This is really a surprise, we don’t get too much mail from eBay so I was intrigued to see what was in the envelope(s). So I turned on the video camera to see what eBay had for me in the mail. This is a fun one and I had to share it with our blog readers. I bet you will be getting one too, let me know if you get one OK?
p.s. The audio is a little hot, that is not your PC, sorry guys…
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Who’s that guy with the reflective shades? Is he a cop? Nope, but he will give you a ticket if you move too slow with your delivery times, LOL. This guy is Randy Smythe and I need to introduce him to some in our audience and reacquaint him to others.
Since I got started in eCommerce I had always wondered who the big kahuna was behind some of the big sellers on eBay. Randy was one of those big name. Back in 2005 I bought this book by Scot Wingo called eBay Strategies. I was enamored with what Randy was doing with his business of Glacier Bay Video. Boy that was ages ago. But it was not until I began blogging and hosting my Podcast that I was fortunate enough to score an interview with him. Since then I have watch Randy go from eBay biz owner to Buy.com 3rd Party Marketplace Big Wig!
It is an amazing transition and what he now knows and has experienced is a complete transformation of greater experience and insight for eCommerce. Randy is mad cool and he "plays well with others" LMAO. But in all seriousness, you would be hard pressed to find another person in corporate ecommerce that has the experience, knowledge and understand as Randy does. For years now he has been keeping in tune with the pulse of the landscape and I am now fortunate enough to have his number in the rolodex … well my cell phone 
Here is a FANTASTIC interview he did for our listeners. Also you should go back and listen to some of Randy’s other interviews you will learn much as I always do.
Listen to the Interview NOW!
(press play button and be patient, it takes a minute to buffer)
OR Click to Download
OR Subscribe to the ColderICE Interview series via iTunes 
Press "Play" to listen now
Ecommerce edutainment on demandHey folks this is a guest post by a BRILLIANT business and eBay consultant named Jon Miller. I have known Jon for years now and he is a person I respect highly. Jon sent me an email about his findings on eBay’s announcements from January. I asked him if he would consider making a post of his thoughts, so here you go. Our first, but hopefully not the last, ColderICE.com post by Jon Miller, E-Commerce Business Consultant
In January, eBay announced some significant cuts to Insertion Fees for Fixed Price listings; there was a lot of hype surrounding the announcement, as fee cuts are big news on any marketplace, especially on eBay. eBay announced that they would be dropping Insertion Fees on Fixed Price listings for eBay Store subscribers, down to as low as $0.03 per listing, depending on the Store subscription level. eBay even offered a handy Fee Calculator to help eBay sellers determine which Store subscription level would be best for them.
The bonus included in eBay’s announcement was that they would eliminate the Store Format listing, and instead Store Listings would become Fixed Price listings, with all the great search exposure that comes along with Fixed Price listings. This represents a big improvement for eBay Store sellers, since Store format listings were demoted to the end of search results – having that inventory get better exposure could be a big win for sellers.
But something that hasn’t gotten much press is the fact that a big fee INCREASE resides hidden between the lines of this announcement. That fee increase comes in the form of higher Final Value Fees of Fixed Price listings when compared to the Store listing Final Value Fees. For many eBay.com Store sellers, Final Value Fees have jumped as much as 32%; for eBay Motors Parts & Accessories Store sellers – where higher prices prevail anyways – the damage is even greater: Final Value Fees have jumped nearly 90% or more.
The bottom line is that merchants selling more expensive merchandise, who have adapted to the marketplace by utilizing Store Listings to the fullest, will now see their eBay fees skyrocket. And although this change only affects sellers whose average sale price (ASP) is above $50, that still represents a significant number of eBay merchants.
It should be pointed out that lower Fixed Price Insertion Fees will partially offset these fee increases. However, the average $50+ ASP merchant would have to be listing an enormous volume of listings in order for the insertion fee savings to fully offset the increases in Final Value fees.
Here is a quick look at a few price points and how the shift from Store listings to Fixed Price listings will impact their Final Value fees, for both eBay.com and eBay Motors:
One might ask, “What message does this unannounced fee increase send to merchants on eBay?” Well, the obvious message is: either absorb the cost, or move that inventory elsewhere.
The important point here for eBay Store sellers is to be aware of these hidden changes and how they will affect their business. Adapt and thrive, or stagnate and pay higher Final Value fees – it’s up to you!
Editor’s note: You got comments on this, let Jon hear them. Please add your comments below to this discussion. We want to hear your position on this top.
What a buyer is getting online vs. what they are buying in store is very telling. There are serious differences in what is and is not a great fit for online consumer purchase. The folks at Permuto Discoveries (http://www.permuto.com/blog/) took the data from the U.S. Census Bureau and made this great chart on the breakdown.
March 16, 2010Deadline for corporate tax returns (Forms 1120, 1120A, and 1120S), or to request automatic 6-month extension of time to file (Form 7004).
Final deadline to file an amended corporate tax return (Form 1120X) for tax year 2006 and still claim a tax refund.
Deadline to file individual tax returns (Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ) or to request an Automatic Extension (Form 4868). An extension provides an extra six months to file your return. Payment of the tax is still due by April 15th. You can submit payment for tax along with the extension form.
Last day to make contribution to traditional IRA, Roth IRA, or SEP-IRA for the 2009 tax year. (However, if you get an extension, you will have until October 15th to fund a SEP-IRA.)
1st quarter estimated tax payments due for 2010 tax year.
Final deadline to file an original tax return (Form 1040) for tax year 2006 and still claim a tax refund. (I provide an easy, step-by-step approach to filing back taxes.)
Final deadline to file amended tax return (Form 1040X) for tax year 2006 and still claim a tax refund. (Be sure to mail the amended return well before April 15th to make sure your tax refund will be processed in a timely manner. And be sure to obtain proof of mailing, such as a certified mail receipt.)
Deadline to file estate or trust tax returns (Form 1041) or to request an automatic 5-month extension of time to file (Form 7004).
Deadline to file partnership tax returns (Form 1065) or to request an automatic 5-month extension of time to file (Form 7004).
Final deadline for estates, trusts, or partnerships to file an amended tax return and still claim a tax refund for the year 2006.
Deadline for non-profit organizations to file information returns (Form 990), or request an extension (Form 8868).
2nd quarter estimated tax payments due for 2010 tax year.
Deadline for US citizens living abroad to file individual tax returns and to pay any tax due. You can request an additional 4-month extension (Form 4868). (Tip: request an automatic extension by April 15th instead.) I provide useful information for claiming the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and the Foreign Tax Credit, two tax breaks essential for Americans working abroad.
Deadline to file TD F 90-22.1 Report of Foreign Bank Accounts for the year 2009. This report is required if you have over $10,000 (in aggregate) held in foreign bank accounts.
3rd quarter estimated tax payments due for 2010 tax year.
Final deadline to file corporate tax returns if an extension was requested. (Forms 1120, 1120A, 1120S).
Final deadline to file trust tax returns (Form 1041) if an extension was requested.
Final deadline to file partnership tax returns (Form 1065) if an extension was requested.
Final deadline to file individual tax returns (with extension).
Last day the IRS will accept an electronically filed tax return for 2009. If filing after October 15th, you’ll need to mail in your tax return for processing.
Final deadline to fund a SEP-IRA for tax year 2009 if you requested an automatic extension of time to file.
Start planning any year-end tax moves.
If you are covered by an HSA-compatible health insurance policy as of December 1st, you’ll be eligible to contribute the full amount to a Health Savings Account for the year.
Last day to make any tax moves for the year 2010.
Marital status on this date determines your marital status for the whole year.
The Aftermath:
Welcome to HOTLANTA! What you heard is true, we know how to throw parties in this city. Take a break from the mundane and spend some time hanging out and having a few drinks with the "eCommerce Rock Stars".
This is the HOTTEST ecommerce party in this city for the eBay On Location event!!!
The Aftermath: eCommerce Merchants Atlanta After Party
Date: Friday March 19th, 2010
Time: 8:00 pm
Admission is FREE!
Register: HERE
Location:
300 Marietta Street Northwest, Atlanta
(404) 885-1472
(2 blocks from the eBay On Location hotel)
Dress: Casual chic
Walking Directions: Exit the CNN center or Omni Hotel facing Marietta Street. Turn left and walk 2.5 blocks. Stats is on the corner of Mariette and Baker.
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The Aftermath: eCommerce After Party 2010. This is the place to meet and greet after the eBay on Location events on Friday in Atlanta. the after party is atomic and you have got to be on the VIP List! Register now and get up close and personal with the best and brightest minds in eBay, marketing, ecommerce and customer relationship management.
Featuring a private lounge VIP area for our guests, free drinks to the first 100 people in the door, prizes, giveaways at the "BEST Bar in Downtown Atlanta" a guaranteed good time.
Join the Rock Stars of eCommerceJohn Jantsch – Duct Tape Marketing
Richard Brewer-Hay – eBay Ink Blog
Brent Leary – Customer Relationship Management
Toby Bloomberg – Diva Marketing Blog
Peggy Duncan – Personal Productivity Expert
Charles Lumpkin – Ecommerce SEO Strategist
"JB" Braitwaite – Internet Technology Expert
George Trantas – CEO Designer Athletic
Marlene Gavens – The Savvy Seller
Melinda and Kat – Co-Hosts of eBay and Beyond Radio
Cindy Shelby – Web Sellers Circle
Hosted by eCommerce Merchants – Atlanta
with "Your Boy" John from ColderICE.com
plus YOU?!?
and many many more!
We’re pleased to announce that ProStores will be the platinum sponsor for “The Aftermath – eCommerce Party" here in Atlanta 2010.
GOLD SPONSORS:
Apple Mac Book – ColderICE.com Un-Boxing Video
Teaming USA is dedicated to helping small business owners find partners and learn the powerful advantages of working together to win government and major corporate contracts.
If one is coming, you can register for your area HERE
Small businesses are vital to our economic strength and future. And teaming is one of the top strategies for helping small businesses compete for and win government business. Teaming USASM, a program of American Express OPEN® and Business Matchmaking, helps small business owners across America join forces to win.
*Recruit your team by harnessing the power of our teaming network, where you can share information and find teaming partners.
*Learn from teaming leaders and share your expertise. Download and share best practices, tips and tools through our online community of teaming experts, small business owners and experienced teams who deliver the unique wisdom of experience.
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Teaming USA provides the tools and inside tips to successfully team up with other small business owners to win contracts and is free of charge to all small business owners.
OPEN® and Business Matchmaking are proud to help small businesses—including certified—strengthen and diversify the U.S. economy and future.
Start, build and grow your team today
About American Express OPEN®
American Express OPEN is dedicated exclusively to the success of small business owners and their companies. OPEN® supports business owners with exceptional service. With tailored products and services, the team delivers purchasing power, flexibility, control and rewards to help customers run their business. Specifically, business owner customers can leverage an enhanced set of products, tools, services and savings, including charge and credit cards, convenient access to working capital, robust online account management capabilities and savings on business services from an expanded lineup of partners. To obtain more information about OPEN, visit www.OPEN.com, or call 1-800-NOW-OPEN to apply for a card or loan. Terms and conditions apply.
About Business Matchmaking
Business Matchmaking (BMM), a 501(c)3 non-profit, is the nation’s premier public-private initiative supporting procurement opportunities for small business in every industry. For the past six years, BMM has produced regional face-to-face selling events, plenary seminars and workshops, online training and collateral material for primarily socially disadvantaged, women, veteran and disabled veteran owned firms. With our partners, BMM has facilitated more than 70,000 seller-buyer meetings resulting in billions of dollars in contracts granted. Events are free to both participating small businesses and representative buyers. Teaming USA builds on the success of Business Matchmaking by bringing together powerful teams qualified to capture contracts and deliver results.
Get an extra layer of protection with the PayPal Security Key – it’s easy to use and portable, so you can access your account with confidence from just about 
anywhere. Some of you may already have a security key hanging from your key chain or maybe even one that fits inside your wallet or purse.
I have one on my key chain but my key chain is sometimes not in my possession at all times. My cell phone on the other hand is almost always in the hostler at my side.
The PayPal Security Key creates random temporary security codes that help safeguard your PayPal account when you log in. With the Mobile phone security key you can sign up to get security codes sent by text message to your mobile phone.
The mobile security key has no costs, except your mobile provider’s standard text messaging charges. Check with your mobile provider for details.
Each security key is $5, and there’s no monthly service fee or additional cost. Replacement keys are the same price.
There are 3 main reasons to use a security key:
1. It’s one of the most secure ways to log in to your PayPal account. The security key randomly generates security codes that are practically impossible to duplicate.
2. It’s easy to use. A fresh security code is just one button (or about 30 seconds) away.
3. It’s portable. Take extra security anywhere you go.
You’ll need a mobile phone and service that supports SMS text messaging. Contact your mobile provider to make sure your phone and services are set up for SMS, and to find out your provider’s standard text messaging charges.
Even though this security feature from PayPal is over a year old, if you do a search on “Paypal account hacked” you will get over 1,480,000 entries that contain information on how you can hack into the average PayPal account that does not have a security key. Most of these entries are videos that show you step by step how they did it.
Some say a security key is overkill for most PayPal account owners and its too much trouble to deal with when you want to get into your account right away. I say better to have the extra added security then to one day find out your account has been hacked and a large portion of your money is gone. From what I am told it can take PayPal several days and sometimes months to investigate such a incident and PayPal will not replace the stolen funds until their investigation is complete.
Even if you are to cheap to pay $5.00 for the electronic token, the mobile version is Free by text for most cell phone carriers here in the united states.
For additional answers to your questions about the PayPal Security please see the PayPal Security Key FAQ
All the best
JB
Tonight I had the pleasure of presenting on the New Life Event hosted by Shawna Fennell
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