I recently sold a book on vzaar. Actually, I'm selling quite a few books and DVDs

With books I find I can show the inner pages and the state it is in more easily with a video. When selling DVDs (where I am competing with lots of other sellers and Amazon), by editing a trailer into the video listing, I perhaps can get a buyer to convert more easily.

I got this email back from the buyer of the book I just sold.

G'day Adrian.

Thanks for the email. I found the video quite interesting, I think primarily because it was so novel. It was great seeing the item exhibited in this fashion. Much like a TV commercial.

My wife on the other hand didn't like it because she felt that it personalised the item too much. By this she means that she sees the item as belonging to someone else. I wouldn't worry about her concerns, she gets a little oversensitive at times! I thought it was great.

What's interesting here is how different eBay is too other online commerce. That connection with the people you sell to and buy from does make a difference. And I think video can only serve to enhance that connection.

Here at vzaar we're paying close attention to how people react and what behavioural changes might come by the introduction of video. What everyone forgets about the net is it's more about people than anything else. That's why we pay attention to people, as it makes a difference to getting the end result right.

Posted by Chief Geek at 9:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I listed a broken suitcase on eBay yesterday. Not thinking it would go for much or quickly I am pleasantly surprised that is has now sold as with Buy It Now

If you look at the listing you'll see the buyer asked about how the handle was and if he could repair it. I answered using a video, and whilst I couldn't insert the second video or put it in the email reply I did find a way to do this. Essentially a big fat link in the middle of the listing of the page. If this issue becomes something other users need, well certainly look at better ways we can implement this.

I got a reply back from the (soon to be) buyer shortly after I posted the video response saying

Hi,

Thanks for the video it really helped me in deciding to buy this suitcase. I think I can definitely repairs the handle. I've already bidded on the item to prevent anyone else from buying it now, ...

It's great to see how video is really helping people make buying decision and to see the concept of vzaar validated.

Posted by Chief Geek at 3:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Today we go into our soft beta launch. And I hear you asking, what the heck is a soft beta?

Well we're live. We're working. We've launched.

However we are a beta. We know there are a few creases to be ironed out. A ton of help files to be written. And the odd bug here or there. But we think we've got a pretty great product ready, and it's far better than "good enough" to use. It's fully functional and most of the things that need tidying up are bits of text and help.

And so we're beta.

But we're not telling anyone about it. Well not just yet. A few friends and former colleagues, and well anyone who happens on us. (If this is you, Hi!) We'll start shouting from the roof tops when we have ironed the last kinks out, but till then, we're live but not telling.

So we're a soft beta.

Thanks for coming by, and if you do find any kinks, let us know. We would be rather appreciative.

Posted by Chief Geek at 11:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Welcome to the vzaar blog. It's been an exciting few weeks for vzaar and we're delighted to be able to say 'hello' and welcome you to the vzaar beta. We want to revolutionise how people sell on eBay by making it fiendishly simple to add videos to eBay listings.

The site is currently a 'beta' meaning that whilst it's in good shape we know that there's still work to be done. The best way to get the glitches ironed out is to make vzaar available for people to use and see how it goes.

So let us know what you think and let us know if something isn't quite right or could be improved. That's what a beta's for.

We'll keep you updated with information and developments here on the blog so don't forget to check back for the latest news.

Posted by Social Wizard at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)