Choosing a Camcorder by Cindy

I chose the video above because Cindy was the first person to bring the FLIP camera to my attention and I’m so glad she did! I’m now the proud owner of TWO! (both purchase online and used, of course!) and I appreciate her educating me to some of the many things this little wonder can do. And now, on to the interview . . .

1 – Please tell me about yourself and why you are an eCommerce entrepreneur?

I’m Cindy Shebley I’m an eBay Certified Business Consultant and Education Specialist. I’ve been a retail store owner since 1990. I used to own a traditional bricks and mortar store, a garden center. The thing about having a physical location is you never get away. I wanted a way to spend less time tied to the shop, while still working for myself. Then one day a friend told me about this great little site on the web called “eBay.” I checked it out and was hooked. We had inventory in the back store room that wasn’t selling and I thought I’d give this eBay thing a try…. after the stock room was cleared out I started thinking of other things I could sell. One thing lead to another and now I’m a full time online seller.

2 – how did you pick your business name and what you sell?

I have lots of dogs and cats – one cat, a tabby named Clover – she ruled the household. We used to joke about her being the “mayor of TabbyTown” – don’t ask me how, but that morphed into CloverCity. When I went online I wanted to sell something that was less seasonal than gardening and over time I rediscovered my love of photography. Now, I sell mostly photo lighting equipment, books and tools to help eBay and Online sellers.

3 – what online venues are you currently selling on and are there others you plan to expand to in the next year?

I sell on eBay, Amazon, Bonanzle, occasionally on Etsy and my own website. You can find me at:

eBay – www.clovercityphoto.com

Amazon – http://amazon.com/shops/clovercity

Bonanzle – http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/websellerscircle

Website: http://www.ghostleg.com

And my blog – http://clovercitysells.blogspot.com/

4 – What are your goals for your business in the next year?

I’ve found over the last few years I really enjoy coaching others. With that in mind my goal is to open a coaching and mentoring program. To that end I am about to open The Web Sellers’ Circle at http://websellerscircle.com – we expect it to be fully functional in June.

5 – Tell me a favorite story about your eCommerce career.

Surprisingly I’m not much of a collector – so stories about the stuff I sell now are pretty dull – I’ve sold a few things for others that were fun. An art glass collector hired me to teach him how to sell on eBay. When I arrived at his home, every surface was covered in art glass – Fenton, Chihuly, Tiffany, Steuben, etc. Well, I was amazed. He had so much that not only did I get him set up selling – I helped him sell some of the more valuable pieces. It’s pretty exciting to sell vintage art.

Another dropped off a box of vintage Barbie dolls and clothes from the early 1960’s. I spent hours sorting through and putting outfits together. She never lost pieces, so there were lots of complete outfits. Between the outfits and the Barbie bubble cut heads, Kens and body parts – LOL, actually a little creepy – we made enough for her and hubby to take a cruise. She bought a modern Ken doll and photographed him a board the ship and emailed them to me everywhere they stopped.

Can’t wait to follow your future, Cindy and I’m so glad to count you as a friend!

Kat