Dr. Strangespeller or: How I Learned to Stop Transposing and Love the Spell Check

I can't spell worth a damn.

I rely on spell check the way my granny relies on her Social Security check to keep her stocked in smokes and cheap beer. So, I have been as guilty as anyone of making boneheaded spelling errors in my titles and auction body.

Most typos and misspellings just make you look unprofessional or uneducated, but when you misspell keywords, especially in your title, you set yourself up for failure.

Here are some of my favorite eBay misspellings:

• Ernest Hemingway sells quite well, but his doppelganger, Mr. Hemmingway, is underappreciated.

• A bowl and a bowel are wholly different receptacles. I don't suggest substituting one for the other.
  

• People interested in genealogy will seldom find your geneology listings.

• A crocodile is a large reptile used to make beautiful leather goods and at least two Australians famous. A crocadile is a related lizard, usually found lost in the Shoe & Accessories category.

• Ralph Lauren is a famous American designer (who's real name is Ralph Lipchitz!) Ralph Laren appears to be a maker of clothing which does not sell very well on eBay.

As you can see, this spelling business is more science than art. The search function is unforgiving and creativity in the arrangement of letters is punished harshly.

That's all for now. I'm off to enjoy a big steaming bowel of oatmeal!

Alcoholics Anonymous Books - AA = $$ on eBay

What it is:

The Alcoholics Anonymous big book has been in print since 1939, and is now in its fourth edition. It is probably the most collected book on the planet. Surprised? Don't be. This book has helped millions of people reclaim their lives. Some just want a nice vintage copy for their bookshelf. Others try to collect a copy of each printing. Still others seek out specific printings for material that was later removed.

What to Look For:

Any printing of the first edition will make you money. Second edition copies make the grade up to the mid 1960s. There is also good demand for first printing copies of the third edition (1976). Copies in dust jackets command premium prices.

Selling Strategies:

Auction Title:

Just place the words "Alcoholics Anonymous", as well as the edition and printing.

Category:

Books > Nonfiction.
You could really put them anywhere and collectors will find them.

Pricing:

Start is low and let the fun begin! There is no need to practice defensive pricing here.

Highlights:

Some recent auction prices from eBay:

• $2000 for a first edition, 1st printing.
• $732 for a first edition, 10th printing in the jacket.
• $654 for a first edition, 3rd printing in poor condition.
• $547 for a first edition, 9th printing in the jacket.
• $483 for a first edition, 14th printing in the jacket.
  
• $460 for a first edition, 11th printing in the jacket.
• $460 for a first edition, 12th printing - NO jacket.
• $425 for a second edition, 1st printing in the jacket.
• $411 for a first edition, 14th printing - NO jacket.
• $180 for a second edition, 2nd printing - NO jacket.
• $88 for a third edition, 1st printing in the jacket.
• $76 for a second edition, 7th printing - NO jacket.
  

Ease of Shipping:

Pretty simple. Like and other valuable book, place it in a plastic bag to protect it from getting wet, then pack it in a good box with newsprint or foam peanuts.

Avoid:

Stay away from third edition copies, unless they are the first printing.

Target Selling Range (Profit Potential):

First edition copies will almost always sell for at least $300, with particularly nice or early copies going in the $500-$600 range. The second edition will range from about $75 to $300.

See For Yourself:

Go see for yourself on eBay. Click Here to see what AA books have been selling for.

The Final Word on eBay and Paypal Fees

If an eBay policy genie shot out my monitor and offered me one wish, I know exactly what it would be.

My wish would be for eBay to DOUBLE insertion fees. That's not a typo and you didn't misread it. eBay's insertion fees are too damn low.

Doubling insertion fees would do three things:

• ONE: It would weed out a bunch of the low value crap that clutters up searches and makes it harder for bidders to find what they are looking for. Too much low interest stuff in a category has the same effect as keyword spamming. The keywords technically apply to these common, low dollar items, but they still clutter up searches and lead to search fatigue among potential bidders.
  

• TWO: It would force sellers to be more selective about what they list. Sellers would have to ask themselves: What is the likelihood somebody would actually want this thing? A more selective seller population would go a long way toward making certain categories browsable once again. Serendipity would show her beautiful continence and buyers would stumble upon things they never knew existed. As it stands today, the idea of browsing the categories is akin to perusing the shelves of a dollar store for a Rolex. You know before you start that it isn't worth your time.

• THREE: It would set off the biggest whiners' chorus in the history of ecommerce. Whenever eBay sellers start bitching, there is a 99% chance that something good is happening. I've been told this makes me contrarian, but I take the opposite view.

People just don't appreciate how cheap it is to sell on eBay. Here is a great tool that will show you exactly how much goes to eBay when you sell an item (and it ain't much). ebcalc.com is an online calculator that lets you plug in all your variables (like starting bid, final value, Paypal fees, etc.) and then gives your exact profit in dollars and cents.

Go there and play around. Plug in different numbers and see what happens. If you are remotely numerate you will quickly discover the intelligent design behind the fee structure. The powers that 'bay' have made it impossible to pay more than 12.65% in combined standard fees for any item that sells for over $20. For items selling for more than $30 (with an opeing bid under $10) you will never pay over 10% in standard eBay & Paypal fees.

Do you see where this is leading? The higher your average ticket (and $30 is quite modest) the smaller the bite eBay takes in fees. This is not rocket surgery, people. And don't get me started with you frickin' morons who refuse to accept Paypal because it's soooooo expensive. I'll save that for a day when I am not felling so mellow.

Old Concert T-Shirts - The Black-Gold of Pop Culture

What it is:

Vintage concert t-shirts. You remember these! The black t-shirts emblazoned with the band name and artwork on the front and usually having the tour dates printed on the back. Collectors actively bid on shirts from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

What to Look For:

The big names of Rock-n-Roll are always in demand: Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Lynard Skynard... the list goes on.

Bands tend to do much better than individual artists, but there are exceptions to every rule. Don't pass up Jimmi Hendrix or Bruce Springsteen. Shirts from early in a band's career usually sell for more than later shirts.

Just buy them all, as they shouldn't cost more than a dollar or two.

Selling Strategies:

Auction Title:

Include the name of the artist or band and the date, as well as the words 'concert', 'tour' and 't-shirt'.

Category:

Entertainment Memorabilia > Music Memorabilia > Rock, Pop

or

Clothing, Shoes & Accessories > Vintage

Use both categories for the more desirable shirts.

Pricing:

Start your bidding at $9.95 and let collectors fight over it!

Highlights:

Wouldn't you love to have been the seller of any of these?

• $312 for a 1967 Monkees shirt
• $279 for a 1991 Iron Maidon shirt
• $178 for a 1982 Clash shirt
  
• $152 of a 1981 Rolling Stones shirt
• $140 for a 1994 Motley Crue shirt
• $102 for a 1980 Bruce Springsteen shirt
  

Ease of Shipping:

Doesn't get much easier. Fold the shirt and put it in a plastic bag. Place in a padded mailer.

Avoid:

Since you never have to pay much for these, there is really nothing to stay away from. Even a many of the dogs will sell for $10 if you want to bother listing them.

Of course, any shirts you sell should be clean and odor free. Some people like them to show some wear, but those with large holes should be avoided.

Target Selling Range (Profit Potential):

Most of the shirts you find will sell in the $25 to $50 range. $100+ sales are not uncommon.

Go see for yourself on eBay. Click Here to see what vintage concert t-shirts are currently selling for.

Haunted Auctions and the Witches of eBay

You will either think this is the biggest hoot going on eBay, or be totally disgusted by it.

Most of us were read fairy tales when we were kids. Remember Aladdin's magic lamp? Jack's beans? Frosty's hat? How about Dorothy's ruby slippers or Gollum's Precious? Harry Potter's...whatever Harry Potter has?

OK, think for a minute. What would you pay for a magic ring? How about a box containing a wish granting genii? Did you know those things can be found on eBay? Well, they can. And many sell for hundreds, sometimes even thousands of dollars.

Don't believe me? Just click your heels together three times then CLICK HERE to see for yourself.

Read some of the description if you have the time. They can be quite long and give the detailed genealogies of the witches and warlocks who supposedly once owned these baubles.

The level of creativity and gall boggles the ol' gray matter. These sellers have eBalls!. And the bidders eat it up. From a marketing perspective this is 99% sizzle and 1% steak.

The photos of the items are my favorite part! Mists swirl and flames dance around these powerful objects. Blessed Be PhotoShop!

This seller seems to be the most successful at the game, and is certainly among the most creative. She has even formed a dealers' association: the United Association of Metaphysical Dealers (UAMD). Never hurts to have some initials next to your name! Here are items currently being offered by UAMD members.

Is this is scam? My first reaction was, 'Hell, yes, it's a scam'. But while writing this my view has softened. Maybe it's a new form of entertainment. Mystery. Wonder. Escapism. And judging from the glowing feedback these sellers receive, the placebo effect is strong as Kong.

I can see the ghost of Barnum winking at us. This way to the Egress!

Time and Profit Guidelines for Selling on eBay

Time is the master ingredient. You can't list an auction on eBay without spending some. It takes time to write the listing. It takes time to photograph the item and edit the photos. It takes time to pack and ship the item. How much is your time worth?

Here are the rules I've evolved over the last nine years to help me choose which items are worth my time to list:

The Wizard's Rules of Time Justification

RULE ONE: Don't spend your time on an item unless you can reasonably expect to make a $30 profit.

RULE TWO: If an item requires a very detailed and lengthy description, or will be time consuming to pack for shipment, only list it if you can reasonably expect to make a $100 profit.

Exception to rule number one: If an item can be listed with only a photo (or two) and a one sentence description (or two) PLUS be packed for shipping in less time than it takes to make a bowl of cereal, then a smaller profit margin is acceptable. Many postcards and small photographs would fall into this category, as well as some clothing items.

Some may say that you would be passing up many items on which you could make a $20 profit by following these rules...and they would be correct.

The idea is to become more selective. When it comes to your eBay business, your time is worth what your listings are bringing in. By following the Wizard's rules you will be giving yourself a pay raise.

Of course if you like beating your head against a wall for popcorn money, just list a bunch of low margin crap until your fingers bleed and the eBay logo is branded on your retinas. As always, the choice is yours.

Get the eBay ID You Want...Maybe

Steve Lindhorst at GenuineSeller.com has written a great post about getting the eBay ID you want if the current holder has not been actively using it. A memorable and relevant eBay ID is an important part of building your brand and securing a place in the minds of your customers.

More on Real Photo Postcards

Here is a link to ephemera dealer and blogger Marty Weil's interview with Robert Bogdan, author of Real Photo Postcard Guide: The Peoples Photography. Good read. Damn good blog. Go there.

Real Photo Postcards Will Make You Real Money

What it is:

Also known as RPPCs, these are actual photographs that were produced by developing them onto photographic paper the size and weight of a postcard, with the standard postcard back consisting of space for address, message and postage. Most date before 1940, with the heyday being 1910 to 1930.

There are other ways of placing an image on a postcard which are not "real photos".

The easiest way to tell the difference is to use a magnifying glass. If the image is printed, you will see that it is made up of little dots, just like a photo printed in a newspaper. A "real photo" postcard will show no dots under magnification.

What to Look For:

There is a buyer for just about anything except "instant ancestors", those photos of people standing no place in particular, staring at the camera.

Hot areas for collectors include:

• Buildings
• Vehicles
• Street Scenes
• Aviation
• Saloons
• People in unusual dress
• Animals
• Landmarks
• Hunting
• Fishing
• Working (called Occupationals)
• Ships
• Exotic Locales
• Railroads
• Risque/Nudes
  
• the list goes on

The highest prices usually come from identified buildings and street scenes, with occupationals a close second.


Selling Strategies:

Auction Title:

Include "Real Photo" in your title along with the most intriguing description you can come up with for your image. If you RPPC shows a certain city, include it and the state name as well.

Category:

Place in the most appropriate subcategory under:

Collectibles > Postcards & Paper > Postcards > Real Photo

If your image is of a building or street in a particular city, place it in the most appropriate subcategory under:

Collectibles > Postcards & Paper > Postcards > US State, Town Views

Pricing:

Start your bidding at $9.95. Good images will sell for good prices.

Highlights:

Are you ready for this?

• $280 for a 1910s card showing a horse drawn milk wagon.
• $253 for a 1920s card showing Walker's Grove in Plainfield, Illinois.
• $227 for a 1910s card showing main street in Truckee, California.
• $205 for a 1905 card showing the Chester, New Jersey railroad depot.
• $182 for a 1920s card showing and a group of Ohio University sorority girls in black face.
• $173 for a 1910s card showing people dancing in Glendive, Minnesota.
  
• $150 for a 1930s card showing a topless girl in Tahiti.
• $120 for a 1920s card showing a gas station in Maine.
• $106 for a 1930s card showing a world record marlin.
  
• $105 for for a 1920s card showing an extreme close-up of a woman's eyes.
• $99 for a 1910s card showing a horse drawn bread wagon.
• $99 for a 1917 card showing the Bluestone Mine in Mason, Nevada.
  
• $78 for a 1930s view of Sperryville, Virginia.
• $56 for a 1927 card showing boats at Cedar Lake, Indiana.
• $53 for a 1950s card showing fly fishermen.
• $50 for a 1920s card showing a train wreck in Dwight, Illinois.
  

Ease of Shipping:

Simple. Place in a plastic sleeve between three layers of cardboard and slip into an envelope.


Avoid:

Stay away from cards holes, large tears and creases. Also avoid the "instant ancestors" mentioned above.


Target Selling Range (Profit Potential):

Most of your cards will sell in the $10-$20 range, but the upside potential is huge. Many of these cards are one of a kind and collectors know if they let it get away they may never have another chance. If two bidders decide they must have a certain card it can turn what should have been a $20 auction into a $100+ sale.


See For Yourself:

Go see for yourself on eBay. Click Here to see what these items have been selling for. Ignore the listings by knuckleheads who started the bidding at $350 and didn't sell the damn thing.

Why the eBay System Encourages Last Minute Bids

"Newbays" are easily discouraged. One thing that particualry sets them to fretting is few or no bids as the end of an auction approaches. Bottom line: it shouldn't.

Trevor Ginn has posted the results of a study titled Last minute bids on eBay: A comparison with Amazon Auctions that should put your mind at ease. It will show you why the design of the eBay system leads experienced bidders to the Land of Snipe.