We are possibly going to move this year, with the economy being so awesome, and Dh not I working. He's lookin ginto going back for his Ph.D., and I am just along for the ride. If he gets accepted and gets the financial aid we would need, we'll move. If he gets a job outside of the NYC area, we'll move. I am waiting to get a job until we figure out what is going on with him, since right now, having not worked in over 6 years, I would be looking at entry level or retail. I'm not thrilled with our situation, but I'll live.
The thing that is KILLING ME is, if/when we move, I cannot take my fabric. I know this is a petty concern, but it is upsetting. So, I have "manned up" (Womanned up?), and listed my fabric and sewing supplies on craigslist.
I have gotten a good response, and I know I have way mre fabric than ten people could use int heir lifetimes, but that doesn't mean I enjoy selling my fabric at a huge loss. I love my fabric, and it is just traipsing out of my house for practically no money.
I know this is my own doing. I could charge more. I could do a lot of things, but I do need to pare down. That being said, it is depressing and disheartening. I am doing what needs to be done, but not enjoying it at all. I don't want to do this anymore, but I need to get down to a reasonable amount of fabric, and it's easy to say I have ten times what ANYONE could EVER consider reasonable.
well, I have more people coming in about an hour, so I guess I should go eat something and try to straighten up down there after the people who just left. Bleh.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Ok, am I the only person in the world who thinks someone else tucking your tag in is RUDE and an inconsiderate?
I HATE when people do this, whether they be strangers or friends. I especially hate when strangers do it. Immediately, the tag itches and bothers me, as they ALWAYS scrape it against my skin to tuck it in.
I think it is very rude to touch someone to do something like tucking in a tag, or (along the same lines) removing a thread or hair or fuzz from their clothing. I feel like it is an invasion into my personal space,a nd it makes me jump to be touched without warning or permission. I don't care if it IS bothering you. get over it and look away. it's on ME. Are you such an OCD control freak you can't stand a hair or thing out of place, even on someone else??
it's one thing to ask someone if they would mind you doing so, or to inform someone that they have a tag showing, but it's entirely another to touch them with no warning and without permission.
I nearly slapped a lady in the store today. She grabbed the back of the frigging neck of my shirt to stop me so she could tuck in my tag! I rounded on her ready to punch her, I swear. Her excuse: "it was really bothering me, adn I couldn't let you walk around like that" Why not? it wasn't bothering ME until you took it upon yourself to grab me and scrape my neck tucking it in.
People don't zip the open flies of other people....why is it ok to tuck in tags??
OK, rant over.
I HATE when people do this, whether they be strangers or friends. I especially hate when strangers do it. Immediately, the tag itches and bothers me, as they ALWAYS scrape it against my skin to tuck it in.
I think it is very rude to touch someone to do something like tucking in a tag, or (along the same lines) removing a thread or hair or fuzz from their clothing. I feel like it is an invasion into my personal space,a nd it makes me jump to be touched without warning or permission. I don't care if it IS bothering you. get over it and look away. it's on ME. Are you such an OCD control freak you can't stand a hair or thing out of place, even on someone else??
it's one thing to ask someone if they would mind you doing so, or to inform someone that they have a tag showing, but it's entirely another to touch them with no warning and without permission.
I nearly slapped a lady in the store today. She grabbed the back of the frigging neck of my shirt to stop me so she could tuck in my tag! I rounded on her ready to punch her, I swear. Her excuse: "it was really bothering me, adn I couldn't let you walk around like that" Why not? it wasn't bothering ME until you took it upon yourself to grab me and scrape my neck tucking it in.
People don't zip the open flies of other people....why is it ok to tuck in tags??
OK, rant over.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
In a Funk
My DH has not had any work for a few weeks. We had some money put aside, and he got a pretty good severance package, so we decided that we could spend the summer with him focusing on writing a book and me taking care of the kids. Come September, though at least one of us needs to get a job.
This is fine.
I'm kind of stressed out about what kind of job a woman who has never HAD a job for more than about 9 months at a pop can get. yes, I have a bachelor's degree, but it's in something that is worthless as far as job-getting skills are concerned, because the degree is 9 years out of date at this point.
However, the biggest thing causing me problems right now is my complete and utter lack of motivation. I have two sewing businesses. I have one non-time sensitive order, and a gift that need to be made, but I just cannot seem to get my act together. First it was because I was putting all of the stuff away in the basement, now it's my back is out.....what's next?? I feel like a lazy schlub.
Thursday is my kids' last day of school. After that, I am on full-time mommy alert, and I haven't gotten the things I need to do done. I was talking about making extra money this summer with my sewing, and I have done nothing. What's wrong with me??
I need to figure something out. Lazy-ass just doesn't suit me. Sewing is usually my therapy. Maybe it would give me some clarity as far as this job thing is concerned....maybe I'm purposely avoiding it?? I just don't know.
One thing I did think of today:
When I start getting overwhelmed, I tend to disengage.....I have been disengaged for weeks now, and whenever I try to get back into the swing, it's just too much. I know it's better to just deal with things, but I am overly caught up in the what-if's and What-are-we-going-to-do?'s when I sew is usually when I deal with things, but I have been not sewing because I jsut start to freak out.
Not a good mind set. I suck.
This is fine.
I'm kind of stressed out about what kind of job a woman who has never HAD a job for more than about 9 months at a pop can get. yes, I have a bachelor's degree, but it's in something that is worthless as far as job-getting skills are concerned, because the degree is 9 years out of date at this point.
However, the biggest thing causing me problems right now is my complete and utter lack of motivation. I have two sewing businesses. I have one non-time sensitive order, and a gift that need to be made, but I just cannot seem to get my act together. First it was because I was putting all of the stuff away in the basement, now it's my back is out.....what's next?? I feel like a lazy schlub.
Thursday is my kids' last day of school. After that, I am on full-time mommy alert, and I haven't gotten the things I need to do done. I was talking about making extra money this summer with my sewing, and I have done nothing. What's wrong with me??
I need to figure something out. Lazy-ass just doesn't suit me. Sewing is usually my therapy. Maybe it would give me some clarity as far as this job thing is concerned....maybe I'm purposely avoiding it?? I just don't know.
One thing I did think of today:
When I start getting overwhelmed, I tend to disengage.....I have been disengaged for weeks now, and whenever I try to get back into the swing, it's just too much. I know it's better to just deal with things, but I am overly caught up in the what-if's and What-are-we-going-to-do?'s when I sew is usually when I deal with things, but I have been not sewing because I jsut start to freak out.
Not a good mind set. I suck.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Life.....
It;s been three weeks since DH's last day at his former job. He's been home writing a book. I am supportive of this, but it kind of has thrown off my routine. I am so far behind on my work and chores, it is ridiculous....add that to the fact that EURO 2008 has been goig on for the last few weeks, and my production level has been nil.
I need to get back to my work and to getting the house out of the sty state it has devolved to.
But hey, my sewing area is looking good. I'm jsut about ready to stat up sewing heavy again adn makign some money! woohoo!
I need to get back to my work and to getting the house out of the sty state it has devolved to.
But hey, my sewing area is looking good. I'm jsut about ready to stat up sewing heavy again adn makign some money! woohoo!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
The Anonymity of the Internet
So, a few internet boards that I participate in have had some major blow ups, hurt feelings, and mass exoduses recently. It is the time of year, or is this just something that happens every once in a while??
What I do know is, so manuy people seem to forget that many people on these boards are real people. Real people with different lives, opinions, and view points than theirs. Hurtful or nasty posts are aimed at another person. The nasty things you send to someone over email or internet mediums, is that something that you would say to someone in person?? Beofre you hit send, think about how you would react to things like this being said about you. Would you feel ashamed if it came out publicly that YOU were the one who said something like this....if your family was told?
I am a firm believer in trying my best to not say anything to others that would come back to haunt me. I am NOT going to pretend that I am great at this I screw up just as much as, if not more than, the average person, but with the internet medium, I have an automatic "stop and think about this" button titled "SEND". I try to NEVER hit the send button before I re-read what it is I have just written and feel strongly that what I have said is not something I am going ot be ashamed of. Well, at least not ashamed of the content....I never can seem to remember to proofread for typos.....
I basically left a board about a year ago over this, and over things not even aimed at me (This time). I am on the verge of walking away from another board over this, and it hurts. I hate that people feel that they can only get along when the opther people agree with THEIR opinions/viewpoints, and feel it is their right, being "in the right" to get nasty when people disagree. It sucks.
Maybe I'm being passive agressive talking about this on my blog. I just have seen this happen over and over again on so many different web sites. It sucks.
What I do know is, so manuy people seem to forget that many people on these boards are real people. Real people with different lives, opinions, and view points than theirs. Hurtful or nasty posts are aimed at another person. The nasty things you send to someone over email or internet mediums, is that something that you would say to someone in person?? Beofre you hit send, think about how you would react to things like this being said about you. Would you feel ashamed if it came out publicly that YOU were the one who said something like this....if your family was told?
I am a firm believer in trying my best to not say anything to others that would come back to haunt me. I am NOT going to pretend that I am great at this I screw up just as much as, if not more than, the average person, but with the internet medium, I have an automatic "stop and think about this" button titled "SEND". I try to NEVER hit the send button before I re-read what it is I have just written and feel strongly that what I have said is not something I am going ot be ashamed of. Well, at least not ashamed of the content....I never can seem to remember to proofread for typos.....
I basically left a board about a year ago over this, and over things not even aimed at me (This time). I am on the verge of walking away from another board over this, and it hurts. I hate that people feel that they can only get along when the opther people agree with THEIR opinions/viewpoints, and feel it is their right, being "in the right" to get nasty when people disagree. It sucks.
Maybe I'm being passive agressive talking about this on my blog. I just have seen this happen over and over again on so many different web sites. It sucks.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Stupidity in the Era of Entitlement
So, the stupidest protest just went on in NYC. Yes, the idiots who had the nerve to protest in the lobby of Bear Stearns over the Fed's "bail out" of the bank, while nothing was done for the "poor homeowners" who are facing foreclosure. Here's a link to a news story:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080326/bs_nm/bearstearns_protest_dc;_ylt=Ah66wLgx5yI..HTCdft6qcys0NUE
Now, explain to me how these two things are related??
The fed is offering a heavily collateralized loan to help a major bank from going into bankruptcy. This is a bank that was taken down by rumors and a run. The Fed's guarantee is not helping the employees of Bear (trust me, I know, Dh works for Bear). All the guarantee did was make it more likely that JPMorgan Chase would take over and help the investors (many of whom are taxpayers, and fund holders) retain their money-making investments. Because when a bank goes down, all of the money held by the bank goes WITH IT. Bear had approximately $85 a share in assets before the liquidity problem (caused by rumors and media) happened. JPMorgan is going to go down in history as getting a steal of a deal, even at $10 a share. Watch.
Meanwhile, the Mortgage crisis is, I'm sorry, mostly the doing of the mortgage holders. Who takes on a mortgage they can't afford?? Ok, they could afford it in the beginning, but READ THE FINE PRINT. How hard is that, really?? We're talking mainly about people unable to pay for their mortgages who still have the same family incomes they had when they bought the homes. Yes,t here are pockets where people lost their jobs, but that is always going to happen. This crisis is people who didn't bother to actually READ their mortgage contracts, then went crying to the government when they started having problems paying their debts. I have very little sympathy for the people who took on more house than they could afford. I don't see why I, as a responsible taxpayer, should help out these people who weren't so responsible. Does that make me cold? Probably. But since when should our housing be socialist? Where is the line for fiscal responsibility?
I still love that it's the lender's faults that people can't pay anymore. I agree many people got preyed on, but it was their gullibility and greed that got preyed upon, really. Debt is not a good thing. Why take on more than you an handle??
So, in my opinion:
Bear Protesters = Morons.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080326/bs_nm/bearstearns_protest_dc;_ylt=Ah66wLgx5yI..HTCdft6qcys0NUE
Now, explain to me how these two things are related??
The fed is offering a heavily collateralized loan to help a major bank from going into bankruptcy. This is a bank that was taken down by rumors and a run. The Fed's guarantee is not helping the employees of Bear (trust me, I know, Dh works for Bear). All the guarantee did was make it more likely that JPMorgan Chase would take over and help the investors (many of whom are taxpayers, and fund holders) retain their money-making investments. Because when a bank goes down, all of the money held by the bank goes WITH IT. Bear had approximately $85 a share in assets before the liquidity problem (caused by rumors and media) happened. JPMorgan is going to go down in history as getting a steal of a deal, even at $10 a share. Watch.
Meanwhile, the Mortgage crisis is, I'm sorry, mostly the doing of the mortgage holders. Who takes on a mortgage they can't afford?? Ok, they could afford it in the beginning, but READ THE FINE PRINT. How hard is that, really?? We're talking mainly about people unable to pay for their mortgages who still have the same family incomes they had when they bought the homes. Yes,t here are pockets where people lost their jobs, but that is always going to happen. This crisis is people who didn't bother to actually READ their mortgage contracts, then went crying to the government when they started having problems paying their debts. I have very little sympathy for the people who took on more house than they could afford. I don't see why I, as a responsible taxpayer, should help out these people who weren't so responsible. Does that make me cold? Probably. But since when should our housing be socialist? Where is the line for fiscal responsibility?
I still love that it's the lender's faults that people can't pay anymore. I agree many people got preyed on, but it was their gullibility and greed that got preyed upon, really. Debt is not a good thing. Why take on more than you an handle??
So, in my opinion:
Bear Protesters = Morons.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Bitter person
It has been pointed out to me by someone whose opinion I care about that I am a bitter person....
In many ways, this person is absolutely correct. In others, not.
I am bitter about my family, and many things that happened when I was growing up. And how they treat me now.
I am bitter about how I was treated by some of my former friends...especially the ones who felt that taking sides was necessary....and the ones who turned their backs on me the instant they could. And especially the one who turned his back on me the instant I got married.
I am bitter about being shunned for a scholarship I planned much of my collegiate career for, because the professor in charge of the application process thought my DEGREE wasn't appropriate.
I'm bitter about the people in groups who shun the people who don't agree with them, then preach about how they are better people who are somehow more enlightened...they preach about others blindness, yet are oblivious to their own intolerance.
And I'm bitter about other relatively minor things.
Yet I'm NOT bitter about so much I could be. This, by the way, is why my bitterness was
pointed out. Why can I let some things go and not others? I have NO IDEA.
But, yes. I am a bitter person. It's not something I am necessarily proud of, but there it is.
In many ways, this person is absolutely correct. In others, not.
I am bitter about my family, and many things that happened when I was growing up. And how they treat me now.
I am bitter about how I was treated by some of my former friends...especially the ones who felt that taking sides was necessary....and the ones who turned their backs on me the instant they could. And especially the one who turned his back on me the instant I got married.
I am bitter about being shunned for a scholarship I planned much of my collegiate career for, because the professor in charge of the application process thought my DEGREE wasn't appropriate.
I'm bitter about the people in groups who shun the people who don't agree with them, then preach about how they are better people who are somehow more enlightened...they preach about others blindness, yet are oblivious to their own intolerance.
And I'm bitter about other relatively minor things.
Yet I'm NOT bitter about so much I could be. This, by the way, is why my bitterness was
pointed out. Why can I let some things go and not others? I have NO IDEA.
But, yes. I am a bitter person. It's not something I am necessarily proud of, but there it is.
Non-Marbled nails
Last night, HHBG and I went out to dinner for my 31st birthday. I had gotten my nails done for this, and for some reason I decided to get a plain old french manicure. It's nice, but BORING. I never realised how much joy having pretty-yet-kind-of-crazy nails gives me.
I am going to get a color change next week, I think. Maybe yellow with purple pulled-stripes.
I am going to get a color change next week, I think. Maybe yellow with purple pulled-stripes.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Artificial Sweeteners are EVIL
Since when is "diet soda" considered healthy where "soda with sugar" is junk food? If you ask me, they're BOTH junk food....just one's made with sugar, and the other with chemicals.
Same with all of the Sugared vs. "sugar-free" snacks nowadays.
My kids got sent home with a petition from the PTA to get rid of snacks at the cafeteria with sugar in them, and replace everything they haven't already with sugar-free versions. They already ONLY offer sugar-free Jello and pudding. They even want only sugar-free juices. This is supposedly to make the food "healthier".
I ended up calling the idiot PTA person who is behind this petition (she invited it in the letter). I'm waiting for her call back. Can you tell my stance on this issue?
I am SOOOOO against this, it's not even funny.
First of all, I don't think sugar-free is healthier. My father's a chemist. I know what's in most artificial sweeteners. I don't think they're a good alternative for kids. I know everyone has different stances on this, and I respect that. That is just my view. There is research to support this belief too. I also believe that it's actually artificial sweeteners that are largely responsible for our country's increase in appetite and obesity issues.
ALSO:
I am allergic to artificial sweeteners. Like puke-it-up, instant migraine, hives allergic. Yes, to "all natural" splenda, too. I have to be sooo careful when I shop, because now a bunch of manufacturers are listing things as "all natural" but they contain Splenda.
BY THE WAY: Since when is Splenda "all-natural"?? It's CHLORINATED sugar!! EW!
I have enough problems with letting my kids buy lunch at school. I want them to have the option to purchase lunch, but I have a list of things theyre not allowed to get, because I worrya boptu one of them having my allergie. Now they want to take away all of my kids' options? sugar-free jelly in the PB&J sandwiches?? sugar-free desserts??
Even the "all healthy" diet delivery program I was on is dependent upon artificial sweeteners. That's why I stopped using it. They kept sending me things I was ALLERGIC TO, even knowing my allergies. GRRR...
WhY is this country so dependent on artificial sweeteners?? I have lost 20 lbs in the past year, and I drink at least a liter of REGULAR COCA COLA every day. I KNOW if I cut that out, I will be super skinny again. I eat full-fat cheese. I also can't finish an APPETIZER at most restaurants without being painfully full. HOW do people eat that much???
I blame the artificial sweeteners.
Wow...this was random and poorly written.....must edit....
Same with all of the Sugared vs. "sugar-free" snacks nowadays.
My kids got sent home with a petition from the PTA to get rid of snacks at the cafeteria with sugar in them, and replace everything they haven't already with sugar-free versions. They already ONLY offer sugar-free Jello and pudding. They even want only sugar-free juices. This is supposedly to make the food "healthier".
I ended up calling the idiot PTA person who is behind this petition (she invited it in the letter). I'm waiting for her call back. Can you tell my stance on this issue?
I am SOOOOO against this, it's not even funny.
First of all, I don't think sugar-free is healthier. My father's a chemist. I know what's in most artificial sweeteners. I don't think they're a good alternative for kids. I know everyone has different stances on this, and I respect that. That is just my view. There is research to support this belief too. I also believe that it's actually artificial sweeteners that are largely responsible for our country's increase in appetite and obesity issues.
ALSO:
I am allergic to artificial sweeteners. Like puke-it-up, instant migraine, hives allergic. Yes, to "all natural" splenda, too. I have to be sooo careful when I shop, because now a bunch of manufacturers are listing things as "all natural" but they contain Splenda.
BY THE WAY: Since when is Splenda "all-natural"?? It's CHLORINATED sugar!! EW!
I have enough problems with letting my kids buy lunch at school. I want them to have the option to purchase lunch, but I have a list of things theyre not allowed to get, because I worrya boptu one of them having my allergie. Now they want to take away all of my kids' options? sugar-free jelly in the PB&J sandwiches?? sugar-free desserts??
Even the "all healthy" diet delivery program I was on is dependent upon artificial sweeteners. That's why I stopped using it. They kept sending me things I was ALLERGIC TO, even knowing my allergies. GRRR...
WhY is this country so dependent on artificial sweeteners?? I have lost 20 lbs in the past year, and I drink at least a liter of REGULAR COCA COLA every day. I KNOW if I cut that out, I will be super skinny again. I eat full-fat cheese. I also can't finish an APPETIZER at most restaurants without being painfully full. HOW do people eat that much???
I blame the artificial sweeteners.
Wow...this was random and poorly written.....must edit....
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
The latest on eBay
So the latest fee structures and feedback adjustments on eBay have been causing an uproar. I figured I would also contrubute my two cents on the situation....This is just random, disjointed thoughts that came to me in the shower, so bear with me....
Some changes, I havea problem with, others, not so much. I do know that eBay has upset a number of it's sellers and regulars, which can never be good. I don't really know what their goal is with the latest changes. Are they really trying to turn into an "online marketplace", or are they trying to be an "online mall"? They seem to be driving away the casual sellers, the people clearing out their attics and basements, and the people who say "hey, I'll try selling this collectible on eBay before I take it to an antique/consignment store".
They seem to be courting big businesses. Large companies with off-shoots on the internet. Or at least small companies with warehouses and large inventories who use eBay instead of an independent website....probably for the traffic. Is this the goal? Maybe? But, I'll tell you, I shop eBay for the people selling stuff out of their basements and attics and closets for "bargain basement" prices, because they need the space, and would like a little bit of compensation for that 3-year-old Prada bag or designer dress they never quite lost enough weight to wear. The corporations don't really seem to be giving such a deal. Give me Jane Doe and her overstuffed closets any day of the week over "buy our Bag" corporation and their need to make a profit. I don't think I am alone in this, but I think these are the people eBay may be driving away.
Ok, On to my specific thoughts. These are not all-inclusive of the changes on eBay, and may also address things that haven't changed, but I see people complaining about.
The first, the thing I have the biggest problem with: buyers can't get negative feeedback. EBay says that the big reason for this is that they don't want retaliatory negative feedback when something goes wrong, and as long as the buyer has paid, they should get a positive feedback. Au Contraire. This htinking is like United Airlines thinking that limiting their passengers to only ONE free checked piece of luggage will AVOID overweight bags.....riiiight.
As a seller (and heavy buyer) on ebay, one of the worst things I have ever had to deal with are what are affectionately known as the "buyers from Hell". usually the problem with these buyers is NOT the payment issue. Non-payign bidders are easy to deal with. You report them, get refunded your fees, and relist the item or offer it tot he second highest bidder. The end. The problem occurs when you have a buyer who pays, adn then can NOT be pleased. You shipped the item within your stated time frame....it was too slow. They get the item, and it's not actually what they wanted, or they find some imaginary flaw, etc, anf they want their money refunded BEFORE they return the item. They get the item, but claim they didn't. You described the item perfectly, but they report it as misrepresented. Etc Etc Etc.
These are the buyers who sellers talk about on other boards with "don't let So-and-So buy from you!!" warnings. Now, eBay is saying that the sellers have no recourse in these situations? If we don't please these impossible to please customers, they can threaten us with negative feedback, adn we can't even respond?? eBay willl even take their side, and let our feedbacks suffer, then punish us in listings because of their unwillingness to be satisfied without gaining extras? For shame.
The other thing I have a problem with is the new "default listing" policy where eBay will list power sellers and stores with 100% feeedback first as a default. I hate this. I prefer the more random listings where some no-name seller has jsut as much chance of your business as a big name corporation. if I wanted to buy from a "big name" or just anothe business, why would I go to eBay? There are indepedent websites and free-standing stores for that. Why can't I choose my default listing? Maybe I don't want to buy from a power seller or from some nameles company. yeah, maybe my risk is smaller, but so is my upside. I WANT to take a chance on that bag in Joe Normal's Wife's closet. If it's authentic, I've made an awesome deal, and if it's not, the price I paid isn't upsetting to me.
Part of the fun of eBay is the "hunt". Remember the "buy victoriously" campaign?? What's so victorious for a buyer buying something from a company for basically regualr price? Where's the hunt? Where's the unique items you only ever see once or twice, no matter how hard you look? Gone if it's just the power sellers and businesses left on eBay.
Now, for the big thing that differentiates me from so many of the people boycotting eBay right now:
I don't have a big problem with the new fee structure.
Yes, you read that right.
To me, the fees on eBay are a price of doing business. You pay a fee to have a consignment store sell your things...sometimes as much as 50% or more of the final value fee. When you sell your items wholesale, stores will markt hem up a percentage. Many large art and craft shows charge a percentage of your gross sales at the end of the show. EBay needs to make money. I understand that. They list the fees UP FRONT. I calculate them, and see what kind of money I need to sell my items fr to at least break even, or to make a profit, depending on what I am selling. That's usually my starting bid point. Yes, they raised the fees. They need to pay the programmers, and moderators, and facilitators. eBay is a business. An online business. They have overhead, just like every other business. I respect that.
I don't even have a problem with them taking a portion of the shipping costs. I think this is to avoid the seller who lists an item at a LOW price, but then absolutely GOUGES you on the shipping. Like a watch for $1.00 with a shipping fee of $60. WTF? Hopefully, along with cracking down on people who overly pad their shipping, this will help avoid a lot of that. All I do, when I sell, is calculate how much my shipping actually is, add on the fee amount (usually enough to make shipping a whole dollar amount), and charge that. It's called "handling".
Now, the biggest groups I have heard complaining are the artisans and craft people, and many of them have a right to their complaints...again in my opinion, mostly about the protection (or lack there of) of sellers. Custom clothing is always a slippery slide, and if you can't support a seller, then the seller will no longer be there. BUT, eBay has really helped another sale/auction site that I am only slightly familiar with: Etsy.
Etsy is sitting there waiting patiently to pick up the slack and welcome the artisans and crafts people that eBay lets slip away. Maybe eBay doesn't want to dealw it this group. I'm sure the ratio of incidences with this kind of seller is higher. I know there are complaints from corporations and license holders about "sketchy" designs where an item could possibly be considered in violation of a copyright. I KNOW there are frequently complaints int eh process from both buyers wanting their items delivered in a timely manner or unhappy with the quality of work, to sellers who are unhappy with the buyers wanting major costly changes to their orders for no extra cost, or who are never satisfied. Maybe eBay is worried about people selling their items for a profit without having a usiness license, or the proper paperwork for legality (which is still required, BTW). Maybe eBay jsut doesn't want to deal with it anymore, and is willing to lose that niche business to etsy and those sellers who will just make themselves a commercuial website? I don't really know.
All I do know, is that it's going to take me a little longer to find the things I am looking for, if the casual sellers stay away from eBay. Another online auction site will probably pop up again, similar to the ones that used to compete with eBay 10 years ago. I'll start looking for hand-made dresses for my daughter on etsy more and eBay less, and hopefully etsy will make their site a little more user-friendly. Who knows what the future brings. In some ways, I hate the change from my comfort zone.....in others I'm excited to see what's on the next horizon.....
Some changes, I havea problem with, others, not so much. I do know that eBay has upset a number of it's sellers and regulars, which can never be good. I don't really know what their goal is with the latest changes. Are they really trying to turn into an "online marketplace", or are they trying to be an "online mall"? They seem to be driving away the casual sellers, the people clearing out their attics and basements, and the people who say "hey, I'll try selling this collectible on eBay before I take it to an antique/consignment store".
They seem to be courting big businesses. Large companies with off-shoots on the internet. Or at least small companies with warehouses and large inventories who use eBay instead of an independent website....probably for the traffic. Is this the goal? Maybe? But, I'll tell you, I shop eBay for the people selling stuff out of their basements and attics and closets for "bargain basement" prices, because they need the space, and would like a little bit of compensation for that 3-year-old Prada bag or designer dress they never quite lost enough weight to wear. The corporations don't really seem to be giving such a deal. Give me Jane Doe and her overstuffed closets any day of the week over "buy our Bag" corporation and their need to make a profit. I don't think I am alone in this, but I think these are the people eBay may be driving away.
Ok, On to my specific thoughts. These are not all-inclusive of the changes on eBay, and may also address things that haven't changed, but I see people complaining about.
The first, the thing I have the biggest problem with: buyers can't get negative feeedback. EBay says that the big reason for this is that they don't want retaliatory negative feedback when something goes wrong, and as long as the buyer has paid, they should get a positive feedback. Au Contraire. This htinking is like United Airlines thinking that limiting their passengers to only ONE free checked piece of luggage will AVOID overweight bags.....riiiight.
As a seller (and heavy buyer) on ebay, one of the worst things I have ever had to deal with are what are affectionately known as the "buyers from Hell". usually the problem with these buyers is NOT the payment issue. Non-payign bidders are easy to deal with. You report them, get refunded your fees, and relist the item or offer it tot he second highest bidder. The end. The problem occurs when you have a buyer who pays, adn then can NOT be pleased. You shipped the item within your stated time frame....it was too slow. They get the item, and it's not actually what they wanted, or they find some imaginary flaw, etc, anf they want their money refunded BEFORE they return the item. They get the item, but claim they didn't. You described the item perfectly, but they report it as misrepresented. Etc Etc Etc.
These are the buyers who sellers talk about on other boards with "don't let So-and-So buy from you!!" warnings. Now, eBay is saying that the sellers have no recourse in these situations? If we don't please these impossible to please customers, they can threaten us with negative feedback, adn we can't even respond?? eBay willl even take their side, and let our feedbacks suffer, then punish us in listings because of their unwillingness to be satisfied without gaining extras? For shame.
The other thing I have a problem with is the new "default listing" policy where eBay will list power sellers and stores with 100% feeedback first as a default. I hate this. I prefer the more random listings where some no-name seller has jsut as much chance of your business as a big name corporation. if I wanted to buy from a "big name" or just anothe business, why would I go to eBay? There are indepedent websites and free-standing stores for that. Why can't I choose my default listing? Maybe I don't want to buy from a power seller or from some nameles company. yeah, maybe my risk is smaller, but so is my upside. I WANT to take a chance on that bag in Joe Normal's Wife's closet. If it's authentic, I've made an awesome deal, and if it's not, the price I paid isn't upsetting to me.
Part of the fun of eBay is the "hunt". Remember the "buy victoriously" campaign?? What's so victorious for a buyer buying something from a company for basically regualr price? Where's the hunt? Where's the unique items you only ever see once or twice, no matter how hard you look? Gone if it's just the power sellers and businesses left on eBay.
Now, for the big thing that differentiates me from so many of the people boycotting eBay right now:
I don't have a big problem with the new fee structure.
Yes, you read that right.
To me, the fees on eBay are a price of doing business. You pay a fee to have a consignment store sell your things...sometimes as much as 50% or more of the final value fee. When you sell your items wholesale, stores will markt hem up a percentage. Many large art and craft shows charge a percentage of your gross sales at the end of the show. EBay needs to make money. I understand that. They list the fees UP FRONT. I calculate them, and see what kind of money I need to sell my items fr to at least break even, or to make a profit, depending on what I am selling. That's usually my starting bid point. Yes, they raised the fees. They need to pay the programmers, and moderators, and facilitators. eBay is a business. An online business. They have overhead, just like every other business. I respect that.
I don't even have a problem with them taking a portion of the shipping costs. I think this is to avoid the seller who lists an item at a LOW price, but then absolutely GOUGES you on the shipping. Like a watch for $1.00 with a shipping fee of $60. WTF? Hopefully, along with cracking down on people who overly pad their shipping, this will help avoid a lot of that. All I do, when I sell, is calculate how much my shipping actually is, add on the fee amount (usually enough to make shipping a whole dollar amount), and charge that. It's called "handling".
Now, the biggest groups I have heard complaining are the artisans and craft people, and many of them have a right to their complaints...again in my opinion, mostly about the protection (or lack there of) of sellers. Custom clothing is always a slippery slide, and if you can't support a seller, then the seller will no longer be there. BUT, eBay has really helped another sale/auction site that I am only slightly familiar with: Etsy.
Etsy is sitting there waiting patiently to pick up the slack and welcome the artisans and crafts people that eBay lets slip away. Maybe eBay doesn't want to dealw it this group. I'm sure the ratio of incidences with this kind of seller is higher. I know there are complaints from corporations and license holders about "sketchy" designs where an item could possibly be considered in violation of a copyright. I KNOW there are frequently complaints int eh process from both buyers wanting their items delivered in a timely manner or unhappy with the quality of work, to sellers who are unhappy with the buyers wanting major costly changes to their orders for no extra cost, or who are never satisfied. Maybe eBay is worried about people selling their items for a profit without having a usiness license, or the proper paperwork for legality (which is still required, BTW). Maybe eBay jsut doesn't want to deal with it anymore, and is willing to lose that niche business to etsy and those sellers who will just make themselves a commercuial website? I don't really know.
All I do know, is that it's going to take me a little longer to find the things I am looking for, if the casual sellers stay away from eBay. Another online auction site will probably pop up again, similar to the ones that used to compete with eBay 10 years ago. I'll start looking for hand-made dresses for my daughter on etsy more and eBay less, and hopefully etsy will make their site a little more user-friendly. Who knows what the future brings. In some ways, I hate the change from my comfort zone.....in others I'm excited to see what's on the next horizon.....
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
New Computer!
My "work laptop" ate it.
So, for Valentine's day, the Hubby (aka HHBG) bought me a new desktop. I spent a few hours today settig it up and installing all of my third-party software....well, most of it.
THEN I found out that I need ink for my printer....add it to the list.
At least, I should be able to get the embroidery machines churning soon.
For my birthday next Thursday.....he got me a tent. Yay!
So, for Valentine's day, the Hubby (aka HHBG) bought me a new desktop. I spent a few hours today settig it up and installing all of my third-party software....well, most of it.
THEN I found out that I need ink for my printer....add it to the list.
At least, I should be able to get the embroidery machines churning soon.
For my birthday next Thursday.....he got me a tent. Yay!
BLAH
OK, no pics, but I DID work in the basement for 7 hours yesterday.
It's my birthday next Thursday. The hubby is taking me out for dinner...without the kids. :)
I need to be here more. Life has been crazy. I am still trying to get ready for my trip in 7 weeks....
It's my birthday next Thursday. The hubby is taking me out for dinner...without the kids. :)
I need to be here more. Life has been crazy. I am still trying to get ready for my trip in 7 weeks....
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year!
I am publicly posting my New Year's resolution in the hopes that this year I will actually keep it:
In 2008, I resolve to actually organize my sewing room/stash.
This will be a full time job, I swear. Here are some before pictures:
Think I've got my work cut out for me, or what?
I am publicly posting my New Year's resolution in the hopes that this year I will actually keep it:
In 2008, I resolve to actually organize my sewing room/stash.
This will be a full time job, I swear. Here are some before pictures:
Think I've got my work cut out for me, or what?
I'll post photo updates as I get things stored and organized. Should be fun! (I hope!) I will also be sewing up a storm to pay for the storage. lol.
By the way: yes, this stash is spread between my enormous attic, a finished room in said attic, and my basement work room. It will still be spread out this way after organizing. I make a number of different things, so the spread will work out, as each area will hold fabic for a different use.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)