e-Commerce Tips and Suggestions for your Online Business

I Was Here ----> eBay's 20th Birthday Celebration

2015-09-13T18:09:00.000-05:00

I just experienced the most fun these past three days that I have had in a very long time. eBay knows how to throw a party. Their 20th Birthday and eBay executives proclaim to be a new beginning. I am soooo hopeful.

I met up with a lot of old friends which was the main reason I traveled to San Jose - and, I made many, many new friends. I laughed so much this past week that my sides still ache as I write this. Great memories were made.

eBay turned 20. I am sure everyone knows about, or, has had an experience with eBay in the last 20 years. We have bought and sold collectibles of all kinds, furnished and decorated our homes, dressed for success and even bought vehicles. Overall, our experiences with eBay have mostly been positive. All of us have grown older and we continue to have a soft spot for eBay.

The last few years eBay lost their way. As with any big company, it is not easy maintaining an eCommerce marketplace for sellers around the world. They strayed from being in the "people" technical business to a regulator of e-commerce businesses that resulted in negative restraints on the growth of its sellers. eBay was always the proud pioneer in offering entrepreneurs an opportunity to grow and have their own small business. The past few years they seemed to be lost inside the forest without a GPS.

Today, Devin Wenig, CEO, is at the helm and he wants eBay to return to its roots of being the greatest "people" business it was meant to be. The eBay that all of us loved.

The celebration started off with a 20's Dance Party sponsored by WorthPoint. There was a very good turn out. Admission was a gift bag to share. Attendees were dressed in their finest 20's and Gatsby styles. This was the perfect start to a fabulous celebration week.

The next morning people could not wait to get the party started. We arrived at the convention center three hours early....which forced us to mingle and make new friends. Isn't it always fascinating to hear what people sell on eBay? We met people who sold medical supplies, their 50's toy collection, motorcycle parts, electronics, garden equipment, car parts, wallpaper, blankets, jewelry, gifts, collectibles, dishes, ornaments, purses, etc. etc. You could find anything you would ever want to buy. I made contacts with several sellers who sold items my business could mesh with very well because we sold complementary items and could support each other's small business.

Oh the personalities! I could say that 97% of the people I met would become very good lifetime friends. Not that I was looking. I just found some people who were the perfect fit for friendship. Isn't that the greatest feeling of all?!

Everyone anticipated the message we would be told as we streamed into the auditorium. We had already learned that Wenig's vision for eBay was to improve it for the sellers - to get back to its people basics and bring back the trust for buyers and sellers to sell and shop small businesses again. We were excited.

We heard from all the executives. We were going to get to be a part of making eBay the greatest company again. Everyone said the right things and gave us a vision of the direction and it was ALL very positive. All of the executives buy and sell on eBay which is a very good thing because they understand how the website actually works. It felt good about being a part of eBay.

Then the biggest surprise of all was that Wenig brought the person who started it all to the stage, Pierre Omidyar, Founder, eBay.

As we excited the auditorium to go to dinner, we were met by thousands of eBay employees who lined the aisles clapping and cheering for each of us. Thanking us for selling on eBay and giving them a job to help us. The ballroom had food stations, bars, entertainment, artist, sketchers and two bands. The food was excellent, the party favors were perfect. We ate, danced and laughed until there were only a few left in the room and they made us leave.

The next morning we heard about eBay's vision for marketing starting this 4th Quarter and beyond. The plans look great. We can only be hopeful.

We then broke out into sessions to learn about the issues so many sellers have questions or worry about. These sessions were all taught by eBay employees. I have to admit that I was sorely disappointed. The information was vague and our questions were skimmed over without being answered. The presenters gave conflicting information. So, I decided to try the one on one sessions to see if I could get some of my questions answered. Again, I was met with disappointment. By the end of the day I had lost some confidence in the positive changes eBay executives proclaimed was going to happen.

There are a couple of things I did learn:

1 - Follow eBay rules in making your listings and you will be okay.

2 - Free shipping hurts to have in your listings if your buyers are experienced shoppers and they want to buy multiples.

3 - If your listing is not perfect and you are not a TRS, but have the lowest price, your listing will show up first before sellers who do have all the trust factors.

Here are a couple of things I still do not know the answer to:

1 - We still are not sure why item specifics for listings, that are not generated by the site, if they are useful as keywords in search. Or why when you get the "How to improve you item" email, one of the suggestions is to put the item specifics you generated in the listing in your title. Are the item specifics you generate searchable?

2 - We are not sure why most of the traffic to our listings come from search engines outside of eBay, or, social media and not directly from the shoppers already on the website.

The eBay Birthday Party ended with a cocktail party and toast to eBay and its sellers.

Several of us said our goodbyes over Irish cuisine and drinks at a local pub. Overall our feelings are hopeful. We love owning our small eCommerce businesses and were given this opportunity because of eBay.

Until next time my friends. As I sit here and look over the photos and giggling over the great memories my eBay family has given me. Yes, eBay, you are correct......WE ARE EBAY.

Shipping Claims We Deal with As Online Sellers

2015-08-26T08:49:00.003-05:00

Shipping orders by online sellers is probably the longest run discussion in the history of e-commerce. I know that when The Crabby Nook first started selling on eBay in 1999 we had discussions about shipping every few months...sometimes every week. Shipping has evolved as fast as online selling changes. Rates go up, methods change, tracking, insurance, signature confirmation...on and on and on.

When we sell on marketplaces like eBay and Amazon we agree to shipping orders in a timely manner so they are received by the buyer within a specific timeline. Both eBay and Amazon accept when you add a tracking number to show that an order has shipped and a scan of the tracking number while in transit to acknowledge that you, the seller, have actually shipped your package. However, not every package gets scanned in the delivery process unless you make arrangements to have your packages scanned. And, when we try to save our customers money by shipping the cheapest way possible, these choices are normally the slowest methods of shipping. This is a real dilemma for an online marketplace seller because both eBay and Amazon grade a seller's performance on shipping times and delivery, and, can downgrade the visibility of your products for sale on their websites if your packages consistently do not arrive within their specified time frames.

We offer Free Shipping on all of our orders. Everyone knows that shipping really is NOT free so we include the cheapest method of shipping in our price of the product. We then offer upgraded or faster methods of shipping to our customers as an option. Shipping is calculated by all carriers by rounding up to the next pound. So, if you have a package that weighs 1 pound 1 ounce, you will be charged for shipping a two pound package. We handle the difference in upgraded shipping options to our buyers, since they are paying for the slowest or cheapest method of shipping in the price of the item, by adjusting the shipping weight usually by one pound. USPS Priority prices always start at one pound. We have also found that if a customer purchases several items in one order, most of the time this allows us to upgrade to the faster shipping method because the customer has actually paid for the slower method several items. I say "most of the time" because we do sell heavy stone sculptures and sometimes the weight of the package prohibits upgrading to a faster shipping method across country. We ship boxes of rocks out regularly.

As sellers, we all deal with shipping issues. Some may be legitimate, some may be fraudulent. Here's The Crabby Nook's top tips on how to identify, deal with and prevent those problems.

PACKAGE NOT RECEIVED CLAIMS

We seem to get most complaints of packages not received when the order is shipped to an Apartment, Lot number, Suite or a street address that includes A, B, C, etc. It always seems to start with the least expensive item we sell in our store. In the past, eBay has accepted the tracking number as proof that the package was delivered and found the claim in our favor. However, Amazon does not always recognize the tracking number as valid proof that a package was delivered. We have lost several claims on Amazon when all we had was the tracking number as proof of delivery. This problem seems to have grown uncontrollably for online sellers. We have talked with Postal Inspectors at length on how to combat this growing trend of theft. What I want to share with you today is how we are proactively reducing the number of claims our company receives for "package not received."

Two years ago we had a buyer on Amazon that finally made us change the way we relied on delivery confirmation and was the final straw. We had had numerous claims that year on packages not received and after a while the losses start to add up especially for a small business. When you first look at it and it is just an in-expensive item, you are most likely just willing to ship out a replacement. No big deal...right? But we started to see a pattern.... least expensive item shipped to an Apartment building address, or Lot number or Suite number, etc...claims of package not received. We would usually add Signature Confirmation on packages over $100 but we know sellers who required Signature Confirmation on orders over $50. So, it made sense these buyers wanted to stay below this order limit and test at what point your company would require Signature Confirmation. Two months later this same customer purchased another item and again claimed package not received...they wanted us to send another one. This time I decided to contact the Post Master at the local post office for this address. The Post Master told me that the mail boxes at that location were locked boxes! And, it was a known problem residents there would claim that their packages were not delivered. However, since the tracking number showed they were delivered, USPS would not pay the insurance claims and the company shipping the packages were just out the money if they replaced the shipments to these "buyers". Since USPS was not out any money on these claims, they did nothing and let the practice continue.

We filed a complaint with the Postal Inspectors. We were told that really the claims were too small for them to take on a full blown investigation into this matter. The only way we could absolutely prove that our packages were delivered was to require a signature confirmation upon delivery and especially to apartment buildings, etc.

Since that incident, we started requiring a signature confirmation on all packages being delivered to an Apartment number, Lot number, Suite number, A, B, C, etc in the address. In the past year we have had zero claims of packages not received since implementing that policy. This is amazing! Especially since this type of theft is on the rise for e-commerce companies. I'm not saying that everyone who has their orders shipped to an apartment or lot number or suite number is filing a claim for packages not received. The majority of our customers are honest. It is the few bad apples who make it hard for the rest of us.

Signature Confirmation is incredibly expensive to add though and it makes you want to cry when you are mailing a $5 item. Right now it costs an additional $2.45 to add Signature Confirmation to a shipping label. We add $0.20 cents to each item price that we list to sell to cover this cost. Some weeks we have a lot of packages shipped to apartments, etc and some weeks we have very few...so it all works out in the end. It is too bad that our honest customers end up paying for the actions of thieves. I wish our shipping software would automatically add that cost to orders with an apartment number...I guess it just isn't sophisticated enough yet...my prediction is that the time will come you will be able to program it to do this.

On occasion we will get a "package not received" claim from a residential address. Here we request that they first ask the other members in their household if they brought the package in and to contact their local post office to see where the package was left. Most of the time now when you run the extended tracking information report through USPS it will say where the package was left, the date and the time. If they still cannot find it, we request that they file a stolen package report with their post office and their local police department. The crime of stealing packages off porches has increased the last few years and is a very real problem. Our responsibility as an e-commerce business is to make sure a customer's order is delivered...pretty big responsibility when you are in another part of the country. But, it is hard for a seller to take the responsibility of a customer's package being stolen from their porch.

Once the customer makes a police report, we normally contact the police department or post office to provide any information that the customer did not have. And, now we are able to file an insurance claim to show that the customer filed a police report of theft and the package was believed to be stolen. We will send a replacement order immediately upon receipt of a police report number.

ITEM ARRIVED DAMAGED

How many times have you received a complaint that an item arrived damaged but the customer refuses to send you a photograph of the damage or refuses to return the item and the customer just wants a refund? I can tell you if the customer goes directly through the marketplace customer service to make a complaint that the item arrived damaged instead of contacting you, the seller directly, it is most likely a fraud customer trying to get the item for free. This is only our opinion because this has been our experience.

When a customer reports to the marketplace about an item being damaged instead of contacting us directly, we used to request that they return the item to us. Please note! This back fired on us numerous times because most of the time, the customer will sufficiently destroy the item before returning it. We have found that if we request a photograph of the damage instead, the fraudster customer will usually say they don't have a camera, or don't know how to send a photograph in a claim. Some times they will get a bleeding heart customer service representative who feels sorry for them and your only option is to have them mail it back to you.

On occasion we get a customer who claims the item arrived damaged but they fixed it ... can we send them a partial refund? I don't know anyone in my circle of friends who would spend good money on any purchase and it arrived damaged that they would fix it before contacting the company to get a replacement. My friends don't want a damaged item in any form and would be adament about sending them a new one!

Our company policy is to request a photo of the damage....period. We are not going to send anyone a refund or a replacement without proof that the item is, in fact, damaged. We want photos of the box it arrived in and the packaging too. USPS only requires photographs of the damage to file an insurance claim. We will take the time to explain how to take a photograph with their phone and upload the photo to send to us if we have to. I personally don't want a broken item returned to me, but, if it was broken in transit and I have paid for insurance, I want the carrier to take responsibility for damaging my shipments. USPS usually won't pay if they claim it was broken when they received it and return it to us before sending us a photo of it while in their hands. USPS will say it could have been broken while being returned to us and of course the customer didn't buy additional insurance.

In conclusion, this is how our company has evolved in handling fraudulent shipping claims for items not received and items arriving damaged. How we have chosen to handle these types of claims may not work for every company but at this time it works for us. Our claims have dramatically decreased over the last year or so because we are following these policies. Need I say that we have less stress over shipping issues?

Developing Brand and Customer Loyalty

2015-08-15T13:07:00.003-05:00

I was introduced to eBay in 1999. eBay has had their ups and downs...but, if it wasn't for eBay, I would not be in e-commerce today. eBay pushed us in the early days to develop a business, have a website, and, focus on customer service. Because of eBay, my company is a brand, a niche, or, a recognized small business.

If you want to grow your business it is important to develop brand customer loyalty. In developing customer loyalty, you also develop a business branding. I want to share a few tips with you that I have learned over the years from eBay in developing your business into a brand. I have also taken several business and marketing classes over the years and have taken from those classes what I thought would work for me and applied that knowledge to my business.

Branding can target your name/personality, business name, logo, tagline, customer service, product or inventory line. Branding is what the room remembers after your marketing campaign has left the room. Branding is consistency and seeing the same "message" in many different areas. You need to decide what is important to your business in wanting to be known as a brand.

Over the years, I have gone many places and someone would come up to me and say something like, "You are The Crabby Nook? I love The Crabby Nook! I have bought from your store." When you start hearing this consistently, you know that your brand is working. But, you know that you have really made it when you purchase a car and sign on for the On Star service and the operator says, "The Crabby Nook? I buy from your store all the time!" HA HA!

1. It's all in the Name. I believe that branding starts in a name. I used to think that it was the logo but have learned over the years that the logo can change throughout time and still be recognized as your brand. This may not be true for everyone, but, I do think that you should start with your business name. What will stick in someone's brain when they leave that website and they have moved off to browse something else on the internet? However, a business name should be the same wherever you are doing business. So, if are selling on eBay, a website, or, another market venue you should use the same store name. The more times someone sees that name wherever they go and they have had a pleasant experience, the more likely they will start to remember that name.

I also believe that your social marketing efforts have better rewards when they are tied into your business name. If you blog, write articles, Reviews, etc. they should be written under your business name. They say that it usually takes reading a name at least five times before a person will start to remember it.

In the early years of starting The Crabby Nook, I was traveling to China and visiting small villages looking for art and sculptures to sell in my eBay store. In my travels I starting learning about Feng Shui and applying Asian art and symbols in clearing the path for business success. So, I started writing about what different symbols or art meant in the Asian culture. I had studied Asian Art since I was a child so this niche was a subject that I was familiar with. The Crabby Nook became known as a "Feng Shui" business. Many customers started following us because it was the "go to" place for Feng Shui and or collectible Asian Art. Even today, the articles I wrote in the early 2000's continue to draw visitors to my website everyday.

When I became ill and was no longer traveling to China on a regular basis and my inventory started to change, I had to make changes to my business brand. I sold my warehouse and this also changed the direction of my company. I worried that The Crabby Nook would drift out to sea and it would just symbolize another chapter in my life. I made the choice to continue marketing my business to my customers and hopefully convert them over to our new direction in product lines. We continued to offer good customer service, unique and quality products and started offering our own brand products. It is now 2015 and our company is a good example that a brand can change and continue to grow with change.

2 - Professional LOGO Graphic. Since we are putting our business name every where on the web that has free space, it is also very important to have some type of professional artwork that people associate with your company. These do and can change over the years...but, I am a firm believer that you should invest the money into getting your logo professionally done. You want to find a graphic designer who sees your vision. This is very hard to do. You will find many companies on the internet who are just turning out logos right and left...but when you take the time to start looking at their work, they all seem to look alike in many ways. Remember! You want your company to be unique!

Don't settle for just any logo. This logo is going to be where ever your business name goes. This logo is your brand.

Many people will remember a logo or picture first before they will remember a name. "Just Do It" wait...is that a logo or a tagline? But I bet you recognized it...

3 - Company Tagline. What do you want people to remember about your company? Customer service, product line, mission, expertise? "When you care to send the very best"

It is very important that you have a business tagline. Something that people will remember about your company. Only you can decided what it is that you want people to remember about your company. Our tagline has changed several times over the years. We do keep it very similar.

A tagline is very useful in your marketing campaigns. Be Consistent! You are going to use it over and over.

4 - Marketing. Marketing is essential to branding. Now that we have the business name, logo and tagline basics, we want to start marketing our company and our products. Not every marketing campaign is going to work for you. Marketing is trial and error....but, you are the only one who knows your customer. You know what they like, what they want, and what appeals to them. Not everyone understands marketing so don't rely on others opinions about your campaigns. The key is to just keep trying and keep marketing until you find that comfortable corner in what you are doing. I gear our marketing toward customer loyalty. I want those who have purchased from us before to purchase from us again. In essence, brand marketing is building customer loyalty.

I am not going to discuss marketing on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, etc. Those topics are all covered heavily in our groups. You should take into consideration how a marketing campaign will reflect on your company or how it represents your brand.

When a customer receives their order from you, what do they get to remind them about your company? A customized packing slip is the minimum they should get. A major part of your brand is your customer service. You want people to know that you have reliable customer service and to have a pleasant experience. Personally, we also include a postcard with a coupon code for a discount on a future order. Depending on order amount, we include a brochure or catalog of our products and articles we have written. And, a business card magnet. Magnets are great for developing customer loyalty because people place them on a file cabinet, a refrigerator to hold up photos, etc. At the end of the year, we give our best customers magnet calendars with our company info. It is amazing how many customers look forward to getting these calendars every year. The key here is to get your business name and or logo in front of your customers.

Ten days after a purchase, we send each customer an email asking them how their transaction went. We use an application offered in eBay stores and customize the message to reflect a professional business. We have received feedback from customers who mention the professional follow up our company provides.

Twice a month we send out email newsletters to our customers with the option that the recipient can opt out of getting future emails. We usually offer a special coupon for these customers who get this email and let them know the coupons are not open to everyone...just loyal customers hopefully to remind them how important they are to us. People love to be loyal to a company that appreciates them.

In the past, we have mailed out postcards and or catalogs to our customers every quarter advertising our specials, new products, etc. We found that in snail mail campaigns they are harder to get that customer over to their computer and type in a link. When we had a B&M store, these type of marketing campaigns were very effective. We still do postal campaigns periodically, but, we do not rely on them as we have in the past.

We write articles and blog about our products and or uses. The longer you have active links on the web with content increases your search engine ranking. I strongly recommend that you write articles, reviews, etc. As an example, in 2004, I took a class on the Chinese Zodiac. I ended up writing a series of articles about each Chinese Zodiac Symbol. Every year I write my predictions on how your Chinese Zodiac symbol will fare during the Chinese New Year. They are just fun predictions...but, I have a following every year who come back to my website to read this article.

The key to building your brand is consistency. Selling quality products. Offering good deals. Building customer loyalty. Having your business name everywhere you are. Start today by making a plan. Look at your business name, logo and tagline and start there. It is never too late.

Hand Painted Art Glass Entertainment Serving Ware at The Crabby Nook

2014-07-16T09:20:00.000-05:00

When you entertain, are you the kind of person who likes to find the perfect serving piece to complement your party theme? Do you want to show off your sophisticated taste? You are not alone!

When we used to entertain a lot I loved getting compliments on our serving platters or accent pieces. The hard part was finding a store that I could shop in to find just the right entertaining serving ware.

The Crabby Nook has started carrying a line of hand painted art glass that is food safe that functions as serving platters and also displays as great decorating accents. It is recommended that you Hand Wash this art glass only. Keep checking our website often to see the different designs we add to our line.

Our most popular line is the Peacock Feather Design shown above. We carry Coasters, Platters, Decorative Plates and Candle Holders. The magnificent jewel tone colors are classy and elegant to any table.

Tuscany Wine Country Grapes Design is our next most popular line. For the discriminating wine enthusiast this is the perfect entertaining table decor accent.

I personally don't like the cranberry colored round candles with the candle holder dish and would have selected another color to accent the beautiful glass.

We have started adding the Holly Berry Design line for your Winter Holiday entertaining. The 16" Oval Platter will be added next.

See you Shopping Soon!

Christmas in July Sale at The Crabby Nook

2014-06-29T22:10:00.000-05:00

Christmas in July SALE!

Click Here to Shop Now... All Ornaments and Winter Decor are now 20% OFF in our Winter Holiday Decor category... Discount will show at check-out

25% OFF OUTDOOR LIVING & FREE SHIPPING!

Hurry! Offer Expires 7/31/2014!

STATUARY

We have a great selection of Asian Zen Garden Statues. How peaceful to stroll thru your garden with beautiful plants and serene statuary.

25% OFF

Buy Now

WIND CHIMES

It is believed that Wind Chimes may bring you wealth and keep your home peaceful and safe by frightening away evil spirits.

25% OFF

Buy Now

FOUNTAINS

Selection is limited! We are almost sold out! Get your fountain now at a GREAT price before they are gone!

25% OFF

Buy Now

13% Discount on Holly Berry hand painted art glass design. Use Coupon Code #E756KK6V9

SPECIALS EVERY WEEK!

Everyone LOVES the spirit of the holidays. We have been buying Christmas decor for a special SALE! You are going to love the selection! Visit us every week in July to see our specials!

Winter Holiday Decor

Make a wish list

25% SPECIAL SUMMER CLEARANCE

NEW CLEARANCE ITEMS!

We added some new items for a Clearance SALE! Great opportunity to pick up some gift or decor items.

Check out the sale.

BUY NOW

Out of town? No problem! We ship anywhere!

Don't forget to use your Loyalty Customer Coupon Code RETURN10 for an additional discount!

See you Shopping Soon!

Asian Zen Garden with Kwan Yin Statuary Decorating Ideas at The Crabby Nook

2014-05-24T08:29:00.000-05:00

Found this suggestion on HGTV for Asian Garden Decor...

http://www.hgtv.com/designers-portfolio/room/asian/outdoors/13032/index.html#/id-11122/style-asian/room-outdoors

We recently made this design at The Crabby Nook...

This features our Kwan Yin bust garden statue handcrafted in fiber stone. Fiber stone is lightweight and more durable than concrete. We currently carry this statuary in three finishes: Pompeii, White Moss and Sandstone. It measures 14" Length x 13" Width x 22" Height.

See this Kwan Yin at:

http://www.thecrabbynook.com/kwan-yin-bust-garden-statuary-yard-art-statue/

See you Shopping Soon!

Memorial Day Weekend SALE! at The Crabby Nook

2014-05-23T10:15:00.000-05:00



	Everything in our Store is on SALE! We rarely have sale this BIG! Everything is marked down 15%! Plus FREE Shipping! No coupon code is needed. Just browse, shop and check-out! Hurry! SALE ends on May 28th Shop Now... See you Shopping Soon!

Peacock Feather Art Glass Decor Ideas (+playlist)

2014-05-19T19:18:00.001-05:00

New Arrivals! Bath & Beauty, African Decor and For the Birds at The Crabby Nook

2014-05-05T10:35:00.000-05:00

Bath & Beauty, African Decor and For the Birds

Garden Buddha Statue
This is a great garden Buddha statue! Made of fiber stone which is more durable than cement.

Click Here to Shop all of our Garden Statuary

Nautical Theme Decor

Click Here to Shop Nautical Decor

Click Here to shop for Tarocco Bath & Beauty Products!	Tarocco, meaning "Beautiful" in Sicilian dialect, is also known as "blood orange" and "red orange". This fruit, rich in antioxidants, will leave your skin soft, replenished and toned.
New Arrivals! You will love the selection ofAfrican Theme Decor	Click Here to Shop African Decor
Click Here to Shop for Bird Seed	Reduce the mess while feeding your birds! Made with Gelatin! We have the birds favorite flavors! Keep them coming back again and again. Fits the large Suet style basket. Shop Mr Bird Seed

Summer Fun at The Crabby Nook

2014-03-17T13:59:00.000-05:00

Gifts of LOVE can be Found Here at The Crabby Nook

2014-02-02T09:51:00.000-06:00

All Trinket Boxes, Decorative Boxes & Keepsake Boxes on SALE!

Everyone loves our decorative keepsake boxes! Perfect to give as a gift or to use as a gift box! Girls of all ages love getting a small gift inside a trinket box.

Use Coupon Code 15LOVE at check-out and you will receive 15% OFF your purchase of any Trinket Box, Decorative Box and Keepsake Box! All orders have FREE Shipping!

Coupon expires 2/17/2014.

Shop for Trinket Boxes now...

Dreaming of Spring? Time to get Ready! Part 1 of 3 at The Crabby Nook

2014-01-30T13:18:00.000-06:00

This has been the craziest winter weather ever! Do you agree? I am so done with winter. Here is my plan....

1 - I am going to start planning how to attract more birds to my bird garden;
2 - I am planning to build a new pathway to my patio with solar lighting;
3 - I want a new small fountain on my deck that will emit the sounds of a small waterfall to listen to; and,
4 - I want to re-decorate or design my patio, pathways and gardens.

I can tell you right now that people are looking forward to spring. We just started stocking our Spring inventory and we have already had to re-order. Some things are getting harder and harder to get. So the time to get your outdoor living space ready for warmer weather is now.

Attracting More Birds to Your Bird Garden

First, you want to make sure that you have protection for the birds coming to visit you from other predator birds and animals. These include:

Lower trees,
Bushes,
Rock Walls, and,
Covered sitting areas.

Next, one of the most important elements to attracting birds to your garden is seed and bird feeders. The better quality of your seed, the more colorful birds you will attract. It is very important that you feed all year long and keep the feeders full so the birds will come to expect to find seed when they get there. You need to check it everyday. It is especially important to do this in bad weather when it is difficult for them to find food.

We keep several different types of feeders that will accommodate different sizes of birds. We are currently out of the bird feeders on a pole that you can secure in the ground. But, most hardware stores and chain stores carry a variety to choose from. These will last several years. We think it is worth it to invest in a better quality pole and house that will hold up to the weather elements for many years.

One of our newest bird feeders this year will add color and happiness to your yard. Just looking at the bright color brings a smile to your face.

Eco Egg Shaped Bamboo Bird Feeders are Natural Moisture Resistant

These are the coolest bird feeders I have seen in a while!

Made out of bamboo, natural binding agents and vegetable dyes. 100% biodegradeable: 4-5 years of use.

Galvanized hanging cable and galvanized screen at the bottom allow easy draining.

The dome is multi-funtional:
Squirrel deterrent
Protects the seeds from the elements, and
Deters undesirable birds by minimizing the landing height.

The diameter of the tray is 2" deep and will accommodate a virtually endless variety of bird foods.

Shop Now...

We also have some new metal hanging hooks for your feeders and birdhouses:

2 Painted Metal S Hooks for Plant Holders Birdhouses Feeders

MEASUREMENTS: Approx 3" Width x 8" Length.

Shop Now...

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Another area I really like to have bird feeders is hanging on my deck. My office looks outside to our patio which is located under the deck. I have a lot of birds visit this area because it provides them with protection. I thoroughly enjoy watching all the colorful birds resting outside my window.

I know that many of us have tried the suet type bird seed for small areas or a patio to reduce the mess. What we have found was that the seed cakes were dry and hard and when the birds started eating off of it, the seeds would fall on the patio. We think we have found a solution to reduce the mess!

We are now offering gelatin and collagen based gourmet bird seed cakes! They are stuffed with fruits, seeds and nuts that all of the colorful and songbirds are highly attracted to!

These can be placed inside a large suet type basket feeder. We are out of the Nuts and Bugs cake at this time but they should be here next week! We will keep you posted when these are back in stock! All of these cakes measure 6.25" Length x 2" Width x 7.25" Height.

XL NeatFeeder Wire Suet n Cake Basket Bird Feeder

Shop Now...

Woodpecker Feast Large Block 28 oz

Contains the nuts and fruit that your woodpeckers love!
Includes Pecans, peanuts, raisins, Black Oil Sunflower and Gelatin.
For suet style feeders. Fits the XL NeatFeeder.

Shop Now...

NutCake XL Large Block 28 oz Bird Feed

Loved by Cardinals, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Wrens, Finches, Titmice, Woodpeckers, Warblers and MORE!
Includes Pecans, Black Oil Sunflower, Sunflower Hearts, White Millet, Collagen and Gelatin.
For suet style feeders. Fits the XL NeatFeeder.

Shop Now...

_____________________________________________________________________

Another HUGE attractor of birds to your garden is WATER! Birds are especially attracted to moving water. We recommend that you add a dripper or small fountain to your bird baths. You will be amazed how many birds will be attracted to your bird baths with moving water. When you have a bird bath with higher sides or made or a slick material, we recommend that you place a river rock on the bottom to give the birds a place to stand closer to the water.

Please remember your birds are desperately seeking water during the hot summer months and the freezing cold weather. Birds will guarantee to return again and again to your bird haven if they know they will always find water.

We are currently waiting on two additional birds baths to arrive and will keep you posted when they do.

A bird bath that we are offering this year and really excited about is one that attaches to your deck railing. How easy is this to walk out your patio door onto your deck and fill up a bird bath? Think of the joys of bird watching from the comfort of your home!

Copper Deck Rail Mounting Bracket Bird Bath Bronze Finish

Does not tilt.
We recommend a decorative river rock in the bottom for birds to perch on.

MEASUREMENTS: 14.5 x 6 x 14.5 inches

Shop Now...

Okay now that we have successfully made you start thinking about your Spring Outdoor Living plans, we are going to stop here and go add more spring products for you in our store. In our next blog we will talk about Solar path lighting and deck Fountains.

See you Shopping Soon...

15% OFF all Buddhas at The Crabby Nook

2014-01-18T08:31:00.000-06:00

See you Shopping Soon!

2014 Year of the Horse at The Crabby Nook

2014-01-14T08:30:00.000-06:00

2014 Chinese New Year - Horse

January 31, 2014 to February 18, 2015

Read Our Predictions Here How will your sign fare?

The coming 2014 year of the Horse will be a good and prosperous year for the Horse. Recognition or promotion brings him satisfaction and happiness. If the Horse can become financially independent, his money situation will become better and better. Horses are naturally lucky when it comes to money resources and career. All that is needed is for him to do is manage some aspects in his financial life. Plans are realized without much effort and he will be lucky playing his hunches.

2014 Year of the Horse

It will bring you luck to display a Horse in 2014. We have several horse sculptures to choose from and a small Jade Horse on a red string pull to carry in your pocket or purse.

Shop for HORSES here...

See you Shopping Soon!

The Fabulous Phoenix Symbol for Prosperous Luck

2014-01-01T11:34:00.002-06:00

Display the

Phoenix for Luck

The Phoenix is the goddess of all the winged creatures. Phoenix displayed by itself without the dragon gives "yang" energy. This heavenly bird will harvest opportunity luck, success and prosperity.

The Phoenix surprises people by turning bad luck into good luck. It would mysteriously carve out path of opportunities to your business, work, career or all other pursuits of your life.

Since it is associated to the south corner, its presence brings you fame and popularity. It will bring out the excellent side of the female. It can even remove quarrelsome energy of a kindling relationship with the fiery energy of the Phoenix.

The perfect item as well for the single female or bachelor looking to find true love.

The Phoenix shown here:

Carved from one solid piece of jade. Light green with some spots dark green. All natural color.
MEASUREMENTS: 32" Height x 18" Length x 5 Width (without the base).

Shop Now...

Rose Quartz Phoenix Sculpture

MEASUREMENTS: 7" Height x 6.5" Length x 4" Width.

Shop Now...

Rose Quartz Phoenix Sculpture

MEASUREMENTS: 7.5" Height x 8" Length x 3" Width.

Shop Now...

Read our article on The Dragon and Phoenix displayed together as the ultimate power couple!

See you Shopping Soon!

Last Minute Gift Ideas from The Crabby Nook

2013-12-17T07:37:00.001-06:00

Keepsake Boxes | Candle Holders | Birds | Elephants

Last Minute Gift Ideas

from TheCrabbyNook.com

Offered Exclusively from The Crabby Nook

Bread Basket with Lotus Design Warming Tile

Handwoven kaisa grass bread basket with palm wrap and terracotta warming tile.

10% Off - FREE Shipping!

Shop Now...

Perfect Gift for someone in your office!

Etched Crystal World Globe

Stand can be engraved to present as gift or prize.

19% Off - FREE Shipping!

Shop Now...

Nautical Decor and Accent Pieces

24K Gold Plated Crab Night Light

Accented with Spectra Crystals by Swarovski

10% Off - FREE Shipping!

Shop Now...

Gift Giveaway! RePin to Win! Etched Crystal Globe!

2013-11-29T11:43:00.001-06:00

Repin to Win 1 of 5 Etched Crystal World Globe.Go to http://www.pinterest.com/pin/205617539207361848/ REPIN & comment!LIKE this post! SHARE! Pin! Pin! Pin!

Happy Thanksgiving from The Crabby Nook

2013-11-27T22:45:00.001-06:00

I am such a Holiday sap! I am sitting here watching Christmas Movies on the Hallmark Channel while my grandchildren are making a list what they want their Nana and Papa to get them. This is the first year that all of our family will get to be together for Thanksgiving in a long time and I want to share my happiness with you!

Spend $25 in our store and we will take $5 OFF your order! Use Coupon Code Holiday5 at check-out and get $5 OFF a minimum $25 order. Hurry! Deals like this don't last forever! Expires 12/20/2013.

Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas

Have you checked out our wonder Capiz Shell Trinket Boxes? They make a wonderful gift box or party favor. I don't know any young girl that does not like getting a small gift in a trinket box. They also make a great little box to keep on a desk for small items.

The capiz shell is dried and hand carved and then dyed into these beautiful colors.

Stocking Stuffers...

Bookmarks

How about these whimsical leather bookmarks hand crafted and hand painted in Kenya?

Stocking Stuffers...

Shop Now...

Christmas Decor

We have a great selection of glass hand painted sun catchers and tea light candle holders. And, don't forget to shop our capiz shell sun catcher ornaments and lotus candle holders.

Shop Now...

Thank you for being a loyal The Crabby Nook customer and supporting our small business! Wishing you a wonderful and safe Holiday Season! See you shopping soon!

Our Bread Basket Received a Product Review from Rosie's Boomer Blog

2013-11-10T22:28:00.000-06:00

http://rosiesboomerreview.com/2013/11/ever-think-about-warming-your-buns-with-a-terracotta-warming-tilebread-warmer/

Ever Think About Warming Your Buns With a Terracotta Warming Tile Bread Warmer?

Category: All Things Boomer, boomer entertainment, cookingWhen I was young, only yesterday, I never thought about using a bread warmer. You know , something to keep my bread always ready to melt the butter regardless of how long we sat at the table. I always put it back in the oven or nano seconds in the microwave and hoped it would not get hard.

Today I opened a package that had my new cooking toy. It is a Bread Warmer on a Terracotta warming tile. Terracotta, Terra cotta or Terra-cotta (Italian: “baked earth”, is from the Latin terra cocta) is a clay-based unglazed ceramic. Without getting super technical I found out that Terracotta holds heat a long time so my buns on top of a terracotta stone will keep them toasty and tasty for a long time.

Now I plan to do more gluten free cooking for myself and wonderful traditional rolls for hubby and guests. So I am looking forward to using this beautiful basket on my dinner table from the folks at Crabby Nook.

This is a great gift for yourself or anyone who loves to put pretty things on their table plus smiles on the faces of everyone at the table. You put this stone in the oven then place it in the round basket under that decorative towel that will hold your buns. So click this link if you want to order a beautiful Bread Warmer for your buns. Enjoy!

Tags: baby boomer, bread warmers, cooking, crabby nook

- See more at: http://rosiesboomerreview.com/2013/11/ever-think-about-warming-your-buns-with-a-terracotta-warming-tilebread-warmer/#sthash.HAvHW1rU.dpuf

Jump Start your Holiday Shopping at The Crabby Nook

2013-11-05T00:03:00.000-06:00

Jump Start your Holiday Shopping

Nativity Figurine Set 11 Piece Holiday Decoration

11 piece Nativity Set.
Made of designer polyresin.

MEASUREMENTS: Tallest figure is 5" Height.

Shop Now...

Bread Basket 11" with Lotus Terracotta Warming Tile

Shop Now... Offer expires 11/17/2013

Lotus Candle Holder Owl Holiday Decor

See you Shopping Soon!

Seller Wholesale Deals Auction Wednesday, October 16th, 8 PM CDT

2013-10-13T13:42:00.000-05:00

https://www.outbid.com/auctions/45704

Online Auction!

We're a friendly group of long-time, trusted online merchants that take pride in providing

outstanding customer service. We are offering unique and quality merchandise in

wholesale lots for the e-tailer or retailer!

Gifts - Decor - Accessories - Beauty - Crafts - Jewelry Making and more!

All first time buyers receive a $10 rebate on their first winning bid of $10 or more from

Outbid! Please RSVP and choose to receive a text or e-mail reminder about an hour or so

before the auction begins. We'll see you at the Seller Wholesale Deals auction!

RSVP Now so you will receive a reminder!

Please join my 'Seller Wholesale Deals Auction' auction on October 16, 2013 @ 8:00 PM CDT!

Seller Wholesale Deals Auction

Feng Shui Wealth Symbols at The Crabby Nook

2013-10-03T22:49:00.000-05:00

Figure your GUA Number

Understanding Bagua

FENG SHUI WEALTH CURES

DRAGON & PHOENIX

USING CRYSTALS IN FENG SHUI

HOME OFFICE FENG SHUI TIPS

IT WILL BRING YOU LUCK TO DISPLAY YOUR CHINESE ZODIAC

2013 YEAR OF THE SNAKE

Dragons enhance fame and career prospects and should be placed near a door or window in order to guard your wealth and health.

Shop Now...

Feng Shui Wealth Symbols

Did you know that we have several articles on our website that tell you what symbols you should be displaying to help bring you Wealth and Prosperity?

When we say to "display," it does not necessarily mean that it needs to be seen by others. All it means is that you must recognize and acknowledge that the symbol is there and why you placed it there when you walk by.

First, I would recommend that you figure your GUA number and which direction in each room according to the BAGUA Map are the strongest for you to display different types of symbols.

Link to Feng Shui Tips & More

Hands Up Hotei Buddha of Rich Rewards -

The Buddha of Rich rewards stands holding a Gold Ingot in the air with both hands. Known to encourage great wealth into your home. The bigger the ingot, the larger the rewards. This is a symbol of rich rewards coming your way.

Welcome Wealth into your Home and Office with Feng Shui Symbols

Money Frog

This auspicious creature named Chachu will attract plenty of wealth into your home. The three-legged Frog with a coin in its mouth attracts good fortune into your home.

Place the frog in any of the corners diagonally opposite your front door for best effect. At the very least, you should have one frog facing out to collect the money to bring the money into your home and one facing in to keep the money from going out.

Shop Now...

Elephants

Will bring luck and good fortune to any home or office.

As you can see, elephants will fit into any decor. The elephant shown here is a perfect match for the Bohemian decor. Just make sure when you place your elephant to represent your Feng Shui aspiration, that you say the reason you are placing your elephant in that place.

Shop Now...

Horse

The Chinese horse symbolizes success, loyalty, courage, forward momentum and endurance.

It is also said the horse can bring about cures for your business and foster a good reputation. In Feng Shui, the horse, walking or running, re-focus' one's energy onto the path of success or fame. However, it can also bring excessive yang energy, due to it's association with the element of fire, so be sure to balance it with a yin energy symbol.

Don't forget that next year is the Chinese New Year of the Horse. We will release our predictions for the Year of the Horse soon!

Shop Now...

Online LIVE Auction on Tuesday night, October 1 from 9 PM to 10 PM EDT

2013-09-29T20:26:00.000-05:00

You're invited to a live online auction!

Tuesday night, October 1

from 9:00 - 10:00 pm EDT

on www.outbid.com

• We're moving our legendary Oshun Spirit Online Auctions to a super-fun, new venue that you will love!

• ALL first time users with a winning bid of $10+ will receive an instant rebate of $10 from Outbid

Come hang out, chat and laugh with friends, and bid to win some great deals on all of your Oshun Spirit favorites PLUS handcrafted jewelry, unique home decor, vintage and collectibles, and more!

We're a friendly group of long-time, trusted online merchants that take pride in providing outstanding customer service and unique, quality merchandise. We think you'll have a great time on our new venue...

...and you'll get $10 to spend just for trying it out! We'll see you at the auction!

Please RSVP now to save your spot and to receive a reminder when the auction is about to begin! https://www.outbid.com/auctions/43436-good-vibes-marketplace

Click to watch a short video and discover why Outbid is so much fun!

Are you Ready for Fall?

2013-09-18T23:56:00.000-05:00

Color of the Month Lotus Candle Holders!

Every month we will be running a color special that matches the trending seasonal decorating schemes for two capiz shell Lotus Candle Holders at a discount price! This month, we are featuring two Citrine Yellow flat candle holders. Perfect for parties and your home decor. Be sure to use your loyal customer discount code RETURN10 at check-out to get an additional 10% OFF! Next month we will feature the Amber Orange Lotus Candle Holders that blend perfectly with our Citrine Yellow. We LOVE Fall decorating!

Shop for Color of the Month Now...

Send us a product review and/or photos of your purchases and we will post them on our Facebook page!

Metal Jeweled Autumn Harvest Owl Fall Home Decor

Our whimsical Owl is the perfect seasonal door hanger, table centerpiece, or, mantel home decorating accent.

Shop Now...

Handwoven Bread Roll Basket with Lotus Warming Tile

Buddhas at The Crabby Nook

2013-09-08T20:50:00.000-05:00

Buddhas

BUDDHA of RICH REWARDS, or, HANDS UP BUDDHA:

The Buddha of Rich rewards stands holding a Gold Ingot in the air with both hands. Known to encourage great wealth into your home. The bigger the ingot, the larger the rewards. This is a symbol of rich rewards coming your way.

Stand him in your personal wealth sector of your home facing in, so that he is bringing in the wealth and not taking it out.

To receive the full benefit from this splendid Budha, rub his tummy each day and make a wish for yourself and your family.

Always place Buddhas in a High position.

Shop for Buddhas in our Store!

LAUGHING BUDDHA

The Laughing Buddha is well known symbol of happiness, wealth, kindness and innocent contented joy. It is believed that by rubbing his tummy each day, which is said to contain much wealth, will bring Good Luck and Prosperity.

Buddhas should never be placed on the floor as this is a sign of disrespect. All About Feng Shui recommends that you place your Buddha at least 4' from the floor in an elevated position. Treat him with respect and he will reward you handsomely.

Best direction for him to be placed is our personal wealth direction. Place a figurine of a laughing Buddha in your living room and garden.

The Buddha is the most revered deity in the East. Choose an image of him laughing to attract happiness to your home.

Shop for Buddhas in our Store!

See you Shopping Soon!

e-Commerce Tips and Suggestions for your Online Business

I Was Here ----> eBay's 20th Birthday Celebration

Shipping Claims We Deal with As Online Sellers

Developing Brand and Customer Loyalty

Hand Painted Art Glass Entertainment Serving Ware at The Crabby Nook

Christmas in July Sale at The Crabby Nook

Asian Zen Garden with Kwan Yin Statuary Decorating Ideas at The Crabby Nook

Memorial Day Weekend SALE! at The Crabby Nook

Everything in our Store is on SALE!

Peacock Feather Art Glass Decor Ideas (+playlist)

New Arrivals! Bath & Beauty, African Decor and For the Birds at The Crabby Nook

Garden Buddha Statue This is a great garden Buddha statue! Made of fiber stone which is more durable than cement. Click Here to Shop all of our Garden Statuary

Summer Fun at The Crabby Nook

Gifts of LOVE can be Found Here at The Crabby Nook

All Trinket Boxes, Decorative Boxes & Keepsake Boxes on SALE!

Dreaming of Spring? Time to get Ready! Part 1 of 3 at The Crabby Nook

Attracting More Birds to Your Bird Garden

15% OFF all Buddhas at The Crabby Nook

2014 Year of the Horse at The Crabby Nook

Read Our Predictions Here How will your sign fare?

See you Shopping Soon!

The Fabulous Phoenix Symbol for Prosperous Luck

Display the

Phoenix for Luck

Rose Quartz Phoenix Sculpture

Rose Quartz Phoenix Sculpture

Last Minute Gift Ideas from The Crabby Nook

Gift Giveaway! RePin to Win! Etched Crystal Globe!

Repin to Win 1 of 5 Etched Crystal World Globe.Go to http://www.pinterest.com/pin/205617539207361848/ REPIN & comment!LIKE this post! SHARE! Pin! Pin! Pin!

Repin to Win 1 of 5 Etched Crystal World Globe.Go to http://www.pinterest.com/pin/205617539207361848/ REPIN & comment!LIKE this post! SHARE! Pin! Pin! Pin!

Happy Thanksgiving from The Crabby Nook

Bookmarks

Our Bread Basket Received a Product Review from Rosie's Boomer Blog

Ever Think About Warming Your Buns With a Terracotta Warming Tile Bread Warmer?

Now I plan to do more gluten free cooking for myself and wonderful traditional rolls for hubby and guests. So I am looking forward to using this beautiful basket on my dinner table from the folks at Crabby Nook.

Jump Start your Holiday Shopping at The Crabby Nook

Nativity Figurine Set 11 Piece Holiday Decoration

Bread Basket 11" with Lotus Terracotta Warming Tile Shop Now... Offer expires 11/17/2013

Seller Wholesale Deals Auction Wednesday, October 16th, 8 PM CDT

Feng Shui Wealth Symbols at The Crabby Nook

Feng Shui Wealth Symbols

Money Frog

Elephants

Horse

Online LIVE Auction on Tuesday night, October 1 from 9 PM to 10 PM EDT

You're invited to a live online auction!

Tuesday night, October 1from 9:00 - 10:00 pm EDTon www.outbid.com

• We're moving our legendary Oshun Spirit Online Auctions to a super-fun, new venue that you will love!• ALL first time users with a winning bid of $10+ will receive an instant rebate of $10 from Outbid

Are you Ready for Fall?

Color of the Month Lotus Candle Holders!

New Buddhas!

Buddhas at The Crabby Nook

Garden Buddha Statue
This is a great garden Buddha statue! Made of fiber stone which is more durable than cement.

Click Here to Shop all of our Garden Statuary

Bread Basket 11" with Lotus Terracotta Warming Tile

Shop Now... Offer expires 11/17/2013

Tuesday night, October 1

from 9:00 - 10:00 pm EDT

on www.outbid.com

• We're moving our legendary Oshun Spirit Online Auctions to a super-fun, new venue that you will love!

• ALL first time users with a winning bid of $10+ will receive an instant rebate of $10 from Outbid