With a fond farewell (and a fabulous Flylady-esque finale article), our own Jennifer Lanetz bids adieu to the Newsletter Committee. Up to her eyeballs in OLASA applicants, the Chair of the Membership Committee welcomes our newest Newsletter writer - this month's Featured Member - Cassandra Lee.

If you've thought of writing an article - stop thinking and get a pen! OLASA's NL is member generated, and we rely on your contributions (you brainy bunch, you) for content of value.

We'll be waiting to hear from you at newsletter@onlineauctionsellersassociation.com.

Most of us who are members of Olasa run our online auction business for many different reasons. Over the years I have heard quite a variety of stories with different and unique reasons why we all started our online auction business. From wanting to be able to stay home with children to I found my niche and I now run a successful online auction business.

I run my online business in "spurts" throughout the year. I have listed and sold quite a few items in a months time. I have also gone several months without listing anything at all. Regardless of the amount of items that you list and sell the most important thing to remember is to treat selling items on eBay as a business whether you are selling as a business or just a way to recoup money with unwanted house clutter.

The most important factor that I have learned throughout the 6 years of selling online is the importance of establishing routines!
Most of us run a home based business just by running our homes!

I have the tendency to over load myself with good intentions, everyday responsibilities, and my eBay business. I then find myself overwhelmed. Establishing a routine for your life and your business is key to being successful.
We are all unique with our life and have a variety of tasks that need to be fulfilled in a days time. Here are a few tips I have learned over the years.

• When at home, I set a timer to beat and complete each task before the timer goes off. This keeps me focused so that I don't jump from one task to the next. I then find satisfaction by crossing it off my daily list when it is completed.
• I will not post or schedule too many items in one day. This helps me not have to package and mail out everything at one time.
• I Drink plenty of water through out the day. Water is healthy and will refresh you. Believe it or not, it is very important with concentration and helping you stay focused.

Routines are a major asset in building a successful business. Especially when you multitask as most of us do. If you are determined to have an online auction business, then you are going to have to keep your work and home area clutter free, establish routines for your home and business!

Cassandra Lee began "the hobby that ate Manhattan" four years ago as a supplement to her family's income. A former paralegal, Cass wanted to stay at home with her children without losing the financial autonomy afforded by her career. With an eBay Store, she says she's found the happy medium between an "away from home" Mom and a "bored with home" Mom!

Cassandra hints at an addiction to thrift store shopping for her saleable goods and, with a firm grasp on her niche - collectible games and toys, she also reaches out into the wider markets of glass and pottery. "I'm overrun with clear glass! I don't know how it got here, and I can't make it go away!" she tells us.

Cass confirms the rumours of a new niche in the offing, as well. Distinctive artisan created jewelry designed by none other than she herself! Look for the unveiling of ATouchofCass on eBay in the Fall.

We're delighted to feature Cassandra this month, for her patience with Paypal, her "the shipping and just the shipping" policy, and her excellent customer service reflected in her impressive feedback - she's a perfect example of the OLASA standard of customer care!

Please take a moment to review all of the Olasa Members. Should you see a member that you would like to see featured, email us! We would be happy to take your referrals and recommendations for the monthly Featured Member!

An FEIN is Your Friend

Many sole proprietors do not apply for an FEIN number as it is not a requirement to do so. However, there are several pros in doing do, such as:

1. Obtaining business credit.
2. Building business credit.
3. Obtaining business loans
4. Separate credit profile from your personal account
5. Obtaining a business checking bank account, information to follow.

The reason for applying for and building credit in the business name is simple. For one, it separates your business purchases from personal purchases thus reducing your paperwork. Also, businesses are able to obtain a higher credit line for purchases’ than an individual. Eventually, when you expand your business, you may need this credit to rent or lease a brick and mortar store, or purchase a high ticket item, especially if your personal credit is less than stellar.

Along with applying for an FEIN, you will want to open a separate business account. Many simply open a separate personal account for their business, but this usually is not advised as you will not reap the benefits a business account will offer. To open a business checking account, you will need to find an account that fits your company’s needs. Some things to consider is the amount t of money you will retain in your account at all times, and how many checks you will be writing per month. Most business accounts do include an ATM/Debit card, so usually check writing is kept to a minimum.

Many banks offer a variety of benefits for business accounts, so it is wise to research the banks offers carefully. For instance, Bank of America will help you select a business checking account by asking you a series of questions. To gain an insight as to what kind of account you may need, check out Bank of America’s website:

http://www.bankofamerica.com/small_business/busine ss_checking/index.cfm?template=get_recommendation

The link to apply for an FEIN and obtain other tax related information is located here: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102 767,00.html

Cassan dra's Cass and Caboodle on eBay

As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, Inkfrog has acquired Sparedollar and the two have merged into one auction hosting service. Now in May, they have just started transferring Sparedollar customers to the “new” Inkfrog frog. Inkfrog has many great features, and of course with any thing new, some bugs. The whole site has been revamped, not just for the incoming Sparedollar users, but for the current Infrog users as well.

The new site boasts:

• Cost is 9.95 a month. This includes 300MB of images and unlimited listings.
• The ability to list more than one Ebay Id under one account.
• The ability to list on eBay motors.
• International shipping calculators and item specifics can be put into auctions.
• Watermarking photos.
• Rotating showcase that links to a full page of your items.
• After auction management.
• Inventory management.
• And more features coming soon!

Newsletter Committee:
Sara Austin
Amy Reedy
Sharon Brown
Cassandra Lee
Jennifer Lanetz