People It Is Time To Stop The Insanity!
There Is No ATM In Your Computer
I have written on this subject before, yet it seems that my inbox has been flooded in the past 6 months or so with promises to make me rich! From Amazon to Google, Craigslist to eBay, I can make thousands (at least) if I just follow their system. Of course these “SYSTEMS” cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
This morning I got another offer! The website is even called Auction Cash Machine! What possibilities this must hold! Can you imagine my EXCITEMENT?
In the economic climate of today, tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of individuals and small business owners are seeking alternative ways to generate income. I can only wonder how they contain themselves when they receive these offers! A recent Google Alert came across my desk that did my heart good. Apparently California has taken one of these so called systems to task over their claims of financial independence once you “buy” into their system. Stores Online and it’s parent company Imergent Inc., have agreed to repay customers that have filed complaints. In full disclosure, I have attended one of Stores Online free seminars. In my opinion it is nothing more and nothing less than a SCAM!
While these are just two of the companies making totally ridiculous claims, make no mistake, there are hundreds more out there just like them.
We Must Stop The Insanity!
It is time for sites like Amazon, eBay, Google, and Craigslist to help put an end to this madness! The aforementioned sites MUST undertake an agressive public campaign to completely disassociate themselves from these types of offers.
In my opinion, they must use everything in their arsenals to condem these programs for what they really are! JUNK!
There are no “systems” to make you RICH! Hard work, dedication and research are required to run a sucessful business. Unless of course you work on Wall St. (I couldn’t resist that)
If you are considering attending one of these seminars or buying a CD or DVD that promises you untold riches, do me one favor please. DON’T!
Alternatives
There are alternatives. There are honest, giving people on the internet that are willing to help! Join internet groups, listen to FREE podcasts, and finally do your research. Before you spend any money, before you invest your time, search the internet for what people are saying about the company you are thinking of utilizing.
I have long been an advocate of mentors, educational seminars and conferences. But do your research and find the one that meets your needs. Talk with former attendees and get their opinions on the usefulness of the program. If you choose individual trainers or mentors ask for references.
In my opinion, these get rich quick scams are in the same class as Bernie Madoff! They are thieves praying on people struggling to make a living.
Small Ecommerce Business Get’s The One Two Punch From Google And eBay In One Day
eBay Analyst Day
Much has already been and more will be written about the first eBay Analyst Day held in 3 years. eBay executives did their best to put on their smiley faces in an attempt to encourage the folks from Wall Street. I will not attempt to regurgatate most of what is already out there, however here are two things that I took away from the event:
- PayPal is the leading money maker of the company. Some of you will remember I wrote about this last August in a blog post. One of the things I found almost laughable was the talking point eBay made that PayPal’s integration into the eBay platform had risen several percentage points over the past 6 months. Of course it did! eBay made it almost (this is as close as I can come to saying Monopoly) mandatory. Who were they really trying to kid?
- eBay will now be focusing on the “Secondary Marketplace”. First this is not a term that has been used before that I am aware of. What it really means is the liquidation marketplace. Out of season or end of live product. It was said, and I paraphrase here, “We are interested in attracting those businesses that have stuff in warehouses that they need to dispose of”. This certainly does not seem to include the small sellers that have one of’s.
While eBay continues to state that they embarce the small seller, in my opinion the only reason for this is the increased search engine visibility they receive by “allowing” these sellers on the site. Once buyers are on the site they are directed to the sellers that eBay wants them to see, not necessarily what the buyer wants to see.
eBay told analysts that 2009 would be very difficult on the eBay site, only slightly better in 2010 and incrementally better in 2011 IF the economy improves. eBay also said that it’s focus is now on the current customers and less on attracting new buyers.
Bottom line is lower volume sellers are in for a tough couple of years based on the current direction of the company.
For complete analysis of the eBay Analyst event check out http://www.ebaystrategies.blogs.com by Scot Wingo CEO of Channeladvisor.com
Google announced yesterday, during the eBay Analyst event (maybe to hope to sneak it out there with little attention????) that effective in May 2009 there would be a significant increase in fees for those merchants using Google Checkout.
Again, the small seller takes it on the chin with these fee increases.
Colderice did a fee increase comparison on his blog, and I think it brings home the point very well.
Every company needs to make a profit. I do not blame either eBay or Google for making these moves. They need to do what they think will improve their position in the marketplace and ultimately their bottom lines. This is what their stockholders expect.
All users of either eBay or Google need to decide whether their businesses can adapt to the changes or not. If not, the answer is simple. Change your marketing strategies to other venues or payment options.
Auctiva Trojan Troubles Compounded By Suggestion To Turn Off Security Warnings
What Is Auctiva Thinking????
According to forum posts the 3rd party eBay solution provider Auctiva.com suffered an attack on their servers last Friday afternoon. This attack apparently allowed the insertion of Trojan scripts on some of Auctiva’s 200+ servers. This malware or whatever it is apparently took buyers or viewers of items listed with the Auctiva software to Asian sites. Google has marked Auctiva with the following warning: This site may harm your computer” based on this infection and FireFox browser users receive a warning as well.
Colderice.com reported on this issue and it’s widespread implications. Today Auctionbytes posted an article quoting Jeff Schlicht President of Auctiva who said the affected servers have been removed from service and the site is safe, yet Google and Firefox are still showing the warnings.
Who Do We Believe
Schlicht says that it will take some time (unknown how long) for Google to re-spider the site. While all this is going on, the Auctiva forum posted a work around to the FireFox warning by recommending to Auctiva users :
Update - If you are using the Firefox browser and are unable to use your account because you are receiving a warning stating the Auctiva is an “attack site”, you should be able to workaround it by selecting “Options” from the “Tools” menu and disabling the “tell me if the site I’m visiting is a suspected attack site” setting under the “Security” tab.
Now I am not an internet security expert but to me and many others who have read this it sure appears to be a very dangerous action to take. The entire incident has raised concern from sellers and buyers alike.
I don’t know who to believe, Google or Auctiva. What I do know is that recommending that users disable security settings is not the most intelligent thing Auctiva could do in this situation.
As of the time of this post, requests for comment from both Auctiva and eBay have gone unanswered.
UPDATE: 7:30 PM ET 2/22/09
John “Colderice” Lawson is reporting that the eBay Daily Deals which features items submitted through Auctiva are now showing the danger warnings as mentioned above.
As I stated above requests for comment from both eBay and Auctiva have still gone unanswered.
3 Programs Rank In The Top 100 on Small Business Trends Radio
Small Business Trends Radio
Congratulations AuctionWally, ebay & Beyond: Basics To Business and Tips From The Top
Anita Campbell host of Small Business Trends Radio has posted her Top 100 Podcasts For 2009 and I am very pleased that 3 of the podcasts endorsed by Ecommerce marketing Radio Network have been selected into this elite group of podcasters!
Walt Kolenda aka AuctionWally and Marlene Gavens (pronounced Gay-vens) host of Tips From The Top along with yours truly Dave White Host of ebay & Beyond: Basics to Business have all been included in this prestigous list along with eBay Radio, CNN Money and many more well known podcasts.
I am extremely gratified to know that the work these and all the hardworking podcasters is gaining attention.
Are Forum And Discussion Boards Really Needed?
Everyone Has One
While listening to the Brainstorming Bonanzle internet radio program last night an interesting discussion regarding the forums and discussions ensued. The focus of the discussion was how to improve the discussion or forum boards on Bonanzle. While a lot of great ideas were brought forth, it got me wondering if ecommerce sites really need them?
What Are The Boards For?
Before we can think about whether we need these discussion boards we need to understand what the intended results or purpose will be. Some sites have created the discussion boards for the exchange of ideas among users. While I agree with this concept, I wonder how many users of a site actually participate on the boards, and if users really do share valuable ideas? My personal experience has been that a small percentage of the sites users actually particpate on these boards. My guess is less than 5% of registered users actually participate on most site discussion boards on any sort of regualr basis.
A Place To Complain
While I admit wholeheartedly that the prospect of a place to share ideas and strategies would be most useful, the sad truth is that a significant portion of the forum or discussion boards I have looked into are merely a venue for users to complain. Whether it is to complain about the site or other users, this situation is rampant across the internet. The problem is that these comments are seen internet wide, not just by the users of the forums. The majority of these discussion or forums are indexed by search engines and these comments viewable by anyone.
While I truly believe in there being a place for open honest discussion the truth is that is not happening. When discussion boards allow unrestricted access without moderation they very very frequently become a free for all. Forums are in my opinion NOT the correct venue to voice complaints about a site. There are customer support channels to do this. Call the company, email them, write snail mail, or just leave the site. What I really don’t understand is the person that posts the same complaint day in and day out! If they are that unhappy with a site they should simply LEAVE.
Moderated Boards
Some ecommerce sites discussion boards are moderated. Some by staff, some by volunteers. This often leads to complaints of censorship. While I don’t like censorship any more than the next person, it occurs to me that the site owners have EVERY RIGHT to protect themselves. I moderate my chat boards for my radio program, why should discussion forums be any different?
Do Site Owners Really Need Forums?
I believe that if regulated correctly there is a very significant benefit to these boards, yet if unregualted or unmoderated they lose much of their usefulness.
ebay & Beyond: Basics To Business Podcasts Reviewed By AuctionWally
While prying open my sleepy eyes this morning I was greeted by a Direct Message (DM) from my good friend Walt Kolenda aka AuctionWally. As I was downing my morning coffee I about sprayed my computer screen with said coffee when I read the link that Wally had sent me! Imagine my total surprise when I began reading Wally’s review of my weekly live internet radio program ebay & Beyond: Basics To Business (also available as a podcast on Talkshoe and iTunes).
Walt has been a contributor/writer for Examiner.com for some time and recently has been charged with reviewing podcasts. I am totally floored that he would chose our program to be one of the first podcasts he reviewed.
Wally’s article is glowing and complimentary! Thanks so much Walt for the great review and exposure. As we approach our second anniversary show next week, I truly appreciate the attention and review by one of my peers.
eCommerce Marketing Radio Network Takes It To The Next Level
Janaury 23, 2009
Sherman, NY- eCommerce Marketing Radio Network announces today the beginning of a new era in live talk radio! Beginning Saturday January 24th 2009 ebay & Beyond: Basics to Business the longest running independent live weekly interactive talk radio program for ecommerce sellers will be simulcast live on both Talkshoe.com and live video on Ustream.tv.
As a pioneer in ecommerce news radio, the next progression is to provide live video streaming for better listener, (and now viewer) interaction. Using the wonderful technology of the internet, ebay & Beyond will now be able to demonstrate visually the products, software and techniques to improve ecommerce.
Initially we will provide live streaming video of the program and in the very near future, provide live screen shots of software, products and services that will enhance the listeners understanding of these items.
ebay & Beyond: Basics to Business is heard every Saturday morning, 10 AM to Noon ET.
eBay Announces Changes to Stores and Search, The Sky Is Not Falling
One Persons View
Over the past several weeks there has been much speculation regarding changes on the eBay platform. Historically, eBay has made changes after the busy holiday shopping season and many pundits felt there may be announcements made in early 2009.
eBay Did Not Disappoint Some
While my personal feeling is that there will more changes (more about that later) the announcement yesterday of changes to the eBay Stores templates policy and search in my opionion are for the better. Even though I do not sell on eBay much anymore, and probably won’t in the future, I do still shop on the site.
Some store owners have paid THOUSANDS of dollars to have their store template professionally created by companies specializing in this. Some of these companies have stretched the boundries of the eBay rules regarding stores template designs. OK, some companies and individuals have even exceeded those boundries. eBay has been somewhat lax in their enforcement of these boundries in the past but that is apparently about to change.
This is NOT AN ACTUAL EMERGENCY!
Many template design companies have known about these upcoming changes for months! These companies have in many cases been working with eBay to help create these changes and beta testing them.
There are some eBay Stores template design and development companies that wish to portray these changes as “The Sky is Falling” unless you have been or plan on doing business with “US”. These same companies point out that under the changes some Stores will be “Broken”.
The truth is that eBay will make these changes effective at the end of March 2009 which gives Stores owners nearly 45 days to make the necessary adjustments to comply with the changes. eBay has even provided a preview link that allows sellers to see how their stores will look after the change.
While this change MAY have a significant impact on a few thousand eBay Store owners (maybe even tens of thousands), it is nothing that can not be dealt with, and will provide a more consistent shopping experience for buyers. This is a good thing for ecommerce sellers on the eBay Stores venue and that is a GOOD THING!
eBay Solicits Select Sellers For Jan 22 Research Project
Yesterday I received an email from eBay inviting me as a seller to participate in what eBay is calling a:
voluntary research project about eBay
Here is the complete email:
eBay sent this message to David White
Your registered name is included to show this message originated from eBay. Learn more.
Dear David,
In a continuing effort to provide our users with the best possible online trading experience, we invite you to participate in a voluntary research project about eBay taking place on January 22, 2009 and conducted by our research partner, Invoke Solutions. Your valuable feedback will help us improve our service to you.The research project involves participation in an online live session to help us understand how we can improve the seller experience on eBay. This unique online session will be held real-time on the Internet and will be interactive. Qualified participants who complete the entire online session will receive $20.00 in appreciation for your time.
Involvement in this research project is completely voluntary and we are inviting only a select group of people to join our online session. To see if you qualify, we ask that you answer a few short questions by clicking on the link below (or copy the address into your browser):
Your answers to our questions will be held in complete confidence and no marketing or sales efforts involving you will occur as a result. Your personal information will be used only to qualify you to participate in this specific research session and mail your incentive check. By completing the survey you consent to being contacted by Invoke Solutions to invite you to the online session.Those who qualify and are selected to participate will receive access instructions via email to the live online session. The online session will last approximately 90 minutes and can be accessed from your home or another location that is convenient for you. During the interactive online survey, you will be asked to interact with both a moderator (discussion leader) and other participants. This will be an engaging, lively session and we are sure you will find it enjoyable.
If you have any difficulties (or any questions or concerns), please contact recruitment@invoke.com.
Regards,
eBay User Research
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All information collected is confidential and the information you provide will be used strictly within eBay’s Privacy Policy.
If you do not wish to receive further communications, sign into “My eBay” by clicking on the “My eBay” link found at the top of the eBay home page and change your Notification Preferences. Please note that it may take up to 10 days to process your request.
Visit our Privacy Policy and User Agreement if you have any questions.
Copyright © 2009 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. eBay and the eBay logo are trademarks of eBay Inc. eBay is located at 2145 Hamilton Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125.
For purity of the research project I have removed the link in the above email that takes the recipient to the “qualification” pages.
When I clicked on the link I was asked for my email address, my gender, and then asked if I was involved in a list of about 12 different occupations which included whether or not I was involved in news media. Of course, knowing the outcome but wanting to be honest I answered yes and was immediately informed I did not qualify for the project. This is fully understandable as eBay certainly does not want the information given in this project to be public knowledge.
What I do find somewhat refreshing is the fact that eBay is at least outwardly interested in the “seller experience”. The timing however does concern me as eBay typically announces major changes in the later part of January and I wonder whether this “research project” is an attempt to see what the reaction will be from sellers to possible upcoming but yet unannounced changes? I am sure there may be some leaks or posts after this event takes place.
What do you think?
ebay & Beyond: Basics to Business July 12, 2008
Guests This Week Are:
Larry Phillips eBay PowerSeller and former Board Member of Internet Merchant Association IMAMerchant.org
Scott Pooler CEO of iBusinessLogic.com discussing website design and blogging
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