Whiskey Jack’s News Round-Up for May 15, 2011

Each day I scour the web in search of relevant news articles relating to antiques, collectibles and online selling, and each week I hope to present them to you here on the Whiskey Jack’s Trading Post blog. If a particular article looks interesting, just click on the headline to view the entire article. I hope you enjoy these articles and find them informative as well! Thanks for stopping by!

(To read the full articles, just click on the individual headlines)

Collectibles can be affordable

It certainly depends on our wallets, but for most of us, it’s fun to look for old items that are inexpensive and just might increase in value. If we stick to the definition of “antique” as an item that’s 100 years old or older, the task of finding that bargain with profit potential gets much harder. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

2 SoCal men charged in scheme to sell counterfeit Disney pins, pass them off as collectibles

SANTA ANA, Calif. — Two Southern California men have been charged with illegally importing about $2 million worth of counterfeit Disney pins from China and selling them over the Internet. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

In coin dealings, ex-cons make a killing

In three decades of investing in gold and silver, Dean Dellinger amassed nearly 27 pounds of coins. His collection might have been worth more than $645,000 at current prices -- if he still had it. Instead, the 88-year-old Florida resident says his devotion to hard currencies made him an easy mark for a pitchman who cold-called and persuaded him to trade for a class of historic coins called "numismatics." (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Passion for antique dolls

FOR Coleen Anderson, reproducing antique dolls is more than a hobby – it’s a passion. “I’ve got hundreds of beautiful dolls in my collection,” the Tintenbar woman said. “I started making dolls nearly 30 years ago and I do a lot of antique reproductions. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

eBay Sellers Lose Appeal in Antitrust Lawsuit

eBay sellers whose class action antitrust lawsuit against eBay was dismissed last year have lost their appeal. Court documents on Leagle.com show the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals were satisfied that the district court "did not err in ruling on eBay's motion for summary judgment without delay for further discovery." (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Collectibles: How Not to Lose Your Shirt

During times of economic dislocation – when people lose faith in conventional instruments like stocks and bonds – investment dollars are often allocated to various unconventional vehicles, including rare collectibles. A mysterious and fervent devotion attaches itself to items like watches, coins, stamps, art, jewels, antiques, wine, books, paintings, sports memorabilia, automobiles, and other exotica. This can happen in good times, too. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Antique inkwells

The Tehachapi Museum has inaugurated its new “Community Case” with a special collection of antique inkwells and other ink and writing related objects. The program is designed to feature vintage collectibles from Tehachapi area residents. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Spending: Is your antique a gem or junk?

Everyone dreams of finding a priceless antique in their attic. But how do you determine whether your treasure is a valuable heirloom or something better suited for donation to Goodwill? Look for unusual markings or details on the object, then search for more information online. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

A 30-Year Evolution of the Coin Market, and a Look Forward

In March of this year I will turn 42 years old and it occurs to me that 2011 marks my 21st year as a full-time coin dealer. So, exactly half of my life has been devoted to professional numismatics, though I have been attending and setting up at shows since I was 5 years old. It’s truly amazing how much the coin industry has changed over this time. Like many other markets, change was slow for the many decades prior to the 1980’s, and for many collectibles not always positive. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Whiskey Jack’s News Round-Up for May 8, 2011

Each day I scour the web in search of relevant news articles relating to antiques, collectibles and online selling, and each week I hope to present them to you here on the Whiskey Jack’s Trading Post blog. If a particular article looks interesting, just click on the headline to view the entire article. I hope you enjoy these articles and find them informative as well! Thanks for stopping by!

Case Study: Using Social Marketing Techniques in Ecommerce

I just returned from attending a writers workshop at which budding authors were exhorted to develop a "platform." What, you ask, is a platform, and what does it have to do with selling online?.... (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Collectors Corner: Jigsaw Puzzles

When I was very young and had to stay home from school due to illness, I remember being not too unhappy because Mom would often present me with a new jigsaw puzzle….. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Fun ways to keep kids engaged and entertained

PHOENIX - Do you ever find yourself getting overwhelmed when shopping for toys? Which will break, which will keep their attention, and which toys are harmful for your kids?.... (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Antique Furniture Tips

While many of us treasure our family heirlooms, vintage objects, and antiques, there are some simple ways to enjoy your treasures while working to make them last….. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

What's it Worth? Miniature cannons

Q: We enjoy your column every Saturday. We have found one of those tucked away family treasures and would like to find out more about it. It appears to be a small cannon, and we know that it is at least 100 years old,… (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Does eBay's Best Match Search Algorithm Favor Certain Sellers?

You don't have to be a disgruntled eBay seller to know there are flaws in the search function - eBay's own executives acknowledge it and say they are working hard to improve the buyer experience…. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Kovels Antiques: Old carousel figures coveted by collectors

Carousel figures, made mostly in the early 1900s, sell for high prices today. Carousels probably were first made in the 1700s to train spear-throwers,…. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Antique Loomisms: Fenton carnival glass bowl worth $100

How amusing to hear how some antiques that we cherish were initially baptized with unkind designations. In the late 1700s, the Shakers, a branch of the Quakers, literally shook…. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Antiques — Let’s Play Jeopardy: ‘Antiques for $200, Alex’

I admit it. During Jeopardy, I become one of those obnoxious smarty-pants who shouts the answers (I mean the questions) at the television set. I’d risk less humiliation for blurting out incorrect responses if there was an “Antiques” category… (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Antiques & Collectibles: Sifters are both practical, nostalgic

If you have never before paid attention to old kitchen gadgets, check out grandma’s basement or your mother’s kitchen cupboards. In the last half of the 1850s, mass-produced kitchen gadgets were patented at… (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Collecting: Madness, method & money

It is a fairly ordinary thing—an old, yellowish envelope with three rectangular stamps stuck on top with postal cancellation of 26.1.1950. There are plenty of cancellations of that date. Holding it out to the sunlight filtering through his office window that overlooks the Bombay High Court, well-known solicitor Rajan Jayakar remarks, “The stamps are fairly common, issued to commemorate the Indian Republic Day. But do you know why this envelope is invaluable?”….. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Tonnes of antique silver scrapped after bullion price hike

HUGE quantities of antique silver and gold were scrapped last week as precious metal prices hit record highs. Silver dealers in particular clamoured to take advantage of a two-fold hike in the bullion market, the like of which has not been seen for 30 years…. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Whiskey Jack’s News Round-Up for April 24, 2011

Each day I scour the web in search of relevant news articles relating to antiques, collectibles and online selling, and each week I hope to present them to you here on the Whiskey Jack’s Trading Post blog. If a particular article looks interesting, just click on the headline to view the entire article. I hope you enjoy these articles and find them informative as well! Thanks for stopping by!

Internet Sales Tax to be Introduced in US Senate

Online companies already pay state taxes in the states in which they reside, but many politicians -- including those in New York, Illinois and Connecticut -- recently pushed to collect taxes from customers on purchases made outside the state if the sites have vendors that physically reside within their states.

Durbin's proposal intends to push internet vendors to collect state taxes on items purchased out of state….. (Click on the headline to read the full article)

Big Values for Antiques featuring Bugs

Insects spark great drama in the world of art and antiques. Since ancient times, bugs have had their rightful place in art and decorative objects. For instance, in ancient Egypt, bugs were revered in Egyptian culture and religion. The Egyptians believed that a divine….. (Click on the headline to read the full article)

Turn Your Collectible DVDs into Cash

If you've been buying DVDs for a while, there's a good chance that a few of those old, dusty boxes on your shelf might be worth a little something. We've heard of specialty out-of-print titles selling for as much as $500 on eBay….. (Click on the headline to read the full article)

Collectors Corner: Mining the eBay Exchange

eBay is the largest auction marketplace in the world - right? Actually, one could make a greater argument that the stock market is. However, there is a burgeoning "commodities" market on eBay. Gold and silver are bought not only for their numismatic value but also their intrinsic bullion value. Where a commodities exchange and eBay differ is that, on eBay, you always take physical delivery of the commodity.

But do not be under the false impression that the market for gold and silver is large,...it is in fact very small compared to the stock market. But there isn't a lack of buyers and sellers on eBay….. (Click on the headline to read the full article)

Antique shops shelved in downturn

Antique dealers have been forced to sell items from their personal collection to stay afloat, while Tirau once the nation's antique capital has just one antique shop left.

Business owners say the combination of online auction sites, selective buyers and selling a discretionary product during the recession had impacted sales…… (Click on the headline to read the full article)

Instill a love of antiques in your children

When our kids were little, we were always dragging them with us to antique shows, stores and flea markets…… (Click on the headline to read the full article)

Antiques: Ayer's collectibles full of deceptive advertising

Deceptive advertising has been a problem for centuries. The "cures" of Victorian times were promoted with posters, trade cards, almanacs, recipe books, calendars and other testimonials.

One of the prominent makers of cures, remedies and hair and skin products was James C. Ayer & Co…. (Click on the headline to read the full article)

Promoting your business with inexpensive collectibles

Although the economy is making some recovery, we would like to find some cost-saving ways to promote our business. Can I benefit from giving away inexpensive promotional items to customers, and where can I find them….. (Click on the headline to read the full article)

Economic problems cut into antique store sales

The smell of old leather, dust, mildew and furniture polish assails the nose as you enter a shop full of odds and ends of all sizes and shapes…. (Click on the headline to read the full article)

Authentic objects relating to a royal wedding hold their value long term

Which royal collectibles should you buy? I always advise people to collect objects that chronicle a historic event or relate to historic figures. It has been proven that in the market for art and antiques these historic and genuine objects will hold their value long term….. (Click on the headline to read the full article)

Analogue artists defying the digital age

Dusty vinyl records, vintage film cameras, rickety typewriters and antiquated recording equipment … these are the creative tools being used by some emerging artists. Pure nostalgia? Or a laudable refusal to escape the speed and sanitised perfection of contemporary digital culture? (Click on the headline to read the full article)

The Continuing Adventures of Whiskey Jack’s Trading Post

As some of you know, I have reached a point in my life where I simply cannot do all the things I was once able to do. Some of this is the inevitable result of age, and some due to health issues. Both were instrumental in my decision to retire two years ago. Because of this, however, I am now limited to just what I can do in the way of employment. Therefore I decided to really put forth an extra effort into my online sales ventures. Selling on eBay and Bonanza has been okay, but as with us all, an increase in sales would be very welcome! In my attempt to increase sales, I soon learned that I am woefully ignorant of the many ways to increase online sales.

Thanks to some excellent information out there on the web, and in books, and more importantly thanks to some very friendly and helpful folks out there who are extremely generous with their time and knowledge, I am working hard at expanding my customer base, and also engaging in several marketing venues.

As I mentioned above, to achieve this I have started selling on Addoway. You can view my store front by clicking here. I have also set up my Google Profile (here), as well as a profile on HotFrog (here) and LinkedIn (here). If you are also on LinkedIn, let’s connect up. One of the groups I have connected with is Bonanza Sell, which provides a venue to promote my booth, and visit with others who have joined this group. I am also looking into other “business profile” type sites as well, and I’ll keep you updated on my progress with those as well. These sites are free to set up your business profile, and can go a long way toward getting your name out there with regards to internet searches.

I have also signed on for both Twitter (click here), Google Buzz, and Face Book (click here). In fact, I have also started a second Face Book page exclusively for the genealogy research I do. You can view it by clicking here. You can find and either “friend”, “like” or “follow” Ol’ Whiskey Jack by clicking on the links here, and I’d love to see you on these sites! In the not too distant future, I will be exploring Digg, StumbleUpon, and Google Reader as viable marketing venues. And, of course, I will let you know how they work out.

As I mentioned above, I am now selling on Addoway, in addition to Bonanza and eBay. Along side of these online selling sites, I have also signed up with eCrater, BluJay and iOffer. As of yet, I do not have anything in these stores, and I have yet to personalize my profiles on these sites, but I am working on it. One step at a time, ya know. As soon as I get these stores up and running, I’ll let you know. I’ll also let you know if my plan, which is to expand my potential customer base by utilizing additional selling sites, is a success or not.

I did look at some other online selling sites, such as Yardsellr, Etsy and ArtFire, but as yet I have not made a decision on whether or not to use them. Except for Yardsellr that is. I realize some folks really like Yardsellr, and have had success on that site as well, but I have to say that when I visited the site my first impression of Yardsellr was less than positive. One of the first photos I saw of the Yardsellr team (see below), makes me feel as if the Yardsellr team is somewhat lackadaisical in their commitment to professionalism. Which leads me to wonder if their commitment is somewhat less than desirable in other areas, such as customer service, as well. I also do not care for two of their main policies. First, although they do not charge listing fees or final value fees, they do charge your customer $1.00 for the privilege of buying something on their site. I can’t say I like this idea, as it may discourage buyers. Although I do not like the idea of listing and Final Value fees (and who does?), I think they should charge the seller rather than the buyer, and leave it up to the seller to recoup those fees as they think best. More importantly, the number one thing I do not like, is their policy which states that the seller must ship the items before being paid for the item. I think this policy leaves the seller at a distinct disadvantage, and offer too many opportunities for the buyer to somehow defraud the seller.

Also on the horizon I will be utilizing some of the many free advertising sites on the web, to advertise not necessarily specific items, but primarily my online stores.

Hopefully, all of this will translate into the increased sales that have eluded me thus far. As in many things, time will tell. But I will keep you updated as the (hoped for) success, or lack of success that I experience, and will hopefully be able to pass along any hints, tips, and tricks that I learn on the way.

Until next time, stay good, stay safe, and I hope you all will prosper in all of your endeavors!