Email etiquette...

When dealing with people/businesses on the Internet, it will benefit you to remember the following tips. They are all based on my own experiences but I am sure they apply to every online business:

1. When replying to emails, include a copy of any previous emails, don't just send a new one. I can receive 50 emails a day that need a reply and I simply cannot remember every single 'conversation' with every single person.

2. If you have a problem/complaint, then of course, email for assistance. But be polite - don't start off with an abusive email (you can send that later on if you don't get the help you require!).

3. Simple words like 'please' and 'thank-you' take a second to type and mean so much. If you want someone to give you free advice, then use these words - you are more likely to get what you want.

4. If someone takes the time to give you free advice, then take the time to thank them. I get emails everyday asking for assistance on all manner of topics - selling on eBay, buying from wholesalers, setting up a website etc. I don't get paid for giving my advice and it is amazing how many people can't even be bothered to say 'thank-you' after I have helped them.

5. Allow 24 hours for a response to your email before sending a second one chasing a reply. Not every business has 24 hour email support. For example, I reply to most emails within 2 hours but I do have to sleep and sometimes I even turn my PC off for a few hours!

6. Remember that the email system is not 100% reliable - sometimes emails just don't make it to the recipient. If someone says 'I didn't receive your email', they may well be telling the truth, so give them a second chance before losing your cool.

7. And finally, if your enquiry relates to a particular product always include details of which product you are referring to. For example, I sell over 20 different digital products from 7 websites but regularly get emails that simply state 'I have paid for my eBook but didn't get it'. Which eBook? How did you pay? What is your name? When did you buy it? What email address did you use when you made the purchase? C'mon, gimme a clue!

If you run a web business, I am sure the above points will hit home. If you don't run a web business, please bear them in mind for when you are dealing with someone that does :-)

Copyright 2004 Richard Grady

About The Author

Richard Grady has been helping ordinary people earn online since 1998. He writes a free newsletter which is published every two weeks. To subscribe (and claim your free gifts), visit: http://www.thetraderonline.com/newsletter.html

This article was posted on December 23, 2004

 Make Online Auctions a Home Business
This article may be reproduced in any ezine or website
provided the resource box at the end is included.

Tips to Avoid Online Auction Fraud

While most buyers and sellers on internet auction sites are
honest, there is always the threat of underlying fraud.

Auction sites have had instances of sellers posting pictures of
items for sale, only to include in extremely small print that
buyers are only bidding for the photo rather than the item itself.
When the photo arrives in the post and not the product, buyers
are obviously outraged.

Steps to avoid online auction fraud


1)Check seller's feedback

One of the best ways to judge a seller's honesty is to check his
or her feedback. Most buyers will give feedback on a sale,
ratin. . . .
Read The Rest Of This Article

 Online Auctions
As popular as they are, online auctions should be approached with
care. Many times, merchandise is offered that either may be
illegal, fraudulent, or simply doesn't exist, and the vendor
takes your money and runs. So what can you do to protect yourself
if you enter bidding in an online auction.

You should understand how the auction works. Many online auctions
simply list items that people want to sell. They don't verify if
the merchandise actually exists, or if it is described
accurately.

You should therefore check out the seller. If it is a company,
contact the state or local consumer protection agency and Better
Business Bureau where you live, and also where the company is
located.

Many auctions have a feedback section for comments about. . . .
Read The Rest Of This Article

 10 Things You Should Know Before You Bid On A Business Product From An Online Auction
1. Know the value of the product before you bid. If
the product is brand new, check to see what price
retailers are charging for it. If the product is used or
reconditioned, you will want to pay way less than the
retail value.

2. If the product's description or picture isn't detailed
enough for you, contact the merchant to get more
information before you bid. You don't want to take a
chance to waste your hard earned money.

3. Know the highest price you will bid for the product
and stick with it. Don't get caught up in a bidding war;
you may end up paying more than the product's worth.
Don't forget to add in the shipping price with your bid.

4. Visit a few online auctions before bidding because
some merchants auction the same product in . . . .
Read The Rest Of This Article

 Use Online Auctions to Promote Your Business!
When they first appeared on the scene, online auctions were used
mainly by people looking to get rid of old heirlooms or
collectors in niche markets (stuffed collectibles, etc.). Now,
it seems like everyone is participating in online auctions.
People are also beginning to realize that auctions can be a great
way to promote a business and test products.

I have to admit it -- I'm an eBay junkie. I'm probably on their
site at least 4 or 5 times a week, looking for items to add to my
various collections, and the more I visit, the more I'm seeing
businesses using online auctions in creative ways.

For instance, there are many people who have started to make
their living solely through online auctions. However, if you
don't want to become one of these ". . . .
Read The Rest Of This Article

 Pros and Cons of Internet Shopping
Online shopping has become a regular pastime of Americans. Not only is home shopping convenient for most people it also provides much more variety in a smaller amount of time than driving around town might produce.

However, internet shopping has its pros and cons just as anything other advance of technology does. Online shoppers should be careful and aware that just because they feel anonymous while shopping, they may not always be.

Pros of Discount Shopping Online and Other functions of Internet Shopping:

1. Most people can generally find what they are looking for online just as easy if not easier than finding it at the local department store.

2. Variety is more diverse since the market is global and not local.

3. Prices are sometimes negotiable online. . . .
Read The Rest Of This Article