Hi!
Broken Bats and Spoof emails. What a weird week it has been. Isn’t life on eBay always a little wacky?
- Lynn Recommends: Listening to Mo, Carmen & Me
- Special Announcement: 5-Day Sale!
- Feature Article: Is Phishing really for Fish or your Personal Information?
- The Queen’s Update: I am teaching three Classes at eBay Live!
This ezine is published once a week.
April 24, 2008 Volume IV, Issue 17
Dear,
I got the best email this week from one of our ezine readers. I asked her if it was OK to share and Denise said, “Sure, We all need a good laugh.” So here it is and please check out her store Huntin for a Bargain Consignment on eBay. I can just picture this……
Hey Lynn:
Just wanted to drop you a note to say thanks for keeping me motivated!! I own a consignment shop and recently bought my mother-in-law’s antique shop. She specialized in glassware as you can see from the attached picture…and that’s just one room of the shop!!
Now, while my shop is open, but not busy, I can list, list, list all day long!! Last night I was holding my laptop up to my ear so I could listen to your recent teleconference call. The volume only goes so loud on it and my desktop is at the store. Nevertheless I was determined to hear every word!!
My husband came out of the shower and took one look at me and said, “Boy you’ve really got it bad for that eBay lady.” I said, “Ssssshhhhhhh I can’t hear!!” Later, I had to laugh at that comment, ‘cuz I’m always saying, “Lynn says this, and Lynn says that….” Even my husband knows who my “invisible friend” is!!
Anyway I’m slowly building my eBay business each day and just recently opened an eBay store for my auction items that haven’t sold. For some reason something has clicked for me and I’m obsessive about listing!! I lie in bed at night and list everything in the shop over and over!!
Thanks again for saying, “Just list it, it will happen.” Keep up the great work and know that you are touching many lives when you share your information. Some of us hang on every word!!!
Fondly,
Denise Haskins
The teleconference that Denise is talking about is the free one from tax day, so if you missed it, we have a downloadable version in the Lynn Recommends section. Please check it out.
Before I forget, I must update you on the Le Creuset Pan. It sold for over $70! And I paid $5.00.
Click here to read more.
This past week was as busy as ever. Houston had a baseball tournament here in town. It was a really neat tournament because the kids had to use wooden bats. If you don’t know this (and I certainly did NOT), metal bats are allowed through college, but to play in the majors you have to use wooden ones.
The kids can’t hit as far with the wooden bats and it almost puts everyone on a more level field. The high point of the tournament (for us) was when Houston actually hit a ball over the fence. Automatic home run! I couldn’t believe it and I don’t think he could either.
The kids mobbed him in the field and I was so in shock, I forgot to take a picture!!! You should have seen him running those bases–I don’t think I have ever seen him with a bigger grin. He may have been the only kid in the tournament to hit one so far! One of the dads on the team got the ball and had all the kids sign it. It is now in Houston’s hall of fame along with the new wooden bat I bought for him on day two that he broke on the very first pitch and hit! So that is why wooden bats are so cheap!
Houston with a new wooden bat from the team manager for hitting the homer!
There were only five garage sales in the paper in my area this past Saturday, so we went out late and of course, didn’t find much. I had to drag Houston and Indy with me because my mom is out of town up in the “North Pole” (as my dad calls it) because it is still snowing in April in Bellingham, Washington.
My main reason for going was to find examples of good and bad garage sales for one of the classes I am teaching at eBay Live this June. I felt like a stalker taking the photos–it was so embarrassing that I didn’t zoom in enough and Lee tells me they are NO good. I will have to try again next weekend. What a waste of a Saturday morning.
To make up for not finding anything, I dragged the kids to some thrift stores and I did find some neat dishes. Check out this Animal print dinner plate. Always buy animal print items–no matter who the maker.
Check out this animal print plate here.
Indy and her brother also spotted this blow-up motorcycle-style boat for $8.00. It actually has a motor and does move. Indy has been riding it around our freezing pool all week. She just climbs on at the edge and never gets wet. She has been cleaning the Jacaranda from our neighbor’s tree out of the pool! She looks like Speed Racer.
I have not written an article on spoof emails also known as “phishing” for too long. One of my customers received one this week that was so believable and a new scam that I have never seen. I knew then and there it was time to write this article. This spoof email was targeted at buyers, not sellers; so if you have any friends or family members that buy on eBay (not necessarily sell), please forward this ezine to them.
We also haven’t had a sale on EVERYTHING in some time. So, please check out the Special Announcement section for a great global sale. (Sorry, Live Boot Camp is not included!)
By the way, starting next Tuesday, April 29th, Houston’s baseball team is going to be running some auctions to raise money for the world series tournament in Colorado this summer. It costs a lot of money to send 11 boys and their families so please check out those auctions & bid when they start. April 29th is a go! In the meantime, they have started testing a few items–so please check it out and bookmark it for the HUGE Live event on 4/29. PalmDesertMustangs.com You will be very surprised to see what I have donated when it goes live!
Once again, I am super excited to announce that I have been selected to teach two computer labs and co-teach one seminar at eBay Live this year in Chicago. Please read the Queen’s Update section to learn more. I want to see you guys in those seats!!!!
Here’s to Successful eBaying!
Lynn Dralle, ‘The Queen of Auctions,’ Creator of the best-selling eBay Boot Camp in a Box and Boot Camp in a Box Lite.
On tax day at noon, Carmen, Mo, and I gathered in my cluttered office to host the teleseminar. Carmen had never participated before so it was quite fun. She learned a lot and so did everyone else. Even if you missed the live call, you can still listen in here.
Here is an email I got right after the call:
Hi Lynn:
I just wanted to let you know that the teleseminar was great today. I’m so glad that you sent out the reminder since I had forgotten. I now have renewed energy and am ready to get going again. I’m going to list, list and list because I want to have enough money to be able to attend the Boot Camp.
Thanks again for all you do to help so many people.
I love your positive attitude!
Sharon Carrillo
These teleseminars that we do are always educational and inspiring! I hope you take just 60 short minutes out of your day and listen in. You can even be working on eBay while you listen. You will learn a lot! You can listen in here.
We talk a lot about Live Boot Camp and the Dralle Method. Speaking of Live Boot Camp, we now have a four-part payment plan and for anyone that signs up before April 28th (or has already signed up)–you will receive an advance preview copy of “On the Road to eBay Live” the DVD that is going to be shot this June in Chicago.
In case you missed the Live Call, you can listen to the recording on your computer here.
Live Boot Camp in La Quinta, California is happening September 5th, 6th, and 7th. Here is a link to learn more: TheQofA.com
If you own my ecourse, Boot Camp in a Box Lite, Full Boot Camp in a Box, or have attended an eBay Live Boot Camp–you will receive a special rate. Email us at ebay@thequeenofauctions.com for the link.
Isn’t it time for you to jump-start your eBay Business?
We want to help you do it!
All of our best-selling products are on sale for the next 5 Days–ONLY!
Take 25% off anything on the website with this coupon code: 5Day08. Queen’s Court members–you will find your coupon code for an additional 15% off on your private discussion board.
Jump Start your business with Boot Camp in a Box Lite
 Hi Lynn, I’m a big fan and have all your books and DVDs. I couldn’t afford the Boot Camp in a Box but when you came out with the Lite version, I JUMPED on it! I watched all the DVDs and didn’t print out the documents until afterward (my printer was down). I have to tell you I was thrilled with the package!!! I am not a newbie but I’m not at PowerSeller status… yet and I learned so, so much. It was worth every penny and I’m so happy you offered this deal. Wish me luck! Take care and keep the great ezine coming, I love it!! Donna P. |
Or Full Boot Camp in a Box
|
I am an owner of Boot Camp in a Box. And I love it. I am not yet up to 100 things a week speed, but am enjoying eBaying a lot more!! When it got here, you would have thought it was Christmas. I was listening to the CDs at home, in the car, and my husband was looking at me pretty strangely! I can’t wait to try more of Lynn’s ideas. –Diane B., Flint, MI |
Isn’t it time to stock up on I Sell Sheets, Binders?
But hurry! Our 5-Day Sale ends Tuesday, April 29th at midnight!
‘Is Phishing just for Fish or for your Personal Information?‘
by Lynn A. Dralle, ‘The Queen of Auctions’
This week I sold an expensive item and I got a strange email from the buyer–it sounded phishy (fishy). The item was over $400 and I have found that most crooks only take extensive time to send phony item-specific emails when the items are expensive.
Before I get too far into this article I want to explain a little bit more about general phony emails also known as spoof emails and phishing.
There are unscrupulous people who will try to get your username and password to access your account. Never share this information with anyone. No one from eBay or PayPal will ever contact you requesting your login information. To be safe, you should always navigate yourself to these sites to log in, never follow a link in an email. To read an older ezine article with a section on email spoof safety, click here. Having said this, I want to reassure you that with the proper precautions, the Internet is a safe and proven means of doing business used by millions of eBayers every day.
But back to my problem email this past week. It was so good and item-specific that it warrants its own article. I am not going to share the actual item number or her user-id with you to protect both of us. She had bought multiple items, paid for one, and then here is the email I got from her….
Hi,
I understand there is a problem with your PayPal. I also purchased another auction yesterday and paid through PayPal. My PayPal states it was received fine. Hopefully you can ammend the problem and I can get the payment to you promptly for this huge lot.
I can send you a money order but i would have to wait until my income tax check comes hopefully this week because i was paying for this lot with my credit card through PayPal.
Please call me so we can arrange something. You have a definite new client in me and I will be a repeat buyer from you. Thank you
Susan
I thought it was strange because there was nothing wrong with my PayPal account, so I emailed her back. Typically, with a new buyer sometimes I don’t even bother following up because I think that they may be making excuses to back out of a deal. But for some reason, I thought I should reply.
Hi Susan,
There is nothing wrong with my PayPal account. Your one payment came through just fine. Sometimes certain credit card companies put a limit on how much you can charge on them through PayPal.
If you want to call us with your credit card information we can run it through here in the office as we have a merchant account also. Our office number is 760-345-xxxx and it will be Carmen who answers the phone or you could fax it to 760-345-xxxx. It will show up on your credit cared statement as All Aboard Inc. Thanks!
Lynn
She responded quite quickly with this….
OK, I was responding to your email early this morning about holding out on payment because your PayPal was not accepting payments for a bit, so now that it is all cleared up, I will send you payment today through PayPal.
I was starting to get worried because for one thing, I KNEW I did not send any emails “early this morning” because I am NOT a morning person. I immediately sent this email…
Hi there,
I didn’t send an email this morning about my PayPal account. It must have been a phishing (scam) email. Thanks. Lynn
The phishers are not looking for real or ceramic fish like this one from The 100 Best Things I’ve Sold on eBay story #47 that sold for $48.10. They are looking for your personal information and your money. Be careful!
Susan forwarded me this email with this as the subject….
Re: THIS IS THE EMAIL I GOT THIS MORNING Fw: Very Important – Read this before any payment for eBay item #…….
Click here for a larger version.
I got back to her with this…
Thanks Susan,
Total scam email. I will forward it to eBay and PayPal trust and safety and you may want to do the same. Thanks.
Lynn
By the way, the email address to forward scam emails to for eBay is spoof@ebay.com and for PayPal to spoof@paypal.com.
Luckily, with good communication between both buyer and seller, a $400 payment did not go to the wrong person. If something appears fishy, it probably is! Take the time to be very careful and help keep eBay a safe place to do business!
Happy eBaying!
Lynn
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR ON YOUR WEBSITE? Yes, you may – just as long as you include all links as they are and append this complete blurb with it: The Queen of Auctions and eBay Power Seller, Lynn Dralle, publishes ‘eBay Tips & Tricks’ a weekly ezine with 10,000+ subscribers. If you’re ready to jump-start your eBay business, make more money and have more time, get your FREE tips now at www.thequeenofauctions.com
I am excited to announce that I will be teaching one class (Twice now!) and co-teaching another class at eBay Live! I have been asking eBay if I could do this for years and finally my dream is coming true!!! The classes are 90 minutes long each.
I can’t believe that eBay Live! in Chicago is just 70 days away. Yikes! I have so much to do. In addition to the classes, we will be in a 10′ by 20′ booth–Booth #538. Carmen, her husband Jason, Mo, and I will be manning the booth. Mo’s sister Mary Beth will also be helping out. Can’t wait!
The first class that I am teaching–on my own–is called “How To Research Quickly & Effectively When Selling Higher Profit Margin Items.” It is a computer lab course. I have the dates and times now for all the classes. This one will be taught on Thursday June 19th from 10:00 to 11:30 am and then again on Friday June 20th from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. I just found out that this class will be held in a room that has 25, 50 or 75 computers.
To get the larger room here is what needs to happen. Because there are no advanced sign-ups for any sessions interested students CAN go to the Agenda Builder after they register for the conference and build their agenda, showing they will attend your session.
The more people that indicate interest through the Agenda Builder, the larger the room they put the session in. They are not held to their choices, however, so if they change their minds no one will hunt them down! Here is more about the class:
I will bring in ten unique items–typically higher profit margins from the antiques and collectibles category. As an example, a flatware set (just one piece), dinnerware set (just one piece), antique vase, etc., and show them on the computer where to go and find values and identify patterns fast! I will use Google, PriceMiner, eBay and Replacements.
The computer lab classes are workshop classes where attendees can get hands-on experience. They are limited to 100 attendees sharing 50 computers. Lab presentations are similar to Seminars, but have more step-by-step instructions and screenshots/images, so attendees can follow along on the computer. I hope to see you there!
The second class that I am co-teaching with Herb Oberman is called “From One Item To A Truckload – How To Source High-Margin Items Locally.”
My section is about shopping garage sales and thrift stores. This class will be held on Friday, June 20th from 10:30 to 12:00 noon.
Here is more about the class:
If you are looking for ongoing sources of merchandise that are not imported, or want to see how you can make significant profit off of low-cost items, this is a must-attend seminar! Join Herb Oberman and Lynn Dralle aka The Queen of Auctions, to learn more about locally sourcing high margin items that have not flooded the eBay Marketplace. Herb will talk about finding companies in your area that sell products at rock bottom prices which you may then resell on eBay. Lynn will show you how to quickly and effectively shop garage sales and thrift stores to find those unique items that can sell for big bucks on eBay.
It is a Seminar. These are lecture-style classes for large groups of attendees. Seminars look like your classic presentation – with a mixture of bullet point content and screenshots/images. Can’t wait to see you at either one!
eBay PowerSeller and third-generation antique dealer, Lynn Dralle, is the creator of Boot Camp in a Box, the home-study course where you can learn to implement the Dralle Method to maximize your eBay profits.
If you liked today’s issue, you’ll love this step-by-step course that is guaranteed to be the most complete and enjoyable guide to selling on eBay that MAKES YOU MONEY.
Read all about it here.
The Queen of Auctions also offers articles, teleseminars, how-to books, tracking guides, DVDs, eBay Boot Camp training, and other resources to help entrepreneurs make their eBay business a six-figure sales machine. Click here to learn more.
The Queen of Auctions/All Aboard Inc.
PO Box 14103
Palm Desert, CA 92255
760-340-6622
Lynn@TheQueenofAuctions.com
Happy eBaying!!
Lynn
Visit my eBay Store.
Visit my eBay auctions.
For more great eBay tips and stories, visit my website at:
Lynn is an experienced eBay Power Seller, author, and teacher. If you want to know the eBay tips, tricks, and tools that Lynn uses for buying and selling at an online auction click here.