Entries from March 2007 ↓

"Unable to import data from the file:" ...

At least I know I'm not the only one that has had this problem. Here is one for you to bookmark if you ever use Turbo Lister to create items by importing a .csv (Comma Separated Values) file. It is a wonderful thing to create hundreds of eBay Store listings in minutes, but one little glitch can cause you hours of headaches. If the file has one little mistake, Turbo Lister is unforgiving and will not let you import your data, and it won't give you a clue where to begin to find the problem.

The easiest way to use Turbo Lister to import items using a .csv file is to first export a file containing a few existing listings that are similar to the listings you want to create. You can export to file by highlighting a few items, then selecting:

File > Export Selected Items > Turbo Lister csv file

You can then also choose the fields you wish to export. I just select all of them and export the file to a folder so you can find it easily.

Once you've exported the file you should be able to open it using MS Excel or a similar spreadsheet program. You'll see fields at the top of the sheet which correspond to the SYI form (title, description, photo url, etc.). Since you exported listings from your account, you already have the proper settings for the more unfamiliar fields such as SiteID, etc. Just copy those down the column for each listing as you go. Learn more about Turbo Lister's fields for CSV files and other import/export info here.

Once you get your sheet done with all the information, you will need to save the file and import the info into Turbo Lister. This is simple, but it's also where the big headache can occur if you haven't read this.

I swear, if I had hair I'd pull it out...

There are lots of details to this big csv file spreadsheet you've created. If even one thing is missing or TL doesn't understand how to map the information, it will not work right. But the most frustrating problem is when you try to import the info and you get an error that says: "Unable to import data from the file: C:\Documents and Settings\blah blah blah" -it still makes me mad to see that error. It's even more irritating that I spent hours pouring over my file trying to see what I did wrong. Was it a wrong code? Did I leave something out altogether? What it the wrong format? Turbo Lister give you no clue as to where to begin to fix the problem.

Here's the answer. Close the file. Just close the file in Excel and you'll be able to import it. That's it. You cannot import the file if it's open in another program. Thanks eBay. Other programs tell you that in plain English, but instead of listing items I had to find it out by accident.

I hope this helps someone else. If you're teaching people to use Turbo Lister as an Education Specialist, save them the trouble and pass this along.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Well Sybil, the simple answer is yes. As long as it's not due to a personality disorder...
Many people have an [tag]eBay user ID[/tag] for buying and one for selling on [tag]eBay[/tag]. Some have one for personal transactions and one for business. I recently bought a 'lot' of items which I plan to separate into single items and sell on eBay. I got a relatively good deal on them, and I may go back to the seller for more. I don't want to give away my source too easily, or make buyers feel bad since they could see what I originally paid for these items. (I know if a person is determined they can figure these things out, but why make it super easy for them?)

Purchasing in Private

In my case, I show people what I'm selling in my classes and when I'm coaching individuals. I may not want them to see that I purchased vacuum cleaner bags, new socks and vitamins. So I use the 'family' user ID for those purchases. This is another reason for two IDs, privacy.

Personal and Business

It's a good idea not to co-mingle your business and personal sales and purchases. If you can keep your business purchases within your business account, it makes things easier at tax time. So many people I know have a personal or 'family' ID and their business ID is separate. You'll need a separate email address for each. And for two Sellers accounts you should really have separate banking and credit info. (Although the last I knew you could use a checking account and / or credit card on up to ten accounts before eBay says you've reached the limit.)

Many business people have created a completely self-contained eBay / PayPal environment for their business. They have one user ID, a distinct checking account, and a debit card associated with that account. All of these are exclusively used for business buying and selling. With a PayPal business account you may also get a PayPal debit card and use that to pay eBay fees. I am no tax expert, but I know keeping your business separate from your personal finances is fundamental.

Using Multiple [tag]PayPal [/tag]IDs

Your [tag]PayPal user ID [/tag]is your email address. If you have a Premier or Business account, you may have multiple users. In this case, you may add the email address from both eBay accounts to your PayPal account and not have to deal with maintaining two PayPal accounts. Again though, if you are doing business on the account, it would be best to keep them separated - business and personal.
[tags]eBay Username,PayPal account,separate eBay accounts[/tags]

Popularity: 5% [?]

Getting to eBay Live!
Boston 2007

Here are some helpful links to get you to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC)
Via Logan Airport:
Take the Sliver Line Bus SL1 (MBTA).
Exit at the World Trade Center stop, and take the elevator up to Level 2.
Take a left onto World Trade Center Ave, and the BCEC will be directly in front of you.

For more information visit: www.massport.com

Via Amtrak and Commuter Rail:
Exit at the South Station stop, and proceed to Summer Street.
Via taxi or walking: take a right onto Summer Street and the BCEC is about 1 mile on the right hand side (415 Summer Street).

For more information visit:
www.amtrak.com
www.mbta.com

Via Subway (MBTA Red Line):
Exit at the South Station stop, and proceed to Summer Street.
Via taxi or walking: take a right onto Summer Street and the BCEC is about 1 mile on the right hand side (415 Summer Street).

For more information visit: www.mbta.com

Via Bus (MBTA Silver Line SL1, SL2 or SL3):
Exit at the World Trade Center stop, and take the elevator up to Level 2.
Take a left onto World Trade Center Ave, and the BCEC will be directly infront of you.

For more information visit: www.mbta.com

Via Boat (MBTA, City Water Taxi):
Water transportation services are available from locations near the BCEC to several locations throughout Boston’s waterfront. The MBTA provides service between Lovejoy Wharf at North Station and the World Trade Center, which is a short 7-10 minute walk from the BCEC http://www.mbta.com. Water taxi service also connects the World Trade Center with a number of waterfront destinations, including Logan Airport. Additional information about water taxi service can be found at http://www.citywatertaxi.com.

Via Taxi:
Taxi Associations in Boston:
Boston Cab: 617.536.5010
City Cab: 617.536.5100
Independent Taxi (ITOA): 617.825.4000
Metro Cab: 617.782.5500
Top Cab: 617.266.4800
Town Taxi: 617.536.5000

Popularity: 4% [?]