If you would like to see how easy it is to import to Facebook using the Netcarnation I did a quick video. You can view it on YouTube here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khMku-IjHxI&feature=player_profilepage
Since then, I’ve had several questions about the two applications and what the difference is. So, I thought I’d do a quick summary and comparison of each. That way you’ll have a better idea which product will work best for your needs.

First off – I want to tell you that I really like BOTH applications. I found both very simple to set up – and both companies provided easy to follow instructions. But, the two are like comparing apples to oranges.  In the interest of full disclosure, Navaneeth from Netcarnation contacted me and offered two free premium upgrades to give away as I wished. I really appreciate his generosity. ArtFire did not give me anything to try their product, except the offer to pay for a subscription – LOL.

That said here’s what I found out about the two applications.

Netcarnation:

If you have an eBay store and want to import the items to your FaceBook profile this is the application for you.  You copy the rss feed provided by eBay and paste it into the importing tool and Netcarnation pulls in your store and fixed priced listings.

Once you set up the store your products appear along the sidebar on your profile and info tabs. You’ll notice the buyer can click the tab to go directly to your Netcarnation store to find out more about your products.

Or they can click on a thumbnail to be taken directly to the product.

From there the buyer can click on the blue “Go To Product Page” to be taken to your eBay listing to purchase.

The Netcarnation store is simple to use, nicely laid out and fits into the FaceBook look and feel perfectly.

Cons: the big drawback to this application right now is that it is limited to only your FaceBook personal profile – NOT a Fan page.

Pros: Netcarnation offers this application for free. Test it out with ten of your products (you can choose which ten). If you find the service of value be sure to upgrade to the premium edition where you can showcase up to 1,000 products for only $10.00 a month.

Find all about the difference in services at: http://www.netcarnation.com/premium

If you are ready to try a Netcarnation store: setup your facebook profile (if you haven’t already done so) and go to http://apps.facebook.com/socialmarketplace/
And look for the ‘free setup”  link.

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ArtFire is a wonderful new site, much like Etsy. However, ArtFire actively helps sellers get their products listed on their own websites, blogs and now FaceBook without having to figure out complicated shopping cart software.

ArtFire recently added an ‘import from Etsy’ feature to make it easy for artisans to get their items over to ArtFire to take advantage of some of these great marketing features. The one we’re talking about here is the ArtFire Kiosk on FaceBook.

Once imported, your items have a tab called “ArtFire Kiosk”

When your buyers click on the tab they are treated to your products and your branding. With the ArtFire application your can upload your store logo.

From here the buyer can click onto a thumbnail photo and purchase directly from the FaceBook application.
The setup is simple and the interface again, matches the FaceBook look and feel.

Cons: The main one I have – is that I’m not a crafter or selling my art – and this application is meant specifically for the handmade group. So if you are an Etsy seller – ArtFire, yes.  eBay seller – ArtFire NO. There is no free trial of the Kiosk – if you want to use the application you must subscribe to the verified account for only$12.00 a month.

Pros:  The Kiosk will display on both the personal/profile page AND the Fan pages. The buyer can purchase directly from the FaceBook application without leaving facebook.

To sign-up or find out more about the ArtFire FaceBook Kiosk go to:
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=help_guides&op=facebook_kiosk

Both of these applications will allow you to put your products onto FaceBook a site that is experiencing amazing growth. Having your products in front of your friends and fans is the essence of social marketing. I strongly recommend you try one of these great tools if you are selling online.

In a nutshell:
eBay sellers – use Netcarnation
eTsy sellers – use ArtFire

You may think you already know which pictures are your money shots. After almost 35 years as a photo professional and a decade on eBay, Cindy certainly thought she knew which shots were golden.

The results of her experiments and research challenged both her assumptions and conventional wisdom.

This talk will be a “Don’t Miss!” event for anyone who wants to grab every competitive advantage they can in this difficult economy. (And it applies to Bonanzle and Etsy as well.)

I thought some of Cindy’s conclusions were so interesting that I put together this short Photoshop Elements tutorial to help you get started in creating startling and remarkable thumbnails.

This is my entry in her Contrast & Color category. How would it standup to Cindy’s new test? I don’t know – but maybe she’ll show us after eBay’s Las Vegas shindig.