Tips From The Top
The Savvy Seller Podcast 

Savvy Seller Marlene Gavens has invited me to join her 'Tips From The Top' Talkshoe podcast this Tuesday June 16th 1:00 pm pacific time/ 4:00 est. I'd be delighted to have you online.

http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/19245

Test Listings On eBay 

In preparation for the eBay Radio Party, I found myself in a little hot water with eBay

Last weekend I wanted to test some photos on the site. I listed a few shoe photos in the shoes category on eBay. No sooner had they been listed then I received a call from someone at eBay. 

The eBay representative asked me why I was listing something that wasn't for sale. Then she told me it was a policy violation to do test listings in any other category than the 'test' category. She was nice about it, instead of giving me a VeRO violation she let me change the category. 

So, if you occasionally test your listings, or are working with a student, be sure your test listings go under: 'Everything Else" -- "Test Listings"

eBay Radio Party June 24 & 25th

 Lee Mirabal, Jim Griffith and eBetsy from eBay radio have started a grass roots eBay get together in June in Las Vegas. Talk is that there will be experts, parties and cheap buffets. This will be an excellent chance to network with other eBayers. And, there is hope that at least some of the eBay contingent will be there.

For more information or to sign-up go to http://www.wsradio.com/RADIOGROUPJUNE/  

The Agenda Has Been Set - If you wondered if this was the right event for you, here's more information about the activities:

8:00-9:00 - Registration
9:00-9:45 - Janelle Elms - How to set up an eBay Store
9:45-10:00 - Networking Break
10:00-10:45 - Cindy Shebley, Photography for eBay
10:45-11:00 - Networking Break
11:00 -1:00 - eBay Radio Show Live Broadcast
1:00-2:00 - LUNCH
2:00-2:45 - Debbie Levitt - Growing your eBay Business with Marketing,
Strategy and Software
2:45-3:00 - Networking Break
3:00-4:00 - eBay Town Hall
4:00-5:00 - Networking, Q&A 

THURSDAY, JUNE 25
9:00-9:30 - Speed eBaying
9:30-9:45 - Networking Break
9:45-10:30 - Lynn Dralle - Product Sourcing at Garage Sales
10:30-11:00 - Break - CONTEST RESULTS
11:00-11:45 - Carolyn CJ Jacinto - Packing & Shipping
11:45-1:00 - LUNCH
1:00-1:45 - Melinda Jackson - How to start an eBay Seller's Group
1:45-2pm - Networking Break
2:00-2:45 - Marsha Collier - eBay Sales Tips and Strategy
2:45-3:00 - Networking Break
3:00-5:00 - eBay Radio Show Live Broadcast 

For more information or to sign-up go to http://www.wsradio.com/RADIOGROUPJUNE/  

Amazon Conference - July 

Colin Sebastian, Digital Media & Internet analyst at Wall Street firm Lazard Capital Markets, estimates that Amazon.com's third-party sellers will generate nearly $9 billion in gross merchandise sales in 2009. This is up from roughly $7 billion in 2008.

If you want to learn more about getting on board in this hotly growing sales venue and great jumping off point is the Independent Sellers Conference next month.

This is the independent conference for entrepreneurs who utilize amazon.com as a sales platform.

Dates = July 10-13 2009
Place - Seattle Airport Marriott and Amazon HQ

This conference is presented to allow sellers to network, learn, and grow their online businesses. Executives from amazon.com will be on hand to lead sessions, answer questions and receive feedback. 

Website: http://www.scoe.biz
Location: Kirkland, WA

I've just received a special offer for those who are late to sign-up. The fee to attend now is $325 - but, if you use this special link: http://www.scoe.biz/REFERRAL.html you can still register for $250.00.

This is an affiliate link - if you write in that I referred you - I'll receive $25.00. But that's not why I'm telling you about the link. I want you to be able to attend this important conference at the best possible price. So, what I'm going to do is donate all money I receive from the referrals to my favorite charity - NOAA Animal Center.

Wonder Why These Newsletters Occasionally Give You An Active X Warning?

Several subscribers have mentioned that when they open this email, they get a pop-up notice warning about an 'Active X' control. 

I know it sounds scary, but in most cases active x controls are benign.

However, a few bad guys have discovered how to install viruses on computers via the Active X control so your software or Explorer warns you whenever one needs to be installed.

The email service I use for this  newsletter tracks your clicks. (in fact all newsletter services track user clicks). I want to know what you're interested in so we can continue providing that kind of content.

I'm not really sure why this happens, but when I embed a video - like the one I put in about Bonanzle from YouTube in the last edition, the video triggers the active x control warning. 

I've been tracking to see which is more effective: the videos I include in this newsletter that is just a thumbnail that one must click on to go to the site and view  - or the ones  that I embed directly into the email (which triggers the active X warning).

It seems most people prefer to view the video directly inside the email. So, for now I'm perplexed. Should I continue to embed video and worry the few users who get Active X warnings? Or, should I go back to the less effective thumbnail that leads users to an outside video hosting website?

Let me know which you'd prefer.

Watch Your Mailbox On Tuesday

I don't normally send out email pitch letters - but I've been invited to join a very exciting book launch (almost as exciting as mine - LOL). And, to be honest, I can hardly wait to buy my copy of the new book - I love her stories. (hint, hint)

On Tuesday one of eBay's Royalty is having a very exciting 48 hour big bonus offering to launch her book. Please keep an eye out for an email from me.

Of course, all participants are invited to be affiliates of the launch, in the interest in transparency I am too. So, if you click on the link in the email I send you and decide to purchase - I'll make a small commission. 

But, I tell you what. I promise to to write an article on The Web Sellers Circle explaining exactly how these sorts of partnerships can help build your business and give you a step by step guide on how it works so you can use it when you're ready to launch your product or service.