Terms and Conditions:

• Everyone who buys anything in the bidorbuy Men’s Watches category until 14 June 2013 and pays with Discovery Miles is automatically entered into the competition.
• The winner wins the value of his or his purchase back in the form of bobBucks, up to the amount of R5000.
• bobBucks can only be spent on www.bidorbuy.co.za and are not exchangeable for cash.
• One purchase in the Men’s Watches category with Discovery Miles equals one entry.
• Non-completion of a purchase disqualifies the entry in question.
• The winner will be chosen by a random draw and declared on 23rd May 2013.
• The bidorbuy general competition rules and T & Cs apply.

The more times you buy from the Men’s Watches category and pay with your Discovery Miles, the more chances you have of winning yourpurchase back; the more you spend, the more you can win (up to R5000).

So, go ahead, shop now and spoil your Dad with a gift from the bidorbuy Men’s Watches category.

Good luck in the bidorbuy and Discovery Miles Father’s Day 2013 competition!

This year, Father’s Day is celebrated on Sunday 16 June.

Pre-winter shopping trends on bidorbuy show that gas and solar powered devices are gaining in popularity

Aren’t you happy that electricity prices will be going up by about 8% a year over the next five years? You should be, because that’s half of what Eskom had asked for.

The above feeble attempt at consolation notwithstanding, the painful truth is that the electricity price increases are placing an immense pressure on South Africans.

How are consumers responding?

On bidorbuy, they seem to be turning to devices that use alternative sources of energy.

Recently, the sales of gas-powered household appliances, like stoves and even fridges, have overtaken the sale of similar items that run on electricity. In the past, people found gas expensive because electricity was cheap. Now that electricity prices are on the rise, shoppers seem to be re-considering their options.

During the past few weeks, shoppers on bidorbuy bought 10 gas stoves and only one electrical stove, plus 11 gas hobs and only one electrical.

Surprisingly, on bidorbuy, the sales of electrical heaters are still ahead of their gas counterparts, even though electrical heaters are one of the biggest electricity guzzlers. This could be due to the fact that gas heaters are as a rule much bigger and more cumbersome than many of the electrical heaters.

Together with an increase in popularity of the gas-powered appliances, anything with the attribute solar seem to be attracting attention of the buyers on bidorbuy.

True, powerful solar panels, for example those that are capable of keeping the water inside a geyser hot, are still too expensive and too big. However, people are buying smaller solar panels, which can be used to power lights, small TVs, electric fans, laptops, stereos, or to charge cell phone batteries.

So, not all is bleak. It could even be argued that expensive electricity is making green shoppers out of us all… Yes, you’ve guessed right, this is just another feeble attempt at consolation…

The six blogs are designed to provide commentary, how-tos, tips and reviews on an array of human activities, roughly associated with the majority of categories featured on bidorbuy.

The six recently inaugurated thematic, or genre bidorbuy blogs are:

• Alison Loves focuses on fashion, style, jewellery, watches, health and beauty.
• Chill Room features books, movies, TV shows, music, art and crafts.
• Digital Byte is devoted to techie stuff: cell phones, computers, electronics, gaming and cameras.
• Get Moving aims to cover motoring, sport, travel and entertainment.
• Living Zone is about your home, garden, family and business.
• Rare Finds is for everyone who is into antiques, collectibles like coins, stamps, gems, and so on, as well as hobbies.

We expect that many of you will grace one or two of the above with your patronage, depending on your interests. However, we hope that, from time to time, you’ll give some attention to others too. All seven bidorbuy blogs (the official one plus six thematic blogs) are interlinked and you can easily surf among them to read or comment on a subject that happens to catch your attention.

Also, remember that you can get updates into your inbox by subscribing to the bidorbuy newsletters.

The thing is, a well-defined shipping policy is of utmost importance for smooth functioning of the bidorbuy trading platform and for your success as a seller on it.

You may sell regularly on bidorbuy. You may sell only for time to time. You may even plan to sell something once-off. In any case, you need to define your delivery method and shipping fees as you list an item for sale, because:

• Your buyers are more likely to complete an order if they know what you charge for shipping;
• You will have less pre-sale queries to reply to;
• You will have less post-sale issues to deal with.

New sellers or sellers who did not take care to set up their shipping fees in the past will be served this little box as they list something for sale:

Do not ignore it.

If you are an occasional or once-off seller, simply click on the Shipping quick create link and follow the prompts. In just a few shot and quick steps, you’ll have the shipping charges section sorted out.

Regular sellers are advised to go the full length. Start by setting up shipping methods (e.g. Post Office, courier, economy, express). Then set up shipping products classes (based on the type / weight / size of the products you sell) for each of the shipping methods. To make things easy for you, we have put together this how-to with video tutorial.

(Yes, it is hard work, but once you’re done you’ll be glad you did it.)

Whether you opt for “quick shipping” or for the whole package, you can trust the bidorbuy system to remember your setting for the next time you need them. Of course, you’ll be able to edit and change the details at any time.

It goes without saying that you need to do your homework beforehand. You must know what you intend to charge for shipping before you start creating a listing, so it’s a good idea to get a few quotes from a courier and to peruse the Post Office tariffs.

Also, do remember never to overcharge on shipping! Adding a little for packaging and handling is fine, but it is definitely not acceptable to try to make a profit on shipping fees. That is against the bidorbuy policy and is unfair (and extremely annoying) to the buyers.

This year, the TCI’s Online Retailing Conference will feature bidorbuy.co.za, one of the top companies in the South African online retail sector.  Jaco Jonker, CEO of bidorbuy, will be addressing the key trends and developments, influence and competitive positioning within the retail industry in South Africa. Jaco joined bidorbuy in 2008 as the Group CFO and within two years he took over the role of CEO. Jaco is on the board of bidrorbuy.co.za where he performs most of his current duties.

As a renowned industry expert, Jonker has the privilege of opening on day one of the Conference.

Following on the successes of the previous four Online Retailing Conferences, Trade Conferences International brings to retailing professionals a follow up event in 2013, the 5th Online Retailing Conference, with an all new programme and updated topics.

The Conference will host top executives, industry experts and will give delegates a chance to network and gain insight into the minds of these highly accredited speakers.

The Conference will be taking place on the 19-20 June 2013 at the Emperors Palace. To find out more regarding registration contact Sian Wirth on 011 803 0009 or email sian@tci-sa.co.za or visit TCI website www.tci-sa.co.za  to download the brochure.

Insights into the SA online retail from the TCI’s brochure:

Secure online payment methods, accessibility of internet connectivity, technological advancements, competitive prices, and the ever increasing need for convenience in today’s fast paced life-style are just some of factors contributing to the development of the online retailing industry in South Africa.

Although the South African online retailing industry has reached major milestones in terms of the industry’s initial development, there is still a long way to go until we see significant increases in adoption and usage rates of online retailing. According to Euromonitor International, a researcher for consumer markets, South Africa online retail sales only amount to 0.9% of total retail sales in comparison to other countries like Brazil at 11%, China at 10.7% and Russia at 4.2%.

Considerable headway in the online retailing industry will still take time. There are many aspects that hinder the development of the industry. In order for online retailing to gain momentum basic requirements would need to be put in place, such as higher internet penetration rate, increased credit-card usage, faster and more affordable internet connectivity and also improved delivery services infrastructure.

Whilst most of us take a reliable and steady supply of electricity for granted, we are now reaching the dreaded time of the year where the national energy provider, Eskom, has a different set of plans. The plans Eskom has are unfortunately all too familiar; to decrease and stabilize the national demand for electricity by means of rolling blackouts operating on a schedule throughout the country, otherwise known as load shedding.

South Africa may face power shortages again this winter

In a press conference earlier this week the Eskom CEO announced that Eskom predicts a 2,000 MW (Megawatts) daily shortfall in electricity supply for the entire winter of 2013, and has admitted that load shedding may be “unavoidable”. For the sake of context, 2,000 MW works out to more than the total production capacity of Koeberg, South Africa’s nuclear power plant or roughly a quarter of a million South African homes – and that is a conservative estimate. With this in mind, it is highly likely that some form of load shedding or another will take place in the coming winter months. Whether it be the scheduled rolling blackouts South Africans were introduced to in 2008 or more random, unforeseen outages.

The technologically inclined reader will be wondering what you can do to minimise the disruption to your daily schedule, besides reverting to candles, heaters and fires for light and warmth. There are ways to safeguard your home’s, if not at least a few of your devices, power supply during load shedding.

First and foremost of these is to be able to generate your own electricity with a petrol or diesel powered generator.

Alternatively one can make use of your own stored electricity, even if it’s only enough to power a small area of your home. This is done by means of a battery bank, which can either be charged via a solar panel, wind turbine or can be charged from the mains when the electrical supply returns.

Houses can use solar and wind power to charge batteries for use during power outages.

If you plan on using a backup source of power, the chances are that you will need to get yourself an electronic box called an inverter. An inverter is an essential component to any electrical back-up, whether it be a solar installation, wind farm, or battery bank – they all need an inverter to change the type of electricity from DC to AC before sending it on to power one of your devices. One must be careful before buying an inverter as not all inverters are created equal. Some high-output models can successfully provide enough power to light up your entire house, however, this would require an unfeasible number of batteries, solar panels or wind turbines for the average individual to be able to afford. A much more affordable solution would be to power a specific area of your home using an extension cable or small multi-plug, such as the TV room, lounge or study.

The type of inverter best suited to coping with load shedding is known as a stand-alone inverter.  Stand-alone inverters, as the name suggests, are not connected to the mains electricity, rather these inverters draw their electricity from batteries that have been charged either by photovoltaic solar panels, or by small wind turbines. Once the mains power has been restored, the solar panels or wind turbine then recharge the batteries, in preparation for the next outage.

A small standalone inverter attached to a bank of two or three 12v batteries should be able to run a medium sized LED

These are the components needed to make a solar inverter

TV, and a Set Top Box for DSTV, MNet or TopTV for around 3 hours, roughly as long as each bout of load shedding. The same inverter could also be used to power a laptop computer (Desktops are much less energy efficient) for an a fair amount of time, roughly 4 hours before the inverters battery runs out of charge and the laptop’s own battery takes over, provided the laptop is set to the most energy efficient setting. Using an Ultrabook will also improve the amount of time the battery bank can provide power due to the improved energy efficiency offered by Ultrabooks.

Inverters can also be used to power lights, heaters, garage and gate motors or you home security system. It however important to note that incandescent light bulbs are extremely wasteful in terms of the amount of electricity used to produce light, with a huge amount of energy being wasted in the form of heat. It is recommended that all individuals and businesses (regardless of whether they are in South Africa or not) change all the light bulbs in their home or workplace to Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). CFLs  dramatically decrease one’s energy consumption and last a far longer than their outdated incandescent counterparts.

If South Africans work together and everybody contributed by doing their part as envisioned by Eskom’s 49M initiative load shedding can be avoided if not somewhat minimized, but only if the country’s winter electricity usage falls by 10% compared to last year’s levels (a massive task by anyone’s standards). This would stabilize the country’s electrical demand and enable everyone to be supplied with energy. However, decreasing electrical demand by 10% will require much more than simply swapping out inefficient light bulbs, but these small actions are a step in the right direction. A list of more detailed energy saving tips can be found here, you can also access a breakdown of typical electricity usage of different types of products at this link.

Overall, preparation and forethought are the best ways to minimise the disruptions that can caused by load shedding. Simple actions such as ensuring the geyser is only switched on during times of low demand, such as the middle of the day, and that all non-essential appliances are switched off and unplugged where possible before the peak demand times of 06:00AM to 10:ooAM and 5PM to 9PM when done by many individuals add up to a large and noticeable difference.

 Keep an eye out on the bidorbuy blog for more energy saving tips, gadgets and devices as we get closer to winter.

Amanda of Asha Craft Jewellery always strives to ensure that that her buyers are 100% happy with their orders.

What do you sell?

I have a passion for extraordinary jewellery and source only the finest quality merchandise from all over the globe. I take pride in every single piece of jewellery passing through my hands and guarantee exceptional craftsmanship. I stock an exquisite line of rings, earrings, bangles, bracelets, pendants, chains and necklaces in 100% REAL sterling silver and solid gold.

Is selling on bidorbuy your business or your hobby?

It’s my dream, my business, my passion.

When did you start selling on bidorbuy?

It started as a fun buying experience in 2006, and turned into a craft hobby in 2007, and grew into a fully stocked online jewellery store by 2008!

What first prompted you to sell on bidorbuy?

I purchased way too many bargains on bidorbuy that I knew I had no use for at home, so decided to resell the items again and actually made a profit. It was a proverbial light bulb moment!

What are the biggest benefits that you find selling on bidorbuy?

My time is my own. I am disciplined and work office hours, but it is wonderful to know that I can take time off if I need it. Although that rarely happens!

What sets your company or products apart from the rest?

I will go above and beyond to ensure my buyers are 100% happy with their orders. I believe that honest, open communication from both buyer and seller ensures successful sales and repeat purchases.

How do you promote your products?

I LOVE R1 no reserve auctions! Buyers will always find Asha Craft Jewellery products in the Crazy Wednesday, Snap Friday and Weekend Auctions.

What has been the biggest lesson you have learnt?

Auctions are addictive!

What advice would you give to sellers who are new to bidorbuy?

Treat every buyer like they’re your only one.

What are your favourite features on bidorbuy?

Auctions, Promotions, Forum.

1) I am the Lord your God “Englishman” whom you have followed since 1795 until now.

2) You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them, but to me, your Queen. Because I have been your Queen for centuries, the willing Queen, for all my children right up to the Zambezi. I shall show mercy to all those whom I adopt.

3) You shall not take the name Victoria in vain, for no court will  hold him guiltless who takes my name in vain

4) Remember my birthdate, and labour all the days of your life for me without end. And you shall not neglect your work,  nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For I am the salt of this earth, and will reign over everyone forever.

5) Honor  mother Victoria, not your father, that your days may be long upon the land which the she has given you.

6) You shall not kill anyone except those who threaten what is mine

7) You shall not commit adultery except in those small and defenceless Republic’s

8) You shall not steal but may take.

9) You shall not bear false witness against anyone unless it is necessary as to reach your goals.

10) You shall not desire anything but what I desire, for my desire is that you shall follow me blindly, without any questions, until everything belongs to me.

The item is of huge interest to collectors and the document is available on bidorbuy.

You can also find a range of other war memorabilia on bidorbuy.

There are so many ways to spoil your Mom this Mother’s Day!

We suggest you do it with a gift from the bidorbuy Jewellery and Watches category and pay with your Discovery Miles.

Because:

• Every Mom appreciates the gift of a bracelet, watch, pendant, brooch or similar;
• Every Mom is worth spending Discovery Miles on; and
• You stand a chance to win your purchase back (well, the first R5000 of it).

So, go ahead. Spoil your Mom with a gift from the bidorbuy Jewellery and Watches category, and bidorbuy and Discovery Miles may reward you.

Terms and Conditions:

• Everyone who buys anything in the bidorbuy Jewellery and Watches category until 19th May 2013 and pays with Discovery Miles is automatically entered into the competition.
• The winner wins the value of his or his purchase back in the form of bobBucks, up to the amount of R5000.
• bobBucks can only be spent on www.bidorbuy.co.za and are not exchangeable for cash.
• One purchase in the Jewellery and Watches category with Discovery Miles equals one entry.
• Non-completion of a purchase disqualifies the entry in question.
• The winner will be chosen by a random draw and declared on 23rd May 2013.
• The bidorbuy general competition rules and T & Cs apply.

The more times you buy from the Jewellery and Watches category and pay with your Discovery Miles, the more chances you have of winning your purchase back; the more you spend, the more you can win (up to R5000).

So, go ahead, shop now and spoil your Mom with a gift from the bidorbuy Jewellery and Watches category.

Good luck in the bidorbuy and Discovery Miles Mother’s Day 2013 competition!

Oh, and in the case you are not good with dates, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, which this year falls on 12 May.

1. Traditional landscapes
2. Local views
3. Modern or semi-abstract landscapes
4. Abstracts
5. Dogs
6. Figure studies
7. Seascapes, harbour, and beach scenes
8. Wildlife
9. Impressionistic landscapes
10. Nudes

Dogs in the fifth and nudes in the tenth place?! Well, the survey was British (you must’ve guessed it). A French one would probably give very different results.

And what about South Africans? Can we gauge their art-subject tastes? With bidorbuy, we can.

A peek at the art section of the Recent Buys reveals that during the last week the most popular subject matters were:

1. Landscapes: 50 sold; among them nine seascapes and four cityscapes.
2. Human figures: 33 sold; a few of them were portraits.
3. Flowers: 20 sold, mostly of bouquets in vases.
4. Abstracts: 20 sold (some of them looked suspiciously figurative to us, but since the author or seller found it fitting to label them as “abstract”…)
5. Animals: 7 sold; not one of them representing dogs. In the period under scrutiny, bidorbuyers bought one painting of a horse; one of a donkey; one of a cat; two wildlife paintings; and (surprise!) two paintings of fish, one of which was a gold fish.
6. Nudes: 6 paintings sold, none with frontal nudity; some of them so simplified as to be almost abstract.
7. Still life (other than flowers): 1 painting sold, representing a cup of coffee.

Did these revelations prompt you to re-think your artistic approach? If yes, you may also want to bear in mind these tips from art dealers:

• Landscapes sell better (and for more money) when there are horses, human figures, or at least a house included.
• Any evidence of industry (think factory chimneys) usually lowers a picture’s desirability and price.
• Water can add value to a painting, but only if it is calm. Shipwrecks are a definite no-no.
• Still life with flowers is worth more than one with fruit. Roses stand at the top of the flower hierarchy, while chrysanthemums and lupines are at the bottom.
• There’s a ranking for animals too: purebred dogs are worth more in a painting than mongrels, and racehorses more than carthorses.

Of course, you as an artist may decide to take all of the above as mere trivia and to continue pursuing your own artistic path. For, as someone said, what sells best (at least long-term) is a unique and consistent style. In other words, paint what you feel like painting, then find your market. Or maybe the market will find you.

And for that, there’s no better place than bidorbuy!

Need proof? Meet some of the artists who sell on bidorbuy; consider the experience of this artist and a bidorbuy entrepreneur; and read what this artist says about bidorbuy as a viable way of selling art.