Vickie Lee Dot Com

Seller woes.

2012-01-07T14:01:00.001-08:00

It's been a while since I've had the time to write anything. Today, I find myself consumed with anger for the problems one of my customers has caused me. I started the new year with a great attitude and the goal of forgiveness and all that entails. But being "nice" sometimes gets mistaken for weakness, which in my case isn't the truth. I've always stood up to whatever hurdles come my way, while still trying to be nice. In business, it seems to be more of a challenge because there are so many things to consider before lowering the proverbial boom on someone.

I suppose it's a matter of balance, like in life. I'm dealing with an issue from an EBay customer which is now causing me stress and personal hardship. The fact that I'm still dealing with auto accident injuries, and an injured hand, just makes it more poignant. It doesn't help that last night I stressed myself trying to install a new bed frame and then flip/turn my big mattress by myself. I actually got stuck under it for quite a while, not realizing that my strength isn't what it used to be. I originally told my Bowen therapist that it's going to be a longer recovery because I can't not do what I need to do, and I needed to fix that bed. It has been causing me to loose much needed good sleep since I'm healing from all this stuff. Tonight I will find out if all that effort last night was worth it.

I'm headed to the studio to clean and photograph custom beads for an amazing designer. This particular request was quite a challenge since there are so many color combinations in the K_Blue color scheme and this time she requested it in silver mesh which actually challenged me to keep the look, but in a different design. I made several choices for her and the rest will be available on my website. They all came out very nice, just different.

Anyway, I'm hanging in there and hopefully will be able to update more often, as soon as all this extra "stuff" resolves itself. It has to, I want to get a rep very soon. I do have someone in mind, I just need to approach them at the best time for both of us.

Take care and let's get this party on the road with an exciting, successful and happy 2012...!!!

Until next time,

Vickie

Inspiration

2011-12-15T13:05:00.000-08:00

I just finished a custom ornament for each of my family members. These are not the standard designs I plan to sell wholesale in 2012. But doing these unique designs, it reminded me of how I went from 6 clowns to 50 clowns in my wholesale line. Each opportunity to make a special design, was an opportunity to add this new one to my existing line of clowns. I always made the original for a person or an occasion, then made subtle change for the production line. An example, for my dad I made a king clown. This clown had a royal purple robe with a jeweled crown, holding a sword in one hand and a book in the other. In the book I wrote to him...."Dad....In my book, you will always be a king." The production version wouldn't have the book since it didn't apply to a king theme.

Well, now it looks like I'm back with the same kind of thinking. Creating custom pieces for my family that will eventually be modified for a production wholesale line. So in many ways, my family, friends and events are my inspiration for my work.

Where do you get your inspiration? What other ways can we get inspiration? Nature is another good tool for creating unique designs. Special events that apply to most people, and some unique memories that will appeal to others.

Before I go, I'll tell you about one of my most memorable custom orders. This one never was, nor never could be added to my line, and you'll agree when you hear about it. I had a customer who ordered custom clowns through the MGM shops. He ordered unusual ones and I always came through for him, I think I liked the challenge. Lumberjacks, you name it. Anyway, one day the store called and said they need a special clown and gave me the description. Jim wanted a hooker looking topless cocktail waitress. Huh?????? I double checked the "order" and began sketching the design. I only wish I would have thought to take a picture of her. She was wearing huge gold hoop earrings, topless, with a french apron carrying a silver tray with a wine glass on the tray. She actually came out kinda cute considering. Eventually, I got the story behind the request, and then I understood. Jim, my eccentric wealthy customers daughter was graduating from college with a serious degree, etc. The "clown" was his gift to her for graduation. Again...huh???? It seems that when daddy asked his four year old daughter what she wanted to be when she grows up she replied..."either a hooker or a topless waitress". I just started laughing, and was then touched that he chose my creation to remind her of how he remembered her childhood moments. I was then so touched and just honored to be a part of such a gift.

Anyway, enough of memory lane, lets go make some more memories or our own.

Until then,

Vickie

Holidays

2011-12-11T23:15:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've written. It's been hectic trying to recover from the auto accidents, and being prepared for the BABE show this year. I am grateful that although I wasn't able to prepare for the show as usual, I managed to do better than last year. But then, last year I had just said good-bye for the last time to my baby sister and my heart was broken.

This year, I'm reflecting on this past year, and of course I think about the coming year and what I'm hoping to accomplish. Every year I set certain goals for myself. It gives me something to focus on and this year will be no exception. I do have business goals, and some personal ones as well.

I did test some new color schemes this year at the BABE show. Godiva, a rich transparent dark chocolate design, Nougat, a toffee and negative look to Godiva, using similar colors that will go together but look different as sets. Park Avenue has been a great seller and received quite well. I'm currently working on a blue color combination that a designer has wanted me to recreate for a while now. This set is the reason I came up with my receipe book for Bullseye colors. I've already named this color scheme, K_Blue, now I just need to hit that sweet spot with the colors.

I'm putting some finishing touches on my wholesale products and hopefully will be showing them soon. Anyway, I hope that everyone has a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. May you all spend time with the people you love and cherish and may all your Christmas wishes come true.

Until next time.....

Vickie

Keeping in contact.

2011-10-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

Today I can finally do some computer updates. This will be brief, but I wanted my customers to know that I was in two auto accidents within 3 days. The first was Oct. 1, 2011 on my way to a funeral, and on Monday while returning to the hospital I was slammed in the rear by another car while stopped at a light. I want my customers to know that I can stay in touch with you from the email and phone number on the left column of my website. That number will contact me by both my home and cell phone, and the voice mail will go to both phones. And of course my email address. I always try to update that small section of my website for the most current information on emergencies, shipping conditions (especially in the winter), and newest additions.

Thank you all for your lovely emails, concerns and offers of help. I have always known I have the best customers, but this last week was really confirmation for me.

Please be careful.

Until next time......

Vickie

Happy Birthday Fatima

2011-08-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

Today is your birthday, I miss you and I love you. May you rest in peace, and you will always be in my prayers. Until we meet again.....

Vickie

Heatwave...

2011-07-30T15:43:00.000-07:00

It's hot out right now, so I thought I would take a moment and update my blog, then go back to the studio when it cools off a bit. Today, I was working on my ornament line. I've come up with some new ideas for the samples I already made, so I'm going to see if I like this next design better. That is why it is so frustrating when someone copies your work. I've spent countless hours working on these designs and used both expensive glass and gas to do that. Then to think that someone thinks that it's okay to just take your design because they like it, just goes all over me. Worse yet, is when they "give you credit" for your own design!! Who invented that saying, and who made it okay? Specifically, there are two sisters, who have been doing glass for about as long as me. And like my clown line, they developed a FANTASTIC line of glass for wholesale. I love it like most people, and would have loved to come up with such a wonderful wholesale glass line. But they have developed this line over years (you can tell) and now to see others making the sisters items, even the packaging, it just seems wrong. I'm not sure how they feel about it, because personally I believe no one could touch them in that area, so I doubt anyone "worries" them, but it still just seems so very wrong.

In addition to getting these wholesale lines ready for reps and shops, I'm trying to build inventory for some upcoming shows. I'm looking forward to doing the Arrow Springs show on Sept 17 Th. It's a lot of fun, and I usually do quite well, making it a worthwhile experience financially and for fun. I've been trying to get into a show in October but the people haven't gotten back to me. I'm hoping they will get a hold of me fairly soon and at least let me know what the costs are. And my best show is in November, the BABE show. I love going there and seeing all the new items out there. I love seeing all of my regular customers, it's like a visit from an old friend. Then on Saturday night, my step mom and I go to this very nice Mexican restaurant for some delicious food and of course, a tasty a margarita....yum.

Well, I'm going to take a quick meditation rest so I'll be up for another torch session tonight. Take care everyone .

Until next time.......

Vickie

2011-07-09T22:51:00.000-07:00

July 10, 2011

Tomorrow is my baby sister's birthday and I didn't expect it to affect me as much as it seems to be doing. I tried working today, but had this constant feeling of gloom and I decided that my best work won't come from it so I had to find other work related things to do. It is amazing how your emotions can affect your artistic mood and outcome of your work. I've learned that when I don't "feel it" just to do other necessary things and eventually it will all pass.

The photo of the dove is a real meaningful photo for me. My sister passed away in November and at her funeral we had the "Dove Lady" there. She did an amazing service for her and I'm so grateful for that. She released a flock of doves into the sky, representing angels in the sky. She then gathered the family to pet this single dove she held and handed us each a dove feather. She then said that this dove represented my sister and she would be released in the sky to join the other doves. When she released the single dove it circled the sky above us, then joined the angel doves in the sky where they took her "home". I will never forget that and through all the sorrow of the day, the dove gave me a little bit of peace.

As for glass news, I will be updating some more glassy news soon.

Until next time.......

Vickie

My wholesale website section.

2011-07-02T12:38:00.000-07:00

I've been working on my website for the past few days and frankly I think it's more exhausting than actually doing the glass..! I've made some mistakes, and hopefully made all the corrections. If someone see's something that doesn't look or sound right, please let me know, I would appreciate it very much.

The biggest problem I've been having is learning how to set up my wholesale lines so they will not show up unless signed in with a password. I figured out how to do the wholesale discount, but the photos kept showing up, and I didn't want that. The wholesale lines are for stores and reps to view, and place orders. I figured out how to set it up so that they can just place an order with ease and quickly, but payment won't be made online. To make matters worse, I accidentally clicked a button that did a 50% override on my entire website instead of the wholesale line! I've spent the entire morning fixing that little boo boo. Hopefully, I'll never make that mistake again.

I only have a couple of items on the wholesale page right now, but I'm still in the process of doing the finished samples. I wanted to post a couple of items so that interested reps and stores will have something to see until I get it finished. These lines will be evolving the same way my clown and ornament line did years ago and hopefully be as successful.

It's a holiday weekend, but I'm working today. I might take tomorrow off and go visit a friends store that carries jewelry made with my beads. I'm hoping she will get a blogspot soon so we can advertise her store.

Until then, have a wonderful weekend.

Vickie

Website Update

2011-06-29T23:13:00.000-07:00

I finally began updating my website product. It's a long process getting the photos and descriptions on each item but I'm doing it. I will be concentrating on my website product and that is where you will find the best items at the best prices, after all it is my online store. I am also working on my wholesale line photos and getting the photos I do have up and ready to begin showing potential reps and customers. Those will only be accessed from a link I will send to the approved people, and won't be available for the general public, other than in the stores of my future customers.

This weather has been very unsettling. One week it's hot, the next week, it seems like I'm in the middle of winter. It makes it tough trying to get the work on my property started, let alone finished. But I'm hoping to catch up with everything and be able to have a little time off during the summer to relax, maybe a couple of days?

Anyway, I just wanted to do a quick check in and let folks know I'm still here.

Until next time....

Vickie

Pricing.....

2011-05-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

Well I'm back home from a nice visit with my mother for Mother's Day. I have a lot of new ideas about the work and I am anxious to write about some of them. But for me, I usually prefer to write about things after the fact. So for now, I'll just say that I'm working on a few interesting projects. Gotta run for now, take care of yourselves.
Until next time...
Vickie

Ramblings...

2011-04-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

Last night I stayed up to watch the royal wedding. Although I'm lacking in sleep, it's nice seeing happiness instead of natural disasters and wars, or worse yet, politics and the economy. My prayers for them are that they will grow even happier with each and every day. Isn't that the way it's supposed to work?

I got some upsetting news this morning about my friend. She was in critical condition in October but still has many hurdles to go through and the doctors aren't giving her much hope. I'm going to remain optimistic and try to give her as much hope as I can, after all, what else do we have except hope? Even in business, when I have a bad day or week, I have always had to keep going and make something that will eventually sell, even if I don't have orders. Sometimes it's scary, but for some reason when you least expect it, the situation turns itself back around.

I got a few new ideas that I want to work on, but I also have to get some inventory going. In fact, instead of writing here, I should be working on those ideas. So I'll close for now, and try to concentrate, and get something useful done. If not, then I have to go take care of weeds outside....yuck. Yesterday, my dad was here and he was working on my property clearing trees and brush. I was amazed at how much we got done, everything burned and it looks nice. My dad amazes me with his love and energy. I've been so blessed, not only to be his daughter, but to know him. I'm off, have a great weekend.

Until next time......

Vickie

More snow....

2011-03-20T22:44:00.000-07:00

Yep, more snow. I honestly thought we were finished with the snow and were just in for a lot of rain for the rest of this miserable winter. But I was very wrong, I am now looking at around 18" of snow and more is due. This does affect my work. I'm usually so busy doing winter chores that I'm exhausted when I have to do a lot of work. I'm hoping I don't loose power. I think I'll try to take photos for EBay and update my website with new product and photos. That way I'm still working, but I can stay warm. (snicker...)

Anyway, I don't have any new news for now, I just thought it would be good to check in and do a quick update. I hope everyone is keeping warm and safe and hopefully we will see spring very soon. Take care everyone.

Until next time........

Vickie

Weekend plans...

2011-03-04T22:04:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the bead bazaar in Oakland, Ca. I usually sell there but once I realized I had another dental procedure on Feb. 28, I knew that if anything went worse than on the first, I would have a tough time selling at the show. But after loosing power for 6 days and being snowed in this month, and recovering from several dental problems I knew I wouldn't have much to sell.

So I decided to travel to the Oakland show this weekend to see some sweet friends and their baby after talking to her this past month. But tonight, I am still feeling so sore and tired it would be silly for me to travel anywhere. Besides, I have a custom order for a favorite designer to do this weekend, and custom order for an Ebay customer and some items for my favorite shop owner. So what energy I do have will be spent trying to start those items.

Actually, it doesn't sound as awful and it seems. I like being in my shop on a quiet weekend, watching whatever DVD I'm in the mood for, and creating things I love to make. It also gives me time to experiment with new ideas that I want to make for the wire work I'm learning.

I just saw an awesome wire work designer and it just gets so exciting to see the possibilities that can be done with the glass beads. Seeing how designers finish my pieces gives me more ideas on what to do on my end and eventually something I can do myself.

So, what plans do you have for the weekend? Hopefully, something fun or at least satisfying. Next weekend is our local Dandelion Days and I always enjoy walking around looking at all the vendors. There is a tool guy that always comes to sell and I plan to get to his booth for some supplies and maybe a few new tools.

Guess I'll close for now and wish everyone a wonderful weekend. I've been missing my sister a lot this past few days, so please take the time to hug someone you love and let them know they are so very special to you.

Until next time.......

Vickie

Been a while....

2011-02-23T13:43:00.000-08:00

Wow, I just realized it's been a while since I've written. Right now I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the snow will melt enough this afternoon for me to get out to the post office and ship my work. January started off disappointing on a personal level and then in mid January I attended a bead group and 2 days later ended up violently ill. I was so sick I actually got scared, yet still didn't go for help. (dumb) This past week I have been snowed in with no power. The combination is so nasty, you feel so vulnerable. The snow is melting enough for me to try to get out, and I now have power, and we are expecting a nasty storm starting tomorrow. (it's been all over the news) This time I'm really prepared and hopefully we won't loose power. I'm prepared for that if we do.

Now that I have electricity, I can get back to work. I have so many things I want to do, but this weather has been interrupting my plans.

I want to write something profound, but frankly I am so tired from this past week, I'll see if I can add something in a day or so. In the meantime, I hope everyone is staying safe and warm and life is treating them good.

Until next time........

Vickie

New Year....1-1-11

2011-01-01T10:02:00.000-08:00

It's a new year and a new beginning. At this time each year, I always feel the infinite possibilities are ahead of me. But 2010 was a really tough year for me, and this year I will try to think of what lessons I learned, so I can go forward with a new awareness of what 2010 taught me.

I suffered a lot of profound loss in 2010, the worst being the unexpected loss of my youngest sister. Also a woman I have known and loved for 28 years, two cousins, some classmates, and I almost lost a dear friend. I lost an expensive tray of beads from a person I trusted, so with that I not only lost the value of my beads, but a customer and someone I thought was a friend.

So what are the lessons that I can carry into 2011, without dwelling on the negative? I actually don't have the answers right now. Maybe for now, just knowing what I will be resolving is enough for now. I'm going to try to not be suspicious of all people just because of a small handful of "not nice" people. But even though I will always look at people as good, I have learned to protect myself just a little bit better, the cost emotionally and financially, is just too high not to.

And now for the future, and what I'm hoping for? Each year at the beginning of the new year, I always set a few goals that I hope to achieve within those precious 365 days. This year, I will set out to launch a wholesale line and get back to doing what I used to do. I will do a few shows for fun, while continuing to learn the various levels of jewelry design in my spare time. I am hoping to build an inventory of jewelry for a future project I have in mind. I do need to get even more organized. I don't function well when things aren't exactly where they should be in a very organized fashion. And again, that will involve getting rid of clutter. I started that last year, but I still have a lot of "stuff" I need to sell or give to our local hospice.

I think that all of these goals will only help to improve my work. I can be more productive and creative which leads to even more possibilities. On a exciting note.....I've been named artist of the month by Irene at Flame Kissed Glass..!!! Check out her article on me when you get time.

My wish for everyone is that 2011 is a prosperous year, surrounded with people you love all while enjoying good health. I know it's what I want, and hopefully we can all achieve it.

Blessings to everyone, and Happy New Year!

Until next time.......

Vickie

My friend......

2010-11-21T19:11:00.000-08:00

It snowed this weekend, and I lost power for one full day. I'm finishing up on the special orders I have from the BABE show that need to be shipped this week. I will be glad when my special orders are all finished, they always make me anxious until I have them shipped.

On a good note, I called the hospital today to get an update on my friend. When the ICU nurse said she wasn't in the room anymore, my heart stopped for a brief second, then she asked me if I wanted her room number. Well, yeah, of course I did, I was so excited. When I finally got her room, a gentleman answered and said they were moving her to a rehabilitation facility. It turned out it was her brother, and I asked him to let her know who was calling, and when he repeated my name, I could hear Carol in the background. Words cannot describe how happy I am that she is recovering. I'm sure she has a long road ahead, but when I think of my sister, and how we didn't have a chance to help her, I feel hopeful for my friend.

Until next time......

Vickie

Karmagedeon

2010-11-06T08:35:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's what my week has felt like. Actually, for the past 4 months it has felt like the universe was punishing me. I "know" better than that, but emotionally, it's just feels like what's going on. I know I shouldn't really be posting such personal things on what I consider my business page. But for me, this would be similar to a sign on my retail store door saying that the business is closed due to a death in the family. My youngest sister passed away unexpectedly 4 days ago. After making sure her arrangements were all done, I came home to take care of orders and try to make some product for the upcoming BABE show next weekend in Oakland, California. I learned a lot about myself this past week, which were things that kind of surprised me. I always thought when I lost an important person in my life I would totally fall apart. Being that my baby sister was the first person I've lost ever, I was shocked at my "attention to detail" skills under all of this stress. I'm not saying I didn't forget to eat, or didn't only get 2 hours of sleep a night, but the fact that I was still able to not only take care of her funeral arrangements, but keep on top of my sales. The only thing that prevented me from shipping as usual, was that I was out of town while dealing with the funeral arrangements. And now I'm trying to get enough strength and energy to prepare for the BABE show in Oakland Nov. 13 & 14. If you are attending, stop by and say hello. I am planning on having a special at the booth, I just haven't figured out the details, so it might be a worthwhile stop during the weekend.

Until then, take care and hug the people you love with as much feeling as you can..!!

Vickie

Checking In...

2010-11-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's what my friend always says when she calls me. "Vic, just checking in." I always want to tease her and ask if she thinks she's on parole or something...ha ha. But there aren't any messages now, and I'm not sure if there will be again. You see, my friend is on life support and has been for over two weeks. It's a helpless feeling, and because we are on opposite sides of the country, I can't even be there for her. In addition to this going on, the day before that I found out someone I've known and loved for 28 years died, and I didn't find out until the day after her funeral. All of this happening while I'm dealing with a pretty nasty abscess infection.

So to say I've had a tough few weeks is an understatement. The reason I'm writing all of this personal "stuff" is to explain why I haven't updated this blog or my website. It's all I can do to keep up with EBay and prepare for an upcoming show in Oakland.

I'll be back with glassy news as soon as I can get some photos taken, and mention some specials I have in mind on both the website and at the show.

Until then, take care.

Vickie

A wonderful surprise.

2010-09-06T20:23:00.000-07:00

Wow.....double wow. I just got a call from a local designer/friend that has an adorable shop in the quaint town of Amador City, in the Gold Country. I'm just so thrilled and appreciative that this designer who has now become more of a friend, includes my name in her promotions. I guess it shows how we have such a great relationship and she knows that I would not sell to her customers direct. (It's been tried)

Anyway, the call was to tell me about the article on her shop in the National Geographic magazine website. I was mentioned as well, which I never expected, and was really thrilled to read the article. This sure was a nice surprise after a nasty couple of months dealing with a not so nice buyer, now a former buyer, who is still causing me problems. But back to the good stuff...check out the link for the article if you get time.

National Geographic Article

Until next time....take care,

Vickie

Bad Karma...mine or theirs?

2010-07-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

In my last post I felt upbeat and hopeful of making some exciting changes in my work and in my life. I mentioned change, and how it's the one thing we can always count on. Well, I couldn't have been more correct. And so that leads to another hurdle to be conquered, another challenge for me to learn from, and a difficult lesson in people and who we deal with in our business.

Karma, I'm not sure how I feel about the word. When bad things happen to me, like a tray of my beads being stolen a few weeks ago, I tend to think about the person's karma that took the beads. Then I question why this happened to me? But bad things do happen to good people, and I guess the lesson is to learn to protect yourself without changing your opinion of most people. But if the truth be told, it just hurts the soul to think about it. Shame on you....and yes we both do know who you are. And no, hurting for money, in no way makes what you did acceptable. In fact, it's when you are at your lowest, and have an opportunity to do something bad or wrong, is when we are truly tested. It's easy to do the "right thing" when life is easy, it's when that road gets bumpy and you CHOOSE to take the high road, that really determines ones character.

So for now, I'm going to try to rise above the things that this person did. Maybe, just maybe I can find that proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. Wish me luck.

Until next time.....take care,

Vickie

Insanity...???

2010-07-08T10:05:00.000-07:00

What is the defination of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. That is what comes to mind this week when I'm trying to process the recent death of two women in my family. The fact that they were very close to my age, really got me to thinking about my life and what I want out of it. How does this relate to my glass and why I'm writing such personal thoughts on my website blog??

The reason these untimely deaths relate to my work and my reference to the insanity of it all, is that unless I make some much needed changes, I will continue to get what I have gotten. And what I am getting, isn't enough to do the things I want to do in life. Without the changes in my business, I will not be able to afford the things I still want to see and do in this lifetime. Sooooo....
now that I know I need to make changes, what should they be and where do I begin????

I'll post my question for now, and give some much needed thought to solutions, and the changes I need to make. It's funny, but they say the two things you can count on are death and taxes, but my opinion is that the one thing you can count on in life is change. Nothing stays the same. In a way, that's a good thing if you realize that when things are good, you must also know that they can and probably will change at some point. I have an old road sign prominently displayed in my workshop. The arrow road sign says...ONE WAY. I got that sign at one of the lowest points in my life when it was leaning against a fence at a garage sale. The arrow was pointing up, and I said at that moment, there's only one way to go from here, and that's up!! So that sign is next to my workbench, pointing up of course, reminding me that change can be a good thing.

So now, I need to make more changes. There's things I want to do and see and I can't do them without changing what I'm doing. Like the saying in the movie "Shawshank Redemption".........
"get busy livin' or get busy dying". I choose to get busy living..!!!!!

Until next time...take care,
Vic

Quick Check In

2010-05-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

I have so many things I would love to write about, but frankly I haven't been feeling good since last Sunday, and I'm not sure when this will end. After having my computer running badly as a result of nasty bugs, that have since been cleaned by my wonderful computer repair man Jim of www.pcdoctors2u.com, I'm trying to do some much needed updating. I put some new items on my website, since I've been advertising to my Ebay buyers of a discount if they purchase on my website. It's not a bad deal considering the discount, free shipping and they are readily available and the items you see, are what you get. The only exception are the Made To Order designs, but since those are items I can reproduce, and I work everyday, those items don't take long to receive.

I'm not sure if I ever updated what I decided to do with my IPhone email for my website email. It's working great, and I couldn't be happier. I did a forward from my webhost to Gmail. I now receive my email in both Outlook Express and Gmail, which is where I save all the important stuff, and work from Outlook Express. My phone gets the email on the Gmail account, and since my Gmail name is the same as this one, it's not tough to figure out who is responding if you write to my domain email. After having computer problems and an older computer crash with no warning and loosing all of my email and data, I like having it saved in Gmail.

I think I'll try to work in the studio, I miss my torch. Have a great Memorial Day Weekend.

Hugs,

Vic

The Golden Rule

2010-04-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you've heard that old saying..."he who has the gold...RULES." Well, in the case of Ebay, it seems to be even more so. A while back I noticed a huge increase in sellers in my category on Ebay. So I started counting the types of sellers listed in said category. For a reference point, my category in Ebay is .....Jewelry & Watches-Loose Beads-Handmade Lampwork-US. So today, I go to the listing and click on the highest amount category. The FIRST listing at the top of the page, is from Germany and it's a necklace, not anything that belongs under our category. Now I'm not trying to single out any one vendor, but if Ebay has these categories, then why aren't they being used properly? How are bead buyers expected to sift through 11, 111 postings to find us? One vendor selling on that page will have several listings for jewelry in sterling silver only! One of the lampwork artists is selling a necklace in that category and I clicked on it. First of all, it at least contained lampwork beads, but more importantly, it was a double listing in two categories. I can clearly understand lampwork jewelry being listed there, because those vendors might have buyers who go to that category. To me if you are at least listing first in the proper category, then it should be allowed. Ebay is about the buyers, but without sellers, GOOD sellers, the buyers will shop elsewhere. Why can't they see that??? It's why brick and mortar malls have anchor stores. I shouldn't be complaining too much since I am using Ebay for my sales, hoping to move my customers to my website. So instead of ranting about something I have no control over, I think I'll do something about things I do have control over and go to work on making more inventory and listing it on my website. Have a great day, I'm off to get more propane.

Vic

Forging Ahead

2010-03-12T21:01:00.000-08:00

Today I got one step closer to finishing the little things that have been staring me in the face. I have procrastinated for a while now on setting up my router. Until I got the phone, I really had no need to hook it up. But with our questionable cellular service up here, the router will come in handy in dealing with the phone. Of course this is all leading up to getting my domain name email set up on the phone. I suspect it's my email client, if not, I don't have a clue. The people that have Mac's have no problem with their domain email but PC users have had problems. Some have gotten their email connected and others quit and gave up. My challenge will be to figure out how the few managed to do it.

I had a recent purchase on my website from an eBay customer. I was very excited to think that maybe I can get some of those customers to shop in both markets. I included a thank you bead for giving my website merchandise a try. I sure hope she likes the set, it was one of my signature silver mesh sets in the globe style.

Well, I have a busy weekend, so I want to wish everyone a wonderful weekend!!

Until next time.......

Vickie

Email and IPhone challenges.

2010-03-04T08:39:00.000-08:00

I've got a turkey in the oven and my last cup of coffee before heading out to the studio. I'm procrastinating because there is snow on the ground, and I know it's going to be the kind of cold that "hurts". So I've been working on my Iphone and email clients. I can't seem to get my domain name email to come to the IPhone on a regular basis, and I don't care for the way it looks compared to yahoo and gmail on the phone. Gmail offers something that will transfer your pop 3 email from Outlook to Gmail. I wish I knew someone who knows something about this so I could get some first hand advice, but it sounds like something that might work for me. Not only for the IPhone, but for the computer. I guess I'll just have to spend time doing a lot of reading about that application. I just downloaded my first ringtone ever...hahaha. I don't use a cell phone much, I think it's a bother when I'm out and can be somewhat rude. It's nice for emergencies or for a certain purpose, but I got the Iphone to stay in touch with my auctions, website and email for business. I look at it as a valuable tool and I was worried I would regret being bothered with such a "toy", but it isn't a toy and I love it. Finding applications is time consuming though.
Anyway, I suppose I'll pack my beads for the post office in case the snow melts enough to make a quick run out of here. If not, they will be ready when it melts. I'm heading for the shop to see how things look in the kiln, I was working out there till almost midnight so it's fairly full.
Have a great day...until then.
Vickie

Ebay's attitude.

2010-03-01T23:53:00.000-08:00

I've been busy for the past week dealing with the star rating system for Ebay. I suppose one might think that it's no biggie if you get a 4.9 instead of a "perfect" 5.0. But my problem wasn't as much about the number if it was deserved, but to be honest it wasn't. My rant is that when I called Ebay to see if I could explain what I felt was a misunderstanding by the buyer, I was told they have a right to privacy. Huh???? Even Equifax allows you to challenge an erroneous post from a creditor. All of these seemingly innocent posts can impact a person or their business in a multitude of ways. With Ebay, if your rating drops too much you loose your Top Seller rating which in turn causes you to loose your Ebay perks, such as reduced fees. What happened you might ask? I was dinged on my shipping fees. My first reaction was huh????

I clearly post in my auctions that I charge $3.50 for each invoice sent, not each purchase. Since I combine auctions, a customer only pays $3.50 for several purchases or an expensive purchase. The $3.50 flat rate covers a 3 oz package that is insured for $50. or less. The person that dinged me got her package, with just the postal cost and "assumed" that I was overcharging since no insurance was on the package. Had that customer had the courtesy to ask, I would have been able to tell her that I had insured the packages with Auctiva's insurance offered through Ebay, and that her package DID cost $3.50 to ship. But the part that bothers me is that if I state my fees on the auction and someone bids on that auction, they are agreeing to pay that shipping amount, and that if the charges are a problem, they should move on to another auction, or stop the process before paying. Whatever way I look at it, that customer shouldn't have dinged me on shipping fees, but at least wrote to me first. Luckily, those stars aren't permanent if everyone else doesn't do the same thing, they will eventually go back up.

On a positive note, my auctions are doing better. Have a great day everyone.

Hugs,
Vick

Ebay rant.

2010-02-28T20:01:00.000-08:00

I don't get it. Ebay asks me to take their 20 minute survey to improve their service to us sellers, and when I call to complain about a problem, they ignore what you are trying to tell them!!!!

Frustrated

2010-02-17T07:26:00.001-08:00

I honestly don't know of anyone who has more problems with cell phones than me. I just got a new IPhone 3Gs and even though we don't get great reception up here, I expect the thing to work a little bit. I had the 3G and it got much better reception here, so I do have something to compare it to. I was prepared to take it back Friday, but I do want this phone knowing what it can do if the dang thing works!!!! I think I'll take a ride to an Apple store or ATT and see if someone can check it out and compare mine to theirs in performance. My next option will be to get a new one and hope it works better. I haven't even looked at an alternative phone, I'll probably just go back to my old one and wait to see if the new generation IPhone gets better reception, but I'm hoping I can just get this one to work..!!!! Enough of the ranting, I'm headed with coffee in hand, to my studio. I've scheduled today for a total workhorse day on the torch, then photography and list on Ebay tomorrow. Have a great day everyone..!!!

Hugs, Vic

My First Post

2010-01-24T21:46:00.001-08:00

I've decided to give this option for a blog a try. At first I didn't want to lead customers to a different site other than my website. Afterall, the website is for selling my work. But after a lot of thought, I wanted to be able to post concerns without cluttering my website, and most importantly, I like the idea of being able to get comments from folks if they have an opinion on something I might have written. I'm sure it will take some time before I write something so "profound" that would prompt anyone to comment, but the opportunity will be there nonetheless. Thanks for checking in, this just might be a lot of fun....who knows?
Until next time.
Vickie