Frequently Asked Questions
What is Virtual Boutiques Mall Shops (VBMShops.com)?
Who Started VBMShops?
Why was VBMShops Started?
Who Must Register to Join VBMShops and How is it Done?
Does it Cost to Join the VBMShops Community?
How do I select a username?
What is my password?
What is "MEMBERS AREA?"
I am a buyer and want to know how to bid on an auction?
What are the Seller's Fees?
How Much Does VBMShops Charge As a Final Valuation Fee (FVF)?
What are the benefits of VBMSHOPS to the Seller?
As a Seller, How do I choose the right category?
How do I Write an Eyecatching Item Title?
What do I Include in the "Item Description" box?
Is it easy to insert a Photo?
What photos show off the merchandise to its best advantage?
What auction format is best for me?
What is meant by "Item Quantity?"
How do I decide the opening price of my auction?
Why would I use a "Reserve Price?"
Why would I list an item with a "Buy Now" option?
Should I concern myself with the "Bid Increment?"
Why would I use a different "Starting Date?"
Why should I worry about how long my auction is listed?
Should I relist my auctions if they do not sell the first time?
What should be included in the "Shipping Conditions" section?
Should I offer a combined Shipping Cost?
Should I Sell Internationally?
What should I include in my Shipping Terms?
Which payment options should I allow?
Why would I use auction features such as Home Page Featured and Category Featured, Bold or Highlighted?
How can I Sell a Similar Item?
Can I Ban User I have had trouble with?
Can I leave neutral or negative Feedback for buyers who were not good trading partners?
How can I resolve conflicts with my trading partner?
What Terms and Conditions do I have to follow?
Is my information private, safe and secure?
Can I get in trouble with other auction websites for selling and buying on VBMSHOPS?
How does my buyer pay me for the auction they won?
When and How do I pay my VBMShops Fees?
How Do I Upload Photos?
How Much Do Additional Photos For My Listings Cost?
How Do I Activate My Auctions?
What is Virtual Boutiques Mall Shops (VBMShops.com)? Back to Top
VBMShops is the premier and exclusive online "Street of Shops" of specialty store boutiques geared to one of kind merchandise and goods. It is owned by VBM Shops LLC. Over the coming months 30 shops will be opened. Each will be designed to appeal to the discriminating tastes and expectations of the international consumer.
Who Started VBMShops? Back to Top
VBMShops, and its soon to be many specialty boutiques, was founded by Candace Daugherty. VBM Shops' members have expertise to fully round out and compliment each other's specialized background and education We are located near Charleston, SC.
Why was VBMShops Started? Back to Top
VBMShops was started to give the discriminating consumer of great antique, vintage and new goods and merchandise a boutique environment in which to buy and sell. VBMSHOPS has established a venue that such consumers would expect from a fine boutique, antique or specialty shop. Many changes have occurred over the past years at the more traditional online shopping and auction giants. It is clear that the large mass merchant is the focus of these changes. The small, unique seller who specializes in one of kind and hard to find merchandise has been squeezed out of the auction market by mass merchants selling new, price sensitive merchandise. The VBMShops Customer is one looking for quality, uniqueness and hard to find items at low fair prices and with the customer service policy of a fine retailer.
Who Must Register to Join VBMShops and How is it Done? Back to Top
Both buyers and sellers must register. Just click on "register" and follow the steps. Once you have completed the form, click on the link and an email will be sent to you containing information to confirm the registration. Congratulations! You are ready to get started.
Does it Cost to Join the VBMShops Community? Back to Top
No, there is no buyer or seller registration fee. Buyers never have to pay to enjoy all of the benefits of shopping and buying at VBMShops.
How do I select a username? Back to Top
A username is the name by which the VBMShops community will know you. It is best to pick a name that is meaningful to you or related to what you're going to be selling. You might try the username you had on other auction sites. If it is taken on VBMShops, pick a name that will speak to what you will be selling, such as "watchesbywayne" or "rhinestonecowgirl."
What is my password? Back to Top
Your password gives you the key to your personal and private information and should only be used by you. Create a password that is a combination of letters and numbers for a total of 6 characters. Write this down and keep it somewhere safe. For security reasons we recommend that you change your password once a month. To change your user name and password, go to the VBMShops home page. Midway down the right hand side and is "Edit Data". You will be prompted to give your username and password when you login to VBMShops.
What is "MEMBERS AREA?" Back to Top
In one of the top headers you will see "MEMBERS AREA." This contains information on all of your buying and selling activity. It also includes feedback left for you by other users and a form for you to leave feedback for others. The most important part of this section is creating your Defaults. It is here that you create your skeleton format with all of your unchanging items such as shipping costs, shipping policies, boiler plate and anything else you will want to be present in all of your auctions. Once created, listing an auction is basically just filling in the TITLE, DESCRIPTION, STARTING PRICE, AUCTION TYPE and ANY ADDITIONAL FEATURES.
I am a buyer and want to know how to bid on an auction? Back to Top
This is simple... first register and establish a username and password. Then, when you login to the site you can shop the auctions. Once you have settled on an item and want to place a bid, simply go to the extreme right side of the page and enter the amount. This will take you to the second page where you will review your bid (you will have an opportunity to change it on this page). Then, simply click on "submit bid".
What are the Seller's Fees? Back to Top
The fees at VBMShops are extremely low. Fees are outlined elsewhere on this site.
How Much Does VBMShops Charge As a Final Valuation Fee (FVF)? Back to Top
Nothing, Nada, Zilch for any sale under $100.00. No other site out there is willing to let sellers list auctions or items with no final valuation fee. VBMShops feels that sellers deserve every cent they can make since they have time and money invested in the listing, the auction and buyer follow up. For sales over $100.00 see FVF structure above.
What are the benefits of VBMSHOPS to the Seller? Back to Top
The first major benefit is that the Seller shares NO financial information unlike all other sites. The second is how inexpensive it is to list an item for sale on VBMSHOPS. Third, the seller is now selling in an auction venue that is specifically designed to support the character and quality of merchandise. The design and image of the site is geared to provide a boutique look. The limited category selection makes VBMShops a fabulous specialty store for both buyers and sellers.
As a Seller, How do I choose the right category? Back to Top
All of the main categories and sub categories are specific. Buyer search sorts will be made within these categories. It is best to know what you're selling and, in particular, its age (antique Victorian vs 1940's retro), design style or period (Edwardian or Eames era), material (basemetal with goldtone or 18k solid gold) and condition (looks good or is it excellent based on its age). The category that best suits your cursory investigation is what will be the best to list it under.
How do I Write an Eyecatching Item Title? Back to Top
Unlike many of the auction giants, the VBMShops auction title line can accommodate a very long descriptive and precise title. The title needs to include as many particulars as possible, such as the item's age, material, color, type and condition. But, do not forget that adjectives get buyers' attention. For example, if it is an authentic designer piece such as Weiss or Schiaparelli, highlight that fact at the very beginning of the title. If it is a highly collectible period or material, such as Bakelite or Art nouveau, make that stand out. Most of all, do not forget to use imaginative adjectives that apply, such as "Rare" "Fabulous" "Estate". Example: Antique Art Deco Fabulous Green & Clear Rhinestone Starburst Spelter Brooch. A word of caution: even though the space available for the title is quite long, do not bore the viewing buyer! Remember, a buyer will probably make a decision to visit your auction after about 2 seconds, so make it make your description attention grabbing.
What do I Include in the "Item Description" box? Back to Top
The item description box allows for many options and plenty of space to make a very thorough and complete description. It should give detail regarding the time period in which the item was made, for example, 1940's and its design style, such as art deco, Victorian etc. Also, the description box should contain information as to whether the piece is marked or unmarked, its measurements, its material (optional), condition of finish, condition of hardware and condition of rhinestones or other sets that may exist, including whether any are missing and damaged.
The item description box should also contain any and all conditions of the transaction, including payment method, payment timeframe, any boilerplate info, timeframe on shipping, type of packing for shipping, what service for shipping will be used etc. More explanation here will reduce the number of questions later.
The item description box also has many different formatting options including font type, size, style and color. It is also HTML compatible.
Is it easy to insert a Photo? Back to Top
Yes, it is. There are three options available for inserting photos into the auction and all include the use of previously formatted jpeg photos.
The first is Self Hosting or URL of Picture. This allows the seller to download photo or group of photos from an online photo server such as inkfrog, andale, boomspeed. The seller will photograph the item for auction and upload it to his/her photo server as a named jpeg file. The photo server will provide an address that can be entered into the URL for picture i.e. <a href="http://www.yourphotoserver.com/youraccountname/nameofphoto.jpeg" target="_blank" > www.yourphotoserver.com/youraccountname/nameofphoto.jpeg</a>
The second photo insertion option is to select "Image You Want To Upload" which has a BROWSE link. This will allow you to upload one photo from a jpeg file on your computer. Click on BROWSE. This will take you to a second screen where you choose the photo file. Click on name or number of file and Click on OPEN. This will insert the one photo into the auction.
The third photo insertion option is to upload a PICTURE GALLERY of up to 8 photos from a jpeg file from your computer. Simply click on "UPLOAD PICTURES" under the "PICTURE GALLERY" section that will take you to a secondary screen. Here you will see 1. "SELECT FILE TO UPLOAD." Follow the steps described above in option 2. Click on "UPLOAD FILE" to load 1-8 photos. When complete click on "CREATE GALLERY."
What photos show off the merchandise to its best advantage? Back to Top
The best way to photograph most jewelry is to use either a black or cream velvet fabric (absorbs glare). Keep in mind that you are paying for the entire box that your photo will be in, so make the best use of the space... get as close and as focused as possible to show every detail of the item. Most lower priced items can be shown quite sufficiently with one photo and on VBMSHOPS that is FREE. However, higher priced, signed and more complicated items need more photos to show the detail and specifics of the piece, including its name brand, its reverse to show hardware, and its faults, if any, so the buyer has full disclosure about the item. (see article on "How to Take Great Photos")
What auction format is best for me? Back to Top
There are two formats to choose from when listing your items: standard and fixed price. Standard Type is the most common and most familiar type of format where one or more buyers can place bids on the auction. Fixed Price is not an auction at all, but a selling format where the seller offers an item for sale at a price set by the seller. The listing is over and closed when the item is sold. Fixed price is usually associated with a Seller's Store.
What is meant by "Item Quantity?" Back to Top
Auction quantity is how many items are available for sale. The "Quantity" will likely be "1" for most vintage and antique jewelry pieces. But, let's say you have 25 of the same item. You create one listing and enter 25 in the "item quantity" field. That means that whatever the final auction price, up to 25 of the same exact item can be sold to one or more bidders.
How do I decide the opening price of my auction? Back to Top
Well, this is truly a complicated question. Say you are selling an item that may not have a wide appeal among buyers. It is best to have a higher start price that at least reflects your investment in the item. However, if it is a well sought after piece, a lower starting price will encourage more bidders to join into the auction, making the price go higher than might be expected. Remember this!!! A higher the starting price generally results in attracting fewer bidders. It may be harder to sell the item. I have found in the past that $9.99 is a good starting price and is not too high to attract bidders. This decision is really a seller's to make based on the individual's selling strategy.
Why would I use a "Reserve Price?" Back to Top
A reserve price is generally used if you have a lot invested in an item. It becomes the absolute least you will accept. Keep in mind that reserve auctions actually discourage bidding because buyers have no idea what the reserve is. Buyers tend to stay clear of most reserve auctions unless the item is one they really want. A good solution is to use a higher starting price.
"Buy It Now Only" is really not an auction. Once the "buy it now" is clicked, the auction is over. This is used primarily by sellers wanting a fast sale on an item that has a known value.
Why would I list an item with a "Buy Now" option? Back to Top
This is NOT an auction as described in standard format for an auction. However, the buyer can opt to buy it now instead of waiting for the term of the auction to end. The "buy now" price is normally what the item might be worth in a retail setting. For example, if you have seen the same item in an antique price guide valued at $125.00, your buy now might be $99.99. The auction listing might reference the price guide as a value for the item. On a Buy It Now Auction, once a bid has been placed or the reserve has been met the "buy it now" option will no longer be available. This is a great feature to use if you think an item will sell fast and you need the cash.
Should I concern myself with the "Bid Increment?" Back to Top
Not really. We have designed VBMShops for uniform bid increments. So, a buyer will find a consistency across the auctions on VBMShops regardless of who the seller might be.
Why would I use a different "Starting Date?" Back to Top
You might want to delay an auction because, while you may be listing it on a Sunday, you would rather it begin on the following Monday. Therefore, the auction would end on a weekend instead of a weekday. Or, you might want an auction to end at a particular time on West Coast. This is truly a seller decision. Based on VBMShops experience, the best ending time for auctions is at around 3:00 pm Eastern Time on a Wednesday or Thursday.
Why should I worry about how long my auction is listed? Back to Top
There are 6 time options, 1 day, 5 days, One Week (7 days), 10 days, 1 month (30 days) and 2 months (60 days) on VBMShops. Many factors play a role in a seller's decision as to which option is best for a given auction. History shows that 7 day auctions reap the best results. One-day auctions are primarily used for a quick sale. However, you also run the risk that 24 hours is not long enough to attract sufficient visitors to the auction. Ten-day auctions are for higher priced items, or ones where buyers may find it harder to make a decision to buy. One Month (30 day) and two month (60) auctions and listings are best used for fixed price or "BUY NOW" formats of higher priced and luxury type auctions.
Should I relist my auctions if they do not sell the first time? Back to Top
Again, this is a seller decision. VBMShops experience shows that about 40-50% auctions that are relisted do sell the second time while only about 10% of auctions sell after being relisted twice. The good news is that you can indicate in the listing format if you want the auction to AUTOMATICALLY be relisted. Keep in mind there are additional fees associated with each relist.
What should be included in the "Shipping Conditions" section? Back to Top
This is where the seller indicates whether the buyer or seller will pay for shipping. It is customary that the buyer will pay all costs, including reasonable handling costs, any required insurance, and delivery confirmation (domestically) to ship the item. But, the seller might want to offer free, discount or combined shipping to minimize cost of shipping issues as a promotion.
Should I offer a combined Shipping Cost? Back to Top
It is a very smart move to have combined shipping. However, it is important to have an end date when the combined price will end. For example, "I will include for combined shipping all auctions won within a 7 day period and all paid for on one invoice by Paypal or equal." This will encourage the buyer to keep an eye on your auctions and possibly add more to their order over the 7 days, resulting in a bigger sale to you, the seller. Success Tip: Always purchase a delivery confirmation on all US domestic shipments. This provides online tracking and proof that it was shipped. Also, require insurance if the auction is over $50.00.
Should I Sell Internationally? Back to Top
Why Not!!!! Your auctions will be visible in all of the civilized world 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Some of my best buyers are in Australia and Japan, so I would lose a lot of money if I did not have them in the buying mix. Just insist on Paypal or equivalent for payment and, if the order is over $50.00, insist on Global express through USPS so that you get tracking and insurance. To sell internationally, all you have to do is check the "International shipping" box.
What should I include in my Shipping Terms? Back to Top
This is where you will state the particulars about shipping, including how the item will be shipped, how soon after payment is received will it be shipped, what is include in the shipping cost and what shipper will be used. This information should help the buyer understand your shipping cost and what is to be expected when the item arrives.
Which payment options should I allow? Back to Top
The VBMShops venue allows for many payment options. You should choose which is best suited to your needs. Options include personal checks, Paypal, Money Orders, Vendor’s Own Credit Card Porcessing and in the near future Google Check-Out. The more methods of payment you accept the larger your buyer base will be.
Why would I use auction features such as Home Page Featured and Category Featured, Bold or Highlighted? Back to Top
These feature options all have a cost associated. But, they will provide your auction the highest visibility possible. More visibility and higher buyer traffic equal a higher sales price.
How can I Sell a Similar Item? Back to Top
Once the "Submit Auction" button has been clicked, the next page will allow for "EDIT AUCTION" or "SELL A SIMILAR ITEM." This will take the seller back into the listing to be edited for use with the next auction listing.
Can I Ban User I have had trouble with? Back to Top
Yes. There is a section in the control panel where the seller may capture the identities of buyers with whom the seller does not wish to do business.
Can I leave neutral or negative Feedback for buyers who were not good trading partners? Back to Top
Yes, Yes and Yes... Unlike other online auction sites, VBMShops believes the seller is essential to VBMShops' success. Based on this philosophy, VBMSHOPS sellers and buyers may leave positive, neutral or negative feedback about their buying partners. However, we believe an attempt should be made to resolve any and all issues before leaving negative feedback in order to maintain a positive trading environment. If all else fails, both sellers and buyers can leave the appropriate feedback reflective of the transaction experience.
How can I resolve conflicts with my trading partner? Back to Top
The best way to avoid conflict is timely and clear communication. If you are a buyer and are having a problem, contact the seller as soon as possible. You will have access to their contact information. If emails are not answered, call your trading partner. If you are a seller and have a complaint, deal with it in the fastest fairest way you can. Good Buyer Service often creates your best and most loyal buyers. They are the ones that will send other buyers to your auctions. Some resolutions may include a refund when the item is returned, a partial refund where the buyer keeps the piece, or a merchandise credit on a future win. Be creative. Buyers appreciate sellers who appear to be flexible and fair.
What Terms and Conditions do I have to follow? Back to Top
There are basic rules and regulations associated with being apart of the VBMShops community. They are detailed in the Terms and Conditions and are the basic dos and don'ts on VBMShops. All community members must read and agree to follow the terms and conditions. Violations may result in a warning, temporary suspension or permanent suspension from any or all parts of VBMShops.
Is my information private, safe and secure? Back to Top
Yes. VBMShops DOES NOT collect personal financial information, unlike all other sites on the internet. Also VBMShops has in place a comprehensive Privacy Policy to protect and preserve any and all personal information of members of the VBMShops community. Also, since the site does not collect financial an SSL license is unnecessary. Quite simply put VBMShops is recognized in the online world as secure and safe site on which to list, sell and bid.
Can I get in trouble with other auction websites for selling and buying on VBMSHOPS? Back to Top
The internet and all that is on the internet is in the public domain meaning that there is no monopoly on who or where you choose to buy or sell.
How does my buyer pay me for the auction they won? Back to Top
The payment method is between you and the buyer. When you list an auction you have an opportunity to indicate which forms of payment you will accept. These options include personal check, Paypal, (Paypal accounts you will set up directly with this money processors and will allow you to take your buyer's credit cards as payment), Vendor’s Own Credit Card Processing, and Money Orders. Once the sale is final and you have invoiced your buyer, the buyer can communicate with you regarding the method of payment.
When and How do I pay my VBMShops Fees? Back to Top
When you register as a seller you will NOT BE Sharing any financial information. All Seller's Fees will be paid through your personal Paypal account and your monthly fee payments will be made to payments@VBMShops.com. Fees will be billed once a month. You will have to five (5) days to pay your fees. If your fees are not paid within the five (5) days your auction listings will be suspended. Your suspended account will be reinstated two weeks after all fees have been paid, at which time you can continue selling and buying activities. If this problem should occur a second time, your account will be permanently terminated.
How Do I Upload Photos? Back to Top
The multi-photo upload and delete is simple to use. Just click on BROWSE and upload up to EIGHT (8) jpegs photos. To upload just hit "UPLOAD" in the order you want your photos to be seen.
How Much Do Additional Photos For My Listings Cost? Back to Top
Another great VBMShop extra benefit. Your first photo is FREE and you can then load up to seven (7) more photos for one flat rate of $.10. Basically you can upload a total of 8 photos for each of your listings for total of just $.10.
How Do I Activate My Auctions? Back to Top
Until you insert your Paypal information into your selling format, all of your auctions will be shown as "DRAFTS" and will not be "ACTIVE". Once you have completed identifying your Paypal account that will be used for buyers to pay you and for you to pay your VBMShops' fees your listings and your seller's account with VBMShops will be activated.