Mystore.com Now Requires Facebook Registration

In an attempt to reduce fraud at their listing site, Mystore.com now requires that visitors join through a Facebook account. They explain it this way in their FAQs, "In an effort to improve the protection of our users from scammers and to weed out the people who are not actually intending to buy or sell, we do not allow anonymous users. Facebook helps us to identify real users who are real people." Facebook login is required for selling and shopping. 

The site was made over a year or so ago, after I closed my short-running shop there. They encourage selling geared towards your local market, though you can also list items to ship. Listing is free and there are no stats.

LTC

ArtYah ~Vs~ Aftcra

Looking forward to opening a new shop, Paper Nirvana, at ArtYah. Been looking at another handmades venue, Aftcra, for a couple of years now, but it does not have a community forum. ArtYah has one at G+. This is a great feature that I always appreciate.  It's one of the reasons that I like Bonanza.com​ so much.

Aftcra has a feature to fav and wishlist products, and ArtYah allows watching a product. Neither offer faving/connecting to shops though. Etsy and Artfire still offer this fast-disappearing venue feature.

Searching For Norma's Shop: First I typed in Norma's and another shop, Natural something, came up. Then I searched Normas and this came up: http://www.artyah.com/Browse?FullTextQuery=normas. From there I went to her shop.

I like that shop policies at ArtYah open in a popup window. One thing I don't like is that from the product page it seems a little difficult to find the shop/gallery name to click on to see all of a shop's products (unless I'm missing something). From product page I don't see the shop banner/avatar anywhere. Instead, there is a colored tab beside the "Listing Details" tab.

Visitors are used to seeing at least the shop avatar on each product page. Makes it easy to click to go to shop home, and it's an obvious reminder of which shop you are browsing. This is an important branding feature. Also, the shop name on the tab is all run in together AND in lowercase, such as with Norma's gallery, normasbathandbody's Gallery. When I went to review Norma's feedback, there was no link on the page to return to her shop home. I had to use the browser back arrow. These little annoyances won't stop me from opening shop though. I DO need to send them as suggestions to admin.

***Note***
Don't forget that all products listed at Aftcra must be priced at $10 or higher. This venue inspires developing product packs versus single-product listings; especially for paper-crafted handmades.

LTC

No Shop Headers At Scott's Marketplace :(

I know the product is the most important thing, but my shop banner is a major part of my brand. If I'm going to invest time to list, I want my banner in place.The main thing that I don't like about Scott's is that they do not offer the feature of adding a shop banner/header. Sellers are allowed a small shop avatar with the shop name text beside it. It's really small; only enough room for a couple of initials or one simple motif. I wrote and asked about a header, and they said maybe in the future they will offer that feature.

I like the simple layout, abundant white space, good search feature and ease in visiting other shops. No stats though, that I can see, but I don't have a membership so can't see an admin panel.  Saving the link for future possibilities. Michelle T. from admin was quick to get back with me when I asked my question. Great first impression, Scott's!

Here's one nice shop, Ross Creations in Burlington, NC. Nice bookmarks and other personal accessories. Finally, a shop with an avatar! I must have looked at at least 6 shops before I found one that is taking advantage of this promotion opportunity. So many with the ugly, well not really ugly, but you know what I mean, stock avatar.

LTC

 

MARKETING On The Internet:What's Your Problem?

What will it take for your Internet marketing program to pay off?

Been struggling with your Internet marketing process? Confused about all of the options, resources, business social sites and SEO advisers that are available? Maybe it would be helpful for you to back up and seriously evaluate your feelings about utilizing the Internet to generate income and extend your reach. Read what Quora members have to share about What is the biggest problem that small businesses are facing regarding marketing on the Internet? 

There are so many sage comments at this Quora page that can help give you insight into the possible sources of your problems with savvy Internet marketing. Here are a few:  

"4. They have not clearly identified what makes their small business truly unique from the goliaths or local competition that offer similar products/services. This lack of differentiation decreases the effectiveness and power of their marketing communications, because they look like everybody else."

"So the important question to ask is What specific objective does the small business owner have in mind as he or she envisions an Internet solution? Many are convinced that Internet marketing (or social media) can make a big difference in their business, but they're just not sure how. "

 

"4) Understanding that just because the tools are (usually) free, and (usually) easy to use, that using them *effectively* isn't as easy.  A hammer is cheap and easy to swing, but it's not for screwing in screws is it?"  

LTC

Your Online Store: How Many Starting Products



Inside of 2nd Wise Wallet

 You are opening a new online store, or your next one, and can't decide how many products to open with.  It is personal preference really, but I have some important thoughts for you.  Read my short article at my site Market Your Creative Self  Your Online Store: How Many Startup Listings .

Market Your Creative Self is one of 4 informational sites that I author at Video Jug Pages.

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