posted on January 17, 2003 11:20:53 AM new
I'm trying to decide whether to stick with the current listing service I'm using (not AW but sounds alot like it) or to make a switch to another that I really like. The main issue is how issues are viewed in the search 'thumbnails' on Yahoo. The service I'm using is the only one I've found that shows its picture in the thumbnail view (instead of just the photo icon) even though the photo isn't stored on Yahoo's servers.
The site I'm looking at does not host photos, but rather FTP's them through the listing software to the site of your choice. Unfortunately, their software is incompatible with where I want to host my photos, so if I make this switch my thumbnails will just be the little camera icon signifying that a photo exists.
My reasons for thinking of changing: a one-time license fee vs. a fee for every auction that closes successfully, and I prefer how my #2 choice works in terms of combining multiple auctions into one invoice.
Does anyone see a big difference in their sell rates by having photos hosted so that it shows within the thumbnail (i.e. for the gallery shoppers)?? My sell-thru isn't that great on Yahoo as it is, and I'd hate to see it drop lower by making this change.
posted on January 17, 2003 01:18:34 PM new
I don't know where you are looking at going, but from what you describe I'm pretty sure I use the same service you do. As far as I know, they're the only one that works with the Yahoo thumbnails.
I like to point people to my customized Yahoo BOOTH, which always has the thumbnails at the top. I like it and wouldn't want to give them up.
Do they really help sales? I don't know but I doubt it matters much.
Another thing to watch out for with these one-time-buy-the-software-now programs is what happens next time eBay/Yahoo/Whatever makes a change that breaks the software? Not all of these management programs are going to still be supported forever. I was one of the people who paid $200 (?) for SAPRO back when Blackthorne created it. Free upgrades for life! At least until eBay bought them out and started "renting" it.
Although there are many options available, I'm pretty happy with the service I use. Free storefront, an Inventory system that works the way I do, good reporting (The P/L report has been invaluable for me!) and the ability to fully import/export my data keeps me with them, even though there are easier and cheaper ways to go.
posted on January 17, 2003 02:00:18 PM new
Thanks replay - and yes I've gathered from posts of yours in the past that we use the same service.
When looking at the categories I list in the vast majority of listings have the thumbnail image, so I can't help but think that I'd be at a disadvantage without them.
If a few minor things were tweaked just a bit (i.e. combining auctions on an invoice, not sending 15 separate 'item shipped' e-mails when a bidder wins 15 items) I'd probably not even consider leaving, but these are two big issues to me.
As for who I'm considering, I've been looking at one particular package for several months. There is a separate forum just for their software package that's maintained by a few users of the software and not the software company itself, and everything I read absolutely raves about their service.
Thanks for your input. I really hope to hear from some other Yahoo sellers.
posted on January 30, 2003 04:47:03 AM new
HI i had this trouble before (not listing at yahoo much now after they changed the homepage sales died now loving it at Ioffer)
but not sure how many auctions you are running? but could not take long to just load them with your service & manually go in & simply load one pic USE MANAGE there is a link to add photo..that will give you your thumbnail..do a few a day..
hope this helps you?
many people asked at chat over there about this & never thought of it..
good luck on your auctions
