SHOPitLA: The Biggest eBay Drop Off Store in Los Angeles

Candy Spelling's Mah Jong set sells on eBay

2012-01-11T17:08:00.000-08:00

SHOPitLA owner, Amy Weintraub, talks with Candy Spelling behind the scenes of HGTV's "Selling Spelling Manor"

Candy Spelling's Pink Mah Jong set sold on eBay this week for $175.25. There were 6 bids and dozens of watchers!

As seen on HGTV's Special "Moving Spelling Manor," Amy Weintraub, owner of SHOPitLA has been working with Candy Spelling on auctioning many of her beloved items and memorbilia from Spelling Manor.

See the complete program on HGTV on January 20th

SOLD: $175.25

SHOPitLA sells items for Candy Spelling from Spelling Manor!

2012-01-09T11:18:00.000-08:00

SOLD: $99

Happy New Year! Shopitla, Sell it on eBay has been busyhelping Candy Spelling sell items from Spelling Manor on eBay.

SHOPITLA and owner Amy Weintraub were featured on the HGTVspecial “Selling Spelling Manor.” This program will airagain on HGTV February 21^st

SOLD: $99

Antique Pharmacy Museum Sold on SHOPitLA!

2011-11-22T15:22:00.001-08:00

SOLD! $68,000

It's not everyday that someone wants to sell their pharmacy museum on eBay. Sure, we'll get in the odd mortar and pestle every once and a while. But this collection was unlike anything we'd ever seen.

Dr. Earl Mindell is a pharmacist, writer and nutritionist who has spent his career advocating wellness and homeopathic medicine. Over the past 50 years, he has collected items from antique shops, private collections and antique markets all over the world. His collection features apothecary jars, mortar & pestles, hand-held scales, measuring beakers, old-fashioned toiletries, handwritten pharmacy ledgers, vintage drugstore signs, Parke Davis and Rexall antiques, Victorian era eye baths, inhalers, balances, tobacco pipes, figurines and so much more!

Three large rooms of his guesthouse were converted into a museum to display this magnificent collection. But Dr. Mindell decided it was time to move on, and sell the museum to a collector who could appreciate all the details - down to the stained glass window and cabinets.

Dr. Mindell was firm in his decision to sell the museum as one big collection, rather than splitting it up into smaller lots. It was all a matter of finding the right buyer.

And after almost a year, the collection has finally been sold! SHOPitLA is also happy to report that this museum will be recreated in its entirety by a pharmacist from Ohio and his very generous wife, who bought it for him as a gift!

We are so pleased that Dr. Mindell can see his fantastic collection off to a good home, where it is sure to be appreciated for years to come.

If you'd like to see more pictures from this one of a kind museum, please visit our Picasa web album.

SHOPitBeverlyHills makes the eBay home page again!

2011-05-04T13:19:00.000-07:00

For the second time in two weeks, SHOPitBeverlyHills has had an item featured on the eBay home page. See that blue fleece jacket in the right hand corner? That's one of our items!

It's a fantastic jacket we're selling for 60% off retail. Here's a better look at it on the Daily Deal main page:

If you'd like to buy one of these Hawke & Co jackets on eBay click here. But hurry because this price won't last long!

-sr

Vintage Toy Cars - Dust them Off!

2011-04-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

A client dropped off a box of vintage tin and cast iron toys and cars. These vintage items had cleared been well used and loved.

Although we are not experts in this category, we decided to list them for auction at a low opening bid and let the eBay buyers determine their value.

The Vintage USAF BK 250 Toy Plane above sold $179 despite the fact that it needed some significant repair. The cast iron motorcycle below actually sold for $654!

Although many of the items were, missing parts, rusty and dirty, we did our best to dust them off and list them as “restoration projects” that need a good home.

We are happy to report that they each found a good home and great prices. We are still anxious to see what this large “race car” sells for.

Vintage Japanese Toy Car

Happy Holidays from your eBay store in Los Angeles!

2010-12-18T16:40:00.000-08:00

Wishing You 100%
Positive Feedback in 2011!

Your friends at SHOPitLA, Sell it on eBay:
Amy, El, Ealeana, Anuar, Sean, & Candice

How to Package and Ship Your Items Safely

2010-11-30T16:55:00.000-08:00

Packing & Shipping tips from Amy Weintraub owner of SHOPitLA Sell It on eBay, a large registered eBay Drop of Location in Los Angeles. SHOPITLA is one of the Scotch Brand Shipping Experts and we want to share packing and shipping tips with you during this busy holiday season!

In the world of eCommerce the final part of good customer service is to make sure the item you have sold online arrives to the buyer safely and in perfect condition. Here are some packing tips to help you avoid damage and returns.

1. Use cartons and boxes that are in good stiff condition with all flaps intact. It is fine to reuse boxes, but you want to make sure they are clean and sturdy. USPS offers free priority mail boxes!

2. Tape up the box precisely and evenly. Use Scotch Brand 2 inch packing tape to seal the box. No need to overused or waste the tape. Line the tape evenly along the seams of the box, Scotch Brand is strong and secure, one strip of tape will do!

3. Wrap fragile items ( ie: tea cup, porcelain plate) in tissue paper and then role that item in bubble wrap ( bubble side up). Make a nice cocoon around your item. Seal the bubble wrap ball or cocoon using Scotch Brand Easy grip tape dispenser. It is light weight and wraps the tape nicely around the fragile item. It is easy to maneuver and cut. Seal well too!

4. Make sure there is approximately four inches of protective packing materials (bubble wrap, Styrofoam peanuts, or shredded paper) around your fragile item. Place it inside the box, if shipping more than one item, make sure they do not touch each other in the box.

5. Let the buyer know when you ship their item- send them and email with the date that you sent the item and tracking information. Communication is key and this kind of customer service and lead to more sales and business!

---

-AW

You and Russell Crowe on the Red Carpet in NYC - SHOPitHollywood Charity Auction

2010-10-30T12:25:00.000-07:00

SHOPitHollywood is auctioning off two tickets to the premiere of Russell Crowe's latest movie - The Next Three Days.

You'll get to walk the red carpet at the Ziegfield Theater in New York City, and mingle with celebrities at the exclusive after party!

Best of all, the proceeds from this auction go to Artists for Peace and Justice... a great organization focused on relief efforts in Haiti. Help a good cause while brushing shoulders with Hollywood A-list celebs like Russell Crowe, Elizabeth Banks, Gerard Butler, Liam Neeson, and RAZ.

Click HERE to place your bid for a star-studded night in NYC!

-ct

Play Ball! - Collector's Baseball Gloves on eBay

2010-10-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

It may be nearing the end of playoff season, but vintage baseball gloves are in full swing on eBay right now!

One of our customers recently brought in his prized collection of vintage baseball mitts for some lucky collectors to snatch up.If you're like me, you probably didn't realize a mitt some kid wrote his name all over back in 1968 would be worth anything today. But get a load of this -we sold a rare Rawlings Mickey Mantle glove and original ad for over $500!

And this wasn't any mint condition, never used glove, either. The original owner had scrawled his name in ink over the back, and it had certainly been played with. But that's the great thing about baseball gloves - the tough leather hide and stitching could probably survive an apocalypse and still manage to last through another ball game (not that there'd be anyone around to use it).
For all you die-hards out there counting the days 'til spring training starts up again, you can check out all our baseball glove auctions on SHOPitLA by clicking here.
Play ball!
-CT

eBay Turns 15

2010-10-11T15:03:00.001-07:00

Garzi Italy Sterling Silver Jewelry on eBay

2010-09-30T16:31:00.000-07:00

SHOPitBeverlyHills is selling sterling silver Garzi jewelry on eBay from a retiring Los Angeles jewelry store. All of these items are discounted to a fraction of their retail price.

Garzi manufactures high-end jewelry for retails stores and brand names. Founded in Tuscany, Italy in 1979, they are well-known for their exquisite attention to detail, craftsmanship, and contemporary design.

All of these pieces are made from high quality 925 sterling silver, some with 18k gold accents. Bracelets and necklaces have intricately designed woven chains with fun charms ranging from stars and moons to bees and elephants! SHOPitBeverlyHills on eBay has Garzi jewelry for almost any occasion.

Check out our selection of adorable charm bracelets, key chains, stunning earrings, necklaces and rings on our Beverly Hills fashions eBay store.

- CT

'Titanic' poster signed by the late Gloria Stuart

2010-09-27T16:11:00.000-07:00

Sad news in the world of entertainment. Actress Gloria Stuart died Sunday:

Gloria Stuart, a blond movie bombshell of the 1930s who resurfaced a half century later as the sentimental heart of the blockbuster "Titanic," died Sunday at the age of 100.

In the 1997 James Cameron film, Stuart played the older incarnation of Kate Winslett's Rose Calvert - the character who turned the movie from a tragedy in which 1,490 people died into a bittersweet tale where a single locket showed love could endure

SHOPitHollywood just happens to have a 'Titanic' movie poster signed by Gloria Stuart. This poster is actually hanging in our store and currently up for auction on eBay. It's beautifully framed and would make a wonderful piece in your movie poster collection.

Bid on the item here: Titanic eBay poster

-sr

3 Things I learned at eBay On Location in San Jose Sept 1 & 2 2010

2010-09-16T21:08:00.000-07:00

Amy Weintraub of SHOPitLA with eBay CEO John Donahoe

SHOPitLA enjoyed our two days in San Jose celebrating eBay 15^th anniversary and learning and partying with eBay sellers and employees.

The tag line of the event was “eBay, You’re in Business”. This rang true. The top sellers view eBay as their business partner, and who would not want to be in business with the largest online seller in the world! I was glad to see eBay focusing on the ‘business” of selling to the world: best practices for sellers, customer services, new tools to list and manage your online business, guideline for customer service, improved checkout and shipping tools.

1. SELL, SELL SELL! Of course this is not a new idea. But eBay is encouraging sellers to sell on all platforms, including your own eCommerce site (and I did hear Amazon mentioned once!). There was a lot of buzz about eBay Classifieds and eBay mobile. I encourage all sellers to sell everywhere and check out all of these options!

2. SHIP, SHIP, SHIP! eBay introduced “green” reusable shipping boxes for sellers. We will let you know how this program works, I think it is a great idea not only for the environment, but for eBay branding. Also, everyday eBay, USPS, and PayPal and improving the experience for international buyers and assisting sellers in working with the international community that so badly wants to buy from American sellers.

3. BIG PLANS FOR 2011! The checkout buying experience on eBay is complicated for many buyers. eBay plans to introduce a proper shopping cart next year to solve that problem. All sellers will use that cart and hopefully this is enable buyers to buy more! This uniform checkout system will also aid sellers with the problem of unpaid items.

If you were at any of the eBay on Location events, please share you thoughts too!

ECMTA Meeting with Harold Tan - FREE COFFEE

2010-08-09T12:22:00.000-07:00

Join us for the second ECMTA meeting featuring one of Los Angeles' brightest ecommerce entrepreneurs, Harold Y. Tan. Once again, we are happy to offer this event for FREE thanks to our sponsors, Peet's Coffee & Tea and eBay ProStores.

The meeting will be held at:
Peet's Coffee & Tea
1854 Westwood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025

Peet's has generously offered to provide FREE COFFEE to attendees.

Tan is an entrepreneurial strategist with 10 years of experience in internet business ventures and startups. Tan specializes in e-commerce development and growing websites from $0 to over $1M in revenue.

He founded FastTrackFundraising.com (a resource for non-profit organizations that has been featured in Forbes, CNBC, and SmartMoney) and NutraGroup.com (a portfolio of over 50 nutraceutical ecommerce stores). Tan was also involved with SmartLinc (acquired by Smarthome.com), and is a member of EO, the global Entrepreneur's Network for founders of $1M+ companies.

Tan holds a Bachelors of Science degree from UCLA in Cognitive Science, Mathematics, and Computing. He then graduated from the UCLA's Anderson School of Management's MDE program, and is currently finishing a Masters degree in Information Systems at Harvard.

7-7:30 meet and great
7:30- 8:30 Presentation Q&A

More info at www.ecmtala.org

Are You Ready to Rock?

2010-08-05T11:30:00.000-07:00

It's not just about the music, man.

It's about the equipment. Just think of all the great tunes you could create with a studio full of synthesizers, keyboards, pedals and amps.

If you're the special kind of music nerd who loves spending all day in a dark room tuning instruments, tweaking levels, programming MIDI modules and sampling sounds, we've got a whole virtual store full of equipment that'll make your eyes water (I mean, you're not crying. Its just so beautiful!)

A local Los Angeles studio is clearing its inventory, so we've got a ton of great gear to auction off.

For starters, check out this gorgeous vintage Gretsch hollowbody guitar. This beauty is from 1958 and is in better shape than I am!

Plus, we've got this awesome Roland JD-800 Synth keyboard, with a set of four soundcards so you can get busy making music all day long.

There's also the Yamaha 5Pc Maple Custom Absolute drum kit, if you're into the whole percussion thing. The Maple Custom Absolute is a discontinued line, so you better place your bid now if you know what's good for you.

To round out your hypothetical band, there are two beautiful Warwick basses, the Streamer, with a natural finish and a smooth ergonomic shape, and the Corvette $$ Double Buck, a real wild beast of a bass.

Maybe you're looking for something with a little more classic rock and roll style. In that case, here's a vintage 1970's Fender Strat with a great distressed look to get your juices flowing.

If you want to actually hear all the beautiful music you're making, check out the auctions for this Warwick 115 Cabinet Speaker, and the Peavey EVH 5150 Head.

If electronics are more your thing, we have a ton of rackmounted synths and modules, like this Roland MKS-50 Synth. They don't make 'em like they used to anymore (in fact, they don't make 'em at all anymore!) so get your hands on these synths and samplers while you still can!

-CT

SHOPitBeverlyHills is an eBay Top Rated Seller

2010-06-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

SHOPitBeverlyHills currently has tons of great name brand items for incredible prices... many with free shipping. Need a great bracelet? We got plenty of those. Shoes? Oh yeah, we got shoes. What about a new swimsuit? We got you covered.

It takes a lot of work to reach Top-Rated Seller status on eBay and we're proud our customers think so highly of us!

**sr

http://www.shopitbeverlyhills.com/

Bachelor/Bachelorette Ali's Dress For Sale on eBay!

2010-06-23T12:45:00.000-07:00

Bachelorette Ali Fedotowsky's Catherine Malandrino dress for sale on eBay! SHOPitBeverlyHills is auctioning flower sundress on eBay, just like the one that Ali wore when she said goodbye to Jake on the Bachelor.

Are you a big Bachelor or Bachelorette fan? Obsessed with finding the fashions the girls on the show are wearing? Well, today's your lucky day!

SHOPitBeverlyHills just listed the dress Ali Fedotowsky wore as she said goodbye to Jake on The Bachelor. This Catherine Malandrino dress is sold out everwhere, but you can find it now at SHOPitBeverlyHills! Now Ali's dress can be yours for a great price!

Get the dress all the fashion blogs have been talking about! This flirty, summery dress is adorned with floral appliques in a flattering empire waist style.

Click HERE to see the auction.

Check out all the other fabulous items up at SHOPitBeverlyHills!

-ct

Feel the power grow!

2010-06-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

Whip your shakra into submission with 190lbs of brilliant Brazillian Amethyst!

Dazzling ribbons of positivity will engulf your very being in a tsunami of dynamic energy when you lay hands on this wondrous chunk of incredible crystal! Feel the thrusting currents of ever increasing power penetrate every aspect of your body with glistening purple shafts of shimmering light!

Hundreds of pounds of life-changing, potentially toe-crushing crystal goodness are for sale at compelling prices! Don't delay... bid now before your biorhythms get whacked-out beyond repair!

CLICK HERE to unleash the power of pure crystal awesomeness!

Celebrity cleans out her closet! Used Chanel for sale on eBay

2010-06-09T15:39:00.000-07:00

Used Authentic Chanel! It doesn’t come up often, but a regular celebrity client of SHOPitBeverlyHills recently cleaned out her closet and brought her gently used Chanel shoes, necklaces, coats, and bracelets for us to sell on eBay. You can find stunning Chanel Cuff Bangles, Logo Chanel Chain Necklaces, Chanel High Heel Shoes, Chanel Ballet Flats for sale on SHOPitBeverlyHills on eBay.

SHOPitBeverlyHills ships worldwide on eBay, so place your highest bid. This is a great chance to own authentic Chanel at a fraction of the retail price. Step out in Luxuy and Style with Coco Chanel... only on eBay and SHOPitBeverlyHills.

-AW
http://www.shopitla.com/

SHOPitLA is featured Trading Assistant on eBay.

2010-03-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

SHOPitLA is happy to be featured on the eBay Trading Assistant home page. We're the largest Registered eBay Drop Off Location (REDOL) in Los Angeles and we have great clients all over Southern California. Drop by and see us anytime. We're in west Los Angeles on Westwood Blvd., just south of Santa Monica Blvd.

Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter @shopitla

-sr

R Sobral Resin Jewelry - Vibrant colors in time for spring!

2010-03-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

SHOPitLA just got a HUGE collection of R Sobral jewelry from Brazil. These colorful peices are each handmade and signed by the artist. No two are alike.

We currently have resin earrings, resin necklaces and resin bracelets of all shapes and sizes. These aren't the cheap plastic ones you see on the boardwalk. These are more similar to colored glass art and sell at Athropology for upwards of $120.

Best of all, we just cut a deal with the distributor so we can offer these at the best prices on the web.

Browse our entire collection at our fashion centric eBay store, SHOPitBeverlyHills

-sr

http://www.shopitla.com/

Dior vest is Vintage Pick of the Day from Zuburbia

2010-02-26T10:43:00.000-08:00

Zuburbia, one of the top fashion blogs on the internet, noticed this stylish Christian Dior vest on auction over at SHOPitBeverlyHills and made it their "Vintage Pick of the Day."

One item to put on your watch list is today’s VPOD. This vintage 1970s shearling vest by Christian Dior is perfect for the transitional weather between seasons and has a bargain of a starting bid.

It’s an cozy find for a vintage fashionista!

The vest is currently on auction at eBay with a starting price of $99.

Here's a link to the original Zuburbia VPOD fashion post.

-sr

Fishing... Something I did when I was a kid

2010-02-19T16:38:00.000-08:00

We're selling a bunch of great fishing rods on eBay right now. Looking at these fishing rods really brings me back to when I was little and me and Pa would whistle our way down to the local watering hole to catch some dinner for my aunt to cook up. Boy, those were the sepia toned days.

Anyway, we do have an amazing assortment of fishing rods from a long-time California fisherman.

These are in great condition - some are fly fishing rods, others are casting or heavy duty deep sea rods.

Brands include Shimano, G-Loomis, Phenix, Aftco, Diamondback, Fenwick, Calstar and MORE!

We even have an antique Hardy Bros 4-piece Salmon rod with the original sleeve!

CLICK HERE to see the auctions - more items are being listed every day!

Cute Dog and Cat Ring Holders

2010-02-17T16:20:00.000-08:00

This adorable wooden dog ring holder is the best selling favorite in gift shops and craft markets around the world. This is unique because it is hand crafted by Indonesian artisans.

Measures about 3.5". We have them many different colors and styles. They are perfect near sinks were you can easily remove them while washing your hands.

We have SO many of these that we're having a a doggy sale. Get them on eBay for $4.99 (free shipping), or buy them directly from our ecommerce store, shopitlosangeles.com, for only $4.49 (free shipping).

They make perfect, inexpensive gifts.

Smoke if you got 'em!

2009-12-22T16:51:00.000-08:00

Okay, smoking isn't supposed to be cool. It's bad for you, it smells, you're gonna die, etc. That said, these pipes are awesome. We've got a ton of them in all kinds of shapes and sizes and they sell like they're going out of style. Which, of course, they probably are because the Surgeon General of the United States warns that, blah, blah, blah.

These are all finely carved by hand and include famous brands like Dunhill, Ascorti, and Caminetto. These are mostly "estate" pipes. That's pipe vernacular that means "used" or "the last owner perished of emphysema".

Click here to see our huge assortment - more are on the way!

Happy Holidays from SHOPitLA!

2009-12-04T15:48:00.000-08:00

These are a few of our favorite things...
to sell on eBay!

This is the best time of the year to sell things on eBay. If you've been meaning to stop by and checkout our service, now is the time. The holiday season brings more shoppers and more frantic purchasing and eBay is no exception.

The collage above is just a few things we've sold this past year but we'd be happy to take a look at whatever you got that you think is valuable. When you come by our store, we'll give you a free appraisal of your item and talk about the best way to sell it on eBay.

Wanna see what the items above sold for? Go here: http://www.shopitla.com/card

Happy Holidays!!!

-sr

Super Fantastic Action Robot!!!!

2009-10-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

You dare to think you can stand against might of vintage Shogun Warrior Robot? Think again! Ha ha ha! We have wide and varied selection of vintage toys available for your own personal amusement. These toys come from the collection of a former toy store owner. See all the super exciting happy toys for sale. Can you resist? No! No one can resist vintage robot warrior toys. Don't even try - or you will make awesome powerful enemy of SHOPitLA!*

CLICK HERE for see all amazing cool vintage toys on sale!

*Roughly translated from the original Japanese.

Perfume bottles start low, sell high

2009-10-15T16:35:00.000-07:00

This is insane.

An Art Deco perfume bottle recently sold for $12,000.00 on eBay. That's right, I didn't add an extra zero or two there. TWELVE-THOUSAND U.S. DOLLARS.

Ten bidders, 31 bids, twelve-grand. Just like that. (imagine what the final value fees are going to be on that!).

Here's the interesting thing. That bottle started off at $750.00 (a bargain for those in the know!) and sky-rocketed up to its final price. What does that mean?

It means start low, sell high:

James Massey [Massey, publisher of www.WhatSellsBest.com] stated; “Vintage and antique perfume bottles seem to be in high demand. Earlier this month, an unusual Thomas Webb perfume bottle (dated 1885) shaped like a birds head, ended up fetching $9,600 after having an opening bid of only $1."
[WebWire]

For ages we've been telling our customers here at SHOPitLA that they need to start the auction low to get the best price possible.

It can be a little scary, it can be a bit of a gamble, but you can see plenty of examples of where it pays off in the end!!

-JL

PREVIOUS: On eBay, start low to sell high

SHOPitLA Photo All Stars

2009-10-10T15:22:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed a slide show of photos on the right sidebar. These are a collection of photos that we've made over the last year or so of some of our favorite items. These weren't necessarily our highest ticket auctions, but just some that we thought were a lot of fun to shoot and list.

We keep a running picasa album of these photos that is open to the public. It's a nice stroll down memory lane for us sometimes and could probably give you a good idea of what it's like to work in an eBay drop off store.

Let us know what you think in the comments!

-sr

Sell it on eBay

I Heart Anchor-Hocking

2009-10-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

Who doesn’t love collecting lots of old glassware? I don’t, for one. But I’m not Martha Stewart. And she's crazy-kooky for it. She’s got it all over her kitchen. It’s called Fire-King and was produced by Anchor-Hocking way back when. One of the most popular colors was called Jade-ite (or Jadite or Jadeite or “green”). It’s apparently quite durable and has been described as “much harder to break” than ordinary glassware which is, frankly, rubbish because I’ve broken A LOT OF IT. In fact, I collect it just so I can stand outside Martha’s house and shatter Jade-ite cups on her finely cobbled driveway.

If you would like to break some Jade-ite or would just like to “use” it (booorrringg) we’ve got a ton of it up for auction right now. Good luck.

Army Archerd, Thanks for the Memories

2009-09-25T15:17:00.000-07:00

One of the advantages of working in an eBay Drop off Store in Los Angeles is the opportunity to work with some very special clients. When the famed Hollywood journalist Army Archerd contacted us last year to help him auction some of his famous photos and entertainment memorabilia on eBay, our entire staff was thrilled! Over the past year Mr Archerd would stop by to visit us and show us his wonderful collection of celebrity photos. Glamour shots of Grace Kelly, Red Carpet Photos at the Oscars, production stills from John Wayne movies - these are just a few examples of the kinds of photos we sorted through.

However, it was not his collection from golden age of Hollywood that impressed us. We were all star struck by Mr. Archerd himself. Aside from being a wonderful story teller, he was also a great listener and learner and was very interested in our business and eBay. He even helped us with the auction listings - and why not - he was an excellent writer! He was happy to know that his photos would find a good home on eBay. He had a gracious attitude and positive spirit.

We were so sorry to learn of his passing last week. Hollywood has lost a journalistic legend and true gentleman. He will be missed.

Ashes and Snow

2009-09-18T16:35:00.000-07:00

This book is filled with the most incredible images!

It's hand signed by the artist Gregory Colbert who shot all these photos AS IS - with no digital manipulation or superimpostions.

If you live in Southern California you'll remember the Ashes and Snow exhibit down on the beach in Santa Monica a few years ago. The "Nomadic Museum" as it was called - a collection of cargo containers designed to be transported and erected in various locations. It later went to Tokoyo and then Mexico City.

The book is hand made and comes with a DVD of the Ashes and Snow exhibition. Check it out HERE.

TV Scripts

2009-09-11T14:59:00.000-07:00

MASSIVE selection of original TV scripts just went up on auction. These are from a "jobbing" actress as they say; one of the hard-working pros that often pop up in all your favorite movies and TV shows.

These are all from episodes she appeared in, including a recurring part on Felicity (You remember - the show your girlfiend always made you watch). If you're a beginning writer these would be a great resource to help "hone your craft".

Take a look, you'll probably find something you like!

Gone But Not Forgotten...yet.

2009-09-11T13:49:00.000-07:00

I have a new appreciaation for MADtv. And it only took 14 years of never watching it.

These past few weeks we've been selling off their old costumes and props and I've been watching lots of old clips for reference purposes. I've seen more MADtv in the last few days then...well...ever. It's too bad, too, cause some of it is pretty funny. It must have been frustrating for the cast and crew to work so hard and then always be viewed as a poor man's SNL by people who never bothered to watch their show. Especially considering that SNL has gone through several periods where it coasted along on it's reputation for being funny rather than being, you know, actually funny.

We've still got several costumes and props on auction but they are going fast. If you're a fan of MADtv you still have a chance to bid on some excluse items before they're gone.

Thanks MADtv!

-Mike

Everyone is going MAD for our MADtv items!

2009-09-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't noticed, all of our MADtv props, costumes and other memorabilia have been selling like hotcakes!

The classic "Tickle Me Emo" Elmo doll sold for $256.00

The hilarious "Needy Evie" doll got seven bids and sold for $110.00

Nicole Parker's Dorothy dress from the fantastic Wizard of Oz sketch got nine bids and sold for $201.00

And the Titanic Happy Meal prop sold for $127.00 with eleven bids.

The buzz is out there and the MADtv fans are going mad for all these 100% authentic props and costumes and other memorabilia. These aren't replicas, these are the real deal and come directly from the MADtv production with certificates of authenticity from the long-time producer of the show.

These are fantastic items and we have a lot more amazing pieces going up on auction! And don't miss your opportunity to snag some items that are currently up right now.

Nicole Parker's Snow White costume already has three bids with plenty of time left in the auction, there are more continuity binders with exclusive photos of the guest stars and the cast here and here, and the Grand Theft Auto board game is sure to be a hit!

Don't miss your chance on getting these awesome pieces of television history!

Visit our eBay page for all of our MADtv auctions and keep checking back for more!

You can also visit http://www.madtv.com/ for more on the hit television series!

[JL]

MADtv: Michael Jackson's Bubbles On Auction ... Too Soon?

2009-09-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

So, MADtv has done a number of Michael Jackson sketches with this adorable stuffed animal: Bubbles.

You might remember Bubbles appearing on MADtv's Queer Eye For the Straight Guy parody, the Neverland Ranch music video spoof or the infamous musical spoof of the Michael Jackson trial:

So, we have this stuffed animal on sale on eBay right now direct from the MADtv vault and with 4-days left in the auction, it has zero bids.

What gives? Is it too soon after the Michael Jackson death? C'mon, if you're an avid MADtv watcher then you have a twisted sense of humor anyway.

C'mon people, start bidding!

Visit our eBay page for all of our MADtv auctions and keep checking back for more!

You can also visit http://www.madtv.com/ for more on the hit television series!

[JL]

MADtv "Gump Fiction" Gimp Mask on sale!

2009-08-31T16:19:00.000-07:00

We have the classic "Gump Fiction" Gimp Mask on sale!

This is a hilarious and absolutely unforgettable sketch.

Back in the mid-90s, Saturday Night Live was in a state of flux as old cast members cycled out, new cast members came in and ratings were sliding down.

This sketch was from the first season of MADtv back in 1995 and - to me - sketches like "Gump Fiction" really set the tone for MADtv and showed that this upstart sketch comedy show could really give late-night stalwart SNL a run for its money.

Unfortunately, MADtv's 14-season run has come to an end but you can still get your hands on a piece of television history.

We have a lot of fantastic MADtv items up for auction and plenty more to come.

Visit our eBay page for all of our MADtv auctions and keep checking back for more.

You can also visit http://www.madtv.com/ for more on the hit television series.

[JL]

MADtv: Will Sasso is Kenny Rogers! You can be too!

2009-08-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

SHOPitHollywood is selling all the iconic props and wardrobe from the hit television sketch comedy series MADtv. Will Sasso's take on Kenny Rogers has to be one the most memorable and hilarious moments on MADtv.

And right now we've got Will Sasso's Kenny Rogers wardrobe. Click here to visit the auction and bid now!

C'mon, don't be the coward of the county, take a gamble with Kenny Rogers on eBay.

Honestly, think about it. This is your chance to recreate this hilarious skit with the wardrobe and the crazy wig. And, of course, your excuse to get drunk and use your Kenny Rogers voice.

Not sold? Well, laugh out loud to this video and get inspired!

Visit our eBay page for all of our MADtv auctions!

[JL]

Welcome MADtv fans!

2009-08-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

We're proud to have our auctions featured on the front page of www.madtv.com. We just put up some more auctions on eBay today and we're working as fast as we can to get up more as soon as possible.

Keep checking http://stores.shop.ebay.com/SHOPitHollywood/SHOPitHollywood-MADtv-Auction.html for the latest auctions and thanks for your support!

MADtv: Nicole Parker's Dorothy outfit on sale!

2009-08-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

SHOPitHollywood is selling all the iconic props and wardrobe from the hit television sketch comedy series MADtv!

We've got Nicole Parker's Dorothy costume complete with the wig and the ruby red slippers! Check it out here and place your bid!

This would make the perfect costume for Halloween!

This Wizard of Oz skit by MADtv has to be one of the funniest skits I've ever seen. And Nicole Parker does a spot-on impression of Judy Garland's Dorothy.

And y'know what? There's something about Dorothy dropping the F-Bomb that makes me L-O-L.

A lot.

Visit our eBay page for all of our MADtv auctions!

[JL]

MAD FOR MADtv!

2009-08-18T00:35:00.000-07:00

Fox may have canceled MADtv earlier this year but they haven’t canceled all the hilarious memories from the show.

MADtv gave us fourteen season on television, three hundred twenty-six episodes, millions upon millions of viewers, and tons and tons of laughs.

Well, now that the production is over maybe you were wondering: Where does all that stuff go?

Okay, maybe you weren’t wondering that at all. But we've got it. And we're selling it all!

SHOPitHollywood (part of the SHOPitLA network) is auctioning off exclusive props, costumes, and collectibles from MADtv!

We’re selling props like the “Titanic Happy Meal” set, the radiation-poisoned Kermit the Frog, the OJ Simpson Dream Team commemorative plates, and so much more!

We have all the iconic wardrobe too!

Michael McDonald’s Stuart and Bible Dude costumes, Nicole Parker’s Dorothy outfit (complete with wig and ruby slippers), Bobby Lee’s Blind King Fu suit, Miss Swan’s MuuMuu, and tons more that will be perfect for Halloween!

All of the MADtv auctions will come with a Certificate of Authenticity from MADtv producer David Salzman.

Visit our eBay page for all of our MADtv auctions!

You can also visit www.MADtv.com for more on the hit television series!

[JL]

To Have and to Hold and to Dispose Of

2009-08-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

Ah, weddings. After inviting five hundred of your "closest friends” (four hundred of whom you’ll never talk to again) you’re left with a mountain of gifts all of which have to be opened – and more often than not – quickly disposed of.

And not just the sixteen different blenders or those hideous bride and groom Lladro figurines – but pricey stuff, too. Like five boxes of Waterford Crystal toasting flutes. Sure, they’re nice but how often do you and your spouse feel the need to coldly toast each other from opposite ends of the table? You’re newlyweds after all - full of life, vigor and passion. Save the aloof posturing, the icy stares and the Pinteresque silences for middle age.

But in the meantime, what do you do with all those unwanted gifts? Like most people you probably stuff them in a closet for a few years until you’re satisfied the well-meaning in-laws who dumped them on you won’t suddenly drop by for a visit. Because the first thing they’ll ask is “When are you having a baby?” followed by “Where did you put that kissing butterflies sculpture we got you?”

But eventually that stuff just has to go. And more importantly, how can you get your husband to do it? Such is the case with one of our clients. His wife instructed him to take the aforementioned five boxes of toasting flutes and a large Tiffany vase to “one of those eBay stores” and sell them.

So naturally, being a guy, he dutifully loaded them into his car and drove around for a YEAR with them IN HIS TRUNK. No worries – it’s only WATERFORD CRYSTAL. Honestly, you've got to admire that. I know I do. Not only that but he must be the best damn driver in L.A. because when he finally made it into our store it had all survived INTACT.

SHOPitLA: Great Stories. Great Stuff. What more do you want from us?

-mw
http://www.shopitla.com/

Actual flowers from Michael Jackson's coffin

2009-07-07T17:49:00.000-07:00

This may be the single oddest auction we have ever done: actual flowers from the coffin of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

These come to us from celebrity client that had special access to the coffin and was encouraged to take the flowers as she passed by for the viewing.

The auction shot up to $255 in the first 15 minutes. How high can it possibly go?

Here's the link if you want to follow the auction on eBay: http://bit.ly/1Unb0

-sr
http://www.shopitla.com/

SHOPitLA Loves Terapeak

2009-07-07T11:25:00.000-07:00

There are some things that eBay drop-off stores can't live without:

Our loyal buyers and sellers

High-quality items worth more than $100.00

High-speed internet

and Terapeak

Terapeak has proven to be a vital resource for us here at SHOPitLA.

We offer free appraisals for our customers and they're always impressed at how fast we can give them information about their items. It also helps us break the news that their treasurers aren't worth as much as they thought.

Terapeak is better than your standard eBay "completed items" search.

Terapeak let's us easily search for something, like, Manolo Blahnik slingback heels or a Niles SI-1230 amplifier and we can quickly get detailed information on average selling price, start price, bid history, sell through rate, trend reports, and more.

It searches a longer time frame than eBay completed search and, most importantly, everything is organized very nicely. That makes it easier for us to do our job.

The people over at Terapeak also do a good job at customer service. Emails are always answered promptly and we've even gotten help from their twitter account, @terapeak

-JL

http://www.shopitla.com/

SHOPitLA is featured eBay seller!

2009-07-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce that eBay has chosen SHOPitLA to feature in the June edition of their "Power Up" newsletter that goes out to eBay sellers worldwide.

We've long believed that helping others succeed on eBay (even our competitors) brings us all up and makes for a better marketplace that we can all benifit from.

You can read the full article here: http://pages.ebay.com/sell/sellerprofiles/SHOPitLA.html

Flat Out Savings with Flat Rate Boxes

2009-07-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

Here at SHOPitLA Sell It On eBay, we have a healthy obsession with USPS Priority Mail flat rate boxes because they keep our shipping costs low.

Of course, eBay buyers love low shipping costs. These US Postal Service flat rate boxes help us do that.

We take all these heavy items, pack 'em up, and put 'em into a flat rate box, pay one low rate. Done. This is low hassle shipping, folks.

Remember our cairns? Those heavy rocks are going into flat rate boxes and our customers appreciate the savings they get on shipping costs.

You'd be surprised at how heavy a few pairs of jeans can get and how much they'll cost to ship. Grab that flat rate box.

Mailing to Alaska, Hawaii or Guam? Let those flat rate boxes bail you out.

These boxes make listing items a lot easier too because we don't have to worry about weighing stuff and accidentally over-charging or under-charging on our shipping costs.

Every eBay drop off store needs to have an arsenal of flat rate boxes.

Oh, and remember how these flat rate boxes are absolutely FREE? Fall in love with the Flat Rate box all over again.

USPS Flat Rate Prices:

Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box (FRB) (8" x 5" x 1"): $4.95
Priority Mail Medium FRB (11" x 8.5" x 5.5" or 13" x 11" x 3"): $10.35
Priority Mail Large FRB (12" x 12" x 6"): $13.95 (domestic) / $11.95 (APO/FPO)

-JL

www.shopitla.com

Cost Plus Keeps SHOPitLA Fueled Up!

2009-07-02T10:31:00.000-07:00

Right across the street from SHOPitLA is a Cost Plus World Market. If you're not lucky enough to have a Cost Plus near you, then Jealousy can now commence.

Cost Plus has just about everything for amazingly low prices and a wide selection that will make your head explode. And the snacks at Cost Plus are what fuels your friendly folks here at SHOPitLA Sell It On eBay.

There's nothing like getting an arm full of all-natural sea salt and cracked pepper chips, orange-passion-mango and pomegranate sodas from Italy, crackers, pretzels, chocolates, nuts-- well, you get the idea.

Next blog post: In-store workout tips to shed the SHOPitLA Fifteen.

-JL

Cost Plus on Twitter: http://twitter.com/worldmarket

SHOPitLA on Twitter: http://twitter.com/home

Meeting Of The eBay Minds: PowerSellingMom and SHOPitLA on the radio!

2009-07-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

SHOPitLA - the largest eBay drop-off store in Southern California - recently had our fearless leader, Amy Weintraub, on Dana Crawford's popular radio show.

Click here and give it a listen.

Dana (better known as PowerSellingMom) is absolutely amazing and she has been navigating the eBay waters for a very long time so she knows a ton about eBay, online marketing and social networking.

Amy has been steering the SHOPitLA ship for over 5 years and SHOPitLA has emerged as one of the most successful eBay drop-off stores in the nation.

This is truly a meeting of great eBay business minds.

Click the link below to head directly to the episode:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dannacrawford/2009/06/27/Shop-It-Hollywood-Beverly-Hills-and-LA-eBay-Drop-Off-Store-Live-Online

Oh, and eBay also featured Amy in their eBay newsletter. And Amy was also a featured speaker at the IMHAPPENING internet marketing conference.

We've been getting a lot of great publicity recently so we thought it'd be okay to pat ourselves on the back a bit. :)

See you here at SHOPitLA soon.

-JL
http://www.shopitla.com/

Go Green With ShopItLA: Eco-Friendly 100% Cotton Garment Bags For Your Dry Cleaning!

2009-06-17T13:57:00.000-07:00

It’s hip to be a Reusenik!

With the Clothesnik by Reusenik, having all those plastic bags from the dry cleaner will be a thing of the past.

The Clothesnik is made of 100% cotton, its super-soft, has a zipper-front and a drawstring on the bottom. You can use the bag like a sack and bring clothes in and use it to carry your clothes out. And then reuse the bag!

These bags have made a big impression on large corporations who have purchased them in bulk for their employees. Even fashion designers and top fashion boutiques love these bags. And, of course, individuals love these bags too!

Be sure to check out SHOPitLA to pick up some of these fantastic eco-friendly bags!

“Go Green With SHOPitLA” is a semi-regular series on ways to be more eco-friendly!

-JL

Be sure to foloow us on Twitter! @shopitla

How Much Would You Pay For This Sculpture?

2009-06-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

As the old saying goes, "one man's trash is another man's treasure."

"The Totem" by Ida Kohlmeyer
is very, well, interesting and it's far from trash but it is certainly another man's treasure to me.

Would I pay $20.00 for this? Sure. What about $30.00? Okay. Probably. How about $40.00? That's really pushing it. And $50.00 would be my max.

But is this 10-inch tall, wooden sculpture a treasure worth over $1,500.00?

Well, to some people, it is!

We recently sold one signed by the artist for $1,525.00

We started this sculpture off at $19.99 and 7 days and 12 bids later it skyrocketed to $1,525.

Not too shabby at all, eh?

-JL

http://www.shopitla.com

2009-06-12T16:31:00.000-07:00

Last reminder for the IMHAPPENING.com 2009 Conference

We're all set to give our presentation on how to market yourself on eBay without selling a thing.

We're also looking forward to hearing from some other smart entrepreneurs and internet marketing experts.

Should be fun and informative. Admission gets you into all the lectures and a nice lunch.

-sr
www.shopitla.com

Can we just eBay the California debt away?

2009-06-12T15:02:00.000-07:00

Did you hear that former eBay CEO Meg Whitman wants to run for California state governor? She's even got the endorsement of a former presidential candidate:

Former eBay chief Ms. Whitman was endorsed for the Republican nomination by Sen. John McCain (R) of Arizona (she was an aide for his 2008 presidential run).

Whitman has wowed smaller crowds across the state, and her business background is seen as a plus. “She’s accomplished plenty already and this [candidacy] seems to be borne of her desire to give back,” says Marilyn Gutsche, a 25-year Santa Barbara resident who attended a Whitman luncheon recently. “I’m a registered independent and would vote for her on any ticket. I’m smitten.”
[The Christian Science Monitor]

Hmm. Maybe we can just eBay parts of California to settle our debts!

How much do you think Yosemite can go for on eBay?

-JL

eBay versus Fashion

2009-06-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

eBay scored a little victory over L'Oreal recently:

PARIS — A French court on Wednesday rejected a claim from the cosmetics company L’Oréal that the online auctioneer eBay was profiting from sales of counterfeit perfumes. The court said that eBay was making a reasonable effort to keep fake goods off its site.
[NY Times]

Back in July, eBay also won a similar case over Tiffany but lost cases to Louis Vuitton and Hermes.

What does this mean for us sellers? It's tough to say. Selling these items are notoriously difficult. You just have to do your best to get a lot of documentation and paperwork together to prove that the designer item you're selling is authentic.

There are some encouraging signs, though:

The judge did, however, order the companies to work together to try to improve eBay’s counterfeit filters. A court-appointed mediator will oversee the efforts.

“Preventing counterfeits will only be effective through a close collaboration between rights holders and eBay,” the judge said.
[NY Times]

Who knows, maybe this will mean that other major companies will work with eBay and make it a bit easier for us to sell on eBay? And give buyers confidence that the things they find on eBay are 100% authentic?

Let's hope so.

-JL

http://www.shopitla.com/

What Sells Best?

2009-06-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

One of the most common questions we get here at SHOPItLA is: So, what sells best on eBay?

Here's a web site that can help answer that question: WhatSellsBest.com

It's a great little web site that collects information from eBay and shows off some of the best selling items on eBay. Who knows, there could be thousands of dollars just sitting around your house!

WhatSellsBest also breaks things down into categories so it makes doing some research really easy.

Check it what sells best and then come sell it with us!

-JL

http://www.shopitla.com/

SHOPitLA at the IMHAPPENING 2009 seminar

2009-06-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

The owner of SHOPitLA, Amy Weintraub, will be a featured speaker at the IMHAPPENING internet marketing event. Her topic is "How to market yourself on eBay without selling a thing."

Amy will discuss how businesses and individuals can market their products and services on eBay- without having to list or ship an actually product. eBay is the largest marketplace in the world and it offers a variety of programs for entrepreneur beyond the 7 day auction.

In addition, more than a dozen speakers will be on hand to discuss everything from SEO to Twitter. If you're interested in making money on the internet, this will be a valuable resource.

Hope to see you there!

-sr

http://www.shopitla.com/

SHOPitLA + Peet's Coffee = Dynamic Recycling Duo!

2009-06-02T15:45:00.000-07:00

SHOPitLA offering FREE Peet's coffee.

They say recycling starts at home, so SHOPitLA and our neighbors Peet's Coffee & Tea have started our own little recycling program.

Instead of throwing away the boxes when they get their shipments of delicious teas and coffees from around the world, the nice folks at Peet's give the boxes to us and we use them to ship items to our eBay buyers.

So if you smell that sweet aroma of coffee from the box when you get your next purchase, it's also the smell of recycling!

This is the whole beauty of eBay and what we're doing.

We take stuff that people don't want, and sell it to people who do. The sellers put some cash in their pockets and the buyers get what they want.

SHOPitLA and Peet's are keeping things out of landfills.

So, let's recap here:

Do you like recycling? Check.
Do you like Peet's coffee? Check.
Do you like free stuff? Check.

Wait, wait... free?

That's right. Come bring an item in that you want to sell, have a little chat with us, and be sure to mention that you read this blog post. We'll give you a coupon for a free cup of coffee.

I know you love coffee as much as we do. We'll see ya soon! ;)

-JL

Also, be sure to follow @peets_tweets and @shopitla on Twitter for more great deals.

Wait, HOW Much For Sneakers?

2009-05-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

How much would you pay for these shoes?

$100.00? $150.00? $200.00?

Try $4,000.00.

Don't rub your eyes, your eyes are fine. Four-thousand dollars for a pair of custom Nike sneakers with the XBOX logo that lights up in the dark.

Listen, I like fancy kicks just as much as the next person. But, c'mon, those shoes just reminds us a lot of the LA Lights. But cooler. I guess. But not four grand cool.

Who buys these shoes? Is this person going to actually wear the shoes? How pissed is this guy gonna be when someone spills a drink on those shoes? Or maybe put it in a display case? Then you gotta wonder, who has display cases of shoes?

My head hurts just thinking about it. Who said we were in a recession? Jeez.

I guess I shouldn't be that surprised. After all, people still buy these.

Now, find me some Reebok pumps that light up and then we'll talk!

-JL

SHOPitLA a "Featured Trading Assistant"

2009-05-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

How about that? The nice folks over at eBay have made us a "Featured Trading Assistant" on their TA home page. Remember it was just a couple of months ago that our Entourage auction was featured on the front page of eBay.

And now this?

Pretty cool for your friendly West L.A. drop off store.

-sr
www.shopitla.com

Survivor Candace Smith auctions props on eBay

2009-05-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

The lovely Candace Smith stopped by the store the other day with some very interesting items. Candace was a contestant on season 18's Survivor: Tocantins and wanted to offer up some of the items she got from the show.

She gave us 3 tribal buffs, a canteen and straw bag.

Candace was a good sport and agreed to let us photograph her with the items and she even did a little video for us!

Also, after the auction is over, Candace is going to sign an 8x10 of herself for the winner.

Check out the eBay auction here.

-sr
www.shopitla.com

Screw Vintage, Try Ancient

2009-05-19T16:54:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't noticed, there's a big thing about "vintage" stuff. People want vintage guitar amps or vintage clothing or vintage jewelry or vintage records.

Whatever. Screw vintage! Try ANCIENT!

Here we are innocently selling these beautiful, handcrafted sculptures and we see this.

I'm pretty sure that you can see the resemblance.

Turns out these things are literally ancient:

Nicholas J. Conard, an archaeologist at the University of Tübingen, in Germany, who found the small carving in a cave last year, said it was at least 35,000 years old, “one of the oldest known examples of figurative art” in the world. It is about 5,000 years older than some other so-called Venus artifacts made by early populations of Homo sapiens in Europe.
[NY Times]

Can you believe that? Some caveman sculpted what amounts to pornography at the time, we dig it up 35,000 years later and we hail it as art. Amazing what some time spent underground can do.

Imagine your sex toys being uncovered thousands of years later and being hailed as artifacts!

Anyway, if you're totally over that whole "vintage" trend, you can click here and get on the ancient trend!

-JL

Go Green: Recycled Tote Bags Made From Juice Boxes!

2009-05-19T12:53:00.000-07:00

When you think about it, the very nature of ShopItLA and eBay is the classic mantra: reduce, reuse, recycle.

ReBagz takes those old juice boxes that kids drink and hand-weaves them into incredibly vibrant and unique bags! That’s right. From trashed juice boxes (yes, the kind where you stick in the straw and slurp) to a terrific tote bag.

Imagine all the juice boxes that get thrown into the trash. And now imagine those juice boxes being saved from our landfills.

The quality of these recycled tote bags are fantastic. They are hand-woven, the juice box material is soft to the touch and there’s plenty of space inside the tote. Perfect for everyday use or when you’re looking for something a little more eye-catching when you’re out on the town!

You may have seen these before on episodes of “Ugly Betty” or when it was voted as InStyle Magazines #1 eco-bag.

These recycled juice box tote bags are pretty hip.

This just one simple way you can start Going Green in your everyday life. Be sure to check out SHOPitLA to pick up some of these fantastic eco-friendly bags!

And remember not only are your helping reduce your carbon footprint but by going green you just might end up saving some more green in your wallet!

“Go Green With ShopItLA” is a semi-regular series on ways to be more eco-friendly!

-JL

www.shopitla.com

or Buy direct from www.shopitlosangeles.com

A Video Game Sells For One Thousand Dollars

2009-05-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, it didn't sell for exactly a grand. Just a little over to be precise at the cool price of $1,025.01.

No, that isn't for a new plasma television or for an electric guitar or maybe repairs on the car. This is $1,025.01 for an unopened video game!

As The Escapist amusingly oberserved:

Y'know, the interesting thing is ... if someone is that passionate about Earthbound, they aren't buying this game because they want to play it - no, they probably already own (and love) it. Whoever purchased Earthbound for over a grand probably did so because they wanted to own a pure and unopened copy of the game to look at and lovingly stroke for the rest of their lives.

That's kind of crazy. But then again, so are Earthbound fans.

Well, all collectors are a little crazy, aren't they? But they're the ones paying the big bucks for Roseville pottery and other collectibles.

They're buying our stuff on eBay so we can't complain!

... but a grand for a Super Nintendo game? Really? Really???

Well, if you dig out a sealed copy of Earthbound from your closet. You know where to bring it!

www.shopitla.com

-JL

These Boots Were Made For Walking

2009-05-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

Recession? What recession? For fashionistas, there's no recession. Only bargains!

Many of you are probably thinking that $770.00 for a pair of Christian Louboutin thigh-high boots is pretty expensive. But we're talking about Christian Louboutin here. These boots retail for about $2,350.00 and you're scoring these for less than a grand after they were worn only once?

Ahh. The beauty of eBay!

So, if you're a fashion-lover and you have some extra stuff sitting around, eBay might be the place to go because your high-end designer clothes are still going to sell well on the eBay market.

Oh and be sure to let us - SHOPItLA - help you with the load! :)

-JL

Journalism With An eBay Twist

2009-05-08T13:38:00.000-07:00

Saw an interesting article the other day.

Daniel Altman suggests that auctions might be the future of journalism.

With many potential buyers and sellers in the market for journalism, how can freelancers and editors assure themselves of the greatest possible gains from trade? The answer, as in many markets, is an auction - or, to be precise, two auctions.
[Huffington Post]

The first auction is where reporters pitch their stories and editors bid on them. The second auction is the reverse process: editors post stories or coverage they need and freelance reporters bid on them.

As Altman suggests in the article, "What is the future of large-scale journalism? Meg Whitman [former-CEO of eBay] might know more about it than Rupert Murdoch."

-JL
http://www.shopitla.com/

Cairn: It's Just A Bunch Of Rocks, Right?

2009-05-06T12:53:00.000-07:00

So, unbeknownst to me, cairns are a "thing."

People like to put these things in the rock gardens, their front yards, their living rooms.

This company called Garden Age Supply imports these stones from Indonesia and then either carves some words in them or even stacks them up for you (a cairn!) and some of 'em even spout water.

But why buy? They're relaxing. They apparently have some sort of "zen" or "meditative" qualities. They provide balance and stability in a confusing, mixed up world. They tie the room together like Lebowski's rug.

I really don't know the answer.

What I do know is that they're selling like freakin' hotcakes!

We have a bunch of these for you to buy so click here and click on the Home & Garden section to check out SHOPitLA and pick up one (or five!) of these for yourself!

- JL

http://www.shopitla.com/

Reserves Don't Work!

2009-04-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

The reserve auction... pretty much the best way to ensure that your item WON'T sell on eBay.

Reserve auctions on eBay are like a federal bailout: You think its going to help you out but in the long run it doesn't help at all and it was a waste of time.

Sure, there are exceptions, and reserves may have their place (e.g. cars and boats), but generally you'll do better without them.

We recently had a super-cool Marc Jacobs heart-applique handbag.

Here are the numbers:

Auction 1:

Starting price: $19.99
Reserve: $700.00
Standard 7-day auction
Final numbers: 11 bids up to $511.99, reserve not met.

Auction 2:

Starting price: $19.99
Reserve: None
Standard 7-day auction
Final numbers: 18 bids and successfully sold at $765.00

The numbers don't lie!

Want to make some money? Start your auctions low, forget about that pesky reserve, and let the auction market determine the value of your item!

(Okay, that bailout metaphor was a bit of a stretch. Haha.)

-JL

Rock n' Roll!

2009-04-11T15:41:00.000-07:00

These posters are vintage from the 1960s! They have some wear but the Jagger and Hendrix ones don't look so bad. These are some pretty cool collectibles, check them out if you have a chance.

mw

www.shopitla.com

If It Walks Like A Duck...

2009-04-07T10:28:00.000-07:00

We’re selling a huge lot of antique and vintage decoys. Some are quite valuable and our research found a listing for a Red Breasted Merganser Hen that sold in January 2007 for $856,000! We’re not joking.

These decoys are hand carved and painted and some have had a lot of use. They have a great rustic quality and would make perfect décor for your cabin or summer home. (Assuming you have one, of course. But who doesn’t, right?)

Go to SHOPitLA.com and check the SHOPitHollywood auctions for all our current listings!

-mw
www.shopitla.com

eStore Open for business!

2009-04-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

You already know SHOPitLA as great eBay PowerSeller and as the best eBay drop off store in Los Angeles. Now, SHOPitLA is also a great place to buy direct.

We've just opened up our new eStore at www.shopitlosangels.com

We already have a great selection of products that you buy right now and we we're adding more everyday. We're making an effort to price all of the items in our store LOWER than any other retailer. In some case, more than 50% off retail.

Currently, we have a great selection of handbags, clocks, electric toothbrushes and MUCH more.

Here's a Fender Telecaster we're selling for $850. It's the EXACT same guitar you'll pay over $1000 for at Guitar Center.

The checkout is secure, shipping is fast, and you know you'll get the same great service we've been giving all of our eBay customers for years.

So have a look around www.shopitlosangeles.com and let us know what you think.

-sr
www.shopitla.com

Tweet, Tweet

2009-04-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

Yup, SHOPitLA is on Twitter. In fact, we've been on there for a while.

You can see our updates on the right sidebar or, better yet, go to www.twitter.com/shopitla and follow all our "Tweets."

It's a great way to keep up with what's going on at "the largest eBay drop off store in Los Angeles."

C'mon, everybody's doing it!

-sr
www.shopitla.com

Jordan, Magic, Bird back together and ready for Auction.

2009-03-12T16:29:00.000-07:00

Talk about a labor of love. We have over 100 Starting Lineup figures from a VERY serious collector. These things have been pampered for over 20 years and are in mint/near mint condition.

Each one has its own aftermarket plastic protector. If you're to sports (especially the NBA) you'll love some of the classic names... Shaq, Kareem, Jordan, Ainge, Barkley, Bird, Drexler, Ewing, Magic, McHale, Olajuwon, Pippen, Isaiah and man, MANY more!

See the auction here.

-sr
www.shopitla.com

Dealing with Vero issues on eBay

2009-02-25T17:41:00.000-08:00

If you've been selling on eBay for a while, especially if you are a Trading Assistant, chances are you've come across Vero issues.

We have a lot of experience with VeRO and we've actually been able to successfully resolve several issues. I'm going to let you know what we did to get the violations removed and hopefully it will help you out when it happens to you.

VeRO is short for Verified Rights Owner and it's supposed to be eBay's program for protecting intellectual property rights. However, in my experience, VeRO is often used to bully honest eBay sellers.

Sure, there are many cases of intellectual property theft on eBay but there are also a lot of companies that simply do not want their products sold on eBay. Maybe they want to protect their own distributors or maybe they don't want the real value of their overpriced products to be exposed. I don't know.

But when a company reports a violation to eBay, there's no need for explanation or evidence.

- eBay pulls the auction automatically
- the seller gets a violation on their account
- search standing may be lowered
- Power Seller status may be put at risk
- eBay fees are lost (not to mention loss of time and money from having the auction pulled)

It can seriously disrupt business operations.

Recently, we tried to sell a pair of designer jeans for a customer and the jean company had our listing pulled for "intellectual property violations."

Now, of course we took our own photos, wrote our own description and the items were authentic (trust me, nobody would try to imitate these).

So how did we get the violation removed?

First, take the intellectual property rights tutorial. This is a requirement from eBay. It's boring and condescending but you gotta do it.

Next, look through the About Me page of the manufacturer making the claim. They should have an email address listed.

Email them at that address and CC ebay@vero.com (they'll tell you it's not necessary, but do it anyway).

At this point, you don't know what the specific accusation is. Write to the company and politely tell them that you believe your listing was in full compliance with eBay policies and the law. Tell them you took your own photos and wrote your own description.

Reference the eBay item number in the Subject and the body.

It wouldn't hurt to go ahead and ask them to retract the claim (though they probably won't at this point).

Say something to this affect:

Please send an email to eBay@vero.com from the original email address that filed the claim with the following wording: "Please retract the notification of Claim of Infringement on item #160308588070."

Again, they probably won't do it right away, but this is a good way to get the discussion started.

Keep in mind that even though you might like to relist the item, it may not be worth your time. Your top priority may be getting the violation removed from your account.

In the case of the jean company, we had to promise not to relist the items in order to get them to retract the claim with eBay. However, in another case we simply had to promise that we wouldn't list them as "new with tags." No big deal.

Keep in mind that this process may take some time and patience. These companies have no real interest in helping you so you have to remain respectful (i.e. grovel) and keep reminding them that it is effecting your business.

We want to hear from you. What experiences have you had with VeRo? Were you able to get the violation removed?

-sr

Things we tried to sell...

2009-02-14T16:04:00.000-08:00

We’ve made some mistakes. We admit it. These are few things we tried to sell that eBay had some issues with.

1) WWI knife. Can’t sell “knuckle knives”. That’s what those pointed nubs are along the guard. For real close-quarters skull cracking. Fun.

2) Courtney Love’s old passport. We never actually listed this, we figured there was no point in trying. We were right. You can’t list government issued IDs or licenses (probably stained with champagne and vomit, anyway).

3) Vintage Ocelot jacket. What’s an ocelot? Something small, furry and endangered, apparently. If you believe that kind of thing...

4) Vintage Baby Seal jacket. What's the big deal? It's not like we clubbed it ourselves...

5) Hitler Doll. This was the last item in a huge lot of several hundred military action figures we sold for a collector. A great last minute gift!

I know, I know, we're terrible. We can never EVER sell these things on eBay.

BEST OFFERS ACCEPTED!

www.shopitla.com

-mw

Hermes VS. Louis Vuitton Handbag Race

2009-02-14T13:29:00.001-08:00

So what happens when the internet goes down at an eBay drop off store? We race luxury handbags of course! Here's a couple of luxury handbags in an auction race to the finish. May the best handbag win!

On the front page of eBay.com!

2009-02-10T12:17:00.000-08:00

We are very excited that our Entourage auction has been featured on the front page of eBay.com. Millions of eyeballs view eBay daily and we are very happy that this will bring more exposure to the Stefan Adelipour for Life Foundation.

Entourage Walk-On Role Up For Auction On eBay

2009-02-06T12:19:00.000-08:00

If you've ever dreamed of being part of a real Hollywood entourage, here's your chance. SHOPitHollywood is proud to present a charity auction with a once in a lifetime opportunity to win a walk-on role as an extra on HBO's hit show Entourage. Proceeds from this auction will benefit the Stefan Adelipour for Life Foundation.

Stephan was an ambitious young Boston University student whose life was tragically cut short by a deadly campus fire. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide healing and salvation for the lives of those less fortunate, in the same manner as his last act on earth that saved the life of his roommate.

For more information about the Stefan Adelipour for Life Foundation, please visit their website at www.stefanforlife.org

The winning bidder and friend will rub elbows with the star studded cast that includes Kevin Dillon, Jeremy Pivin, Adrian Grenier, and others. Between takes, they will be allowed to take photos with the cast and ask for autographs. The specifics of the winner's extra role will be determined by the producer and director after the auction. The auction also includes a poster signed by the cast and a hat.

Of course, there are lots of terms and conditions and whatnot, so be sure to read the auction carefully if you plan on bidding.

The auction will run Friday, February 6 through Monday, February 16. For more details or to place a bid, follow this link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200307192174

-sr

www.shopitla.com

Post Office to cut back?

2009-01-29T11:35:00.000-08:00

Well, we'd certainly miss the post office if they cut back to 5 days.

Local TV station KTLA came by to interview us about this possible change and get our feelings on the matter. They cut the 45 minutes of footage down to 1 min and somehow found the cheesiest thing I said the whole time... cringe inducing for sure. But hey, it's great exposure.

So here's the clip, try not to laugh too hard.

SHOPitLA on KTLA

A satisfied customer...

2009-01-24T17:10:00.000-08:00

At SHOPitLA, we always try to give great customer service. Hopefully, it's something that sets us apart from the other eBay drop off stores.

It's always nice to get some confirmation. Here's a recent email from one happy customer:

Dear shopitbeverlyhills,

So you say you strive for five? Well, you hit six. The shoes were amazing. I bought Garolini shoes in the late '70's and early 80's: they were the Manola Blahniks of their day (only prettier). These shoes almost brought tears to my eyes. They were the same color and materials (but a different style) as a favorite pair, lovingly maintained in almost mint condition, I recently gave to one of my daughter's friends because they no longer fit me (apparently our feet continue to grow). I was still mourning their loss when I found these. It is as if you found the shoe store in Brigadoon... I cannot remember being more excited about an e-bay purchase.

Thank you.
D

Thanks, D! You made our day!

www.shopitla.com

-sr

A Picture is Worth...

2009-01-22T15:35:00.000-08:00

Listing art on eBay isn’t easy – only 10% of it actually sells. That's why the style, subject matter and artist’s name recognition are all important factors in a successful sale. Signed and numbered lithographs and serigraphs are also highly prized if the run is small and the artist is popular. There is still room for the amateur, however, and “Outsider Art” is also becoming increasingly popular. Paintings from the 1950s and 60s – even anonymous works – can generate high prices.

See the links below for our recent sales.

http://www.shopitla.com/

All Aboard!

2009-01-22T15:12:00.001-08:00

Model trains are fun for all ages and - in our experience - reliable sellers! Marklin, Lionel and Athearn are always popular. The photo above is a vintage Lionel O Gauge engine. This is in good condition, a little dusty from storage, but overall looks quite nice. This is just one of the cars in the current lot we’re selling. There’s only a few days left so bid now while you have a chance!

Our recent train auctions:

Vintage Marklin Trains

Marklin and Lionel Manuals

Marklin Train Sets

www.shopitla.com

mw

Discover Archipelago

2008-12-19T16:43:00.000-08:00

Enjoy the exciting scents and beautiful colors of Archipelago! Their exclusive line of luxury candles, diffusers and body scrubs make wonderful gifts for friends and relatives. Or indulge yourself with a present all your own.

See our listings for an eclectic variety of Archipelago products!

www.shopitla.com

If Adventure Has a Name...

2008-12-12T17:06:00.000-08:00

We've got some cool posters up for auction this week. These are all from Spielberg directed and/or produced films including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. These are original one sheets, not reprints and two are signed by Spielberg. The others are The Color Purple, The Goonies, Back to the Future and E.T.

Last Crusade and Color Purple are both signed by Spielberg and the producers Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy. The Color Purple also features the autograph of Quincy Jones!

These are rare items - don't miss your chance to own them!

-MW

"The Schuco Offensive"

2008-12-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

Schuco is a German toy maker founded in 1912. It was originally named Spielzeugfirma Schreyer & Co, but they changed their name to Schuco because no one could pronounce Spielzeugfirma Schreyer & Co.

Schuco manufactured a variety of toy cars and trucks throughout the 1930s when they became Hitler's personal toy makers. In fact, toward the end of WWII, as the German war machine began to disintegrate and the Fuhrer became increasingly erratic, he ordered Schuco to mass produce an army of tanks and fighter planes in the hope of making a last desperate push into Allied territory. The resulting "Schuco Offensive" as it was later dubbed was an unmitigated disaster.

Over a million miniature tanks were abandoned on the front lines after a desperate plea for "really small drivers" went unanswered. Compounding the colossal blunder was the fact that all the keys to wind up the tanks had been accidentally diverted to Bonn and a useless shipment of rotten bratwurst arrived instead. The rest is history.

Today these vintage Schuco toys fetch commanding prices on eBay. The Go-Kart pictured above is part of a lot we're currently auctioning. Bid now before they're gone!

-MW

Programming Note: SHOPitLA on eBay Radio

2008-12-08T16:30:00.000-08:00

Heads up: Amy Weintraub, one of the foremost experts on running a successful eBay drop off store, will be on eBay radio with Jim Griffith tomorrow sometime between 11am-12pm PST.

We'll post a link to the podcast after the show.

Click here to listen to eBay radio live.

UPDATE: Amy's segment is currently #5 on the eBay radio page. Or, download eBay Marketing Insights from Amy here.

-SR

Get Dead - Hollywood Style!

2008-12-03T13:10:00.000-08:00

Be buried in the famous Pierce Brothers Westwood Memorial Garden! Marilyn Monroe is here -- and let's face it -- this is the closest you'll ever get to her.

Why get dumped in the ground when you can get stuffed in a wall? This spacious (relatively speaking) cubby is number G-15. It comes fully furnished in granite and is right next to Leonard Gaines. Who was he? Not even he knows anymore -- but he must have been somebody because look where they put him -- at the top of the heap! You could be next!

Your crypt enjoys an expansive view of the tranquil memorial garden. Look down on professionally landscaped lawns, beautiful flowers and Rodney Dangerfield - just like everyone did when he was alive. (He still gets no respect - no respect!) Merv Griffin, Walter Matthau and George C. Scott are also around. Talk about exclusive - you gotta be dead just to get in here!

You've worked hard your whole life -- die in style like you deserve to: in a sound-proof box with no room for your wife.

Don't wait till you're dead to make an important decision like this -- after all, it's California - space is limited -- bid today!

(Best offers considered. Sorry, no layaway).

-MW

Cult Classics

2008-11-26T15:08:00.000-08:00

Gerald Fried composed music for a variety of now-classic TV shows like The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and Star Trek. For the original series episode "Amok Time" he created the memorable fight music that was later spoofed in the otherwise unmemorable Jim Carrey film The Cable Guy. (This is the episode where Kirk and Spock fight-to-the-almost-death because back-assward Vulcan tradition demands it).

We are excited to have on auction a selection of Gerald Fried autographed CDs and records including the soundtrack to the epic mini-series Roots composed by Fried and Quincy Jones.

-MW

UPDATE: Auction ended for $100.01. Congratulations to the lucky winner!

Is this handbag the real deal?

2008-11-24T12:41:00.000-08:00

How do you know if the bag is authentic?

SHOPITLA is lucky. We are located in Los Angeles and see dozens of designer handbags every week. We are always asked by other eBay trading assistants how we know that the bags we sell on eBay are "real".

Buyers around the world look at our auctions for great deals on authentic bags, like a gently used Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag (with just a few ink marks) or a Balenciaga Twiggy Bag (only missing a tassel). We like to tell our clients that unlike a laptop, a Chanel purse always retains its value!

Here are a few tips that may help you spot a fake:

Casually ask the seller: Where did you get this? If they got it on eBay, I would not take it in, unless they have a copy of the eBay ad and you can verify the seller.

If they have the original receipt - it’s a go! Check the inside pockets of the bag, you'd be surprised how many women forget that the receipt might still be in there!

Ask her what the original retail price was - if she cannot answer that quickly then it might not be real. No one, even Ivana Trump, forgets the price of a $1800 Chloe Bag.

Look at the back of the inside zipper, all expensive designer handbags have marks/logos on the back of the zipper. If it is blank- pass on it.

Expensive bags are not put together with glue - if you see glue anywhere - on the seams, interior lining, do not take it.

Be careful! We actually had a customer bring us a LV bag in the original box with its receipt that was a gift from her boyfriend. When I took a closer look, I had to tell her that yes, he had bought a $2400 Vuitton backpack but the one in the box was a fake (she figured he had return the real one, got his money back, and replaced it with a fake one!). I felt like a jeweler telling a bride the ring is cubic zirconium!

Go to the source: Get dressed up and take the bag to the Hermes or Louis Vuitton store near you. Tell them you are interested in having this bag repaired or cleaned. If they say yes - then you know the bag is authentic!

Do research, get help: there are some great online resources and eBay reviews and guides that you can check out including:

http://reviews.ebay.com/TIPS-FOR-SELLING-AUTHENTIC-DESIGNER-BAGS-ON-EBAY_W0QQugidZ10000000009054015

http://reviews.ebay.com/How-to-SPOT-fake-LV-LOUIS-VUITTON-authentic-guide-2_W0QQugidZ10000000000021466

http://reviews.ebay.com/Your-AUTHENTIC-COACH-Awaits-Buying-REAL-Coach-on-eBay_W0QQugidZ10000000001309839

-AW

No!

2008-11-13T15:17:00.000-08:00

A lot of people ask us what sells. Sometimes it's easier just to tell you what doesn't. Because chances are - if you're like a lot of folks - you've got a bunch of crap you don't want anymore. Guess what - no one else does either. That's why we compiled this helpful visual guide for potential customers. This will save you the time of loading up your car and schlepping all your junk over here just to have it turned away. Believe me - you don't think you'll be disappointed but you will be. We've seen it all. First surprise. Then shock. Then mild annoyance. Then outright hostility followed by storming out in an angry huff with lines like "Fine. I'll just give this old broken toaster oven to someone who can use it!" Please. Do so.

Your old printer. It's out of ink and missing the power cord. "Apart from that it works great". NO.

Your old CRT monitor. Weighs a ton. NO.

Your really old cell phones. Cingular isn't even around anymore. NO.

Your really old laptop. Weighs as much the CRT we turned away. NO. "But it comes with Windows 95". Still NO.

Your dirty, heavy old tires. NO. I don't care if they came off a Mercedes, BMW, Porsche or Double-O-Seven's Aston Martin. NO. Tires are what Craigslist is for.

Your old boombox. I'm dying of embarrasment. NO.

Your huge lot of baseball cards. You got Babe Ruth? We'll talk. Mickey Mantle? Lay it on me. Otherwise they're compost. NO.

Your VCR. We don't even want your year-old Tivo. So NO.

Your old CDs. NO. Especially these Mandy Patinkin ones. What were you thinking? NO.

Your mother-in-law. Ha. Ha. We've never heard that one. NO we won't sell your wife or your kids on eBay either. Stand-up's hard. Don't quit your day job.

Your old porno. NO. Have you no shame? And don't tell me it's "vintage erotica". Vintage erotica is some grainy Victorian postcards with a plump woman on a fainting couch showing her ankle. A bunch of Penthouse's from 1987 are just leftovers from the "dark secret place inside you". NO. And don't touch me.

Hope this helps. (And no hard feelings).

-MW

SON OF SCUBA

2008-11-13T12:33:00.000-08:00

We have reached the end of our SCUBA gear. Anything we have left is up for auction and going fast.

I've learned that SCUBA diving is the most expensive hobby in the world save for perhaps art theft or marrying rich. You might consider the latter if you decide to take up diving. Of course, renting is also an option. (I mean the Scuba gear -rental spouses never work out).

Well, it was fun while it lasted and I will look back in fondness at all the regulators I sold. They're like my children in a way except they're not, they're regulators. As Jacques Cousteau once said "We must plant the sea and herd its animals. Then we should build some stuff down there. Maybe a restaurant and some boutiques. This is prime real estate. Plenty of submarine parking".

Click here to see the last of the SCUBA auctions.

-mw

www.shopitla.com

SHOPitLA.com gets a new look

2008-11-11T10:52:00.000-08:00

We have been working hard on getting a fresh new web site up at shopitla.com and it's finally here! We still have some work to do, but we're excited to share it with you.

In the coming weeks, we'll be adding more and more helpful articles about buying and selling on eBay.

Do us a favor, take a look at www.shopitla.com and let us know what you think. Either drop us email, or add your comment to this blog post. Thanks for being loyal customers and we look forward to your feedback.

-sr

On eBay, start low to sell high

2008-10-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

MacBook Pro
eBay item #: 290262132867
Starting bid: $9.99
Winning bid: $2100

It may seem crazy to start a $2100 laptop off at a $9.99 opening bid with no reserve.

I mean, what if only one person bids on it???

And after all, when you walk into a car dealership they don’t start off asking $10,000 hoping to get you to pay $30,000 for that new car.

But in the backwards world of eBay that’s EXACTLY what happens… and there’s plenty of research to prove it.

According to Prof. Adam Galinsky of Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, low starting prices stimulate auction traffic and get early bidders psychologically invested in the auction, leading to more completed sales and higher final prices.

Galinsky says, “Early bidders get trapped because they’ve spent time and energy in the auction, and it motivated them to spend more time and energy on that auction.”

Here at SHOPitLA, we see this phenomenon a dozen times over everyday. Except in the case of rare items, you will almost always be more successful starting items off with a low opening bid and letting the auction process work.

It may be counterintuitive, but then there’s a lot about eBay and eBay buyers that seems a little odd.

When customers come by our Los Angeles store to drop off items, they are often apprehensive to start their expensive items off at such a low opening bid. We’re happy to show them lots of sample auctions before we consign their item. The bottom line is, if you want to get more traffic and a higher final selling price for your eBay item, start it low, and let the bidding frenzy begin!

-sr

Dinky, Dinky... Oh What Wonderful Toys!

2008-10-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

SHOPitLA just got a huge collection of Dinky vintage toy cars to sell on eBay. Even the boxes are mostly in mint condition. Dinky Toys are highly sought after collectibles and eBay buyers really get into these auctions.

I love photographing these cool little cars. It takes me back to my own Matchbox collection. To shoot these, I used a plexiglass bottom to get a cool reflection. I made sure that the lights were bright and as close as I could get them so I could really "blowout" the background and make the cars POP out off the page. I also used a small bean bag to act as a sort of tripod. When you're working with macro, it's easy to get a shakey hand and blur the photo.

Watch our auctions at SHOPitHollywood to see more great DINKY TOYS.

-sr

ESS speakers are audiophiles dream come true

2008-10-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

These are the grooviest speakers ever. We're talking sonic death in walnut. They weigh a ton and could crush a moderately-sized child (or aging hipster). But don't just take my word for it - ask the grieving parents. These speakers are in working condition and the previous owner used them up until recently. He even added Pioneer PT-6A tweeters to each speaker. Unfortunately, he just doesn't have room for these in his new pad and is forced to part with them. That's right - he threw away his cool in exchange for floor space. Let's hope he's happy - cause he just killed the GREATEST PARTY EVER.

The cabinets have a few scratches but the speakers are free of punctures or rips. If you live in the L.A. area feel free to stop in and examine these. Please see the photos for further details. Rock on.

Brand: ESS, Inc.
M/N: AMT1AM
S/N: 3448, 3446
Measures: 39.5"x16"x16" (approx.)

CLICK HERE TO BID ON THESE

-MW

Half a World Away

2008-10-08T17:48:00.000-07:00

Original Around the World in 80 Days Movie Poster

This overblown epic won Best Picture in 1956. As everyone knows the best picture was actually The Searchers which wasn’t even nominated. Go figure. This is a half sheet. Apparently, the movie was so dull the producers wouldn’t spring for a full-size poster. This movie features a huge assortment of famous performers like Frank Sinatra and John Gielgud slumming it in pointless cameos.

This is one of the last posters from a huge collection that we are selling. The previous owner collected about two hundred half sheets over the years including two authentic copies of "It’s a Wonderful Life" that sold for over $4000 a piece. Too bad this isn't one of those.

But hey, if David Niven in a balloon is your thing, here's your chance to own a "half" of movie history.

-MW

Welcome to the SHOPitLA Team Blog

2008-09-23T17:51:00.001-07:00

SHOPitLA and our family ofeBay online stores –SHOPitLA, SHOPitBeverlyHills and SHOPitHollywood - is the largest Registered eBay Drop-Off store in Los Angeles.

SHOPitLA originally started off as a part of the iSoldIt network of eBay drop-off stores 5 years ago and has now grown into the largest and best independent eBay drop-off store in Los Angeles.

We get interesting items in all the time and we'd love to share some of them with you. Plus, we've been doing this eBay thing for a while and we know a thing or two about what works and what doesn't. Whether you're a buyer or a seller we can give you some pointers on how to get the most out of the crazy world of eBay.

We've already got some great tips and info lined up for future blog posts, but we'd really love to hear from you. What questions do you have about eBay? We'll do our best to answer them.