eBay Needs Better Control Over Member Registration

For the past 4 days, I have been spammed by one so-called supplier from China, but with a different user ID each time.

How do I know that these messages are from the same person/company? They all have the same log in ID for their messengers.

After a while, I am sure to receive an e-mail from eBay, with the subject "NOTICE: eBay Communication Partner Warning".

If I were a desperate Seller looking for a supplier urgently, I would have jumped at the chance to talk to this supplier and maybe even arranged payment to them.

Anything could have happened during the few hours' time gap.

As soon as their user ID is deregistered, they simply register again. All that is required is a valid e-mail address. Webmail addresses are accepted. The rest can be false information.

This is all that is needed to register in all non-charging eBay sites. Isn't that simple? This is one of the main reasons of rampant fraud on eBay, especially the non-charging ones.

If you're one of the attendees of eBay Explained! 2006 Kuala Lumpur, kindly convey this concern to 'em eBay staff from the Headquarters.

Related post:
Problem ~ Multiple IDs on eBay

Update: 10pm ~ Came home to another TWENTY (and counting) spam mail. Somebody, please do something! This is getting serious!

The Gift Every Woman Loves

End the search for the perfect gift for the women in your life - jewelry always works best.

And DanforthDiamond.com has an incredible selection of palladium jewelry that offers platinum quality at a white gold price.

Whether you're looking for an engagement ring, earrings, necklace or bracelet, they've got it all.

Blog post sponsored by Blogging For Money

Exceptional Trade Show Graphics With No Headaches

The last thing you need to worry about when prepping for a trade show is whether or not your trade show display graphics will attract attention.

And when you order from ExhibitDEAL, you don't have to worry about it. You'll know their in-house designers are right there to offer their creativity and expertise and help create a trade show display that will give you that much-needed edge over the competition.

Blog post sponsored by Get paid to blog

The Good Thing About Being An e-Trader

A few short months ago, I wrote about "Making Buddies Out Of Buyers". This sentiment is also shared by my friend, Alan, a veteran e-trader, who told me that every time he goes travelling "Cuti-cuti Malaysia" style, he makes sure he calls his buyers out for a drink, and he can practically do that in every state in Malaysia.

Being a girl, I have to be more cautious, although I would love to meet with every one of my loyal buyers eventually, realistically, I can't do that.

I am very happy that there are a few of my buyers who remember me on special occasions. I have received invitations to weddings, parties and open houses for Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali and Christmas. It's too bad that I couldn't turn up for all of them, because most are out of state.

But the downside of being too close to my buyers is they keep asking for discounts! hehehe

Related post:
"Making Buddies Out Of Buyers"

Disclosure Policy

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The Difficult First Purchase

As a Seller, I do admit that it's not easy to decide if I should buy some thing online or not, from a Buyer that I'm not familiar with.

The internet is so huge, there are so many people, with all sorts of intentions, who can tell over the screen? It is worse if I were to purchase from an international Seller and gets proportionaly worse as the order gets larger.

Making the decision of a first purchase is always difficult. It is also the same for a Seller to accept an order from a first time Buyer, especially if the order is large.

However, once a relationship has been forged and trust established, subsequent transactions will be as smooth as silk.

Of course, there are exceptions to the rule.

I have also met with good buyers, who subsequently created some form of unpleasantness, either by ultra delay of payment, or cancellation of order eons later or something of this nature.

After that, the feeling will never be the same again.

I always believe that a transaction is only deemed successful when both Buyer and Seller are satisfied with the whole process from placing of an order to safe receipt of the goods.

Gaining 1st Hand Knowledge on SEO & Online Marketing for my WebStore

As an internet marketer trying to gain maximum exposure in the big, bad world of internet where there are millions and millions of blogs and online stores, I have a hard time converting my blog readers into WebStore visitors.

After over a year of setting up the WebStore, it's time to have a good look at my marketing strategy while optimising my Webstore.

I realise that I am not making use of keywords fully to enable search engines to rank my page higher. It's no use getting first spot when people search for "Cyberpartygal" when what I actually need is to get first spot for searches for "sexy lingerie", as an example.

Paul O'Brien, who was with Yahoo and is now Head of Online Marketing for a leading brand's direct to consumer business, has a blog, Search Engine optimization and online marketing blog SEO'Brien, which teaches us search engine optimization and generously dispenses tips and tricks of online marketing, and all for free too.

I have gained alot of positive information from his blog and I will start working on my own WebStore in search engine optimization by peppering relevant keywords throughout my WebStore, and then beg look for internet heavyweights to link to my WebStore.

Ahhh I didn't know that even in linking, we need to use keyword rich text. No wonder just linking to "Cyberpartygal's WebStore" is not enough.

I am confident that with Paul O'Brien's first hand knowledge and guidance, I will be able to improve on my WebStore page rank 3 and it will no longer appear in the back pages of searches.

With these valuable lessons gained from Search Engine optimization and online marketing blog SEO'Brien all for free, who needs to buy e-books anymore?

You Know You're ....

... hanging out at a place way too often when you start to dream about the people.

That was what happened to me last night when I dreamt of a postal clerk!

I wasn't there for its postal service though. I was there to withdraw some money. HHmm it's strange, I don't even have a Bank Simpanan Nasional account or an Amanah Saham account, obviously.

And the funny thing is, this particular clerk has been transferred to the General Post Office in December, 2005 and here I was, dreaming of her in her old office.

Hehehe luckily I didn't dream of a male postal worker. :-)

Traffic + Copywriting + Product = Successful Internet Business

Three months ago, I wrote that Drive + Passion = Successful Netpreneur.

Here's another equation: Traffic + Copywriting + Product = Successful Internet Business, according to Mr. James D. Brausch and he can't be wrong. He's an Internet business guru.

In his website, Mr. Brausch has generously shared his knowledge on internet marketing, which I find very informative and beneficial, as an e-trader, hoping to go into this venture full-time.

Right now, I am still working on channeling traffic to my webstore, and I suck at copywriting. How many more ways can one describe a piece of lingerie? And I'm also desperately in need of a new digital camera. I hope someone will remember my birthday next month.

Mr. Brausch also markets software that can improve online sales by a four-figure percentage, so if you have some spare cash, you can try them out. He offers money-back guarantees, so there's nothing to lose.

While I myself would love to try his programs out, the foreign currency exchange rate is a killer. I'll just as well read through his entire website from the very first post. Lots of stuff to be gained from there and I'll be looking to implement some of his tips and tricks to my own marketing strategy.

Related post:
Drive + Passion = Successful Netpreneur

Going the Blog Way

I noticed that more and more online Sellers have started blogs. Heck, even eBay is offering blogspace for its members who are so inclined to blog.

Blogging is a low cost way of marketing, but it is not easy to get a shopper come to your blog, and then find their way to your sales page. I know, I've maintained this blog since December, 2005 and only a handful actually check out the links and buttons on the sidebar.

From experience, my own and those of fellow bloggers, only a handful actually read beyond the single post, which is really a pity as we have a lot more to offer to our readers than just one post.

Like I said, a lot of us Sellers now have blogs to be closer to our buyers and to keep them informed.

Recently, I noticed that many of these blogging Sellers have added the URL of their blog in their signature on eBay Forum Boards.

I thought that is a violation of eBay Forum's Terms of Use. I remember getting an e-mail warning from the Admin when I was a newbie on the Boards and left a link to my eBay auction page in my signature.

And yet, here are members, PowerSellers and veteran sellers no less, leaving an external link in their signature.

Has eBay relaxed their rule, or does eBay close an eye to PowerSellers or Store Owners?

Putting Fraud & Chargeback Fears To Rest

My main concerns as an e-trader in Malaysia trying to expand to the international market are fraud and chargeback.

I know of a case where a Seller sold a branded item to his Buyer in the United States who made payment via one of the more popular online payment gateway.

When the Buyer received the item, he claimed that the item was not as advertised and lodged a chargeback and was successful. As you can imagine, the Seller lost the money AND the goods. Geezzz Let me tell you, that is a Seller's worst nightmare.

Today, I came across this company called preCharge with its Certified Payment program that serves to provide protection against credit card fraud and chargebacks because the system simply validates IP and e-mail addresses in real-time WHILE an order is being processed.

It does sound complicated, doesn't it? But to have all these background validation work happen under 1.2 seconds, it doesn't interfere with consumer's experience.

If you are serious about making inroads into international online sales, then give preCharge a try. Really, it will save you a lot of headache later on.

Of Problematic Buyers

There are good buyers and there are problematic ones. Today, I have the misfortune to meet with a problematic one.

Here's the scenario:

Buyer orders item A; I confirmed her order and provided her with payment details.

Upon receipt of payment details, Buyer replies saying that she now wants to change her order to item B, which is fine by me, IF item B is available.

However, item B has already been ordered by another person but hasn't paid for it yet, which is also fine, since I do give grace period if a buyer has a reasonable excuse for delayed payment. Delayed means longer than the stipulated three days.

Even after letting Buyer know that item B is not available, she replied saying that she still wants item B and will pay me as soon as possible.

Hello, did I ever say that whoever pays me first will get the item? And it isn't listed For Sale anymore. It beats me why she went and check my listing history.

I had to mail her back, to tell her NOT to send me payment if she doesn't want item A or I will confiscate her money.

I also had to copy our correspondence to the Admin of the board.

It's potential buyers like these that make me appreciate the good buyers all the more.

Sometimes I wonder if people even read.

Just yesterday, one potential buyer e-mailed me, asking me for measurement of a particular item. BUT I ALREADY WROTE THAT IN THE ITEM DESCRIPTION.

I wonder why do I even bother to take the trouble to state everything out if people do not read.

That is why some powersellers do not reply to questions that already have answers in their item description. But I guess, no Malaysian Seller can afford to do that because the market here is sluggish.

Section 420 of the Penal Code

Once again, internet fraud is very rampant. It must be the holiday season where scammers can gain some time from receipt of payment to supposed shipping day.

If you know of someone who has been scammed through internet purchase in Malaysia, please do urge him/her to make a police report and lodge a claim with the Consumer Tribunal.

I know I have made quite a few posts on this, but I have found out that one should make a police report under Section 420 of the Penal Code.

The charges under Section 420 of the Penal Code carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail, whipping and fine, upon conviction.

Related posts:
Important Info: Reporting to the Authorities
Consumer Tribunal Claims

Holiday Malady

I do not actually expect to close any sales during this 5-day holiday break. That's because most people have "balik kampung" and do not have ready access to the internet.

Some would also rather use the money for yellow or green packets or to buy stuff for the festivities or go on trips just to break away from mundane routine.

However, one thing I notice about holiday breaks is, this is the time joybidders surface. There was once during Chinese New Year where a man bidded on nine of my items without the intention of closing the deal.

This time, someone bidded on four items. While I am not 100% sure that this is a joybidder, I am not taking any chances and have decided to end his bids based on his bidding pattern.

So far, my deducement has been rather accurate. I'd rather forgo a sale than to suffer from the headache of chasing for payment just to close the deal.

Cyberpartygal's WebStore Now Sells

... costume jewelry. Perfect as gifts or for own use. Priced reasonably, as always. Limited stock, so act fast!

~*~ click on image to enlarge ~*~

Looking forward to your continued support!
Thank you very much in advance.

Happy DeepaRaya

Today, I have the pleasure of sending out Deepavali and Hari Raya Aidilfitri greetings to selected people from my database of buyers.

Here on my blog, I wish to take this opportunity to wish all Hindu friends and buyers a Happy Deepavali, to all Muslims Selamat Hari Raya, and to everyone who are not celebrating either one of these festivities, Happy Holidays.

May you have an enjoyable time with your friends, family and loved ones, and most important of all, drive safely when balik-ing kampung.

May we all get a well-deserved break from work too. Bah!

Would You Like To Know .....

....... which item I was selling that fetched the most joybidders, joy buyers and joy-everything?

It was this Cassandra Intimates item, that's especially for Valentine's Day or a similarly significant day.

It easily gave me more than ten false orders. *sigh*

It was sold yesterday to a great buyer. Thank you very much!

What's Hot, What's Not So

Regular readers of this blog will know that I sometimes make screenshots of the best viewed products on Cyberpartygal's WebStore.

Today, I'm doing one of the best viewed products on New Arrivals ONLY.

~*~ Click on image to enlarge ~*~

The last five items were only added to the Store two days ago, hence the disparity in View Count.

Product Testing

One of the most common questions asked after I ventured into online trading, dealing primarily in ladies' lingerie is, "Do you wear your own products?"

I tell them, yes, I do use my own products, in the very beginning, and this is what I call "product testing". I am my very own critic and I am the best person who can give me the best feedback.

This way, I can avoid any cock and bull story from my future buyers since I HAVE used the items vigorously and know what will happen and what will not. I will only buy an item in bulk once I am satified with the overall quality.

I am a no frills person and friends were suprised when they see me wearing necklaces nowadays. I am currently testing out necklaces and I wear them 24/7 to check the reaction against skin, sweat and water.

If it passes my tests, then only will I begin selling them. Otherwise, I'll just write it off. Better than risking my reputation.

Reliable Dropshipper

I would like to expand my online trading activity and the way to go about it without tying up too much capital, which I lack, is to engage the services of a good dropshipper.

So far, from my extensive internet surfing, I came across some companies who will dropship internationally, but I do not know how reliable they are. Simply put, I do not trust them 100%.

Sourcing for products to sell is one thing, depending on dropshippers to wrap up a transaction is another.

I do not mind my supplier running off with my money, since the affected party is only Me, Myself and I. However, if I engage a dropshipper, I won't know how good this company is until I have received payment from my Buyer, paid my Dropshipper with the payment and then wait for my Dropshipper to ship out the item and get the update from my Buyer. Heck, I don't even have a chance to check the quality of the items!

Moreover, I will have absolutely no control over the packing or speed of shipping. In short, I'll be putting my Seller's reputation on the line. Is it worthwhile?

There are some lucky Sellers who managed to find really reliable dropshippers though, but they "ain't no divulging no information."

Besides, is it not against the Terms of Service of most auction platforms if a Seller sells an item that is not currently on hand?

eBay Explained 2006 - Explained

As a follow-up to my earlier post, yay, eBay has released information on eBay Explained 2006.

For the first time in Asia, Jim Griffith, Dean of eBay University will be flying in to conduct a half day eBay University seminar in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines and of course meet with the local Community!

For Malaysia's eBay Explained, it will be held on 12th November, 2006 from 2pm to 6pm at JW Marriott Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

Registration is open from now until 31st October 2006 but seats are available on first come, first served basis. Register as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Participation in this seminar is FREE!

Check this page for details. If you have questions, feel free to get clarification HERE.

Reconsidering My Policy .......

.... of leaving a positive feedback to my buyers as soon as payment is received.

I always believed that once payment is received, the buyer has done his part in being a "good buyer", even if the payment came later than the 3-day payment period allowed. This is what I have been doing the 1.75 years that I trade online.

Moreover, I also do not post a negative feedback to those who went missing after winning my auction. I believe in leaving the door open for future trades. Although I may be weary of this person forever, I never will close the door.

Lately, reading from international trade discussion boards, there seems to be the current trend of Buyers leaving a negative feedback to Sellers and these Sellers have no avenue to make the Buyer withdraw the negative feedback.

The mutual feedback withdraw only works if both sides have left a negative on each other. However, the comment will still be on profile for all to see, just that the feedback count will be adjusted without taking the negative into consideration.

In many of such cases, the Buyers really shouldn't have any reason to leave a negative. They just did it, perhaps due to jealousy or sabotage or just to spite the Seller or to mar his/her records.

Although I am honest Seller and provide full details in my description and include real images (and not stock photos) in my sales, I may have to change policy and wait for my Buyer to receive the item first, and leave me a feedback. Then only do I reciprocate accordingly.

Should I, or shouldn't I?

Linking to Cyberpartygal's WebStore

Cyberpartygal would be MOST grateful if you could link to her WebStore from your blog or website using one of these banners.

Size: 468 X 60 each

Feel free to hotlink the above images.
Thank you very much in advance!

October, 2006 ~ Lots of Shipping Breaks

Just an early reminder to all buyers, October 2006 is a month of holiday.

These are the days without shipping, as Pos Malaysia will be closed:

October, 2006
1st Oct - Sunday
7th Oct - first Saturday of the month
8th Oct - Sunday
10th Oct - Nuzul Al-Quran
15th Oct - Sunday
21st Oct - Deepavali
22nd Oct - Sunday
23rd Oct - declared a public holiday
24th Oct - Hari Raya Aidilfitri (1st day)
25th Oct - Hari Raya Aidilfitri (2nd day)
29th Oct - Sunday

Cyberpartygal's WebStore will still be open for business 24/7. Please plan your purchases accordingly. We do not wish to have your packages trapped in a closed post office.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

eBay Explained! 2006 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

eBay Explained! 2006 is scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur soon. Details are still undisclosed but participation is by invitation ONLY and on first come first served basis.

eBay will be sending out the invites via e-mail, so watch out for it. Remember to check your Junk Folder as well.

Good luck!

Joke of the Week

Being a dedicated and committed e-trader, I receive lots and have to reply to all e-mail, ranging from serious to pranks to funny proposals from jokers.

A few days ago, I received an e-mail through my auction on eBay Malaysia, which I thought was funny. Not the "haha" funny, but "funny funny".

Now, everyone knows that to list an item on any auction site, we have to write the Title & Description and set the Price & Duration and include photos of the item if available.

Anyway, one person wrote in to me to ask, "How much are you selling this?"

Isn't it funny? I mean, nobody can list an item without setting a price. And my price is already there, large enough for anyone to see.

I wonder what sort of reply she expects from me.

Should I say, "For you, buy one FREE one!"

Or maybe, "Ehh how did you know that I'm having a Ramadhan Sale? 80% discount for you!"

Or even, "Hey, this is the letter I've been waiting for all my life! You can have it for free!"

But of course, being the goody me, I just said, "My price is MYRXX, which is already mentioned in the auction."

Lame, right? Blehhhhh

Announcement

So, it's been almost a week since I last blogged and I didn't even realise it. Been busy setting up my website and four brand new blogs PLUS changing layouts for this blog and FreebieLand. They are still in progress though. I've been looking at so many HTML codes that I even had nightmares of them.

Cyberpartygal presents ...

Cyberpartygal's World
::: Daily Humour :::
Amazing Animal Adventures
** The Lingerie Expert **
~*~ My Movie Land ~*~

As you can see, I need content for these blogs, so, SPAM ME!

On another matter, I've been meaning to let out a secret but haven't gotten round to it. Anyway, here it is:

Cyberpartygal's WebStore has two (TWO!) secret freebies to give away. You know how I usually require buyers to opt for Poslaju to qualify for freebie, as it will safe me from packing headache?

This time, the first two buyers who require box packaging will receive these freebies. These are secret freebies, mind you. They are not listed in the WebStore at all.

Who will the lucky ones be?

Update ~ 14th Oct, 2006 ~ The freebie for the first male buyer who requires box packaging is no longer available.

Update ~ 21st Nov, 2006 ~ The second freebie has been won. Thank you!