As the holiday season is officially in full gear, here are a few rules of selling on eBay of which you should be aware. These mistakes are easy to make, and they may seem harmless but ultimately they can result in the suspension of your account and a quick halt to your sales.

Rule #1
Do not bid on or buy your own items, even with another account that you own. We will test your checkout systems.

Rule #2
Each physical item must have its own listing. For example, a red shirt and blue shirt get two listings. The choice or a red or blue shirt in one listing is not allowed.

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Contributed by Allison Hartsoe, Internet Business Skills http://www.internetbusinessskills.com
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The National Retail Federation predicts consumers will spend more this holiday season than last, with the group expecting average receipt totals to reach $900 per shopper.

That’s good news for retailers who are pushing to start the shopping season earlier while shoppers are holding off for the best deals, continuing the trend that Black Friday is less important to retailers and consumers alike than in years past.

Let us know how your holiday season is going!

Contributed by Lisa Andrews http://www.coresense.com
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United Parcel Service of America Inc., UPS, announced today that it will raise prices an average of 4.9% for ground and air shipments originating in the U.S.The rates will go into effect Jan. 1.

They will be posted on the UPS web site Dec. 1. UPS reports that the base rate for air express and international shipments will go up 6.9%, but that a reduction in the fuel surcharge will reduce that increase to 4.9%.

Contributed by Lisa Andrews http://www.coresense.com
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If you want to attract gaggles of gift-givers to your site, remember these three words: Offer free shipping.

Online holiday-gift shoppers overwhelmingly consider free shipping an important enticement in making purchases, with discounts and free return policies also key considerations, according to a survey released yesterday by Yahoo! Small Business and Harris Interactive.

Link to article at eCommerce-Guide

Contributed by Lisa Andrews http://www.coresense.com
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Online shopping is acquiring customers at a higher rate than store shopping and losing fewer customers than in the past, with a 15% net acquisition rate for online versus 2% for stores, according to a new study from Deloitte & Touche USA LLP.

Link to article in Internet Retailer

Contributed by Lisa Andrews http://www.coresense.com
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The National Retail Federation’s 2006 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, found that the average consumer plans to spend $791.10 this holiday season, up from $738.11 last year. Furthermore, shoppers will take advantage of sales and discounts during the holiday season to spend an additional $99.22 on themselves. Good News for Retailers, and their bank accounts.

Contributed by Lisa Andrews http://www.coresense.com
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