Daryle Lambert - Ebay Changes. You Heard Them Here First.

Photo From T&J Powersellers on Ebay

Yes, there are many people writing about the up coming changes at eBay, but you heard them first in our blogs and press release on October the 4, 2007. In my opinion, the changes are going to be good for the customers and should strengthen eBay's position in the market.

It was no surprise to me that Meg Whitman decided to step aside. Why shouldn't she? What a ten year run! She took the company from one, that at times, didn't know if it could keep its doors open to a company that is known around the world as one of the most profitable enterprises on earth.

The timing is right for her departure, and I suppose becoming a billionaire might have given her an incentive to depart. Why risk her legacy on the changes that are about to take place?


She is a very smart lady and knew that the growth the company has experienced over the last ten years can't be sustained without dramatic changes. And these changes come with no guarantee that they will produce the desired results. So, yes, it's time to turn it over to someone else.

What does this mean for the company and it's competitors? First, as I wrote in October, if eBay does away with the listing fees, it will be a disaster to its competitors. They have been testing this plan for several months now, while at the same time raising other fees to see if that would offset the loss in listing fees. To the customer, this scenario could be a great bonus. They could list more items and not worry about having to pay fees if their item doesn't sell. I personally think that by eliminating competition and keeping more of their sellers listing more items would be a wise move.


There are a couple of things that can wreck the ship for Ebay. First, are the lawsuits that continue to come. Second, the possibility of foreign governments wanting to get involved, wanting part of the action. The road might become rocky for eBay, but I think the long term outlook for this company is very favorable.

Ebay will always play a very important part in the future of the 31 Club, in the Antique & Collectible business, as well as the Fine Arts business. In the last few months I have had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of some of the most knowledgeable people in the use of Ebay and other online auctions around the world. I'll be introducing them to you so your auction experience can be tremendously enhanced by their expert guidance. We've already featured the OnlineAuction.com and will continue to tell our members that presently, this company offers some great advantages if you are a seller.

The secret in this business is balance, and that means knowing our markets and where your items fit best. The Internet is just one component in the future success that you will achieve, but it is also a very important one.

The 31 Club aims to keep you ahead of the curve, both in information and in trends. Knowing when to buy items, such as Lotton Glass, and also when to sell items, such as prints, will prove to be invaluable to you. and this is the service that we will be providing our members.

Your destiny is in no one else's hands but your own. Go for the golden ring.

Join me and the rest of the 31 Club right here. You'll get my book, "31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles" for FREE. Or, if you're not quite sure about joining and have some questions you'd like to ask me, or just want to talk with me, E-mail me at info@31corp.com. I'll personally see to it that we set up a time to talk with one another.

Discover how the 31 Club, together with my book, "31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles" can be the tool that helps you begin building personal wealth using antiques, collectibles and fine art. Find out more about joining our growing community of antique and art wealth builders here.

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If you haven't yet had a chance to see what we've got listed in the 31 Gallery & Marketplace, click on over and take a look. You might even find a real bargain. We've got many high quality items priced reasonably. If you have a high quality piece you'd like us to find a buyer for, why not consign your item to us. No high fees when you sell with us.

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Indecision Can Cost You. British Pottery/Martin Bros.

Martin Brothers Figural Tobacco Jar Sold for $34,500 Dec.2006 at James D. Julia Auctions. Provided courtesy of James D. Julia, Inc., Fairfield, Maine

I ran across an interesting piece of pottery when I was at a house sale one time. It had a texture somewhat like Doulton Lambeth, the same gray and blue coloring, so it immediately drew my attention. I could tell the piece was salt glazed and knew it could have a fair value. When I checked the bottom, it was signed Martin Brothers London in script. As this was a while ago, my memory tells me it was a tobacco jar in the shape of an owl.

I had never seen a piece like this before. When I asked the price, I was told $2,500. After a little thought, I offered $1,500 and was turned down. I decided to walk around for awhile, and then go back. It was at this point I made my biggest mistake. You see, I broke one of my own rules. I should have picked up the piece and carried it with me until I had made a definite decision on it. I didn't, and you guessed it. When I returned, the item had already been sold at $2,000.


It is not possible to carry the knowledge in your head about every piece you might encounter on your hunt. But, if you take possession of it when you find it, then you will have time to call someone or to look in you books or on the Internet, if you have wireless access. This way, you won't let a real treasure slip away, like I did.

You can be certain when I returned home, I did a little more research on this British company. I discovered that Martin Brothers became known for their eccentric and grotesque birds and sculpted face jugs, vases and many other items that were reminiscent of the Middle Ages. The company was formed in the 1870's, owned by four brothers, Wallace, Walter, Charles and Edwin. The company closed in 1915. They mainly made salt glazed pottery, and these are the pieces that are sought after today.The company closed in 1915.

This piece I let slip by might well have been worth $7,500 at the time. Today, much much more. So remember the name Martin Brothers. Add it to your list of possible treasures. The Kovels price guide lists some pieces that will tell you these are items that you hope to run into. A bird vessel, 1897, 10 inches tall is listed at $13,530, a humidor shaped as a bird, hand carved, 11 ½ inches $10,450.


In September, 2005, at Craftsman Auction, a pinched vessel 7 by 6 ½ inches with four expressive faces on its sides brought $15,600. Two years later in March of 2007 at this same auction house, a stoneware jar with a cover in the shape of a grotesque monster brought $17,625.

December of 2006, James D. Julia Auctioneers of Fairfield, Maine, released news of a Martin Brothers bird figural tobacco jar selling at $34,500.

Most people that are just looking to make a little money on the side will have no idea how valuable these items really are and they just might be your competitors at the next sale.


Go Martin Brothers! And I hope to hear where some of you find a treasure by this company this year.

Discover how the 31 Club, together with our book, can be the tool that helps you begin building personal wealth using antiques, collectibles and fine art, rather than the conventional methods of using stock, bonds, and real estate investing. You won't find results like these through your bank or your stock broker! Find out more about joining our growing community of antique and art wealth builders here.

Read more about The Million Dollar Challenge 31 Club members are participating in, here.

If you haven't yet had a chance to see what we've got listed in the 31 Gallery & Marketplace, click on over and take a look. You might even find a real bargain. We've got many high quality items priced reasonably. If you have a high quality piece you'd like us to find a buyer for, why not consign your item to us. No high fees when you sell with us.

If you wish to leave comments use the ANONYMOUS button and then you don't have to sign in to leave your message. Chime in and participate with us.