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Monthly Archives: February 2010

Top Ten Things To Do With Our Video Camera


Earlier this week we called out to our users (that’s you). We told you that we had recently acquired a video camera, and that we wanted you to tell us what to do with it. Thank you again readers for not letting us down. We had some really great feedback come in over Twitter and Facebook, and have organized some of our favorite ideas into the Top Ten list below. If you sent in an idea, then check below to see if it was posted, and if you didn’t, we would love to hear which ideas you like the most. Without further adieu, the UsedEverywhere.com community’s Top Ten Things To Do With Our Video Camera:

10) Record the Process of Buying and Selling
One user suggested video taping someone going through the motions of buying or selling something on UsedEverywhere.com. Starting with the computer, we would film someone buying an item, for example, and then video recording that person driving to the seller’s location and purchasing it.
9) Home Shopping Channel
Another user requested a live video stream of items from the site. You could send us videos of your items, and we could feature them in our UStream.com feed for the world to see.
8) “Check out this item I’m selling”
We had a couple of people suggest that we post user submitted videos of their items for a little bit of additional advertising exposure. Videos are obviously a much richer medium than pictures, and featuring items using video would allow for a greater communication of some items that need more than a picture and text to do the explaining.
7) Live Top Ten
Usually our Top Ten lists highlight some of the more interesting items that can be found on the UsedEverywhere.com sites across Canada. What if the Top Ten was no longer in written form, but was shot live from our office. Compelling?
6) Video Interviews
Would you want to watch someone talking about their experiences buying and selling online? The entertainment factor of this idea would most likely depend on who was being interviewed, but we liked the idea of getting together with people in our community and giving them a megaphone to speak their mind into.
5) “Check out this stuff I got”
Another idea was to feature items that were bought online. The great thing about this is that we would be able to dig up some quirky gems for your viewing pleasure. Do you have something ridiculous you bought on the site that you’d like to share?
4) User Submitted Commercials
Have you seen the cheesy video ads that we posted last week? One user wanted to be able to create their own farcical commercial and have it hosted online. We love it!
3) Putting Tournament
Let us know if you’re interested in seeing who has the best short game in the office. We recently launched a UStream live video feed of our office. Take note of the faux putting green on the floor and place your bets on your favorite employee.
2) UsedEverywhere.com Reality TV Show, “The Office” Style
Wanna see the staff at UsedEverywhere make a sad acting attempt? One user suggested that we film short drama-filled episodes of life in “The Office.” Complete with romance, motivational speeches, and the promotion of synergy.

1) Video Tutorials
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our written tutorials on how to use this site more effectively. Then, tell us whether or not you’d like to see similar tutorials in video form. We would guide you through a particular process on UsedEverywhere.com by filming it on our computer screen. Nifty, right?
Thanks so much for your ideas and have a great weekend!

The Toaster Quiz – How Do You Choose a Buyer?


An interesting conversation recently began in the Discussions section of the UsedEverywhere.com Facebook page. The topic title is “What’s the deal with fake buyers?” and it provoked several users to contribute their two cents. The issue is buyers who show interest in an item that is being sold on UsedEverywhere, only to flake out on the purchase. This can cause the seller to lose the sale all together if they turn away other prospective buyers while they’re waiting for the first buyer to purchase their item.

We want to know how you determine who to sell to. Do you give priority to the first person that contacts you, the one that sounds more clean-cut, or the one who’s willing to purchase tomorrow?
To test your selling skills, we’ve created four fictional buyers. You are selling a vintage toaster. Listen to your voicemail by clicking the Play button below. Then, tell us which buyer you would sell to in this blog’s comment box, our Facebook page, or via Twitter.


UsedTube – A Collection of Our Finest Moments

Like a teenager going through that awkward stage in life, there was a time when UsedEverywhere.com was creating content that was more cheesy than compelling. We like to think that we outgrew the tawdry music and bad jokes, but you’ll have to be the judge. Below is a collection of videos we recently dug up from our early days. We’re not sure exactly who made them or what purpose they served, but we want to know what you think.

If you want more, then leave me a comment on Twitter, Facebook, or this blog, and let me know what kind of video content you’d like to see from the UsedEverywhere team in the future. Do you want to see video interviews, testimonials, or a UsedEverywhere.com reality show? We want to create videos that you want to watch, so send your ideas our way and there’s a good chance we’ll incorporate them in a future project!

Polly for Sale

Free Personals Classifieds

Pregnancy Test

Be sure to check out our YouTube page, where you can enjoy an entire archive of this stuff, including features on CTV, CityTV, and Global!

Top Ten Olympic Sports Items


You’ve been watching an Olympic event here and there since last Friday, and if you’re like me, you want more. There are a ton of athletic outlets for you to sink your teeth into, and your local UsedEverywhere.com site probably has the tools you’ll need before heading to the nearest ski hill or ice rink. If you’ve got an itch to do some sporting of your own, check out these ten items to get you into the Winter Games groove before the ice melts and the snow gets too slushy.

10) Freestyle Skis

http://www.usedottawa.com/classified-ad/11248275

Where were you when Alexandre Bilodeau won gold for Canada in freestyle skiing? It was the first gold medal for Canada on home soil. Quite the accomplishment considering the fierce competition. If you’re looking to emulate his perfect run, or just pull a “corkscrew 720″ in the park, you might want to grab the appropriate gear. These freestyle skis are twin-tipped so that you can ski forwards and backwards.
9) Figure Skates
Skin tight jump suit? Check.
Dramatic soundtrack? Got it.
Judges on your payroll? Absolutely.
Figure Skates? Available on your local UsedEverywhere.com site.
8) Hockey Jersey
The 2010 Olympic Team Canada hockey jersey is for sale on UsedEverywhere, but it’s not cheap. It is, however, the perfect lounge attire for watching the gold medal game at home, or in person if you’re planning on dropping a few thousand on tickets.
7) Kids Hockey Skates
Get the youngsters in on the action with a pair (or two, or three) of kids hockey skates to condition them for the winter games in 2022. If the world hasn’t been destroyed and the ice caps haven’t melted, then I’d bet my bottom dollar that Canadians will still be playing hockey. This is the perfect opportunity to invest in your children’s future.
6) Firefly snowboard
Wanna be the next Maelle Ricker? She was the first Canadian woman to win gold in Canada, and was converted to the snowboard by her brother who also competes. If snowboarding is your thing and you need a new board, or you’d like to convert someone you know, try browsing your local online classifieds and get carving.
5) Curling broom
Charles Barkley once said of curling, “I’m still trying to get my grandmother off her old behind and into the Olympics. Why not? She can dust.” He most certainly did not appreciate the true thrill of sweeping a forty-two pound, polished granite rock down a stretch of ice. If you do, then check out this curling broom that is specially designed for your sweeping pleasure.
4) Speed Skates
Christine Nesbitt just won Canada it’s first Women’s Speed Skating gold medal this week. Think you can beat her record? If you haven’t honed your skills but think you have a shot, then you may want to take advantage of this “very economical way to try speed skating with your own skates.”
3) Cross-Country Skis
Is sliding down a 35Ëš slope at 60 kilometers an hour not your style? Try the horizontal approach to skiing with two pairs of cross-country planks. I haven’t tried it myself, but I hear that skiing uphill can be incredibly challenging (and rewarding).
Note to biathletes: rifles not included.
2) Mario and Sonic at the Olympics
Maybe you’d rather relive the Olympic experience with your kids, and from the comfort of your living room couch. If you’ve got a Nintendo Wii you might want to check out Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games. It features two of the most recognizable characters of all time and will have you waggling and wiggling your hands until they’re as sore as a speed skater’s thighs.

1) Men’s Gold Medal Tickets
At a modest price of $5000, you can get your hands on four tickets to the Olympic gold medal hockey game. If you’re interested in seeing this match, which will no doubt be a highlight of the games, you have a decision to make: purchase now, without knowing which teams are competing, or purchase later, when Team Canada is announced as a finalist and the price of these tickets skyrockets. Good luck.
Hope you’re all enjoying the games. I bid you farewell and wish you a happy weekend!
- Michael

How To: Map Your Ads


Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone who contacted you through your local UsedEverywhere.com site was a serious buyer? You may get several calls or emails inquiring about your item, but buyers will sometimes flake out if they discover that you don’t live in their immediate area. To minimize the number of empty queries you receive, you may want to map your ads.

Your local UsedEverywhere.com site has the ability to pinpoint a location using a postal code and create a visual map of that location inside of your ad. This feature lets potential buyers know where your item is located and will help to narrow the number of responses you receive to buyers who are in your area and ready to pick up and purchase your item. This means that you will have fewer queries to respond to before completing your sale. Sounds pretty fantastic, right?


Step 1) To map your ad, click on the “Place Ads” tab on the top of the page.




Step 2) Then, choose the category that you want your item to be placed in.




Step 3) Once you have chosen a category, you will be asked to include a title, information about your item, and your contact information. Below these fields is an option to include a postal code. Type in your postal code and click on the “Place Ad” button on the bottom of the page.

Pro tip: If you’re not comfortable disclosing your address, consider using the postal code of a well-known public monument or building that is located near your home. This will have the effect of narrowing the number of responses you receive down to committed buyers without advertising your personal address.




Step 4) Once you’ve placed your ad, you will see a map similar to this below the description of your item.



Hope this feature helps you to sell faster!

- Michael

Site Update: Feature Ads


Just last week, the friendly UsedEverywhere staff introduced the “Featured Ad,” which is an ad placement that sits on the top of a particular category page on your local UsedEverywhere.com site. That means that if you purchase a Featured Ad spot, your ad will be the first thing that buyers see when they’re browsing your item’s category. Pretty enticing, wouldn’t you say?

These unique ads are available for one, three, or six month time periods, and can potentially provide you with the most ad exposure out of all of our upgrade options. We only allow one Featured Ad per category, so if you’re interested in a particular category you better scoop it up. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait for the ad to expire before you can get in on the action.
Check out our Help Section for more details, and when you’re ready to upgrade you can send us your information through this online form.
Hope you enjoy it!

Michael’s Top Ten Romanticisms


Some of us love it, and some of us resent it. It’s Valentine’s Day, and it’s here to stay whether you hop on the bandwagon or not. So why not make the most of it? Below are my top romantic items and services, ranging from small and thoughtful to over-the-top, to help you celebrate love’s only officially recognized day.


10) Sleigh Ride, Wine, and Cheesecake

The old-school Casanova will be all over this romantic sleigh ride that includes wine, cheesecake, and warm blankets to catalyze the cuddling process. Complete with a heated, candlelit cabin to warm up your knickers up post-excursion.



9) Paper Hearts Booklet

Don’t be fooled by the snowflakes on this books cover. It promises to deliver 23 different designs, including angels, hearts, and flowers. Perfect for getting youngsters into the spirit of the 14th.



8) Light Hearts

They’re big, and dare I say tacky, but think of all of the romantic stunts you could pull with these glowing hearts. I’m thinking you could make a pretty great impression by setting these up in your garden around a dinner table for two. That’s a one of a kind Valentine’s Day evening.



7) Valentine’s Day Plushies

V-day cliché or a pleasant present? If stuffed animals are your thing, check out this lot of brand new plushies, which includes the classic teddy bear and a musical, moving giraffe. Sold.


6) Romantic Comedies

If you’re not looking to make a huge deal of Valentine’s Day you might want to go casual with a few classic, romantic comedies. Check out this DVD box set with You’ve Got Mail, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Music & Lyrics, and Two Weeks Notice. A movie marathon will give you an excuse to stay at home and enjoy a little TLC with your favorite person, or even some friends.



5) Picture Frames

I’m not sure if these picture frames are inherently romantic, but the potential is there to fill them with something that is. Most people these days shoot digital and rarely develop their film, so it’s becoming more and more thoughtful to hard copy your photographs for the people you love. Plug your picture into a festive frame and you have an inexpensive, but romantic gift.



4) Cookie Bouquet

Pink and delicious. This bouquet of cookies, which can be custom designed to your liking, marries the best of both the flora and sucrose worlds. They won’t wilt or die, but they will most certainly “melt in your mouth,” according to this UsedOttawa.com user.



3) Silver Necklace

I received some great feedback on a blog post a couple of weeks ago when I asked you whether or not it was acceptable to give your partner a used Valentine’s Day present. The consensus was that, “it’s the thought that counts.” I agree, especially when the used item is as impressive as this cubic zirconia flower necklace that came all the way from London, England.



2) Natural Soap

Check out these homemade bath bombs, body butters, and mists. They’re made from shea butter imported from Ghana, Africa, and contain only natural oil extracts. I think they’d make a pretty great gift for someone who enjoys silky smooth skin, and they’re pretty to boot.



1) Chocolate Factory

When I was searching for items to add to this list I was hoping to find a box of chocolate hearts. I think I did one better. Behold an established and successful chocolate business and dessert/coffee shop. It might be beyond the price range of the average V-day shopper, but it’s got spunk and my guess is that among the 1000 chocolate moulds there’s a heart shape or two. Now that’s romantic.

Have a great weekend and a happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

- Michael

How To: Improve Your Search Results


You’ve been buying and selling on your local UsedEverywhere.com site for ages. You know how to browse, and how to search, but do you know all the tricks? Below are a few advanced searching techniques that you can use to improve your search results and make life easier.


The Logical Operator

It’s not as daunting as it sounds. The three symbols listed below can be used in conjunction with keywords to save you loads of time.
  • & (and)
Place the “&” symbol in between two keywords to only search for ads that contain both of your keywords.

Ex. If I want to find a Honda Civic, I could search “Honda & Civic” to narrow my search results.

  • | (or)
Place the “|” symbol in between two keywords to search for ads that contain either the first keyword, or the second keyword.

Ex. If I want to buy a Honda, but I don’t care whether it’s a Civic or an Accord, I could search “Honda & (Civic | Accord)” to list all of the ads that contain the word “Honda,” and either the word “Civic” or “Accord.” Note that this statement is surrounded by brackets.

  • ! (not)
Place the “!” symbol in front of a keyword to search for ads that do not contain that keyword.

Ex. If I want to search for a Honda, but I don’t want to wade through a bunch of ads that are selling Honda car parts, I could search “Honda & !parts” to browse all of the ads that contain the word “Honda” and do not contain the word “parts.”


Ad Filtering

You also have the option to filter certain types of ads out of your search. Once you have chosen your category (in this case, I’ve chosen the “Automobiles & Other Vehicles” category) you will see this on your screen:


Click on “Show advanced options >>” to see all of the options available to you. In the image below, I’m searching for a Honda in Victoria. Note that I’ve clicked on “Offered only” so that I will not see any wanted ads. I’ve also checked “Hide commercial sellers” so that only private sellers will show up in my search results.


There you go! Try out these technique in your next search and see how much time you save. Hope you find them useful.

-Michael

The 2010 UsedEverywhere.com User Awards!

To salute our loyal users, the staff at UsedEverywhere.com are giving ad upgrades to the three most active users on our site in 2010. The top three will be awarded with gold, silver, and bronze medals, to commemorate the upcoming… err, this just in: I’ve been informed that we’re not legally allowed to commemorate, or even mention, the 2010 something-or-other games.
To mitigate any legal implications, we’ll instead be giving out pyrite, titanium, and brass medals (in the form of some fantastic ad upgrade packages) to the most active UsedEverywhere.com users. A fancy ad upgrade package will also be awarded by you! The “User’s Choice Award” will be given to the user with the most nominations on Facebook, Twitter, and this blog.
To nominate a friend, or even yourself, you can:
1) Send a private message to us through our Facebook page with your nominee’s name and email address.
2) Tweet @usedeverywhere with your @nominee.
3) Email michaelc@usedeverywhere.com with your nominee’s name and email address.
The ad packages that will be awarded are as follows:
Detailed explanations of each upgrade can be found here.
Pyrite: 1 latest ad, 1 top ad, 2 category gallery ads, 3 premium ads
Titanium: 2 top ads, 2 category gallery ads
Brass: 3 premium ads
User’s Choice Award: 1 latest ad, 2 top ads, 2 category gallery ads
Winners will be announced via a closing ceremony blog post on Monday, March 1st, the day after… February 28th, which has no significance whatsoever. Start posting your goods on your local UsedEverywhere.com site and get nominating! In the event of a tie, the User’s Choice Award will be randomly drawn from the top nominees.
Please note: These awards are not officially recognized by any type of winter sports organization, committee, or anything of Greek origin for that matter.

Government Uses UsedVictoria.com to Sell Surplus

The Corporation of the District of Saanich is inviting sealed bids for two Cues Mini Video Inspection Cameras and Reels in the Test Equipment section of UsedVictoria.com. The Cues Mini-Push 20/20 uses video technology to view and record pipelines from 2″ in diameter. Earlier today, UsedVictoria spoke with the Municipality of Saanich’s purchasing office, which is responsible for coordinating the bid process to ensure compliance with current tendering laws. If surplus material is not salvageable, the purchasing office recycles it or it is moved to the BC Asset Investment Recovery warehouse. Quite a lot of it, however, is sold through the municipality’s website, and through sites like UsedVictoria.com. “We’ve just always used UsedVictoria [as a way of] getting the information out there to people,” said a purchasing spokesperson. Sealed bidding on the Cameras and Reels will be accepted until 3:00 pm on March 3rd, at which time the bidding process will close and the tenders will be opened. The items don’t necessarily go to the highest bidder, it depends on who the buyer is too, so if you’re interested in pipeline inspection be sure to check it out.
The invitation can be found here: http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/11187701
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