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Oh gee whiz, I think I'm a day late too. Would somebody please clue me in next time. I can barely keep up with the day to day postings!
Silly smiles,
Aleta
My dear Louise,
Yep! I'm a newbie here. Thank you for your kind words about my bears. :hug: You're a peach!
Shill bidding is using another I.D. or someone else to bid up the price of an item. Artists know that this is happening on eBay but they are afraid to say anything for fear of retribution. I think it's high time somebody said something.....I'll take the heat. Collectors, insist on open auctions and really watch the bidding.
Warmest bear hugs, :)
Aleta
My dear Kim,
Your mini bear is absolutely darling! As for me, I've officially jumped out of the miniature bear market just this past week. I'll leave those squirmey little bears to those of you gals who truly have the talent for designing and making them. 
Silly smiles,
Aleta
My dear Melissa,
It's easy to be down on yourself when your work is not selling. Been there, done that.....several times actually. I think everyone here has been down that road at least once. As far as eBay is concerned, try to look at it as an advertising expense if you can. That's the only way I can stand to list there anymore. My last two listings have been royal stinkers.....and the one I have up now isn't doing so hot either. Yet, after auction the bears are usually snapped up on my web site at the same reserve price. Go figure. 
For me, the key is linking my web site to eBay. When I list on eBay I also try to list a bear or two on my web site at the same time. Cross marketing!!
Ebay is an odd bird these days. There is so much going on behind the scenes. I think the shill bidding that's going on is deplorable. Word of caution about private auctions.......steer clear. I realize that by saying this I'll get a bad name from other artists. But hey, I'm fed up with watching innocent collectors paying more than they should by artists who know those collectors have deep pockets. It saddens me deeply that there are some really unscrupulous artists out there. The fact that they get away with it just sickens me. So, when you see some of the high prices artists are getting out there and you're feeling down on your sales, remember things aren't always as they seem. 
Sorry for the soap box lecture.....I'll hop down now.
Melissa, chin up my dear. Your bears are a delight! So what if you have more on hand than you'd like......it makes for a merrier tea party!!
Silly smiles and warmest bear hugs,
Aleta
