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EcommerceBytes-Update, Number 87 - January 19, 2003 - ISSN 1528-6703
This & That: Online Auction Roundup
1) Find Local Auctions!
By Ina Steiner
Global Auction Guide.Com is a database of local auctions across North America. AuctionBytes has created a co-branded site to provide you with a way to search for auctions using the Global Auction Guide.com service. The link can be found on our Web site, underneath the "Cool Tools" on the right-hand column, or go directly to http://tinyurl.com/4lis. You'll see a map, and you can click on any state or province to find upcoming auctions.
Global Auction Guide Media Group is a privately held company owned by Dwayne and Chris Leslie in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada. "What started out as an auction calendar for upcoming farm auctions has become the Global Auction Guide Media Group working with 300 auctioneers across North America."
Be aware that currently the database contains many farm auctions and is geographically skewed. But auctioneers can sign up to list on the service. There's a 90-day free trial, after that, auctioneers pay a flat annual fee of $250 (U.S. dollars) to have their auctions listed on the network. The more you use it, the better this tool will become!
2) Some AOL Users Having Problems Accessing BidPay Site
By Ina Steiner
Western Union BidPay said some AOL users are having access problems trying to log into the BidPay Web site. The problem is with certain AOL servers.
If you are having problems, here's what BidPay said you should do:
First try to dial into a different AOL phone number than the one you usually use. If that doesn't work, email BidPay customer service at bidpayservice@bidpay.com and include the version of AOL you are using (6.0, 7.0, etc.), your operating system (Windows 95, Windows XP, Macintosh, etc.) and the telephone number you dial into.
http://www.bidpay.com
3) New eBay Sellers' Club Kicks Off with First Meeting
By Ina Steiner
A new club for people who sell online is holding its first meeting in Washington state this week. The club is called the Sellers Connection, and its purpose is to provide a venue for online sellers to meet each other, exchange information and tips, brag and have some fun.
Membership is open to anyone who presently sells on the Internet, including marketplaces like eBay and Amazon, as well as people who sell on their own Web sites. Information and an invitation to the first meeting is at http://www.sellersconnection.com (or email sellersconnection@peoplepc.com).
When: Thursday, 1/23/03 at 7:00 PM
Where: The Olive Garden Restaurant
The Olive Garden is located at the corner of Black Lake Boulevard and Capital Mall drive on the southeast corner of Capital Mall on Olympia's West side.
RSVP: sellersconnection@peoplepc.com
4) New Jewelry & Gems Forum
By Ina Steiner
We're very excited to announce a new forum in the AuctionBytes Chat Boards - a Jewelry & Gems forum! Amy Davis hosts this forum devoted to topics ranging from vintage to hand-made jewelry. Amy is a third-generation antiques dealer and has been specializing in vintage costume jewelry for about 3 years. Amy also deals in fine jewelry, and makes wire wrap jewelry as well as silver fabrication jewelry. You can visit Amy's store at
http://www.tias.com/stores/etherealadornments
So if jewelry is your thing, or you have a question, stop in and say "Hi!" to Amy - I'm sure you'll find many people there who share your interest.
Visit the Jewelry & Gems Forum at:
http://www.auctionbytes.com/forum/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=30
5) eBay Officially Launches Health Insurance Program
By Ina Steiner
As we reported in the January 7 issue of AuctionBytes Newsflash, eBay officially launched a program that will allow its top U.S. sellers to purchase health care insurance. The program was first announced at eBay Live in June and was originally scheduled to launch in the Fall.
The Health Care Solutions program will be provided by Marsh Advantage America. Available plans include: GE Voluntary Benefits* Medical Reimbursement Plans; Discount Prescription Drug Plan; Discount Health Services; Major Medical Plans; and Property & Casualty - Business Owners. (Not all plans are available in all states.)
For more information: http://www.auctionbytes.com/pages/abn/y03/m01/i07/s00. After running this story, some readers asked whether they would be able to review eBay's new Health Solutions program even if they were not PowerSellers. Kevin Pursglove, eBay's spokesperson, told me: "The program was developed as a benefit for qualified PowerSellers. At this time there are no plans for eBay to distribute information regarding the program beyond PowerSellers."
Health insurance is an important issue, and we'll be running more on this topic in the future.
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