gifts & collectibles for you, your family, your home. Lang, Old Virginia, Our America jar candle toppers and stay-on-top cappers, tart warmers, votive & tealight holders including licensed Debbie Mumm, Yankee exclusives. That's Mine children's bedding and accessories. Toland decorative garden flags.
Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
For those travelling, have a safe trip.
Looking for a few quick recipes and tips? Drop by My Turkey Stuffing on Squidoo. There is also quite a few interesting lenses at Thanksgiving Headquarters on Squidoo.
Jody, Kathy and Deb
Your Doors2Stores Team
Scarborough Seashells - Seashells: nautilus conus triton trumpet murex abalone conch hermit crab shells sea glass craft shells collector specimens Sea Life & Taxidermy: starfish sea fans urchins seahorses sharks Seasonal Items: beach & nautical decor Handmade Narragansett Sea Glass Wire Wrapped Jewelry Beach Wedding Decor
Lehman Parker - We are an eBay store offering antique, vintage, and new collectibles and handcrafts... specializing in beads, buttons, books, dollhouse miniatures, jewelry, postcards, prints, and Victorian trade cards.
Metro Retro Vintage NY - Vintage Jewelry & Fashion ~ Designer, Signed, Costume, Retro, Deco, Victorian, Antique, Rhinestone, Bakelite, Beads, Native American, Navajo, Zuni, Old Pawn, Taxco, Mexican Silver, Scandinavian, Sterling, 40's 50's 60's 70's, Mod, New Look, Hippie Boho, Glam, Atomic, Goth, VLV, EGL, RAB, LBG & more!
A Well Dressed Bullet - Custom handmade Belt Buckles, Bolo Ties, Bullet Pens, Card Guard Protectors, Clocks, Jewelry, Keepsake Urns, Key Chains, Wedding, Bar & Party Lights, Zipper Pulls. Unique gift ideas for men, hunters, shooters, police officers, military personnel, conservation officers & those hard to buy for.
Beachcombers Bazaar - Natural Henna Mehndi Kits: Easy-to-use henna tattoo kits, colored henna, &henna accessories (EZ for beginners). Ethnic Jewelry: Glass Indian bangles & Indian bracelet stand display holders. Khussa Indian Shoes: Embellished flats/heels, beaded ballet flats, belly dance shoes & boho sari khussa shoes.
Be sure to drop by the Doors2Stores website.
Search instructions and print screens have been updated to continue to assist Buyers in learning how to find Store Inventory Items, eBay Stores and Doors2Stores Members.
Although we are thinking there will be more changes to the eBay site, and why we had been waiting, we decided to go ahead and make the revisions now.
Your Doors2Stores Team
We now have several lenses on Squidoo related to Doors2Stores, the main lens is Doors2Stores on Squidoo. And as you can see there is a Squidoo lens for each eBay category.
If you are a current member of Doors2Stores with the Doors2Stores banner in all of your eBay listings, and have lenses on Squidoo, I will be more than happy to include a link to your Squidoo lens and lensroll you as well.
To see an example of what I am writing about, refer to Doors2Stores CLOTHING, SHOES & ACCESSORIES listings on eBay. Jody, Deb and myself all sell in the Clothing, Shoes & Accessories category and you will see our Squidoo lenses in the "Featured Doors2Stores Members who list in this category" module, as well as lensrolled to the right side of the page.
So how about some additional exposure for your listings? Even if your listings do not show all the time on the lens itself, your own Squidoo lens will be on that page in two places (in the Featured module and lensrolled).
Before you contact me, please make sure to check that all of your eBay listings are 100% compliant with the Doors2Stores banner and that you list in the eBay category for the Squidoo lens you are contacting me under.
Detailed information and instructions are on each of the individual category lenses, which you should use as this identifies which lens you are requesting.
You must include in your email (using the Squidoo Contact Me link on the top left of each lens page)
- Your eBay ID
- Your eBay Store link
- Your Squidoo lens link I am to use
- If your lenses does not include a Contact me link, your email address
Please do not contact Doors2Stores directly as this is being done through Squidoo and it is much easier for me to keep my emails separate.
Kathy on behalf of
Your Doors2Store Team
We are looking for those familiar with eBay Stores who may be interested in writing articles for the Doors2Stores Blog here.
What kind of articles are we looking for?
Positive articles (please, no eBay bashing) on anything to do with eBay Stores.
- improving marketing
- help with store set up
- selling tips
- announcements
- funny Store related stories
- eBay Store experiences, etc.
Articles may be written when you have spare time, there is no set schedule.
Articles will have to be approved by the D2S Team prior to being posted.
If you are interested, please contact us at info@doors2stores.com. Please include your eBay ID.
Skeeters Den - I carry Collectibles, Antiques, Fire King, Luster Ware, Egg Cups, Chalkware, Depression Glass, Pyrex, Fenton, Royal Doulton, Zippo Lighters, Designer Jewelry, Purses, Wall Pockets, Occupied Japan, Salt & Pepper Shakers, Hawaiiana, Cornflower, Art, Totems and Advertising items to name a few.
Squidoo is a free site where we create lenses (single web pages) that can direct Squidoo readers to our eBay Stores and hopefully turn them into Buyers! It's fast, fun, and free. And you can earn a royalty just for selling your OWN stuff. Wild. Get the basics on their FAQ page.
I just joined Squidoo in June and I've been busy, check out my lensography. After I finished creating all our business related lenses, I moved on to some fun ones, it really is quite addicting. Be sure to read My Squidoo Story!
You can create a Squidoo lens with an eBay header such as this one and Squidoo just came out with Squidbids where we create lenses specifically targeted for our eBay items. Check out our Squidbids lens to see how I did mine. You will also notice that I have links to all my individual Squidbids lenses for each of our product lines.
Please drop by our own eBay User Forum on SquidU to meet some fellow eBay Squidooer's who will be more than happy to answer your questions.
So what are you waiting for? Start promoting your eBay Store!
Click Here to sign up now! Did I mention that it is free?
Kathy
Your Doors2Stores Team
News from eBay Live can be found on the eBay General Announcements.
Discussions of these announcements from Store owners can be read on the Stores Board.
As you know, we have Learn How to Search for eBay Stores and Store Inventory Items (instructions with print screens) to educate Buyers on how to find us.
Due to the current changes by eBay on the various Search functions and the beta testing, the print screen examples shown on the website may not appear on user's screens. We added a disclaimer on the Doors2Stores website.
We tried to update the instructions for how to customize the search and display options, and made new print screens. But these functions were not working on eBay; any changes made would not remain saved.
During eBay Live 2007 it was also announced that eBay Stores will be added to the Global header in the next 30 days.
When all the changes are implemented and glitches fixed, we will make new print screens and instructions.
1. Thoroughly Read the Listing
Make sure you read and understand all the information provided on the listing page; listing description, terms of sale, and pictures. Check payment options, S&H fee, insurance, delivery method and time, refund policies, etc. If specific information is not supplied or you have a question, be sure to contact the seller BEFORE placing your bid. Avoid making assumptions about details that are not included. If there is anything that seems odd or out-of-place contact the seller.
And remember, if it seems to good to be true..... it mostly likely is!
2. International or Cross-Border Shopping (USA and Canada)
Before placing your bid, be sure the seller offers shipping to your country AND if there any additional costs. Buyers are responsible for any duty, taxes or brokerage fees that might apply. Ask the seller to include a copy of the listing or an invoice, and mark on any shipping (custom) forms the actual price paid, not including S&H fees. Please do not ask the seller to mark it as a gift.
3. Check the Sellers Reputation (Feedback)
This only takes a few minutes of your time. From the item page, or wherever you see the seller’s User ID, click on the number in brackets after the seller's User ID. You will be able to read what previous Buyers have said about doing business with that seller. If you have doubts, either contact the seller or move on. Let your conscience be your guide.
While there are bad sellers, there are also excellent sellers who have received undeserved negatives. Let your conscience be your guide.
4. Learn about the Seller
Most Store owners have custom Store Pages and many also have a ME page. You can learn about more detailed Store Policies (Terms of Sales) and about the seller or their products. Look for custom links or buttons on the seller’s Store home page and the ME icon beside the seller’s User ID after their feedback rating.
5. Ask the Seller a Question
If you have any questions, contact the seller. You can do this by:
(i) Within a listing page, click on "Ask seller a question", located on the top right side of the listing, under "Meet the seller".
(ii) Click on the seller’s feedback number, you will be directed to their Member Profile. Click on the Contact Member button.
(iii) The seller may also include their email address on their Me Page or on one of their Store custom pages.
When contacting the seller with a question, be sure to include the eBay Item Number and Title of the listing. Many sellers have hundreds of listings. If you have not heard from the seller within a reasonable amount of time, be sure to check any "spam" folders first, in case your email program filed their reply email there.
6. Accurate Buyer’s Information
Be sure your personal information on eBay is correct and up-to-date (if your address is incorrect, you are not eligible for eBay or PayPal Buyer Protections). Since you registered on eBay, you might have moved or changed email addresses.
7. Place your Bid
8. Pay Promptly and Correctly
Sellers will send you an invoice or email advising you of the total cost of your purchase. Many sellers have specific payment methods and also a time limit on when payment should be made. If making a multiple purchase from the same seller, most will require one combined payment in order to qualify for a combined shipping price.
9. Understand Transit Time
Sellers may advise you of the estimated delivery time for your item to arrive, however, they cannot be responsible for the service of the post office or courier company. Keep in mind that carriers count business days, not weekends or holidays. If cross border shopping, there may also be border delays.
10. Leave Feedback (Voluntary)
Understand how the feedback system works before you leave feedback. Feedback should be left after you consider the transaction complete. If you are happy with the transaction, be sure to leave positive feedback for the seller. If you had a problem or you are not satisfied, before you leave negative feedback, try and work it out with the seller first, give them an opportunity to "make it right". If you leave negative feedback before contacting the seller, the seller is less likely to work with you for a solution.
Please be sure to also read our post about eBay's New Detailed Seller Rating post (below)
11. Communications
If any problems do come up, contact the seller first, before taking any action. Be factual, reasonable and polite. Give the seller an opportunity to address your concerns. Keep in mind, most eBay sellers are just one person with a life outside of eBay and do their best to make you happy.
12. After the Transaction
Once you have bought from a seller and you like their products and service, be sure to save them in your favourites and sign up for their Store Newsletters if available.
New To eBay
eBay Buying Overview
I hope before any buyer completes the new Detailed Seller Rating that they take the time to read this.
Please note that this article was written not to offend buyers, but to educate buyers on the new Detailed Seller Rating and the many factors to keep in mind when rating a Seller on the criteria below.
When the announcement of the new Detailed Seller Rating first came out, I immediately recognized there were many flaws in this new system. I also anticipated this would have a far greater (negative) impact on Canadian sellers with our high Canada Post rates, as well as most International sellers, and corporate eBay not understanding the difference between shipping and handling time or listening to their sellers and Store owners.
First I would like to state that overall we have excellent buyers, and for that we truly are so thankful. But I have read many feedback related disasters on the discussion boards from other sellers and Store owners.
My first reaction and concern was what about new and inexperienced buyers? Agreed, we all started out new at one time, but over the past few years, eBay has become overcomplicated and can be very overwhelming to those new to eBay. I am concerned that many buyers will not read about or correctly understand this new feedback system. In the past, I have seen where buyers have left a seller a negative feedback with a comment such as “have you sent my item yet” or something else totally unrelated to a negative transaction.
Sellers are now being further rated on the following four areas:
Item as Described: Unfortunately, some buyers don’t read the complete listing and problems arise out of it. I have read posts on the discussion boards where a buyer is complaining about something that was clearly provided or explained in the listing.
We have received Q4S emails asking what the size or the color of our item is, when it was already included in our listing description.
The one neutral we received was from a buyer whose comments were “Auction did not adequately describe construction”. Not that the listing was inaccurate, but that we didn’t say how we made it. Why didn’t he just ask us before he bid? I would have gladly told him.
How would these buyers rate our descriptions?
Communication: We have had several buyers who, for whatever reason (spam blockers, ISP problems, etc), don’t receive our emails. And there are also constant problems when using the eBay mail system.
Although we use a combination of both emails (direct and through eBay), we have received emails from buyers asking if we have shipped their item or did we receive their payment. The only reason a buyer would write us about this is that they didn’t receive our emails, even though we stay in constant contact with our buyers. We send emails to our buyers at every step of the transaction, they receive a minimum of five emails from us, from when their bid is placed right through until their purchase is received.
If our emails are not being received and they feel they have to write us to find out what is going on, how will they rate our customer service?
Shipping Time: I will never understand why eBay allows a buyer to rate a seller on shipping time. Delivery (transit) times are always longer with international sales, different methods of mailing have different and longer arrival times, there can be periodic increased security in place as well as border delays and there is often times when the postal service is just slow. I also believe that some buyers don’t realize that transit time is only counted in business days (not weekends or holidays) and Day 0 (day of mailing) is never counted.
eBay states that sellers are not responsible for delays in mail services, and should only be rated on aspects of shipping they can control. The above are all factors that are not within a seller’s control and are the only factors that control shipping time.
We are fortunate and have had very few problems with our buyers, but there are times I get a little nervous and hold my breath. Some are new buyers and some are buyers who have made many purchases, but from sellers in their own country. Our listings state 6 – 12 business days for US destinations, which of course will always depend on destination.
We have had a few buyers write to let me know that they hadn’t received their purchase yet (after only 2 business days).
On another transaction, in our Shipping Confirmation email, I advised our buyer it would arrive in approximately 11 to 12 business days. This buyer wrote very upset that it had been three weeks and they hadn’t received their purchase. From the day after mailing (Day 0 not counted), there was two weekends in there (4 days not to be counted) as well as two national holidays with no postal service (2 days not to be counted), so in fact at that point it had only been 8 business days and still well before the 11 to 12 business days we quoted.
On the following examples, we did receive positive feedback but the buyer had included the following comments:
“awesome product, shipping took a little longer than expected, but overall, GREAT” – sent from Canada to KS, quoted 9 business days, received in 7 business days
“slow shipping-but understood from Canada” – sent from Canada to TX, quoted 8 to 9 business days, received in 4 business days
“Canada shipping a bit long, but worth the wait” – sent from Canada to NY, quoted 6 to 7 business days, received in 5 business days
“slow shipping” – sent from Canada to VA, quoted 7 to 8 business days, received in 4 business days
How would these buyers rate our shipping time? And although they loved our products and did leave us positive feedback, by their not understanding transit time, their comments may hurt future sales and turn away potential buyers who may believe we have slow shipping times.
Shipping and Handling Charges: The biggest concern by Canadian sellers is the high costs of postage by Canada Post. This always puts us at a disadvantage with both Canadian and US buyers. We can send parcels at a much lower cost to international destinations than within our own country, so this affects our Canadian buyers. The same item can cost double to send within Canada when compared to sending to the US. And it doesn’t work the same way in the US. A US seller can send parcels within their own country at a much lower cost than we can, so this also affects our US buyers. So as a Canadian seller we are at a disadvantage with both situations.
To make this point, we recently had a very rude and very angry email from a Canadian Buyer who accused us of ripping of our fellow Canadians, as well as a few other things. We had replied to his Q4S on what shipping charges would be for a belt buckle to where he lived. He based his opinion on the fact that we were charging a much lower S&H fee to US and Australian buyers. I took the time to educate this buyer and wrote a very professional and business-like response, explaining that Canada Post rates between International and Canadian destinations were in fact different and lower to destinations outside of Canada. I included the package dimensions, weight, and our postal code, and suggested he verify the rate I was quoting on the Canada Post website was accurate. By the way, the S&H quote given was for mailing costs only, there was no handling fee included. His anger was very much misdirected as we have no control over Canada Post rates.
Sellers and buyers alike have a hard time understanding and agreeing with what handling is, and I base my opinion on what I have read on the discussion boards. There are many personal and varying opinions. Some folks think they should only pay the actual postage, and anything over that a seller is gouging. There are always additional costs to get a parcel in the mail; padded or specialty envelopes, boxes or tubes, bubble wrap or peanuts, brown kraft wrapping paper, shipping or packing tape, shipping labels, etc. and don’t forget those of us who have to drive to the Post Office and the high cost of gasoline. These are all legitimate expenses to include for handling. What I find surprising is when I read on the discussion boards when a buyer complains about the S&H after the fact, when the seller clearly listed this cost in their listing.
Thank you for taking the time to read my comments. As I said, overall we are very fortunate and our buyers are excellent, but I write this in the hopes of educating buyers to the flaws of the new Detailed Seller Rating.
Please keep the above points in mind when rating a seller on your transaction.
I hope you found this information helpful and if you did, please feel free to rate our eBay Guide at eBay's Detailed Seller Rating Guide.
As a seller, I suggest that you should send your comments to eBay at Sending Suggestions to eBay.
Kathy
Canadian eBay Store Owner
We are just in the process of setting up our new blog and appreciate your patience.
We hope to be up and running in no time.
Your Doors2Stores Team
Jody, Kathy & Debra
D2S Website
