Reflection

It’s funny because I really found out how much I like eBay just by writing this blog. I always knew I loved it but I didn’t know how much, this has given me an opportunity to step back and look at how I use eBay. By having to write and research about the issue I look at it differently now and am more excited each time I get in the site. I believe this project by not being the traditional old paper definitely brought about some new learning experiences for me. I have never done a blog before and I like to be able to talk to the audience and suggest things. Without doing the blog I wouldn’t have been able to do those and with this topic I feel it was necessary. I feel that the visual rhetoric brought a little emotion to the blog, when you can look at an image and feel the message that’s being sent out it can get emotional. My visual rhetoric weren’t too emotional but some that I have seen sent out a strong, deep message. There good to have included in something to make it meaningful and memorable. I think I might even start another blog just for fun possibly related to eBay and see how long I can keep it going!

Is EBay Right For You?

It never hurts to get on eBay and browse around but whether it’s for you is ultimately up to yourself. If you’re skeptical about internet shopping or selling and are interested in trying it then give eBay a shot, especially if you’re looking for that hard to come by item. If you’re one of folks that refuse to buy online then maybe it’s just not the best place for you. I however recommend it to everyone just because I know that the possibilities are endless to what you can accomplish on that site. I’ve personally seen the success it can bring and I’ve run over very few speed bumps along the way. I know a lot of people have been out of work recently and eBay is an option if that’s the case. Search around for things that you don’t need or use any more that you think might be worth something and try selling them. Just by going in my attic one day I found old Star Wars Lego’s I had forgotten about and made about $60 off of them. Look for collectibles, rare items or brand named items; those tend to sell very well. A lot people still enjoy going out shopping or getting up early on Saturday morning to prepare to hit the yard sales looking for a bargain. This can work in your favor because you can keep an eye out for the deals while shopping because yard sales are great places to find eBay material. Do the research to see what sells, then keep an eye out for any of those items.

                    

I take advantage of all of these aspects in my buying and selling style. I like to go out and shop all while scoping out for my eBay inventory. At Macy’s one day I found a pair of $160 Timberland boots on clearance for $50, I went home and sold them that week for $120. I also like to spend money, I just like the feeling of it, and while this could be a bad thing it makes up for itself when I make the sale on eBay. So if you think you spend too much money and like buying stuff, go out one day and see if you can buy things to resell. It really feels good and is a way to balance your spending habits because you’re getting your money back along with the extra you make off of it while still getting to spend. It is nice however when I don’t feel like going shopping for something I need or just get really busy because I can turn to eBay and have whatever it is delivered right to my house. Also when my dad who is an antique collector is missing that one item in his collection I can hop online and most likely find whatever it is for him. I think if you like to shop then eBay’s for you and if you like to sell then eBay’s perfect for you. It’s that simple, to really know if you like it you have to try it so go out there and test it out! 

Waring, B. (2008). How to buy and sell on eBay scam-free. PC world, 26(5), 41. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database on December 2, 2010

Tungett, R. (N/A). Garage sale strategies. [Image]. Retrieved December 1, 2010 from

http://www.auctionebook.com/?hop=aqua2000

Visual Rhetoric Part II

This picture is pretty cool because it’s stating how internet companies affect our economy so much that using it is just like going to Wal-Mart or somewhere. So many of use the internet every day, whether it is for research, shopping or just chatting with friends. The signs on the Wal-Mart are enticing the audience to go to their websites and to either shop or just browse around, just like you would at Wal-Mart. The particular audience here would be buyers and people who just browse around using Google or Yahoo. This includes men, women, children and anyone who has the capability to use the internet. It’s made clear here that you’d be shopping just as if you were at an actual store and that the internet world and plain old society are very similar.

Looking at this photo in forms of pathos, I’d include the feeling of contentment knowing that I can do all of that on the computer. It could save people a lot of time by shopping online, you don’t have to go wait in any lines and the item comes to you. Also knowing that you have something as powerful as Google and Yahoo at your fingertips is comforting sometimes. Showing how common using these sites are in comparison to shopping at places such as Wal-Mart makes me feel like anyone can do it if they try.

Logos in this picture are the different websites displayed along with the Wal-Mart that their posted on. Other than the websites names, there are no words necessary to pass along the senders message. The way everything is placed clearly states the message their trying to get across.

Ethos, the credibility being shown here is branding. Each of these companies is highly reputable and has been around for quite some time. Anyone knowing about eBay, Google, etc. should not have to question the sites. Others who may not be so familiar with the World Wide Web might not know so much about the sites but have probably heard about them.

The photo brings a little bit of intrigue to the table. Knowing how big these particular websites have gotten is really amazing. This image setup makes it very relevant as to how successful they really are. The attitude being transmitted, mythos, is that shopping and browsing can be done online just as it can be the store.

I like this photo because of the message being sent across and the way the artist went about setting it up. When I ran upon it, it took me a second to get it but afterwards I thought it was a really cool concept. Nothing was needed to be said the point was very self explanatory. I’m very convinced by this image because I personally believe in all of these companies. I take advantage of them myself and now how wildly popular and successful they are.

Foremski, T. (April 18, 2009). Are google, yahoo, ebay and amzn fast becoming the digital wal-marts of the ermerging internet 2.0 era?.  Silicon Valley Watcher. Retrieved December 5, 2010 from

http://www.siliconvalleywatcher.com/mt/archives/2006/04/are_google_yaho.php

Visual Rhetoric Part I

This image is displaying a successful internet shopping transaction. The thumbs up given form the computer, is representing the online seller and in return the buyer is giving the “OK” signal back stating that the seller did a great job on his end of the deal. The audience for this image is anyone that buys and sells online currently or anyone that’s interested in doing so. The purpose behind this is to show how internet sales can be successful and that shopping online can be safe. Some people still believe in order to make an online transaction you need to mail a check, send out a money order or they just choose not to release their bank information online. There’s a credit card in the picture as well that sends out a signal that whoever made the purchase, used their credit card and it was made securely with no issues.

Pathos, appeals to the audience’s sympathies and imagination. The emotions involved here include a sense of hopefulness and trust in internet buying and selling. The audience feels that they can go safely make a purchase with their credit card and not be worried about getting ripped off or scammed. A lot of people worry about someone getting a hold of their credit card information and this just assures them that online transactions don’t always go bad. They can trust shopping on the internet only if they do their part in being safe.

Logos in this photo are well displayed. The reaffirming thumbs up and “OK” signal makes people aware that there was an online sale that was made successfully. The credit card displayed also brings the point across that it was done securely with the buyer’s card. Some shoppers are weary about using anything involving their personal information online, which is understandable, but there are a lot of steps taken to ensure the safety for shoppers on the web.

Ethos here isn’t all that clear, this picture was found through a blog and anybody could have Photoshopped it together. I honestly would not just go by this picture if I didn’t know much about buying online and was curious or concerned about it. I would do further and more extensive research into the matter by checking into the actual website I’m purchasing from. Make sure it’s a reputable, well known company with a secure way to checkout when your shopping’s complete. EBay uses PayPal which is very secure, something on the lines of that is what I’d be looking for.

The attitudes and values that could be characteristically transmitted by this photo are called mythos. I feel a little uneasy about it personally, it doesn’t assure anything 100 percent. The photo definitely gets a point across however like I said before; anyone could have put that together. If it were being used by some unheard of, sketchy website then it would give me a false sense of security, like they were trying to trick me in a way. On the other hand, if it were used by eBay or some reputable company then I’d feel that it sends a good message.

The image broken down makes a lot of sense, the two hands clearly display a happy ending to a transaction made via the internet. The credit card makes in known that it was used without hassle. Overall depending how and where the image is being used determines how I feel about it. It seems that it has the capabilities of passing on a positive message but could also lead you into a trap if you’re not cautious.

N.A. (N.A.). Why women shop online more than men. Online shopping magazine. Retrieved December 5, 2010 from

http://www.onlineshoppingmagazine.com/

Why Shop on eBay and Tips to Keep You Safe

Most people who go out and shop, especially around the holidays, dread standing in those long lines at retail store and hunting for that special item that you need or just have to have. If this sounds like something you hate then you can turn to the internet for help. Many companies do have a website where you can go order their product, however, normally it’s at regular cost and the selection is limited to what the company in particular sells. Imagine being able to buy basically anything imaginable at a push of a button and from your own home. Shopping on eBay allows buyers to get what they want when they want by staying available 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Now a day’s a lot sellers even offer free shipping in order to entice shoppers to order from them. When I post my listings I try and start the bid out low, also to attract buyers. I believe there are many incentives for the general public to shop though eBay. First off the savings can be incredible, the range of products is massive, no lines and anybody can do it! I definitely recommend that you become familiar with the site though before you start buying, just to be on the safe side.

           

            Occasionally an order can go bad whether it’s accidental or not, that’s why it’s important to do your homework before buying from a particular seller. EBay has implemented a wonderful feedback system. This system allows buyers and sellers to rate each transaction that they make through eBay. It allows the sellers to let other sellers know how a particular buyer is, like if they paid in the time frame designated by the seller or if they were a pain to deal with. The same goes with buyers, every time you buy something, you get to rate and comment on how the transaction went. Say the seller sends you the wrong item and refuses to fix the problem; this means you would give them bad feedback which other buyers would be able to see. If a buyer has enough bad feedback and a poor percentage number then I would recommend not purchasing from this particular buyer. I feel this system really makes eBay reliable because you have prior knowledge as to how he or she does business. I’d feel very comfortable buying from someone with a 100 percent rating as to one with a 95 percent or less. Also you would want to set up a PayPal account; this is a secure way to pay for your product and is favorable for both the buyer and the seller. They do have an option of sending a certified check or money order but I would only use this option as a last resort personally. A little tip of mine for getting the best possible deal is to wait until the last couple minutes of an auction. By doing this it allows you to outbid anyone else who’s interested in the same item and to make sure you get it.

I don’t know how many people out there are in the market for a ghost in a jar, or a Virgin Mary grilled cheese sandwich, but eBay’s where you would find something like that. There once was a grilled cheeses sandwich with an imprint of the Virgin Mary on it that sold on eBay for $28,000, I know that sounds ridiculous but somebody bought it. You definitely won’t find me shopping for anything like that; I normally stick to electronics or gifts for my friends and family. One great deal that I’ve gotten in the past was a 15ft HDMI cable for 8 dollars shipped, normally something like that could run up to 100 dollars and it works perfectly. You can buy cars, houses, boats, land, businesses and many more, I could go on and on with ideas of things you could buy on the site. Like I previously stated in this blog if you haven’t checked out eBay definitely give it a shot, its well worth it.

Which would you choose?

                            

www.eBay.com
 Price: $.99

www.apple.com
Price: $19.99

                      

                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                   

Yee, B. (2002). Sold! EBay made easy. ON Magazine, 7(1), 71. Retrieved November, 28 2010 from MasterFILE Premier Database

Gameaccessory. (2010). EBay [Image]. Retrieved December 2, 2010 from

http://cgi.ebay.com/USBDataSyncChargerCableiPhoneiPodNanoTouch/230392860166pt=Other_MP3_Player_Accessories&hash=item35a47c0e06#ht_1460wt_1139

Apple. (2010). Apple Store [Image]. Retrieved December 2, 2010 from

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MA591G/Bfnode=MTY1NDA0OQ&mco=MTM3NDk5MDA

Advantages of Selling On EBay Whether It Be Full Or Just Part Time?

           Many people have turned to eBay either as a full time job or just something to do on the side. Businesses through eBay have been competition for conventional small business owners for a long time now. Most people running eBay businesses do so without having much overhead involved what so ever. Instead of having to fork out the big bucks for a building or office, a lot of the work is being done from their homes. They can store products and even have them picked up by the post office for shipping. By not having a lot, or in some instances no overhead, these people are able to offer their products at prices substantially lower than those of conventional businesses. Also, think about the volume of customers that flow through any given store per day, it could be in the hundreds or so. Then, think about the traffic flow of customers that get on eBay, it’s in the millions. Not only is that one advantage but you also expand the area in which your customers are, they’re not just local any more their worldwide. I’ve sent things to Asia and all over the world; I never really thought my products could reach that far until eBay.

I’m not one of those people who run a full time eBay business; I’m just one of the guys who do it part time as a hobby. It’s not all about the money for me though, I just think it’s exciting to try and find things that I can sell and make money off of. I usually keep an eye out for good deals or sometimes I’ll get a chance to order things in bulk at a very low price. I’ve never needed to get any sort of business license or deal with someone looking over my shoulder, I was able to do it all by myself. You just have to pay small fees to eBay when you sell something but those fees are well worth paying. It’s nice on eBay because you don’t have to stick to one category of product, you can sell anything. I’ve sold baseball cards, Nintendo Wii’s, X-mod parts, do-it-yourself mugs, boots and just anything I can get my hands on. Your able do to all the work at your own pace and you can sell as much or as little as you want. Some months I’ll sell a couple hundred dollars worth of stuff then others I might not sell anything. A lot of people who sell on eBay aren’t always real business savvy; eBay’s just made it that easy to use its services. I take advantage of it all the time and fully endorse it to anyone whose looking for a little side venture.

                    

            Freedman, D. (2000). Can you survive the eBay economy?. Inc, 22(3), 88. Retrieved October 28, 2010 from MasterFILE Premier Database.

            

            Alpha. (2008). The Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting an eBay Business [Image]. Retrieved November 19, 2010 from

http://www.downeu.com/c/Complete+Intelligent+Business+Course.html

The eBay Economy

“EBay is creating a second virtual economy” said Brian Arthur (Hof, 2003).  The past couple weeks in my history class we’ve talked a lot about the economy and how much trade has played an important role in making an economy successful. One example was the Dutch East India Company, as trade was becoming extremely successful, some sort of order was in desperate need. That’s when a couple determined people stepped in like Peter Stuyvesant as governor and Alexander Hamilton who established the banking system. Stuyvesant did such things as developed streets and set up police forces (Hof, 2003). Meg Whitman, CEO of eBay, must have been caught up with her history because eBay’s tactics are very similar to those of the gentlemen just mentioned.

EBay started off as a simple place of trade but now has flourished into a booming economy. It now has its own government, police force, laws, banking system and even EBay University for those who want to learn how to take advantage of what eBay has to offer. Meg Whitman is basically playing Stuyvesant’s role here as “Governor of eBay”. Think about today in our economy, we have our Governor, police force, laws, banks and educational institutions. EBay’s just the virtual version of what our economy’s like. As we have cops patrolling the streets keeping us safe, that’s what eBay’s security team is doing constantly, looking out for fraudulent listings and keeping us safe online. One time I tried listing a monopoly piece from the McDonalds game not knowing that it was against the rules and within a day they had removed it. They also have a secure way of doing financial transactions over the internet via PayPal which is their banking system. I’m always extremely confident in using PayPal and I’ve never run into any issues. You can even get a PayPal debit card, which I have, that makes it very convenient for me to get my money.

The buyers and sellers in this situation I’d say are the “people” and eBay’s management is like the “government”. The people ultimately have the power over eBay such as a democracy. We have a say in what goes on throughout the eBay community, if enough people revolt or complain about something then eBay will most likely look into whatever pleases the “people”. This is so because if it weren’t for people buying a selling on eBay then there would be no eBay, were the ones that make them successful. I could be considered both a buyer and a seller. I also do a lot of buying and selling not only for myself but for my friends a family; they always call me “the eBay guy”. I really don’t mind helping them out because every transaction done under my account whether it’s for me or not builds up my feedback. Personally now though, I buy more than I sell just because the deals are so great.

The latest thing that I purchased was an adventure/sport video camera for $20, the same one sells in Brook Stone for around $100. Those are the deals that are worthy of investing in to me. Also turning to eBay for buying birthday presents is probably one of the greatest things I’ve ever done. Doing so makes it easier to personalize gifts for everyone and can even help you earn brownie points from those you’re buying for. My step-mom is infatuate d with Winnie the Pooh, Wizard of Oz, Madam Alexander and Lenox. Searching on eBay I was able to hook her up with a Lenox Winnie the Pooh Ornament and set of Wizard of Oz characters made by Madam Alexander.My dad’s a huge antique collector and I found some antique cast iron banks that you just wouldn’t find hanging around on the shelf in a store, so he really loved those. I’d really recommend buying gifts on eBay for any occasion; just make sure to order them in time so they make it before the party. EBay has really changed my view on shopping and just the way we do business in general. It’s all done from the comforts of your own home so no long lines or sitting in traffic. Having four sisters, I believe I’ve done my fair share of crazy shopping trips so eBay has been like a little life saver to me.

 

Hof, R. (2003). The eBay economy. BusinessWeek, (3846), 124-128. Retrieved October 28, 2010 from, the Academic Search Complete database.

            

            Parisi, M. (2000). Wizard of Oz cartoon # 2000-01-12 [Cartoon]. Retrieved November 3, 2010, from

             http://easyauction.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/ebay-cartoon.jpg