AuctionBytes-Update Number 18 - July 16, 2000 - ISSN 1528-6703

AuctionBytes-Update is a free newsletter for online auction buyers and sellers. Read reviews of online-auction products and services, tips on being more efficient, and the latest on antiques and collectibles. AuctionBytes-Update is published by email twice a month. (Print it out for easier reading.)

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IN THIS ISSUE:
1) From the Editor
2) Fighting Online Auction Burn-Out
3) Nostalgic About Childhood Treasures
4) Proud to Be Canadian
5) PriceRadar's Found in the Attic: Hasta La Vista, Baby!
6) COLLECTOR'S CORNER: SciFi, Stamps, Sports & Displaying Collectibles
7) Second Hand Rose - Consignment Selling
8) Scanning Large Items
9) Question from Reader: Warehouses full of Casino memorabilia
10) This and That
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1) FROM THE EDITOR

How do you display your collection? In Part II of my series, Leslie Hindman, famed auctioneer and antiques expert, answers my questions about displaying collections (see Collector's Corner). A big thank you to Leslie for taking the time to share her experience.

Speaking of sharing experience, I'd love to hear what online auction management software program you use. What do you like about it? What features would you like to see added? Please email me, and post a message to the message board!

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I have been going through old photo albums, inspired by one of this week's stories, "Nostalgic About Childhood Treasures." Steve Blenus writes about old toys, and I was digging through the albums to find pictures of my family as children clutching their toys. What a great diversion!

I gathered some pictures from family and friends and posted them to the Web site (http://www.auctionbytes.com/Email_Newsletter/toypics/toypics.html ). Take a look. The first three people that email me and correctly identify the photo of me as a child win $10 each. (Yes, totally unfair, since very few of you know what I look like. Well, I finally added my photo to the Web site in the "Our Writers" section - check out http://www.auctionbytes.com/Write_For_Us/WriterBios/writerbios.html . Not that I think it will help too much,... In the next issue, I'll announce the winners, and I'll also clue you in as to who's who in this rogue's gallery.

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David had a bout of Summeritis as he sat at his computer looking at all the work he had to do, so in this week's column, he writes about auction burnout! He also chose vacation spots as his Found in the Attic column. (Think he's trying to tell us something?)

One of David's many tasks was to implement a new message board. Please take a look and let us know what you think. We hope you'll participate in discussions.

Hang in there, David, vacation is right around the corner! We are taking our vacation the last week of July. We plan to head up to Maine along the coast, perhaps as far as Belfast. If anyone knows of any cabins/cottages available that take dogs and tired husbands, please let me know! See you in August.

Ina Steiner, Editor
email: ina@auctionbytes.com

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2) Fighting Online Auction Burn-Out
by David Steiner

Do you wake up in the morning and feel that you can't face the task of packing up and shipping that pile of auction items in the corner? Do you dread acknowledging the stack of payments sitting on your desk? Is it too burdensome to answer one more email query about the condition of an auction item?

If that scenario sounds familiar, what you may be experiencing is online auction burnout.

Burnout is usually associated with high-pressure careers, such as stockbroker or air traffic controller, where hours are long and the pace is continuously fast.

It certainly isn't associated with online auction sellers. To many, sellers evoke the image of a person transacting business in a robe and house slippers, between sips of coffee.

Well, think again.

Some online auction users, who left their daily 9-5 jobs because they felt burned out, began doing online auctions because it enabled them the freedom to make their own hours, stay home with the children, and still earn a comfortable living. They quickly find that the demands of online auctions require as many, if not more, hours of attention than their old jobs!

Selling online has many time-consuming facets: taking photos, researching items, listing, contacting winners, packing items, driving to the Post Office, etc., and each area requires careful attention to complete a successful transaction. If you spend 30 minutes per item and list 100 items per week...SURPRISE...you now have a full-time job!

"I love selling my "stuff" online, but it does get a little overwhelming sometimes." Says Heather, a 1-1/2 year veteran of online auctions. "When I'm running auctions lately I keep it to about 70 or so and some of them are Dutch. I have a basement full of stuff and no desire to sit here and work when it's so nice outside."

But how do you know whether you are suffering from burnout or you just 'need a break'?

Learn to recognize the warning signs of job burnout. They include fatigue, loss of interest in work, anger, lack of concentration, working harder or longer but getting less accomplished, decreased satisfaction in completing a job, depression, apathy, lack of motivation, making more mistakes, and even alcoholism or drug use. Burnout is persistent. If you take an extended break from online auctions to enjoy a vacation, and the symptoms haven't cleared when you return, there's a good chance that you are suffering from burnout.

How does one decrease the likelihood of getting job burnout?

"Take breaks, if possible learn the art of delegation, leave the work at work, take a vacation devoid of the usual work communication tools (laptop, e-mail, etc.)" explains Dr. Thomas Weida, Medical Director of the University Physican Group in Hershey, Pennsylvania, "The length of vacation may be important as just a few days does not allow enough time to get into relaxed mode, you're still thinking about the office.

Some adjustments in your work habits might also be called for.

"Set limits of time with work and family life. Work smarter, not longer." advises Dr. Weida, "Evaluate whether the job meets your needs of personal growth, accomplishment, satisfaction, the ability to make a difference. Evaluate your financial goals to determine whether you need to drive as hard."

Dr. Weida also warns, "If symptoms are very severe, it may be more than burnout and actually be clinical depression, in which case talking to your family doctor could be helpful."

The best strategy to combat burnout is to avoid it in the first place. If you are feeling overwhelmed, try cutting back on the number of items you list, at least temporarily. If you have family, let them help you wherever possible, such as packing items or taking trips to the post office for you.

Participate in online auction forums. People who work in the office can commiserate to co-workers. You need a support system too; in fact, it might help you to discover that there are others that feel the same way you do!

Treat yourself once in a while. Give yourself permission to take the afternoon off, and don't feel guilty!

If you have tips you'd like to share on how you cope with auction burn out, share them on the message board at http://www.auctionbytes.com/bin/messagebbs/view.pl

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3) Nostalgic about Childhood Treasures
By Stephen E. Blenus

I'm in the rewarding business of selling fun stuff from our childhood over the Internet. I actively search to regain the pieces our clean-crazy moms threw out because "You've outgrown this!" Never asking more than, say, 20 or 30 times whether we'll be removing that set of trains or Barbie Doll Collection from up in the rafters!

We tell Mom, "I'll be there, really...the next time I come to visit I'll remove all the stuff I still want to keep." Well, we never go to pick it up, so what does she do? She finally throws that cluttering, junky, old dusty mess in the trash. Including, the baseball cards!!

This phenomenon has occurred for decades. That favorite picture book, stuffed dog or Superman Comic is gone forever!

Well, that used to be the case. But, the Internet has opened up a whole new venue for replacing those treasures long lost or forgotten!

With easy access to tens of thousands of stores, auctions and collectors, a replacement CAN be found and cherished and taken care of for the next generation, and possibly in better condition than the one you loved so hard when you were a little shorter.

Use Photos to Track Down Those Long-Lost Toys
People are now using their childhood photos containing their cherished toys and starting the search. Part of the search is finding the photos. I myself have replaced many of the Toy Matchbox Cars that as a child I had buried in the sand pile, dropped in the heater grates or simply flushed down the toilet. (Dad was always getting a new plunger.)

And you can also conduct a surprise search for your loved ones. There are so many people that are difficult to buy for. Think of the joy when you find something that you know they really like. And imagine their surprise.

This is where photos can really help; maybe you don't know the name of the toy your spouse is clutching in their hands, but scan in a photo and ask around - someone will be able to identify it for you. Pull out the old photo albums and bring back a piece of someone's childhood. It is a guaranteed tear-jerker. I have a hundred stories of almost unbelievable nostalgic feelings brought back. Such pleasure has been created between all kinds of people and generations. This fun can go on for years...creativity making each find a new adventure.

The Internet has made this journey a more realistic one with electronic photos and detail never before at our fingertips. The Internet Auctions are a testament to the importance of grabbing a bit of our past to have and to hold from this day forward. We hope you'll begin a wonderful and rewarding search for a piece that can truly make someone happy...including yourself!

Steves Collectibles Can Help
I enjoy my job every day for just the reasons discussed. You can come and browse my site at http://www.stevescollectibles.com. I have many categories, and I just added a text-only catalog. We have a new live help desk at http://www.stevescollectibles.com/helpdesk.htm. You may also email me with questions, though I do NOT provide appraisals.

I can help locate children's books (especially) almost immediately, I can help with vintage gift ideas, etc. We also have many shopping links on our site, and if you don't find what you are looking for, ask us! (I usually recommend eBay for a good search and learning experience as well.)

Enjoy your day and fulfill your Nostalgic Side!

NOTE: You can post a picture on the AuctionBytes.com Message Board and see if anyone can identify the toy from your childhood, or see if anyone has one to sell! (http://www.auctionbytes.com/bin/messagebbs/view.pl )

Stephen Blenus is a full time Collectibles and Memorabilia Dealer. Visit him on the Net at http://www.stevescollectibles.com/shop.htm, or email steve@stevescollectibles.com .

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3) Proud to Be Canadian
By Susanne Jones

Canada's latest cult hero (or anti-hero, depending on whom you talk to) is a jean-wearing, flag-waving guy who proudly proclaims: "My name is Joe and I am Canadian." Our good-looking mascot goes on to talk about the land of the Mountie, the beaver, the loonie and of course, the famous Molson Canadian beer. Come on you, slackers, the TV ad urges, stand up and be counted. And suck back that brew while you're at it.

So here goes, the AuctionBytes version: My name is Susanne and I am Canadian.

I will not ask you to declare a false value on my Internet auction packages to save on duty and taxes at the border. I will not send you money in Canadian funds when it clearly states that I must pay in U.S. dollars. In fact, I won't even bid if you state clearly that you won't ship outside the United States. I might, though, in a very, very nice way, ask if you might let me bid on your item. I would tell you it's just what I'm looking for (can't you just see those dancing dollar signs?) and that my feedback rating indicates I'm trustworthy. I will point out that I may not be able to pay within the six days specified, since a letter from Canada to the United States has been known to take up to two weeks.

I will not send a personal cheque (oh yes, you call them checks) if you prefer a money order. In fact, I won't even send a money order if it creates confusion at your post office or local bank (auction chat rooms are filled with tales of red tape associated with money orders).

Some U.S. dealers have ended up taking their cause to "head office." One recent chat room participant explains the perils of the Canadian money order: The bank charges him or her $5 to cash or deposit it; then it takes a while to send it off. The item, meanwhile, has sold for its opening bid of $9.99, leaving a whopping $4 with which to run wild.

Canadians, on the other hand, can weave their way through their own shipping perils, insurance being a particularly sticky issue, not to mention trying to figure out why it can cost more to send a package from Toronto to Vancouver than from Toronto to Oregon. Tales from the frontlines also run the other way: Canadians refusing to deal with Americans; Canadians refusing to deal with other Canadians (because, in some instances, they try to get away with completing the deal in Canadian dollars).

As a rule, I don't spend too much time lurking on message boards designated for Canadians only, especially when they specify No Business Please. The last one, which I found on eBay, offered a recipe tip, someone whining about having to clean out their hot tub and an alert for Canadian TV viewers that the Thornbirds starring Richard Chamberlain was being rerun on WTN. This may be your cup of Canadiana, but it isn't what I ask for in my online chats. I might, however, drop in to skim a thread about what items are and aren't allowed to cross the border. One recent chat room observer drew our attention to a Canadian auctioning Cuban cigars. Despite the caveat for American buyers accepting the risk of seizure, it seems there were still plenty of sales.

Another bidder wanted a list of rules: "I've tried Canada Customs but they tell me there is no such list. I'm supposed to guess? :) And whilst I'm at it, how does one obtain an export license? I'm having no luck with Foreign Affairs." Now, here's one quick answer I can provide to the eBayer who wondered, "Does a U.S. seller pay a Customs charge to ship to Canada? If not, how is that handled?" No, the American does not pay the Customs charge.

In fact, some packages (even the ones valued over $300) slip through without any charges to the Canadian buyer. Then again, there are times the Canadian buyer does have to pay every last dime owing in goods and services tax (GST) or provincial sales tax (known as PST here in Ontario).

Lately, eBay has been trying to make Canadians feel especially welcome. For the past couple of months we've had our own eBay Canada (http://www.ca.ebay.com), where we can try to buy everything from autographed Wayne Gretzky jerseys to lithographs by Canadian wildlife artist Robert Bateman and original SCTV memorabilia (Martin Short, John Candy, Catherine O'Hara and many more comics got their start in the Great White North).

eBay Canada kicked off in May with the claim that items in Canadian dollars (CA$) tend to get more bids and sell for more money than those listed in U.S. dollars. You'll notice some Canadians specify that "dealer will ship internationally." Hey, not only do you expand your financial options, you may get a new email-pal in Finland.

For the convenience of buyers and sellers, the Canadian eBay site shows the currency values in both Canadian and U.S. dollars. Like my email, which I just leave piled up in one big In-box, I prefer my eBay experience to be all-encompassing rather than indigenous. But you can't disagree with this: It makes eBay navigation a cinch, since is specifies which seller is located in Canada or willing to ship there. And on July 5, the auction giant recently waved the flag for Canada Day with a Free Listings Day for all new entries inserted that day using Canadian dollar fees.

Nice gesture, even if Canada Day falls on July 1. In the world of online auctions, we take our fireworks when we can get 'em!

Susanne Jones is a Canadian writer and editor who has spent the past 20 years as a newspaper journalist and a passionate collector of antique toys. She and her husband Brian, a painter, have amassed nearly 3,000 toys, some acquired on eBay. These days, the collecting couple is busily restoring a 1957 turquoise Nash Metropolitan hardtop (imagine an escapee from a 1950s bumper-car ride at an amusement park). They are also avidly hunting down rustic knick-knacks and garden paraphernalia for their latest obsession...an 1880s house in a small town in a four-season resort area, far from the ultra-competitive race of Toronto. You may email Susanne (eBay ID: nikitababy) at susannej@netcom.ca. Brian, on the other hand, has yet to figure out how to log on to their laptop

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5) PriceRadar's Found in the Attic: Hasta La Vista, Baby!
by David Steiner

There's nothing like a hot summer day to make you wish you were on the beach, feeling the refreshing ocean spray against your face. But which beach would you like to go to? We decided to take a look at some popular vacation spots to how well their airline fares fared at online auction. Maybe you can snag a weekend getaway cheap!

All searches were done with PriceRadar's Price Guide Tool. Go to www.priceradar.com and try your own searches!

Australia
Number of Items Sold 4
Number of Items Unsold 20
Sellthrough Rate 16.67%
Highest Priced Item $20
Lowest Priced Item $20
Average Price $20

Barbados
Number of Items Sold 35
Number of Items Unsold 26
Sellthrough Rate 57.38%
Highest Priced Item $49.95
Lowest Priced Item $14.95
Average Price $21.45

Europe (LOTS of good beaches here!)
Number of Items Sold 43
Number of Items Unsold 26
Sellthrough Rate 62.32%
Highest Priced Item $1,619
Lowest Priced Item $15
Average Price $522.33

Cancun
Number of Items Sold: 35
Number of Items Unsold: 27
Sellthrough Rate: 56.45%
Highest Priced Item: $1,999
Lowest Priced Item: $8.95
Average Price: $160.14

Puerto Vallarta
Number of Items Sold 1
Number of Items Unsold 1
Sellthrough Rate 50.00%
Highest Priced Item $19.95
Lowest Priced Item $19.95
Average Price $19.95

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6) COLLECTOR'S CORNER: SciFi, Dolls, Stamps, Sports & Displaying Collectibles

Collector's Corner: SciFi
By Michele Alice

Remember that Honeymooners' episode ("TV or Not TV") in which cheapskate Ralph Kramden gets his pal, Ed Norton, to go halves on a TV set? Remember how it was decided who would get the set, and how Ed would have to trot on down to the Kramdens' apartment before he could don his official Captain Video space helmet and watch his favorite program-Captain Video and His Video Rangers?

Well, what a lot of you may NOT remember ('cause you weren't born yet) is that Captain Video was a REAL program on the now long-defunct DuMont television network!

Running from 1949 to 1955 (when DuMont folded), Captain Video "was one of the most popular children's programs of its time" and one of the "low-budget wonders of television history" with a purported prop budget of a whopping $25 per week! (The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network TV Shows, Tim Brooks and Earle Marsh; Ballantine Books, 1988/1999)

Parents loved it, too, for Captain Video's frequent talks "to the Rangers at home on the value of tolerance, fair play, and personal integrity."

The show's popularity spawned competition-most notably Space Patrol on ABC and Tom Corbett, Space Cadet on CBS-and a somewhat limited supply of merchandise tie-ins.

Surfing the net for all things Captain Video brought me to two recommended sites:

The first was Roaring Rockets at http://www.slick-net.com/space/index.phtml which offers histories of Captain Video and other early sci-fi series. What is really great about this site, however, is the discussion, with accompanying photos, of the various mail-order premiums and retail toys that had been issued during each series' run.

The other was Gene Metcalf's Toy Ray Guns at http://www.toyraygun.com. This is an absolutely wonderful Web site "dedicated solely to toy space guns" and features several photo galleries covering American, Japanese, and European ray guns from the 1930's on. It's a blast! (Forgive the pun.)

A search of eBay in June revealed very few Captain Video items up for auction, and almost none of the rarer pieces (no decoder rings, sonic ray blasters, or space ranger helmets). This is consistent with the fact that most of the toys and premiums offered during the show's heyday were made of inexpensive plastic, tin, or even paper, and did not stand up to the ravages of kids and time. I did find a couple of 45 rpm records that sold for $50 each and a Captain Video board game by Milton Bradley that went for $60. (There was another copy of the same game that sold for $12.50, but it was in poor condition with many missing pieces.)

A search for a Cosmic Smoke Gun (which is actually a Space Patrol tie-in) found just one, and it sold for $150! So you might want to check out that box of toys at the next yard sale-someone may have tossed in a ray gun without knowing what it is!

For more information, consult the following books:
Plastic Toys: Dimestore Dreams of the 40's and 50's, by Bill Hanlon et al. (Schiffer, 1993). This is one of the most comprehensive treatments on collectible plastic toys.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/088740460X/auctionbytescom
(Note: this is a special order on Amazon and it may take weeks to get it.)

The Great Television Heroes, by Donald Glut and Jim Harmon (Doubleday, 1975). Though out of print, this is still the best history of early sci-fi series.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0385051670/auctionbytescom
(This is out of print, but Amazon will do its best to get it.)

This is Video Ranger Alice, over and out!

Michele Alice is AuctionBytes-Update Contributing Editor. Michele is a freelance writer in the Berkshire mountains of Massachusetts. She collects books, science fiction memorabilia and more! Email her at makalice@adelphia.net eBay ID: Malice9.

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Collector's Corner: Dolls
The premier auction site for dolls is Theriault's at http://www.theriaults.com. Today they are having a RL (Real Life) auction, "Blowing Bubbles, Skipping Stones" a catalogued auction of rare antiques and collectible dolls in Chicago, Illinois, and in September, they are having a "Barbie Retro" catalogued auction of vintage Barbies. Theriault's has an appraisal service for $14.95 and an "Ask Florence" column for advice on your dolls.

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COLLECTOR'S CORNER: Stamps
Stamp Show 2000, August 24-27, 2000, American Philatelic Society, Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, Rhode Island.
Over 150 dealers - free stamp appraisal booth.
http://www.stamps.org Tel. 814-237-3803

Calendar of stamp shows: http://www.stamps.org/aps/services/ap/showtime.htm

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COLLECTOR'S CORNER: Sports - Honus Wagner Card Auction Sells for $1.1 Million
By Wayne Tuiskula

The Honus Wagner baseball card auction ended July 15th. The winning bid was $1,100,000!
More info is available here:
http://www.ebay.com/theme/baseball.html
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/mastronet
(See article in previous issue at: http://www.auctionbytes.com/Email_Newsletter/10/11/12/13/16.html#cc )

Sports Editor Wayne Tuiskula has a long-time interest in sports collectibles. He and his wife Amy run estate sales in addition to their other careers. Email Wayne at tuiskula@tiac.net. eBay ID: tuiskula

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COLLECTOR'S CORNER: HOW DO YOU DISPLAY YOUR COLLECTION?

How Do You Display Your Collection? - Part II: An Interview with Leslie Hindman
By Ina Steiner

In the last issue, I asked our AuctionBytes.com Collector's Corner Editors for suggestions on displaying collections. This issue, I asked Leslie Hindman for her ideas. Leslie Hindman is the founder and chairman of eppraisals.com and is one of America's best-known authorities on art, antiques and auctions. She hosts two highly-rated, nationally-televised programs on Home and Garden Television (HGTV), At the Auction with Leslie Hindman and The Appraisal Fair, and she writes a weekly column for the Chicago Tribune family of newspapers.

She founded Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in 1982, which she sold to Sotheby's in 1997 and joined them to help run their Midwest division. In addition to eppraisals.com, Leslie owns Salvage One, the largest architectural artifacts business in the U.S.

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AB: Are there any good books on the topic of displaying collectibles? Any other resources, like magazines, Web sites?

Leslie: Two great resources online are About.com (http://www.about.com) and MarthaStewart.com ( http://www.marthastewart.com).

There are so many interesting books and magazines that it's hard to recommend just a couple. I sometimes go to Amazon.com's Home and Garden section ( http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=auctionbytescom&pat h=tg/browse/-/48) and check out the selections they have. I also love to spend time browsing Borders or Barnes & Noble, looking through their interior design magazines and books.

There's so much out there, it's hard to go wrong! Also, I recommend reading books on interior design by Chris Madden, including, "A Room of Her Own" (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0517599392/auctionbytesco m).

AB: Are there some rules of design to keep in mind when displaying items? (Color, shapes, textures, size or themes)? What if you don't have enough room? How can you cram it all in there without looking terrible?

Leslie: I don't think it looks bad when you display your entire collection; in fact, it makes everything look more interesting. Having 10 of something is a lot more interesting than having just one piece. It's also fun to try and artistically display things in groups, either by size, by theme or by the type of piece.

If you have many pieces, one way to solve overcrowding is to constantly rotate your collection. If you have great pieces of pottery, you don't need to have every piece out at the same time. Every few weeks, bring out something you haven't seen in a while, and store something else.

AB: Can you point to useful vendors/retailers/sites that sell display units, shelving and frames? Where can readers go for advice on how to do-it-yourself (build your own displays)?

Leslie: I highly recommend ArtEssentials.com (www.artessentials.com) - you can find almost anything relating to Displaying and protecting almost any type of art collection. Also check out MasterPak (www.masterpak-usa.com), which sells items for storage and shipping all sorts of art, antiques, and collectibles.

You can't beat your local hardware store as a resource for all things necessary to displaying your collection properly. For example, everyone should use a level, which helps make sure framed objects are hung straight. Hooks, hammers, screwdrivers and other tools are always handy to have around.

AB: If someone has a little money for some expert advice, would you recommend they try an interior designer? How would they find one?

Leslie: Even small jobs can get overwhelming, so it's always nice to have some interior design help. Especially if you've done work before and made mistakes on your own, or don't have the time to devote to the project. Getting a professional who knows the stores and people to get you great deals may even save you money in the long run.

You can usually find the right interior designer in your price range by contacting the American Society of Interior Designers (http://www.asid.org), or the International Interior Design Association (http://www.iida.org).

Always remember to interview a few candidates before you choose someone. You'll be working closely with the designer, so make sure your personalities match! Also, get their fees, credentials and references, up front. To make the selection process as painless as possible, know exactly what you hope to accomplish, and how much you're willing to spend before you bring someone on.

AB: Which HGTV shows might be most helpful in teaching people about design that might inspire them for their displays? (I came up with this story idea while watching HGTV's Design at Nine, the 9pm nightly shows about home design!)

Leslie: I always watch "Interiors by Design," hosted by Chris Madden.

AB: Any personal anecdotes would be welcome; what do you collect? How do you display your collection?

Leslie: I collect gavels of all shapes, sizes and time periods. I've been in the auction business for more than 20 years, so I've managed to accumulate a great collection. They're displayed all over my house - on tabletops, in vases, in cabinets, etc.

AB: Any other ideas or suggestions?

Leslie: Great ideas are right under your nose, so always keep your eyes open! What are other people you know doing? What do you like or dislike about your friends' houses? How did your neighbor hang her painting? Where did your mother-in-law get that plate stand? Don't be afraid to ask questions. You'll never find out answers unless you do.

Note: Leslie is preparing a book on auctions and the art and antiques markets. We asked her to let us know when it hits the bookstands.

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DO YOU HAVE A SHIPPING QUESTION FOR BILL THE POSTMAN?
Email askbillthepostman@auctionbytes.com.
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7) Second Hand Rose

Consignment Selling
If you've ever considered selling your antiques, collectibles or crafts through a shop on a consignment basis, this Crafts Report article is a must-read. It gives you some good tips on protecting yourself.
http://craftsreport.com/june97/galleryconsign.html

Here's another article: http://www.nfobase.com/html/consignment.htm

And here's something from a law firm outlining the potential problems of consignment sales (be sure and get your own lawyer if you have concerns): http://www.cohenlaw.com/ibg/consg.htm

If you have any tips or questions, visit the AuctionBytes.com message board at http://www.auctionbytes.com/bin/messagebbs/view.pl

Tell Second Hand Rose about your favorite resources, inventory sources and tips! Or your favorite "second-hand" story. Email SecondHandRose@AuctionBytes.com.

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8) Scanning Large Items

If you are trying to scan an image that is too big for your scanner, here's a tutorial from About.com that might help. Graphics Software Guide Sue Chastain explains how to scan the image in two parts and then "stitch" them together. Note: you have to have PhotoShop software to do this!

http://graphicssoft.about.com/compute/graphicssoft/library/tuts/bltut24.ht m?terms=cw5

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9) Question from Reader: Warehouses full of Casino memorabilia

Where can I list my items? I have five warehouses of collectibles from Casinos that have been imploded or no longer exist. Any ideas?
Thanks

Dear Reader:
eBay is the obvious answer, but I can ask the question in the newsletter and see if I get any replies. You could also ask that question in forums.

Actually, to post 5 warehouses of items would take forever to post individually online - maybe you should consider holding a "real-life" auction for some of the stuff. You might not get as much money for each item, but it would be a lot faster! and easier!

I'll email you if I get any more information. I hope you'll keep me posted.
Good luck.
Ina

Any ideas? Email ina@auctionbytes.com. Thanks!

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10) This and That

---> Online-Auction Software for "Offline" Use
Invenna Software (http://www.invenna.com) has just released Version 1.0 of AuctionAmigo, a new downloadable application that enables active eBay sellers to manage multiple concurrent auctions -- all without having to stay online. So if you have a slow connection and only one phone line, you can use the software "offline"! Note the product is free for now. If you get hooked, you'll likely have to pay for upgrades.

---> Still Don't Know How to Upload Pics?
FTPplanet.com tells you how at http://www.ftpplanet.com/ftpresources/auction.htm
Note: if you want to post pictures to our Forums, your photo must already reside on a Web site; then you simply type in html code as follows: <img src="http://www.yourserver.com/yourpic.jpg"> where "yoursever.com" is the Web site that holds your photo. In effect, you are telling the computer to link back to your picture where it is residing. Hope this makes sense to you.

---> eBay Can't Ban Members? Does NARU Mean Anything?
NARU is a designation on eBay that means "Not a Registered User." It usually means the person has been suspended by eBay. Well, CNET reports that eBay ordered a court injunction against an eBay user who kept re-registering after being kicked off eBay: http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1007-200-2249194.html . The story says, "Although the company has 'terminated 40 to 45 of his accounts in the last three months alone,' Anderson has circumvented the company's moves by re-registering under other identities, Pursglove said." What does it mean to get kicked off eBay, I'd like to know!

---> Here's a reminder of some of the products and services we've written about in past issues. All past issues are archived on the Web site at http://www.auctionbytes.com/Email_Newsletter/email_newsletter.html.
And, we have a "previous article index" to help you find the article you're looking for (found at the bottom of every page).

Auction Management software
http://www.auctionbytes.com/Email_Newsletter/8/7/6/5/3.html#feature
http://www.auctionbytes.com/Email_Newsletter/10/11/12/12.html#andale

Bubble Wrap
http://www.auctionbytes.com/Email_Newsletter/Email_Archives/preview/ preview.html#bubblewrap

e-Postage
http://www.auctionbytes.com/Email_Newsletter/10/10.html#postage

Online Payment System
http://www.auctionbytes.com/Email_Newsletter/10/11/12/13/16.html#pay ment

Postage Scales
http://www.auctionbytes.com/Email_Newsletter/8/8.html#scales

Creating Your Own Web Site
http://www.auctionbytes.com/Email_Newsletter/10/11/12/12.html#antique

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Curious about AuctionBytes.com writers and editors? Check out http://www.auctionbytes.com/Write_For_Us/WriterBios/writerbios.html

Want to be an AuctionBytes.com writer? Check out http://www.auctionbytes.com/Write_For_Us/write_for_us.html

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AuctionBytes-Update ISSN 1528-6703
AUCTIONBYTES.COM CONTACT INFORMATION
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Ina Steiner, Editor, Publisher and Co-founder: ina@auctionbytes.com
David Steiner, Webmaster, Technical Editor, President and Co-founder:
dsteiner@auctionbytes.com
Michele Alice, Contributing Editor
AuctionBytes.com
c/o Steiner Associates
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Natick, MA 01760
508-655-5697
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