Amy Doan (aka Shrinkle) is a designer and entreprenuer whose work I came across quite by accident. Amy's been selling her fashionable creations on eBay for over 6 years. Her self-described "Trashy Clothes for Classy Hos" have accrued a cult following all over the world. A mixture of unique fabrics, thrift-store finds, and lots and lots of ribbon, Amy's punky-girly-gothy threads are so unique that even an old fogey like me can appreciate her artistry and keen eye for detail.
Continue reading "Seamstress Sui Generis - Designer Amy Doan (aka Shrinkle)"
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What would you say if I told you that I filled my entire living room with completely original works of art for less than $300? We're not talking kid's stuff - no crayon drawings, no attempts at self-expression. Art by real and struggling artists, both schooled and self-taught?
You'd tell me that I am truly a brilliant shopper, right?
Thank you.
Continue reading "But is it ART?"
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Posted January 12, 2007 - 20:27 by Amy Lin
Small Business Resource Center, Making Extra Cash, Entrepreneurship
EBay is an imperfect system, simply because for the most part it is run on non-binding contracts. You can’t make people who bid on your items pay, even though by bidding, they’re under “legal” contract to pay. EBay could solve this problem by charging buyers' credit cards (which they have on file) once they hit the “confirm purchase” button. But they don’t want to take that responsibility. I guess that would also give them another fee to charge sellers for.
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Ebay is a fabulous resource for so many people. Not only can you find almost anything, but you can usually get it a whole lot cheaper. Usually.
There are, of course, many ways for the savvy shopper to turn that ‘usually’ into an ‘always’ and in the case of Ebay, it’s sniping an auction using Bidnip.com.
Continue reading "Snipe an Ebay auction, save a fortune."
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Posted December 28, 2006 - 14:02 by Amy Lin
Shopping
EBay can be the discount shopper’s paradise. It’s where you can find like-new electronics, brand new designer clothes and accessories, and anything else your heart might desire, most of the time for a fraction of their retail price. Well, that’s the idea anyway. I’ve seen some crazy buyer activities that make me wonder if some think they’re at Sotheby’s bidding on an original Picasso. EBay can be a tourist trap for the impulsive, competitive, and impatient shopper. But if you follow a few simple rules, eBay can be a gold mine of saved dollars.
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PayPal is a necessary evil. As a seller on eBay, it’s impossible to avoid using it. How they are able to do what they do (take money from sellers’ accounts whenever they want) is beyond me but it’s a brilliant business plan. Unlike credit cards where if you report a fraudulent charge or unsatisfactory transaction it’s the credit card company that pays for it, PayPal just moves money between accounts taking no responsibility for fraud charges. They’re just the judge in the de facto court of eBay justice.
Continue reading "The Sale Aftermath: Beware of PayPal Chargebacks"
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I’m getting married in less than 4 weeks. If it weren’t for the Internet, I wouldn’t be having a wedding. Or, rather, I’d be having half a wedding, because that would be all I’d be able to afford. But with the help of some thoughtful friends and a few easy Internet search techniques, I am having a whole wedding at about half the price I would have paid without the deals I found online.
Continue reading "Simple Ways to Shop Around"
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Think of your listing like you would going into an interview. You have a limited amount of time (space) to sell yourself (item) to an employer (buyer) who will have to decide between you and quite a few other candidates. You highlight your strengths and brush over the weaknesses. You offer references. You follow through. You are quick, clear, accurate, and concise. Here is a checklist to making an effective listing on eBay.
Continue reading "Effective eBay Listing"
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Thinking of quitting your day job to sell on eBay full time? Everybody and their mothers seem to be able to eke out a living doing that. Sounds like a fantasy: no more time cards to punch, no more bosses to answer to, no more personal grooming necessary. Here are a few things you should know before you make the jump.
Continue reading "The Business of eBay"
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