Please help for a newbie!

quote:

At top of old auctions is a meet the seller with things like: contact, view other listings, view feedback, etc.

That stuff will all show up as it normally would as soon as the listing is active on ebay. It's not really needed or relevant when you're creating a listing through Auctiva..it's part of Ebay's page.

Thanks so much for the quick reply! Do you know if my shipping calculator will still show up? Do I need to set it up in Auctiva? I can't seem to find anything on the shipping calculator. Thanks again! Hopefully I'll get the hang of this soon and be able to list some auctions!

Hi margied66!
Welcome! I'm relatively new myself, so don't feel like the lone ranger! There are many of us "Newbies" around here.
The community here is really helpful and so eager to assist others! Everyone is so patient and encouraging!
Even those that are proficient on computers, selling, and this site have not forgotten that they too were beginners at some point; they graciously assist us "Newbies" with open welcoming arms!
So ask away; anything and everything as others of us probably have the same questions.
I've posted a few times, and have learned a few helpful hints;
1. On your new listing scroll down to "Shipping" > on the left you'll see maximize > click to maximize > scroll down to see either flat rate, calculated, or pick up > when you check calculated, areas for completion appear; dimensions, weight, etc.
(I have never used the calculated shipping as I didn't venture to look for, &/or try it, so thank you for the question as I learned something new!)
2. If you want to add item specifics there are 2 links under the category selection area; 1 has either New or Used options only; the other has a Custom Area; you can write your own descriptions or information.
*** If try to post your listing, but it doesn't go through, check the scheduled listing area...if it shows an error, then your Custom Item Specifics are probably too long/too many letters. Even though you can type quite a bit into the item specifics areas, keep it short and to the point as too many letters will prevent listing to load onto ebay. Edit your listing from that same area and try to repost or reschedule. I'd try to post a few to get the hang of it before scheduling any just so that you aren't caught unaware if they don't go through.
3. BIG HINT: I was having a terrible problem with font type, size and even color changing even in the middle of a line or paragraph when I'd go back for review; both seller specifics and descriptions.
Jeff CEO taught me about "Cookies" with multiple revisions, plus "Cut/paste" from outside Auctiva can cause havoc; both can drive a normal person nuts!
I often have to delete these "Cookies" to get things to "Stick" as I'd like them to be. Also, sometimes you might try using notepad vs Word to copy from, and even then it can cause problems. So PREVIEW before posting.
4. She's right about your feedback, etc showing up later on the actual listing. Note the same is true of your return policy. Although the payment section shows in the Auctiva preview, the return section won't show up in the preview; only on the actual listing. You can make a Master Checkout/Return Policy too under Profiles too.
And ask away, so that we all learn and grow together! Everyone is so nice and helpful!

myglassbear:

Thanks so much for the info. I am still trying to learn everything I can by reading the boards, so appreciate any pointers!! I've been wanting to try Auctiva for a long time, but wasn't sure. I think I won't regret it. I'm already finding things I love about it. It will just take me awhile to get used to it. Thanks for taking the time to explain for me!!

I'm also very new to Auctiva. I've been reading many posts which have been very helpful. I have a couple problems with which you may be able to help. (I hope!)

1. When I write my description, sometimes I wangt to cut and paste part of it, however it won't let me. Does it not allow copying and pasting?

2. I have MS Vista. I don't know if this is a problem with Vista or not. Auctiva sometimes closes down IE7. When that happens, I usually delete all my cookies and start all over again. Yesterday I had to do a system restore because I lost my tool bar. Anyone ever have this problem?

3. When I do a preview of my listing, at the bottom under payment details where the paypal icons are, I don't see "seller preferred" etc. Will it show up when it is posted on eBay?

Thanks for any advice you can give. I'm also new to selling.

Hi toonew,

Let's see....

1. When I write my description, sometimes I wangt to cut and paste part of it, however it won't let me. Does it not allow copying and pasting?

Using the Auctiva listing editor, if I want to copy/paste, I get a pop-up asking for permission when I use Right-Mouse-Click on a selection and the message "Do you want to allow this webpage to access your clipboard?" with Allow access and Don't allow buttons to complete the function. I'm using IE7 from WinXP and that's the norm for me. Are you seeing anything similar?

2. I have MS Vista. I don't know if this is a problem with Vista or not. Auctiva sometimes closes down IE7. When that happens, I usually delete all my cookies and start all over again. Yesterday I had to do a system restore because I lost my tool bar. Anyone ever have this problem?

Can't help with this one, as I'm not using Vista. However, haven't seen a similar problem using XP. I use the ebaY Toolbar and have only experienced minor problems over the years. Had problems with the PayPal Virtual feature and removed that after some tests.

3. When I do a preview of my listing, at the bottom under payment details where the paypal icons are, I don't see "seller preferred" etc. Will it show up when it is posted on eBay?

I use PayPal Seller preferred too, as set in my ebaY profile. No problem on my listings showing that in Payment details section, which you find through my Auctiva Store. The Auctiva preview doesn't show, cause that info is set by ebay on submission of the listing, i.e. it's an ebaY setting that Auctiva doesn't know, store, or set.

Hope that helps and welcome.

Dan

Dan:

Thank you for the quick reply! Yes, I DO get a pop-up asking for permission when I try to copy and paste. So am I to assume I can as long as I allow access to my clipboard? Up til now I click "no." Not that familiar with clipboard and I usually don't allow it when using Word. I always thought it cluttered up the hard drive. lol I'm computer illiterate.... almost! (Oh Oh! Did I put that smiley somewhere it didnt belong??)

As for Vista, it seems weird when I use Auctiva as it shuts down "sometimes."

Thanks for the info on PayPal. I have been wondering about that for two days. I still haven't posted my first listing.

BTW.... I see you are in Columbus, OH. I'm in OH as well! Small world!!

I'm looking forward to saving money with Auctiva. My first two sales cost me $12+ for each listing. Someone on the message boards on eBay told me to use this. What a savings and great templates!! I'm anxious to get started but am waiting on feedback from my buyer who hasn't confirmed receipt although I tracked both items and both were delivered.

Thank you again. I'm sure I will have more questions. (pardon any typo's as I am using a notebook and the keyboard is smaller than desktop keyboards.

Toonew,

Sorry...little slow getting back. Just started a Forum survey on eCommerce service in the Store section of the Forum. My curiosity always gets the best of me.

Yep, allow the access to Clipboard for the copy/paste. That's normal. I believe that's an IE security feature, and not an Auctiva function.

Not sure why Vista is causing the shutdowns.

Just moved back to Columbus from Charlotte, NC.

I've been using Auctiva for little over 2 years, and I like these folks. They have the occasional bad days, but so does every service including ebaY. Their folks at Tech Support are tops.

Oh....If you haven't checked out their Insurance Plan, it's very good. UPIC (their provider) is well established. I use it as a sales point for FULL COVERAGE in my auctions.

Dan

Night Owl wrote:

quote:

2. If you want to add item specifics there are 2 links under the category selection area; 1 has either New or Used options only; the other has a Custom Area; you can write your own descriptions or information.

I don't see a link that shows used or new condition. I clicked on "custom item specifics" under category and a pop-up window comes up that wants "detail name" and "value." Underneath that "eBay Recommended Specifics." Then submit. I'm confused.

The "specifics" on a item varies, depending upon the category chosen for the listing. The quote sited is most likely a very generic type item and fill-in response. I've seen alot of variation for coins, books, collectibles, etc.

What category are you selecting and are you sure the category is best fit for the item you are trying to auction or sell? Also, do you have an ebay Store and custom Store categories that you need to sync with Auctiva?

Dan

Hi Dan:

My category is correct. So far, I've sold jewelry and plan to sell a lot more. I don't have an eBay Store - I just list two or three items at a time. Have been lucky so far. I don't know what the item specifics really mean, but my listing doesn't show if it's new or used. My titles have been "vintage jewelry" which brings many lookers. Very hot items right now.
I have another question regarding feedback. (I couldn't find it in the feedback forum)
The feedback that is showing on Activa is less than the feedback I actually have on eBay. Will that change when I finally post it to eBay??

Oh my! I have so much to learn here. I don't want to make any mistakes. I will also list other items like formal wear (later) cameras, old books, etc.

I don't know anything about stores. I'm too new to selling. I was only a purhaser.

Thanks again for any advice you can give.