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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!

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.

Michael’s Top Ten “I Saw You” Letters

The “I Saw You” page, located in the Personals section of your local UsedEverywhere.com site, provides a way for the awestruck and the lovelorn to get in touch with their missed connections. It’s for the businessperson with a crush on a coworker, for the student admiring a classmate, and for the traveler in search of an old friend. I’ve posted ten letters that I hope you’ll find intriguing. Give them a read and, if you feel inspired, write one of your own.

10) “I didn’t want to disturb your meal”

“It was Friday afternoon. I was sitting on the left facing the window and you walked in. You sat across me on my left. You we’re reading a book. I was wearing a black vest and white dress shirt. I think you’re beautiful. I was shy and didn’t wanna disturb your meal. I hope you find this as I’d like to get to know you.”


9) Paper Bag Elegance

“When: Wednesday, January 27th, between 12:05 and 12:50 P.M.

Where: Lobby of Clarica Building (between Bank and O’Connor)

Who: Very elegant lady dressed in black with dark hair sitting at a table facing the deck close to the waterfall. You were talking to a gentleman dressed in black. You looked through a magazine you took out from a paper bag.

What: I would like to talk to you.

Why: Because you are the most amazing lady I ever saw.

Thank you.”



8) From Ireland with Love

“I saw you in the Eatons Centre on Friday at lunch, you were wearing a midlength coat & Boots. You have a Celtic style Butterfly Tat on your right calf. Our Eyes met, I am too shy.”


7) “Sleepless in Regina” (Motley Crue Concert)

“You were with a freind and so was I. I dont think we said two words to each other all night but we seemed to have a mutual attraction for each other(I know you were working for me. We were standing at the rail and you guys were two rows in front of us. We shared some smiles, rocked a bit and then shared some innocent hugs and kisses before I was stupid enough to let you walk away without giving you my or getting your number. This may be a reach but I just thought if we could have that kind of connection without even talking, it would be foolish not to at least try to carry this further.I hope you are able to find this message and feel the same way.”


6) Leave it to Fate

http://www.UsedVictoria.com/classified-ad/9294166


“All I know for sure is your name is Annie and I am not much younger than you–your birthday is on Christmas Day–nor are you tall. But you are unbelievably cute and sexy with short dyed-black hair and a nice, noticable figure. And I know you visit the casino on occasion.

You have no computer, so it’s doubtful that you’ll ever read this. Perhaps you have a friend or acquaintance in Sidney who will happen to read this and mention it to you. Then, if dinner is still intriguing to you, have them email me.

I return to Sidney on occasion to browse the used bookstores and hoping to see you somewhere in town. I’ve even ventured out to the casino so my friend can gamble while I look for you.

Fate may decree that we never meet again which could be sad for both of us. Perchance destiny may speak differently.”



5) Crash Into Me

“Okay This is such a shot in the dark but I figured what do i have to loose. Tuesday October 27th around 5:30 at the Southland Mall Safeway. I made eyes with a man with blonde curly hair and light eyes wearing a great wool coat. We made eye contact and smiled at the delhi counter after his crash encounter with a display sign. If my chance this is you..I really would of liked to of said Hello…”



4) Love at First Sight

“I bumped into you in the checkout last month. You were wearing green uof r sweatpants and a red hoodie. You were buying cesar dog food. You stole my heart in that brief instant. Please email me!”


3) There’s Something about that Dog Food

“Friday, January 15 at 4:15pm you pulled in to the parking lot in your truck. I was behind you in my gold Jeep. You were at the counter first asking for a big blue bag of dog food. I was right behind you. Then you were out on the loading dock waiting for the dog food and I came up to the dock and you smiled at me. I smiled back. You are a cute guy, kinda short like me, with dark hair. I am a petite girl, dark-haired, wearing jeans and a white jacket. I would love to see you again.”


2) A Genuine Missed Connection

“Saw you before getting a haircut at around 5pm…you talked a bit to me. You had longer blond hair, I was wearing a blue jacket. You had a bike outside and you were getting ready for the rain when I left. I regretted leaving with out talking more…so I came back but you were gone. Would like to talk a bit more..if u r interested”


1) “A little work, a little play”

“HI, or well that’s what I’ve been meaning to say. You work at my corporate gym, sitting behind the counter with your dark eyes and beaming smile. We’ve exchanged looks and friendly smiles, but when my face is bright red and I’m panting from my run, I never quite feel it’s the right time to make a move. I don’t always know if my heart is pounding from the run or because I caught a glance of you from across the room. Come say hi to me next time or show me some moves of your own?”

How To: Post a Personals Ad


Looking for love? You’re not the only one. It’s the season of l’amor, and everyone’s flocking to the internet to meet someone special. If you haven’t posted a Personals Ad online, I don’t blame you. It’s a leap of faith, and the internet can be an intimidating medium. Nevertheless, it’s a fantastic way to meet any number of great people that you may not chance upon in your day to day. So, now is the time. Put yourself out there and see what you find, because you can’t knock it till you try it, right?


Step 1) Look up! On the top of your local UsedEverywhere.com site you’ll find a list of tabs that you can use to navigate its pages. The first step to finding love (or friendship) is to click on the “Place Ads” tab, as circled in red below.


Step 2) Now you will see a number of different types of ads that can be placed. Scroll down the page to the Info Classifieds section, and click on the “Personals” link.



Step 3) Before you get started, the friendly moderators at UsedEverywhere.com have four points that they would like you to agree to. Please give these a read and, if you’re 18 years of age or older and accept the terms of agreement, click the continue button.



Step 4) Next you will see a list of links that describe several different types of relationships. Select the one that best describes your interests.



Step 5) Here, you will be asked to select the age range that you fit into. This will automatically show up in the title of your ad (ex. 30 Something Male Seeking Female) unless you decide to change it manually.



Step 6) Now select the ethnicity and employment status that best describe you, and answer the questions shown below using the provided drop-down menus.


Step 7) Here’s the fun (but challenging) part: Describing yourself. Try and think of what you are looking for in a partner, and ask yourself what you have to offer someone who is looking for similar characteristics. The Description box has a few ideas to get you started. When you’ve completed the form, click the “Place Ad” button on the bottom of the page. Note: This will not post your ad on the website until you’ve received and accepted a confirmation email.



Step 8) Finally, you can add an image to your ad. Remember that an image of yourself will significantly increase the number of responses you receive, and more than one picture is even better. If you have a Facebook account, your picture is already on the internet, so what do you have to lose? Whether you add a picture or not, click on the “Continue” button to view your Ad.


Congratulations, you’re done! Happy fishing.

If you’d like to add your two-cents on creating a Personals Ad, leave me a note in the comments box below.
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