eBay Adventure – Standing Up for Myself

                The person who tried underbidding me at $150 returned with a $200 offer. I accepted it because it was closer towards 50% ($225). I stood up for myself because there was no way that I allowed any buyer to undermine me! That was someone that you had to learn as an eBay seller. There were people out there trying to nickel and dime. It was mandatory to stand firm because this was a business and as a seller you must have a breakeven analysis and cost of goods sold (the cost to ship your product).

I brought up cost of goods sold aspect because it a vital part of revenue. In business sale – cost of goods sold = revenue. Cost of goods sold is a uniform price. The post office charged you, the seller, the same amount of the package dimensions regardless of sales price. Lowering your sales price meant a cut into your revenue. That was why I stood up and declined the $150 but accepted the $200 because I needed a buffer and to generate revenue! eBay was a business and the buyers would respect that!

Visit my eBay store at: http://www.ebay.com/usr/carljenkin_6

eBay Adventure – Sometimes You Have to Walk Away

                Feeling great about my current momentum, I took to Periscope showcasing my sales and my new merchandise. Also I loaded the replay into my HootSuite redistributing it across all of my social media platforms. That was the behind the scenes work that most sellers did not understand. You cannot simply open a store. You had to do marketing and business development. Maintaining this blog and doing my Periscopes (converting some of my best into YouTube videos) were part of my marketing campaign. I would had been remissed thinking that my two newer sales were a result of my sharing my photos online, blogging and Periscope.

                Later Thursday night I checked my eBay to get the store link for a blog post. I received an announcement saying that I had a bid. I saw that someone wanted $150 for a new $450 item and I flatly declined it saying that it was too low. No one was getting me on a new item for 1/3 the cost. That was highway robbery. I would had entertained something over $325 but come on, now no one would get a Gianvito Rossi shoe for $150! Sometimes you had to walk away from a sale which I did. There might be a very real possibility that I would have to relist my item; and, I am okay with that because I had retained my integrity and sales policy!

                Visit my store at http://www.ebay.com/usr/carljenkin_6

eBay Adventure – Increasing Sales Report

                Thursday morning the only thing that I had to do was drop off my eBay order to the post office. Nothing more, nothing less. I went about my morning walk (I must process everything), breakfast and the usual stuff. The one thing I did not do was check my email because I would be reacting to someone that happened in the past and during the morning I focused on the present and future which were occurring today.

                Upon my returning home, I checked my email and saw two new sales. I was happy because people were noticing my store. There were so many eBay stores out there and for someone to buy from me was great. Since it was not 9am, I was all set to pack up these shoes when I received a message from the buyer. She told me to delay the shipment due to travel. I was okay with that because I received the money and she gave me a heads up.

                Visit my eBay store at: http://www.ebay.com/usr/carljenkin_6

eBay Adventure - Gold Star for You!

                After a 3-week layoff, I have returned to eBay and what awaits me but a gold star next to my username?! I am beyond ecstatic because this means that I am moving up the ranks. Furthermore, since my last sale, I have received two more 100% ratings making my return that much sweeter! Below is the gold star:

I have returned because I have regained clarity. I admit that the whole Depop situation was a bummer. I have worked hard on selling my clothes but it hasn’t worked out on either eBay or Depop; and, then also, I need some cash flow. I like have another income stream so I have uploaded my shoes adjusting some of the prices. I will upload all of my shoes onto eBay by Wednesday night because my goal is to carry over $2000 worth of material (I am currently at $1150).  

Visit my eBay store at http://www.ebay.com/usr/carljenkin_6

eBay Adventure - Keeping My Store Full

                I have promised myself to keep my online store full at all times. Honestly, there are days when there is nothing in there. Starting this week, there is always something in my store. It is very important to do this because some of my customers are looking for items. Today I will add more items into my store. I am coming onto the 90-day mark and although I have not sold over much over this 30-day period, I am very happy that I have become more consistent in keeping my store full. This week’s goals are:

• Keep my store full
• Ensure that I have over $1000 worth of item in my store
• Have at least 2 sales this week
• Seeing how to reintegrate my clothes since they are not selling on Depop

Visit my eBay store here: http://www.ebay.com/usr/carljenkin_6

eBay Adventure - Tracking Global Shipping Program Like Santa Claus

                I admit that I am intrigued with the global shipping program. I have always shipped my own packages. I like being in control and have read horror stories about eBay sellers using the program but receiving bad feedback due to mismanagement. This is how eBay’s global shipping program works. First, I mail the package to the Kentucky warehouse. Second, eBay warehouse’s confirms receipt reissuing you a new tracking number. Third, the customer receives the package. I am happy to announce that my first global shipping program package has arrived at its destination!

Visit my eBay store here: http://www.ebay.com/usr/carljenkin_6

Depop Diaries – Labor Day Sale

                From today, September 3, 2016 to Friday, September 9, 2016, I am running a Depop Labor Day sales on select items. Below is a photo collage with the select items that are on sale.  PayPal ONLY!

First row (left-right)

Alice + Olivia blue sequined dress $125

Alice + Olivia melon ruched dress $30

LaRok sequined leggings $20

Second row (left-right)

Silver Michael by Michael Kors dress $50

Vince sequined dress $25

Enzo Angiolini slingback shoes $50

Third row (left-right)

Black Michael by Michael Kors dress $30

Black & Silver Michael by Michael Kors dress $30

Alice + Olivia silk floral maxi dress $200

PayPal email: carlarjenkins@yahoo.com

Visit my Depop store here: https://www.depop.com/en-us/phenomena

eBay Adventure – Learning from Earning

                These past two months have been an extreme learning curve for me. I have gone from zero to pro (at least in my own mind). I have handled a disgruntled customer, two fraud complaints and fielded many customer inquiries. Also I have learned the importance of photography and timely shipping. My same-day shipping philosophy is the reason why PayPal releases my money 2 days after the buyer receives his merchandise versus 30 days like in June. I have learned a whole lot from my two months on eBay. Until June, I did not think that I could sell over $2000 in merchandise by myself. I have always had a job so being able to move 2 Gs’ worth of merchandise is very big for me. Now I know how to properly operate an online store, fulfillment, customer service, marketing and eliminating fraud. As always, you can visit my store:

http://www.ebay.com/usr/carljenkin_6

eBay Adventure – New Merchandise = New Sales

                Yesterday I added some new merchandise onto my eBay store. I felt that it needed an overhaul and new blood. I added three new Stuart Weitzman shoes including the Saxony sandals. I promoted it on social media (Periscope, Twitter, Blogger and Instagram). This morning out of nowhere, I receive a sale. It also comes from a new repeat customer. I am very happy about it. I will ship the item tomorrow (I have no boxes and it is currently a DC heat index of 115 degrees). The great thing is that PayPal will release my money in one week.

                I am also thinking about relisting my Stuart Weitzman and doing video to highlight my merchandise so that people can see it. I am upping my livestream video game because I think that this is paying off. There is still over $2000 worth of merchandise in my decluttering process. I will move them.

                This new sale has been a learning experience about strategically using social media to generate sales. In addition, I will keep promoting my eBay store on Periscope. I know that I am getting a lot of reach out of it. I am very happy that I am off to a great start to this 30-day cycle.

Visit my store here: http://www.ebay.com/usr/carljenkin_6

eBay Adventure – Reading Comprehension is Key

                Well, it has happened. I have received my first negative comment coming from the lady who says that I should give her a refund because her feet are too big for my shoes. First, it is clear as day on my site that I offer no refunds. Second, you should know your shoe size before buying them. You are a grown woman who should know her measurements by now.

I have responded to her negative comment stating that my site says no refunds and your feet not fitting the shoes doesn’t mean that my items are defective.  I have to respond because that lady is not messing up my future sales because she doesn’t know her measurements (I have received 3 sales after that little angry rant!).

I know that many buyers believe that eBay will side with them regardless. There have been many videos made from long-term sellers. A lot of buyer abuse eBay’s buyer protection program. I have decided to buck this trend because I don’t lay down like a rug. I offer very clear photos and high-quality customer service from responsible buyers who already know their measurements.

Visit my eBay store here: http://www.ebay.com/usr/carljenkin_6

eBay Adventure - The Sales Keep on Coming

                I have decided to keep riding my good fortune by relisting my other Stuart Weitzman shoes. I have received an email from someone about my hot pink Logoflame soles. Immediately I take the photo and send it back to her. She has placed a sale. This past Friday I received bids for both my red and hot pink Logoflame pumps. I accepted the hot pink Logoflame and made a counteroffer red Logoflame which was accepted. In addition, out of nowhere another pair of Stuart Weitzman pumps has sold at the buy it now rate. I am on fire! Also I have received a sale for my black flats. Moreover, I have seen that I have a new repeat customer. I am happy about developing a new clientele. In between Friday and Saturday I have sold 6 pairs of shoes. This has never happened to me. My biggest accomplishment is PayPal is releasing my money in less than 1 week. I know that this is because I always ship out my merchandise within 2 business days. I don’t care what the weather is (and it right now feels like 108 degrees in DC), I ship as soon as I receive payment. This is why I have 6 5-star reviews in less than 6 weeks on eBay. Hey, the customers have paid for the goods and shipping, why not just mail it out?! Finally, I have learned so much from operating this only store.

Visit my eBay store here: http://www.ebay.com/usr/carljenkin_6

eBay Adventure - Rebounding Emotionally

                Last Saturday I decided to awake full of hope and promise instead of staying in Friday’s funk because I did not make a sale the past week. I also transferred my newly released money from PayPal to my bank account because I had to shift my mentality. I knew that there would be more money available instead of holding onto my current money. That meant that I was blocking my ability to earn more because I was focused on my current money. No sooner did I do those two things than I received my first sale. Also my repeat customer contacted me about some shoes. Immediately I came out of my funk. Entrepreneurship is a roller coaster ride and I am along for it!

Visit my eBay store here: http://www.ebay.com/usr/carljenkin_6

Sold these Stuart Weitzman adobe Rialto Flats

My eBay Adventure

                I have been on eBay since June 13^th (officially selling on June 15^th). I am a true newbie at this. I have managed to sell over $1000 worth of merchandise. I have learned a whole lot from this eBay experience and operating an online store. Here are my lessons learned:

·         Upload at least 4 photos when it comes to shoes – I have received 2 emails from customers who ask me for more photos regarding products (1 of them has sold).

·         Give the customers what they want – I have uploaded a lot of my dresses and clothes but have sold only 1 dress. All of my sales have come from my Stuart Weitzman shoes so I keep putting them out for sale.

·         Customer service is big! – I love emailing my customers and writing thank you cards because they communicate and share energy and ideas. People truly love that personal touch; in addition, I am happy that people want my stuff. I want to send good juju their way.

·         Social media is huge! – I shoot a video for Instagram. I have also posted my shoes and eBay experience updates. Furthermore, I have created a Pinterest board. I will keep promoting via Instagram because I receive the most activity.

·         Transferable skills – operating this eBay store will help me promote my Carlarjenkins.com and Expandyourpersonalbrand.com online shops. I know how to market, which items to stock and how to provide customer satisfaction.

Here is my video discussing how (at the time) I sold over $700. 

I will earn another $1000 next week through learning these lessons. Moreover, I will keep decluttering my space and learning more about operating my online store.

Visit my eBay store here: http://www.ebay.com/usr/carljenkin_6

Live from the Front Lines of the Gilt City Warehouse Sale!

                Today is the start of the Gilt City DC’s warehouse sale. It is located this year at Dock 5 of the Union Market. This is behind the shops off of Neal Street NE. I have attended the biannual Gilt City warehouse sale since its inception and have reported on it through this very blog (http://bit.ly/21ffFu0 ). I have attended the first access media event. Gilt City has sent me a private email link before the regular tickets go on sale because I am a premium client, have been here before and the site follows me on Twitter. The first access media event benefits are getting first crack at all of the goodies. This is great when both my dress and shoe size is 12. Speaking of shoe size, I am happy that Gilt City has (finally) stocked my shoe size!

In addition, to shoes, I have snagged the white Diane von Furstenberg dress and two Alice + Olivia dresses. These are two of my favorite designers plus I couldn’t resist the Alice + Olivia sparkle! I absolutely love sequins and they make me feel feminine.

Another bonus is the extra discounts coming from certain colored tags. I manage to score an extra 20% off my blue Alice + Olivia dress because it has a lavender tag. 

I hope that these insider tidbits guide you through your Gilt City warehouse sale visit. This event is happening today and tomorrow. Here is the link to purchase tickets (http://gi.lt/1oQY4uA). Hurry up because they are going fast and you save hundreds of dollars in one place! 

Nordstrom Tysons Corner Stuart Weitzman Spring Trunk Show

            Checking out Facebook this morning telling people Good Morning before traveling to my Bits of Thread class, I see that Nordstrom Tysons Corner will have a Stuart Weitzman spring trunk show from 10am to 5pm.  Thankful that I don’t have anything else after my class, I rearrange my schedule to include it.  I love Stuart Weitzman because I have narrow feet.  This is the best designer ever!  It also helps that the metro isn’t doing weekend track work. This allows everyone to get to where they need to be. I arrive at Dunn Loring metro station, hail a cab to Tysons Corner arriving at Nordstrom.  Riding up three escalators to the Salon Shoes section, the department has two tables full of Stuart Weitzman merchandise. This is nirvana!  I meet the trunk show representative who is nice and courteous.  She compliments me on my Prada sandals but I tell her that these are Stuart Weitzman silver Itsybitsy sandals (I have to dress for the occasion especially since it is warming up this weekend.). Below is one of the tables showcasing the jellies and my silver Itsybitsy sandals.

Stuart Weitzman spring trunk show offerings

Stuart Weitzman Gladiator Sandals

I am so ecstatic about receiving my gold nappa Stuart Weitzman Gladiator sandals today because I’ve waited since December for them.  Last week I called the company’s HQ and learned that the gold would be available this week.  I followed up calling the Madison Avenue store to reserve my size just for backup.  Since it snowed in DC yesterday, it doesn’t look like I will be wearing them anytime soon.  However, weather permitting, you know I will!