[Guest]

CASE ONE

Autos: McGonagall redemption, Lupin Redemptiton, Tonks, Amycus Carrow redemption, Alectus Carrow redemption

Props: P1 - 121, P2 - 147, P7 - 183, P8 - 229

Costumes:  C4- 343, C5 - 194, C6 - 509, C7 - 441, C9 - 180, C10 - 346, C10 - 276, C13 - 311

Filmcells:  CFC3, CFC5, CFC7

CASE TWO

Autos:  Rupert Grint  Evanna Lynch , Evanna Lynch , Alectus Carrow, Amycus Carrow

Props:  P1 - 237 (w/ gold stripe) , P3 - 422, P5 - 167, P9 - 124

Costumes:  C2 - 007, C3 - 323, C5 - 165, C7 - 286, C8 - 005, C12 - 383, C13 - 304, C13 - 489

Filmcells:  CFC1, CFC6, CFC8

I'm not sure if I'm misunderstanding something, but I've been reading in some topics about Ebay's decision to set limits on fixed rates.

The fixed rates can't go above a certain price, but isn't it true that if you go by weight, there are no actual limits to the shipping? 

My sister sells books, and my mother sells CDs & DVDs, and they both use the weight option.  They use first class/parcel, and then usually offer the flat-rate envelopes, if the item fits.  They've never had to raise the price of the item to cover the cost of shipping.  Is this only available in the USA? 

So I was just wondering if the weight option isn't available in the UK, and I'm worrying about something that isn't actually a problem here in the USA?  Are there some subjects where the fixed rate is the only option for use?

I already have a business license for selling, so if I needed another license, or to make changes adding on the auction e-business or whatnot, I could do that.  I know some people who could help with what I can't do on that front, and they could help me with the legalities. 

I don't know what it costs to run a site, but I have a feeling that competing, cost-wise, with Ebay wouldn't be too difficult.  Pay to list the item, and pay for space if using a long-term store - it's the final value fees that I don't think are fair.  Honest fees - rather than inflated, let's make sure our CEOs get a luxury cruise this holiday, would help us compete quite easy, I believe.

It's the programming and e-commerce I know nothing about.  I'm actually set up to take computer courses this coming year for html coding & graphics.  I'm not sure what the prerequisites are for programming, though... I could find out but it could take me about 2-3 years before I have the education necessary to even try something like this. 

The other thing is liability.  Ebay has made sure they are protected so they aren't responsible for dishonesty from seller or buyer in individual sales.  This is something that would have to be addressed, if this idea ever gets off the ground.  (Not to mention advertising)

Though, if there is anyone else out there that is willing to actually help out, we could make this work.  Ebay started small, and look at them now.  It would be a big undertaking, yes, but possibly worth it.  If the site caters to a specific subject for collectors, (much like those that sell specifically media or books) and trusted sellers are willing to list there, that would help it get a good start.  There are business loans to help with the initial costs - but it would only be worth it, if we know we have people willing to sell and buy from it.   

I assume you were being facetious, but if there is someone here that is interested in actually doing it, and has a clue how to go about setting up something like this, I'd be willing to help out.  I'm currently unemployed, so I've got the time.  :'( 

Is there anyone truly interested in this? Like I said, I can devote quite a bit of time to starting it out, but I've no idea what to do. 

Isn't there some way to petition Ebay that if they are going to force us to accept electronic forms of payment (such as Paypal) that they lower their fees for accepting fees, since it's no longer a convenience, but a requirement? 

I mean, even if they laugh, shouldn't there be something out there that showed we at least tried to ... negotiate?  Am I being too naive?

I was just reading the email they sent me, and one of justifications for forcing electronic payments was that it would ensure more items would get paid.  That really doesn't make any sense to me.  If a buyer isn't going to pay, they aren't going to pay, whether it be through mail or the computer.  According to kbmum, it just sounds like they're trying to gouge us a bit more for each item.

When they say we can't inform our buyers of the other payment options, it just isn't an option in the Ebay checkout.  They can't disallow us from putting it in our comments if we send an invoice, though, can they?  I mean, wouldn't that be attempting to prevent free speech?  Okay, that sounds a bit overly dramatic, honestly, wouldn't it?  It's not like additional shipping options are illegal, so they're trying to say we can't tell our buyers about it in an above board, outright fashion isn't legal, is it? 

Also, does anyone know which categories the maximum s&h fees will include?  It said 'select categories' - I started using the shipping calculator for all my items once the post office started changing their rates so often - can anyone tell me which of my categories this is going to affect? 

They say they want to make it easier for us sellers, and they want to help us make profits - but I'm not seeing much evidence of this 'good will' that they keep trying to tell us about. 

Are there any other options for sellers out there?  I know Ebay is huge, but there have to be alternatives, don't there?

It's $.10 for the cheaper items, $.40 for the larger priced items. 

On the main page, they have a link at the bottom under 'Meet our Family' and then Global Sites like China, France, Thailand - those I didn't think about, as their language is quite a bit different and I assume would need other programs for the characters and all of that - but when they're English speaking countries, why do we need to be kept seperated?

And I agree with tialessa on the Paypal bit.  If the buyer is using existing funds to pay another paypal account, then why isn't it considered a transfer?  Doesn't Ebay own Paypal?  Do they really need to sting us again? They raise the fees because they're not making enough, then they start experimenting (in Australia, I believe) with trying to require we use Paypal for payments - if they are going to make such requirements, then shouldn't they make it worth our time to do so, with less fees, rather than more?

I don't know, I guess it's just me being naive.

I just received a pamphlet in the mail today offering International Site Visibility - I was just wondering if that means every seller I see for in the UK in the US site is paying extra to be seen, and what about Japan and Australia, then? 

If we're only paying extra for UK visibility, does this mean we're not visible in the Australia forum or the Japan forum, or any of the rest of the other Country forums? If that's the case, then why don't they offer visibility in those sites?

Do people from other Countries have to intentionally sign into the US forum, to see sales offered in the USA? I guess I never thought about it before, but how is it that people in Japan and the UK and Italy and all else are able to find our sales if we don't pay extra to be seen there?

There is at least one more just like the one above. (I wonder if there are more out there that didn't make it to auction, with this particular swatch?)  It was part of one of the master set's I bought from Tom.

Included are pics of my favorites included in the set, I think they're just gorgeous.

Did anyone figure out what the center of the C7 flower was made out of?  This seems to be a leather bead (or maybe hardish rubber).

P2 #210,  P8 #76,  P9 #20, P10 #20,  Pi2 #124,  C5 #157,  c7 #220   

                                             

Thanks!   

I always prefer the swatches that show the picture the correct side up, but I always wondered if the difference in how it was placed was because these are done with machines or if it was intentional to give a variant even more of a difference than others.

I got some really nice variants today.  I am especially pleased with the P4 - I think it is part of the hat from the figure on the right side of the page, but it seems to be upside down?

I think this has more to do with buyers who complained that they were afraid to leave deserved negative feedback to a seller, in fear of received a negative feedback in return.  Too often a seller waits until after the buyer leaves feedback before they will leave it. 

I leave feedback every week or so. I don't wait until I have received it, just until I have time to devote myself to giving correct comments.  (communication and speed of payment or receipt of item.)

However, many times when I buy from someone, they ask me to leave them feedback, so they may return the favor.  This new policy may speed up the feedback process, so that either side doesn't feel they have to wait for the other to leave feedback.

Anyway, I disagree with Ebay that sellers *can't* leave negative feedback, but I understand why they put it into effect.  I think kbmum is correct in believing this is an attempt to make the buyers feel safer.  Unfortunately, it also leaves the sellers open to abuse.

I sold some cards overseas recently, and she gave me a positive feedback, but on shipping fees I received less than 5 stars.  I sent the package flat-rate Priority, and charged the exact fee.  How is it good business to be 'bullied' into taking a loss on shipping fees, for fear of less than a 5 star rating? 

Thank you Roz. Sorry about that.  I went to the Help link at the top (and didn't find the info I needed) instead of going the easy route - because I'm an idiot.  Will do it right next time, I promise!

In any case, thanks! I had already bought 2 of his master sets, and I couldn't afford to buy another, not for just one card. I was thrilled when he started selling them in smaller lots. 
 

[I will cover the insurance to the buyer for either UPS or USPS Priority shipping for both here in the USA or overseas.]

Sharon had a question about the insurance offered through the more expensive method of shipping.  That is UPS.  They only cover up to $100 in the base shipping quote.  USPS only covers about $50 in their Priority quote.

I just want you all to know that I will cover the insurance to the buyer for either UPS or USPS Priority shipping for both here in the USA or overseas.    

If there are any questions, please ask them through  or in this area.

Blessings,

Trela

For anyone that is interested, I listed this card on Ebay today. 

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-1751-2978-71/1?AID=5463217&PID=1738318&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2FeBayISAPI.dll%3FViewItem%26rd%3D1%26item%3D150213765108%26ssPageName%3DSTRK%3AMESE%3AIT%26ih%3D005

I received this from Tom today.  Thought it was a beautiful variant. 

I'll be listing it on Ebay later tonight or tomorrow if anyone is interested.

Ci2 176/180

I bought one case for this set - breakdown is as follows:

Case Topper - Puple Hermione

Autos -   

Harry Melling   as   Dudley Dursley 
Helena Bonham Carter   as   Bellatrix Lestrange 
Natalia Tena   as   Nymphadora Tonks 
Kathryn Hunter   as   Arabella Figg   (Redemption)
Sian Thomas   as   Amelia Bones    (Redemption)

Props -

P2 -  52/435  (lower corners dinged)
P5 -  117/280 
P6 -  449/450  plain pink w/ crease

Costumes - 

C1  -  328/375 
C2  -  261-400  - 2 colors partial diamond design
C4  -  447/680  - 2 colors mostly grey, small bit of aqua on bottom
C5  -  183/275 
C7  -  581/625  - 3 colors - green, white & red from flower
C9  -  467/600 
C10  -  131/600 
C11  -  100/625  (2 corners dinged)
C12  -  032/600 
C13  -  240/475 

Film Cell Cards  - 

CFC2  -  129/260 
CFC4  -  129/260 
CFC9  -  053/260