Cindy Shebley CloverCity April 2008 Newsletter Skype

Newsletter Sign-Up

April 2008 VideoZine

Wow, my head is spinning from the changes that keep coming on eBay! So many new policies are being announced, I hardly have time to keep up.

One of the latest is about the new eBay Digital Download policy. As of the first of April, 2008, all digital delivery products will be sold via eBay's Classified Listings only.

As I understand it, this is to prevent the age old problem of buying and selling feedback on the eBay site. I agree that it is a problem and am glad that eBay is addressing this issue.

Personally I like the new policy because I sell eBooks on CD's that I feel are high quality. In the past, I've been frustrated selling my book Easy Auction Photography in the same category that has been filled with one cent junk. If you've ever looked at the category "eBay User Tools" you may have felt that it was kind of seedy. This is where all the 'I have a secret to making a million dollars on eBay' books are listed. I'm proud of my book; and as a result of the new policy, I think it'll finally be in a better neighborhood.

That's not to say that all digital delivery eBooks are junk. There are many very good books out there being sold in digital download format only. I know several education specialists who are scrambling right now because they've built a business around these good books. My heart goes out to them and I hope they can get back up to speed in their business soon.

I know those sellers are true entrepreneurs and many have started considering converting their eBooks to CD's. Which got me to thinking - maybe I could help. My partner Dany and I have a small publishing company and have created paper books, books on CD's and DVD's. It's called GhostLegProductions. We've been busy the last week creating a DVD that will help you create a book on CD or prepare it for self publishing. I can hardly wait to announce it's arrival. Meanwhile, if you have specific questions you'd like us to explain on the DVD, please send us an email.

This month I'm continuing my two new series - how to improve your DSR ratings and how to earn money on the Internet. To do both we're going to look at Skype.

Let's get started with this month's newsletter.

In This Issue:

Using Skype To Improve DSR Ratings
Are There Legitimate Ways To Make Money Online? This month we highlight Skype Prime
Monday Success With Cindy in April
The Boot Camp Videos are available for pre-order!
Online Classes This April

Using Skype To Build Your DSR Ratings & Improve Customer Service

This video shows more about Skype for your eBay business - click here.

To improve buyer experience, eBay is offering PowerSellers a 5% to 15% rebate on final value fees depending on your Detailed Seller Rating (DSR). Seller ratings are the star rating system buyers leave for sellers when they leave feedback.

One way you can improve buyer experience is by offering outstanding customer service. Answering email questions promptly will show your customers you go that extra mile. But, many customers still prefer talking with a real live person before they make a purchase. Having a toll free phone number is a good, but pricey, way to go. There is an alternative that is starting to catch on. It's called Skype . Most of the Skype services are offered for free.

eBay sellers can take advantage of the Free Skype 'Ask The seller a Question' button that is available on the listing page. Don't worry about midnight calls - once you install the Skype software, it knows when you're online and available and shows the buttons grayed out when you are not near your computer.

I've had Skype available on my listings for several months now. While I don't get a lot of calls, I can tell you that when I do get one, it's from a buyer who is ready to purchase and I've made the sale, simply by being able to answer a quick question or two. Being more accessible to my clients means I have a competitive edge. I'll take any edge I can get - even though I hate talking on the phone - LOL.

Skype has a number of pay and Free services. Here is a list of key FREE services they offer:

Skype-to-Skype calls (perfect for eBay sellers)
Video calls (a great way to consult with clients)
Instant messaging and group chats (get a group together to discuss how to use your product or service)
Conference calls with up to nine people (teach a class about your product)

Are There Legitimate Ways To Make Money Online From Your Home Computer?

With so many 'get rich quick' schemes these days, it's no wonder one of the biggest search phrases used is: "honest ways to make money online."

Yes, there are lots of reputable ways to make an honest income or just make a little extra cash on the Internet.

This month I thought I'd tell you a little about Skype Prime.

Skype for Business - Skype Prime allows you to charge for talking about what you know. eBay Education Specialists can list themselves and work one on one with clients. Skype has a directory that potential clients browse for your listing - just like the yellow pages in a phone book.

Skype Prime is the great way to share advice, knowledge or services. Set yourself up as a call provider and pass on your skills to other users.

As a call provider you can set yourself up to offer different services and earn money when people call you. You decide what services you want to offer and how much you want to charge for them – you really are your own boss.

To become a call provider:

Go to Account | Earn money with Skype Prime Beta.

If you want step-by-step instructions on setting up the Skype Prime account, there is a great page provided by Skype , including screen captures. To see the Skype Prime instructions click here.

During registration you can create different services on the 'Set up Call Service Information' screen.

You can choose to create a per-minute fee or a one-off charge services. To do this, simply name your service and choose the rate that you wish to charge. To add additional services, click on the 'Add More Services' button. Remember that you can always go back and edit, add or delete services at a later stage.

Once you've registered as a Prime provider you'll notice your Skype box will have a "charge for call" button. When you and your client have agreed to the terms you click the 'charge' button to begin the session. Your client gets a confirmation that they must click to begin.

Below is what your client sees when you click the charge button.

The funds are paid to your PayPal account. The downside is that it'll take four months to receive the funds. Skype holds the funds to make sure there is no fraud involved.

If you like to talk, this is an easy, simple, no-capital-up-front way to make some extra income using the Internet. Of course, Skype does charge a fee to use the service. They take a 30% processing fee - so be sure to factor that into your prices.

One quick note, as a value added service you can record the call with the software called "Pamela" and offer it to your clients for review. Pamela is another very simple download and costs about $25.00 a year. Part of making money is to stay one step ahead of the competition - Pamela will help you provide that extra little service.

Other companies that provide similar services include:

A New Success With Cindy Interview Coming In April

There's an exciting new video product called Deal 4 It. You can see a sample of it in action here.

I have the pleasure of interviewing Ty Ricker, co-founder of this amazing new company.

I really believe this will breathe new fun into the fixed priced listings on eBay. For more information or to jump ahead and try it for yourself click here.

Increase your eBay Sales with Rich Interactive Video!

To reserve your place at this webinar go to www.askaboutvideo.com

Skip McGrath Boot Camp Videos Pre-Order

I'm pleased to announce that the five disk DVD set is set to ship. We're going to have a very special introductory price available. Plus, if you buy from me or through my affiliate link I'm going to throw in some very special bonuses.

Here's the link to more information.

Order soon - the introductory price is going away shortly after the official launch.

New Online Digital Camera Class Coming Soon

Take this class without leaving the comfort of your home!
Taught by Cindy Shebley

Dial in and watch your computer monitor.

I'll provide the information necessary to produce great photos and walk you through step-by-step how to use your digital camera.

During this two-part class, we'll cover: the various modes and settings your camera has to offer, the basics of composition, how to get those images to your computer, basic software uses, printing and sharing your photos via email and the internet.

We'll open up the phone lines for questions at the end of each session, so bring your camera, questions and enthusiasm - and never leave the comfort of you home!

The class also includes a downloadable PDF eBook with the presentation that you can refer to later - so you can follow along with your camera instead of worrying about taking notes.

For More Information or to register for this online camera class click here