At this point there may be a few things you don’t quite understand about online auctions. This section will consist of some short tutorials that will help you understand how files are transferred, the basics of web page design and some simple ways to acquire pictures. The tutorials in this section are not designed to be inclusive of everything you need to know. They are added to help you feel comfortable with the process and to get you started learning about what is out there.

Every auction needs to a picture. From websites to e-mails, just about everything online benefits from the ability to share pictures. But getting those pictures into a format that can be shared digitally isn’t always easy.

There are two options. First, you can purchase a digital camera and download pictures directly into your computer. Second, you can use a standard 35mm camera and request a picture CD or an online upload when you get the film developed or use a scanner to scan the hard copy into your computer. In either case, it is possible to take quality pictures and put them onto your computer before transferring them to the Internet.

Once the picture is on your computer you will need to open an Internet connection. If you have DSL or a Cable modem or can connect from a LAN at work the process will be much faster. Otherwise you will need to dial into your Internet Service Provider (ISP) before you can take the next step.

After you are online you will need a place to put your pictures. eBay allows you to attach one picture to each auction for free. Subsequent pictures are subject to a fee. It is a simple process that takes place as you are creating your auction listing. Other auction sites offer similar services so check their policies before conducting auctions.

If you are running a lot of auctions it may be more convenient to have a place to keep all the pictures you are using. Your ISP may provide you with a website that you can use for this purpose. Check with your ISP to find out how to transfer pictures to this site and how to link to them. Using a paid service like Ofoto.com, Sparedollar.com or some other image-hosting site is probably a good idea to begin with. However, you will eventually want your own web page so you can manage and control your pictures on your own.

Places that host images may do the initial hosting for free but they will want you to purchase prints or other services from them. Having a place where you have control may cost a little money but makes a lot of sense in the long run.

Uploading files is done through a process called FTP or File Transfer Protocol. FTP allows users of the World Wide Web to transfer files from their computers to a server either at their ISP or somewhere else. It also allows users to download files from a server to their computers. Every time you click on a link and a “Save As…” dialogue box pops up the program is following these protocols.

You can download FTP programs to use when uploading files to a specific server. To get one of these programs go to www.tucows.com or www.downloads.com and search for FTP programs. These two sites host a number of shareware and freeware applications that can be downloaded at no cost to you, loaded on your computer, and used for file transfers.

If you do not have a server setup for you to FTP into contact your ISP. They may have server space that is part of your contract with them and instructions on how to upload files to that space. Some ISP’s have even created user interfaces on their web pages to make file transfers easier. In either case, transferring files to a server isn’t hard. It just requires a space to transfer pictures to.

Once you have established where you can upload files to then open your FTP application. Not all applications are the same but there should be an option that allows you to begin a file transfer. You will need to connect to your server and then select the files that need to be transferred. Most FTP programs are split into two windows. The one on the left represents your computer and the files on it and the one on the right represents the server or computer you are transferring files to. Most of these applications use arrows to show which way you are transferring files.

To transfer files simply browse the pictures you want to upload and select the file. Often double clicking on the file will begin the transfer process. Once the file has been transferred the FTP program may disconnect from the server or it may tell you the transfer is complete. As long as there is no limit to the number of files or length of time you can continue uploading files for as long as necessary. Again, for additional information about server space and FTP login and transfer instructions consult with your ISP.

If the ISP has set up a web-based transfer then follow their instructions. Most web-based transfers take place through a series of screens that require you to browse to the item you want to upload before clicking next. Once the system is ready to accept the files it will automatically upload the files for you. Your ISP or the company that hosts your files will be able to help you with more specific file transfer information.

What do I mean exactly? Well, there are many ways to get started online without getting into debt or winding up with a garage full of widgets from China.

Dropshipping physical products works well with little overhead if done properly. Read my friend Chris Malta's ebook below for free to learn more about dropshipping:



Selling Digital Information Products Online is one of the most exciting things I have ever done. Digital Information Products are anything that you can download from the Internet to your PC. If you haven't figured out this one yet guys just listen. Order anyone of my products off this website with PayPal and it will be sent to you via email, instantly. My inventory is stored on my website server and I do not have to be there when someone goes through a transaction on my site. That is powerful.

You need to find out the basics of this business of selling digital products, even if you are not interested in ebooks. Set up a few automated sites that make a profit and take the proceeds to buy physical inventory. It works!

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