kAuction Help 
kAuction, eBay Auction Management Software by Kinem
Help file prepared 11/01/04

• Click the subject links below to see help on that subject.

• You can also press Ctrl & F at the same time to bring up a Find box to search this page. (You may have to click somewhere on this page first to make sure this Help file has the 'focus')

• Check our web site OFTEN for updates and new help. 

• Read this help file and the FAQs before emailing questions (most all questions will be answered here)

Introduction to kAuction:  

    kAuction is your all-in-one eBay auction management solution.  Designed from the ground-up for eBay by an eBay Power Seller.  It contains all the tools you need to make your auction tasks easy.  kAuction can 

• build your auction ads for you 
• upload and delete your auction pictures 
• email winners 
• retrieve your high bidder information 
• leave feedback to one or a hundred bidders 
• view and edit auctions 
• print invoices 
• and so much more!  All without ever leaving the program.

    kAuction uses a unique design that splits the screen in half.  The left half contains the 

• 'QuickStuff'  tab 
• 'StartAuction' tab 
• 'Auctions' tab  

     In addition to this 'Help' file that you are now viewing, kAuction has built in help.  Most every button and text box has 'Tips' associated with them.  Simply place the mouse over what you are curious about and a tip will pop up.  Also, as you perform many activities some assistance will be offered in the bottom left corner.

    You will no doubt notice a lot of blue text boxes.  This indicates that the fields are locked.  kAuction takes good care of your database and other information and one of the ways it does this is by keeping the information locked whenever possible. 

    Before starting any auctions, take a look around.  Open and close everything.  Read all the forms.  Put the mouse pointer over all the buttons and text boxes and labels to see the tips.  Don't worry, I have built stability into this program, you won't hurt anything.

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Getting Started:  

    You've got some stuff to fill in!  First, all of the information you enter can be changed by you at any time, so don't worry if you make a mistake.  Just make sure it is filled out correctly before starting auctions.  

    Getting Started - User Settings/Options

1. Open the 'User Info' form by clicking the 'User Info' button on the 'QuickStuff' tab or by clicking Tools -> Settings/Options on the menu.  (or press 'F2')
2. On the 'User Information' tab you must enter your eBay username, password, and email address on file with eBay.  Accuracy is very important, as kAuction uses this information to automate most of your auction tasks.  
3. Then fill in your name and address as it will be used for preparing invoices, etc. 
4. Next, on the 'FTP Settings' tab, fill in your FTP settings if you know them.  If you are not sure, you can enter them when you find out what they are.  See more FTP help.
5. On the 'eMail' tab, fill in your email preference and if you are using SMTP, fill in the server information.  MAPI information is handled by your email software, like Outlook or Netscape.  AOL users choose the SMTP setting unless you have a Hotmail account and Outlook Express set up for MAPI.
6. Server settings are on the next tab.  These may need modified from time to time by eBay, but rarely.  Leave them alone unless there is a specific reason to modify them.  
7. There are a number of Options on the 'Options' tab.  Read them over, they are self-explanatory.  If you do not understand an option, you will after using the software for a while.  
8. You can close the Settings/Options form.

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    Getting Started - Auction Defaults:

1. You can check all the defaults for your listings by clicking View->Auction Defaults on the menu.   These will be used for all auction listings, but can be changed when you like.  You MUST enter a Location (ex - Los Angeles, CA) on the 'Listing Defaults'  tab.  eBay will not start an auction without a location specified.  Note: the location can no longer contain HTML.  It must simply be the location.
2. The picture information section on the 'Listing Defaults' tab is to ensure that you always get the little picture icon with your eBay auctions.  This generates more page views for your auctions.  You can choose one of  three options.  The default picture option is a small picture that will be used for all of your listings.  When you first start kAuction, it is set to a small ad for the software.  If you have a standard picture you like to use, enter the URL here.  Some people put a little image or something similar.  Others may use a company or web site gif or jpg.  If you do not have a default picture you would like to include with all auctions, you have two other options to ensure that you get the photo icon with your listings.  You can choose to have the first picture from the item as your default picture (note: this means you will have two of the same picture with your listing) or you can choose to have kAuction 'inform' eBay  that you have a picture, and it's in the item description already.
3. If you take PayPal you can check the PayPal box and enter the email address that is on file with PayPal.
4. kAuction allows for background sounds and patterns, any combination of text colors and sizes, etc.   There is a preview of your auction layout on the last tab of this 'Auction Defaults' form
5. Pick your Hit Counter preference on the 'Hit Counter' tab.  If you choose the free Andale counters, there is a button on the 'QuickStuff' tab to view all your hit counters and total bids on your items. 

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    Getting Started - Other info to fill in:

1. You will need to enter your default emails and tax information before emailing any bidders.
2. You should also check your system time and date.  Set the time if necessary, because kAuction uses the time and date for many processes.
3. You can now learn about how to start an auction!
4. Sign-in to eBay and check the box that makes you STAY signed in.  This is necessary as eBay now requires a cookie on your computer so it recognizes you when you perform tasks.  Make sure to check the box that tells eBay to keep you signed in EVERY TIME they ask for the information.  Even though you are signed-in

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    Getting Started - Adjusting your Internet Explorer Settings:

    The following is important, as sometimes information from a previous auction may get resubmitted.  To correct this problem, follow these instructions:

• Open Internet Explorer
• Click Tools->Internet Options on the menu
• On the general tab, in the 'Temporary Internet Files' section, click 'Settings'
• Choose 'Every visit to page' as how often you'd like to check for newer versions of stored pages

    Also, you will need to turn off the Internet Explorer Script Debugger to avoid pesky script error messages that may pop up on occasion.  Do this:

• On the Tools menu of Internet Explorer, click Internet Options
• On the Advanced tab, select the Disable script debugging check box, and then click OK

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'QuickStuff' tab:  

    One of the three tabs on the main screen, this tab contains numerous quick links to often used eBay sites and some user definable links.  It also contains buttons to quickly open your user information and settings form and your 'To Do' list.  You can change the user links by clicking the 'User Info' button on the 'QuickStuff' tab or by clicking Tools -> Settings/Options on the menu.  Once you have the 'User Information' form open, you can enter web sites of your choice.  You can also set the button caption, so you will know what that button is linked to.  You can then jump to those web sites with just one click!  When first shipped kAuction has all four extra links set to our web site.  You can use the built-in browser for viewing quick stuff links, or you have the option to use your full-size default browser.

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'StartAuction' tab:  

    One of the three tabs on the main screen, this is where all of your auctions will be started from.  After picking an item and entering the starting bid, category, etc, a 'quick start' auction form is generated for you, with HTML already built, and placed directly in the web browser.  More on starting an auction.

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'Auctions' tab:  

    One of the three tabs on the main screen, this is where you will be spending most of your time.  It may look overwhelming at first, but it is all necessary, useful, and easy-to-learn stuff.  From this tab you; can modify an auction, view an auction, automatically retrieve high bidder and final fee information., email winning bidders, send reminder emails, leave feedback, etc, etc, etc!  

    The auction information on the 'Auctions' tab is divided into three sections; auction listing information at the top, bidder information and bidder tasks in the middle, and auction tasks and auction record navigation at the bottom.

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Web Browser:

    The right-hand side of the screen contains a web browser and an email/print preview box.  You can easily switch between the fully functional web browser and the print and email preview box by clicking 'Switch' above the box.  

    The web browser will be used for starting auctions, viewing auctions, 'QuickStuff' links, handling many eBay auction tasks, My eBay page, Hit Counter page, etc.  In fact, the browser uses Internet Explorer technology and can be used to navigate to any web site - just enter the URL in the box above the browser and hit the 'Enter' key on your keyboard.  It can also be used to open local files (files on your hard drive), save web pages, and even print web pages!

    You can also use your full-size default web browser if you like for some tasks by checking the 'Full-Size Browser' check box.  It's slightly less convenient, as you will have to remember to close the browser windows after using them.  

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Print and Email Preview Box:

    The right-hand side of the screen contains a web browser and an email/print preview box.  You can easily switch between the fully functional web browser and the print and email preview box by clicking 'Switch' above the box.  

    The print and email preview box is used for just what it's name implies.  Invoices, mailing labels, outgoing emails, shipping lists, etc will all be displayed in this box for review before printing or emailing.  To print the contents of this preview box, select the printer you want to use from the dropdown list box (upper right corner) and click the 'Print' button.  If you need to set up your printer or need more options for printing, click File->Printer Setup from the menu.  All printers that you have installed software for on your computer will be displayed in the dropdown box, but choose a printer that your computer is connected to at the time of printing.   The font size can be adjusted by clicking the little font size buttons.  Note that the font size buttons will resize any text that is 'highlighted' (if no text is highlighted, the font size will be the new size for any text entered after the size was changed.)  More font options are available by clicking Edit->Font on the menu.  Fun to experiment with, but you'll probably find that all of your work can best be done with the default, plain font and the regular size.

    To email directly from kAuction (after filling in your email settings) just type the message in the box, enter the email address in the 'Send To:' box below and enter the subject for the email.  Click 'Send To' and the email is sent...that simple!  Most emails you will need for auction management will be created for you automatically by kAuction.  When the emails are generated by kAuction, they will be placed directly in this box (for SMTP email) or will be sent directly to your email software (for MAPI.)

    The integrated web browser and text preview box is an amazing tool.  The design is so simple and useful, no other software can match it's versatility.  Experiment with it, you can't hurt anything.  Switch back and forth between the two views (browser and text preview.)  Try printing something.  Try opening something in the preview box, then in the web browser.  Try saving something from each view.  You'll grow to love it.

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Email Set Up:  

    Email settings can be found on the 'User Info' form.  Click the 'User Info' button on the 'QuickStuff' tab or click Tools -> Settings/Options on the menu.  You have two choices for email, MAPI or SMTP.  After filling in the email settings, you should test the email.

• MAPI uses your default email software.  If you have Outlook, Outlook Express, or Netscape email, choose this option.  You can specify a Carbon Copy if you like.  A copy of all outgoing emails will be sent to this email address (must be a valid email address.)   kAuction does not actually send the email if MAPI is chosen as an option.  It simply sends all the information to your computer's email software and then that software is used to send the email.   When you email using MAPI, your software should open a new email form with the email address, subject and email text already in the appropriate fields!  
• If you have SMTP service from your internet provider, or if you have SMTP email through another web site, choose SMTP.  All fields must be filled in except Carbon Copy (it's optional.)  If you are unsure of your mail host name or other SMTP information, please contact your internet provider and they will be able to provide you with the information.  Also, a few web based email providers now require authentification.  There is a checkbox for authentification, it's the ESMTP checkbox.  Most DO NOT require this and will not forward email when you have this option checked.
• AOL users should choose SMTP (until they set up a MAPI account!)

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Default Emails:  

    Click View->Emails on the menu.  There are a number of automatic emails that kAuction will generate for you.  Simply click the email message you want to fill in and then click 'Edit' to open the boxes for editing.  Help is provided on the 'Emails' form.  There is an extra email for you to use for any email you find yourself writing often.  The extra email also has a subject line.  It will be the used to fill in the subject line for the extra email.  You can use it if you like or leave it blank.  There are a few 'tags' that you can use to add certain custom lines to the email.  Read more about them on the 'Emails' form.

    Note:  you can also open a blank email for a bidder from the bidder dropdown list, or for customers from the sale form or customer record.  That's very convenient when you just need to write a few quick lines to someone and the default emails aren't needed.  The blank email is not much use to AOL users, because all it does is put the person's email address in the 'Send To:' box.  AOL users should consider using alternate email software.

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Test email:  

    BEFORE emailing any customers, test your email settings and defaults on yourself.  

To test to see if your email settings work, follow these steps:

1. Switch to the Preview box if it is not already opened by clicking the 'Switch' button.  
2. Type a short message in the Preview box.  
3. Enter an email address (preferably your own, so it comes back to you!) in the 'Send To:' box
4. Type a subject in the 'Subj:' box.  
5. Click 'Send To:' and it will be sent  
6. If you have MAPI email, your email software should open with the information in the appropriate fields.  
7. If you have SMTP email, kAuction will attempt to contact your provider and send the email.  
8. Check to see if the test email made it back to you
9. Modify your email settings and default emails as needed to make them work to your satisfaction.  

If you also want to check how your default emails will look and sound to your bidders/customers follow these steps:

1. First, make sure you have filled in your default emails.
2. After starting some auctions with kAuction, click 'Edit' on the 'Auctions' tab for any auction that has not ended.  
3. Put some fake bidder information in the bidder fields (don't worry, it won't mess up your database.)  For test purposes, enter your eBay username and your email address and a bid amount.  
4. Try all the emails to see how they will 'sound' to your bidders/customers.  Make sure they are clearly written and accurate.  Choose 'Winning Bid' email and click 'Do It', choose 'Payment Rcvd' email and click 'Do It', etc.  
5. If you have SMTP email the message should open in the preview box with the email address and subject filled in.  Click the 'Send To:' button to test your SMTP.  Verify that the email shows up in your inbox and see how it would look to the customer.  
6. If you have MAPI email as your preference, your email software should open with all the fields filled in.  Send the emails.  Make sure they get back to you and make sure they are accurate.   
7. When finished testing, you can clear all the bidder fields back to blank.  
8. Modify your email settings and default emails as needed to make them work to your satisfaction.  

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AOL email:  

    AOL users, you have two choices:

    You can use the SMTP setting and the automatic emails will be generated for you and placed in the preview box.  Then you simply click 'Copy' above the box and it will be copied to the clipboard for pasting (pressing Ctrl & V at the same time is the shortcut for pasting) into the AOL email form.  You can then copy and paste the email address of the bidder into the appropriate box on the AOL email form and type in a subject.  Blank emails (from the bidder drop down list and customer forms) will offer no assistance to you because all it will do is copy the email address of the bidder/customer to the 'Send To:' box.  

    The second, MUCH BETTER, option is to set your computer up to use MAPI and send emails with Microsoft Outlook Express through www.hotmail.com.  This involves a few steps, but is worth every minute of your time.  Go to www.kinem.com/aolemail.html for complete instructions.  Yes, it'll take a bit of time (especially if you need to download Internet Explorer 5.0 or above) but it will save you so much time from then on.  Once you have it set up, you can then choose MAPI email as your email preference.   It will use your EXISTING AOL EMAIL address as the return address for your outgoing emails.  All emails you send through hotmail (by following the instructions at the web site) will appear to the receiver as though you sent them from your AOL account!

    (You actually have three choices...sort of.  You can also use an SMTP account that you have set up outside of AOL.  Be warned that AOL likes to intercept your outgoing SMTP emails and many times, destroy them.  Not sure why they do that...you'll have to ask them.)

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FTP:  

    File Transfer Protocol.  Despite what you've heard, FTP is not impossible.  It is simply how your computer talks to other computers in an attempt to transfer information.  You can upload (put) files at a remote FTP site, delete files, download files, etc.  

    Once your FTP settings are entered and tested, kAuction will upload all your item pictures for you and delete them when needed.  

    To set up your FTP you need the following information from your internet service provider:  

1. Username for logging in to FTP site
2. Password for logging in to FTP site
3. Host name (FTP server)
4. Directory of your space at the FTP site (and, if you have a directory name, ask if you must create the directory first.  If you must create the directory first, ask them how to do it ...or ask them to do it for you)
5. URL (www) prefix that must be added to image name in order to view the picture once it is at the FTP site.

    Once you get that information, simply enter the settings.  Click Tools->Settings/Options from the menu or click 'User Info' button on the 'QuickStuff' tab to view the FTP settings.  Test the FTP.  

    kAuction does NOT FTP in passive mode.  I am working on including that in a future update.  If you have a firewall, it will have to be lowered in order to FTP with kAuction.

    These settings are very particular.  That is, they do not work if they are in any way incorrect!  That's the problem most people run into...minor mistakes.  Request the EXACT information as listed above from your service provider and enter it into the FTP setting fields.  If you get frustrated, I will add additional picture/FTP help at the web site (www.kinem.com/picturehelp.html)

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Sample FTP Settings:   

    Some samples follow (Note:  information below that is in italics is to be REPLACED with the actual information.  For example, where it says username you will NOT type 'username' into the FTP settings.  Type your ACTUAL username, not the word 'username')

AOL FTP settings (must be logged onto AOL with the same screen name that you are using for FTP in order to upload or delete pictures.  You may have to 'activate' your space.  Go to keyword 'My Space'   Also, they only allow 2MB which you will find inadequate.  You may want to get  FTP space elsewhere.  See FTP Tips.)

I have removed other samples, as the internet providers are changing the settings too often and the information becomes incorrect.  Please contact your ISP to see if they provide space!   Nobody wants to spend more money, but I highly recommend purchasing space from a third party site, as it is MUCH more reliable and they offer much more space and it's easier.  See www.kinem.com/picturehelp.html for more info.

Also, see 'How do I get my FTP settings from my internet provider?'  

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FTP Tips:

    Some tips to help you have trouble free FTP:

• Always name your pictures consistently.  'MyPicture.jpg' is different then 'mypicture.jpg' to many servers because they are case sensitive.  Develop a naming style and stick with it.  I use all lower case names, then there's never a doubt in my mind of the case.
• I recommend naming your pictures with the date first so you will not overwrite existing pictures.  For example:  if your are selling a clock you might want to name it '1031clock.jpg' where 1031 indicates the date October 31st.  That way if you go to sell another clock a few days later on the 2nd of November, you can name it '1102clock.jpg'   If you simply use 'clock.jpg' you will probably forget and then name the second one 'clock.jpg' also.  What will happen is the second one will overwrite the first one when you transfer it.  Both auctions will have the same picture!
• You should only use letters and numbers in the picture names.  Many FTP servers will not accept spaces in the picture name and special characters can confuse some servers also.
• First, contact your Internet Service Provider and see if they give you free space. 
• If your FTP service provider only gives you a small space to work with (AOL only gives you 2MB, a ridiculous low amount which you will use rather quickly.  Just 40 or so pictures at 50K each will put you over the limit.) you should set up an account with a provider that offers more space.   I use space at www.pair.com.  It's affordable (pennies a day) and sign-up is simple.
• If you can not get your FTP to work from kAuction with your present provider, don't spend all day trying to figure it out.  Set up an account elsewhere and get busy making money.  Again, www.pair.com is very affordable an reliable.
• Set up more than one account if you can.  I have two because, they are WEB BASED and servers can go down, etc.  Be sure to record all the information as you join other FTP sites, so if you need to switch, you can do so quickly.  (You need to write down and save your username, password, directory, FTP server name, and the URL (www) prefix for each account.)
• If you've tested your FTP and it passed the test, but you do not see the image in the auction ad you may have an incorrect URL prefix for the image.  kAuction uses the prefix you have entered in the FTP settings to give the image a WWW address, so that it can be viewed.  For example, if you have 'http://www.MySpace.com/' as the prefix, kAuction will name the picture 'http://www.MySpace.com/picturename.jpg'  kAuction simply adds the filename of your picture to the end of the URL prefix.  Make sure the prefix is correct by checking with your FTP provider.

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Start an Auction:

    Here's the steps to starting an auction.  We are assuming you have filled in the listing defaults and other information.  You may also want to read the listing tips.

1. Click the 'StartAuction' tab on the main form.
2. Click 'Pick Item', this will open the item records.  If you have no items entered, the item records form will open with the fields open, ready for your first item's information.
3. If it is your first item, enter the item information. Click 'Save' when you are done entering the new item.  Make sure all the item information is correct and any pictures are uploaded before continuing.
4. If it is an existing Item, find the item you wish to start an auction with.  The items are stored (by default) in the order you entered them.  Make sure all the item information is correct and any pictures are uploaded before continuing.   Click 'Edit' if you need to modify an existing item that is locked.
5. If it is a new item, click 'Add' and then enter the item's information.  Click 'Save' when you are done entering the new item. Make sure all the item information is correct and any pictures are uploaded before continuing.
6. You can enter the item's auction information in the item record (or enter it when you go to start the auction, on the 'StartAuction' tab)  The auction information stored in the item record includes:
   • Min (minimum starting bid.  If no amount is entered, the minimum will default to $1 when starting an auction)
   • Res (reserve price.  If no amount is entered, no reserve will be listed when starting an auction)
   • BIN (Buy It Now price. If no amount is entered, the BIN will not be used when starting an auction)
   • Days (Length of auction...3, 5, 7, 10 days.  If no length is entered, the days will default to 7 when starting an auction)
   • Cat (Category.  If no category is entered, the category will have to be entered on the 'StartAuction' tab when starting an auction)
   • Cat2 (second category if desired.  If no category 2 is entered, then no second category will be used when starting an auction)
   • Qty (quantity if this item you will be selling at auction.  More than 1 and it's a dutch auction.  If no qty is entered, the qty will default to 1 when starting an auction)
   • S&H (default shipping amount for the item.  If no amount is entered, the shipping will default to $0 when starting an auction)
   • Insurance (default is 0.  If no amount is entered, then kAuction will use zero and 'not available' for insurance)
   • Type of auction (Auction, Fixed Price, Store Item -default is 'Auction' for a regular auction)
   • eBay Store info (check the box if you have an eBay store.  Then, click 'Edit Categories' and enter ALL your store categories in the SAME order as they are listed with eBay!  The order of entry must match what is on file with eBay)
   • Also, you can enter options for listings here such as Featured, Bold, Gallery, etc.
7. Click 'Start Auction' on the item records form, this will show the main screen with the item information filled in to the appropriate fields.  If you need to change the item information, click 'Pick Item' and change the information in the item record, then click 'Start Auction' again.
8. You can enter the Auction Title (the default is the item's short description.)
9. If you want, you can view your defaults for how the auction ad will look at any time by clicking 'Auction Defaults'
10. Choose if you want kAuction to build your auction ad.  Most all people will choose to have kAuction build it because it is so easy and efficient, so that is the default.  kAuction will use the listing defaults you have entered and the item's description (from the item record) to build your ad.  You can also choose to enter you own description/HTML.  If you choose this option, kAuction will simply copy the item's description (from the item's record without adding any HTML) into the sell page's description box.  This is handy if you have your own HTML entered in the item description and want to use it.  If you choose 'Use my own...' kAuction will still fill in all of your other defaults and user information for you.
11. We are assuming you are online.  If not, get online or kAuction will attempt to connect to the internet using your default internet settings.
12. You can preview your ad by clicking 'Preview', this will open the HTML InstaView with the HTML kAuction has generated in the top half of the form and how it will look in the bottom half of the form.  If you want to make changes, you must make the changes to the item record (if needed) or the listing defaults then click 'Preview' again to see the result.
13. Click 'Build Start Auction Form', this 'builds' the auction for you and begins to submit the information to eBay.  You can cancel at anytime or wait for the last page to show in the browser.  This will be the review/submit auction page.  If you check 'Auto submit', kAuction does NOT show the eBay review page.  It gets submitted automatically and the item number is entered into the database for you.  If you have chosen to include a USPS calculator, you will be asked some information about the package in you are listing at this time.
14. kAuction calculates auction listing fees for you as it submits the auction.  If you've indicated options, such as Bold or Featured on the item record it will calculate those also.  You can use the fees calculator by double-clicking the little 'Auct Fees' label. 
15. (Note: this does not apply if you choose 'Auto Submit')  eBay will show the total fees on the review page when submitting the auction.  
16. If you change your mind on the category, minimum bid, etc, you should make the changes to the 'StartAuction' fields and then click 'Rebuild' otherwise the changes will not be reflected in your database.  
17. (Note: this does not apply if you choose 'Auto Submit')  eBay will show a review of all the auction information you have submitted.  After reviewing the information in the browser, submit the auction to eBay.  If it is not right, make changes where appropriate and then click 'Rebuild.'  
18. (Note: this does not apply if you choose 'Auto Submit') eBay will show the 'Auction has begun....' page.  You need the item number.  It's very important!  Not the link to the item, just the number.  I just double-click the number in the browser and that highlights it.  Then I press the Ctrl and C keys (shortcut for copying) on my keyboard at the same time to copy the number to the clipboard.  Click in the 'Item #' box and press Ctrl and V (shortcut for pasting) at the same time to paste the number.
19. (Note: this does not apply if you choose 'Auto Submit')  Click 'Auction Has Begun' to enter the auction into your database.
20. You can now click over to the 'Auctions' tab to view your auction if you like.  Your item's quantity field will be lowered when the auction is started.
21. Click 'Pick Item' to start another auction.
22. Note:  you can enter as many item records as you want before starting any auctions for them.  kAuction stores your item information forever, so you don't have to start the auctions right away.  I do it this way.  I enter my first new item by clicking 'Add' on the item records form.  I fill in the description, upload pictures, choose the category, minimum, etc.  Then I click 'Add' again to enter another item.  Sometimes I work on 40-50 items at night (uploading pictures goes quicker for me at night) then start auctions for those items one after the other the next day when I get time.

    In no time you will be moving through these steps in just seconds...literally.  Starting auctions has never been easier.

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Auction Records:

    Auction records are found on the 'Auctions' tab of the main screen.  You will find yourself working on this tab quite often.  The screen is divided into three sections.  The top section is the listing information.  You will not have to edit this information very often as it is set when the auction is started.  The middle section contains the bidder information and bidder tools.  These will be blank until the auction has ended and high bidder information has been retrieved.  The bottom section contains tools to navigate the records, find certain records, and which record 'view' you are currently looking at.  When kAuction is started  'All Auctions' is the default view.  Please note: the bottom section containing auction navigation and view choices is not visible until you have at least one auction in the database.

    Also included in the auction navigation section is a dropdown list of auction tasks that kAuction can perform for you automatically.  Pick one from the list and click 'Do Auction Task' to perform the task.  Many auction tasks will open a kAuction generated web page/form (or eBay web pages) in the browser half of the screen.  Some will perform database tasks or email tasks.  Click here to see a rundown of all the tasks on the 'Do Auction Task' drop down list, including retrieving high bidder information and emailing all winning bidders.

    Some tasks may require you to sign-in again to eBay.  There is really no way around this (at least that I've found) due to eBay's cookie rules/regs.  Just sign-in again, if asked, and choose the checkbox that says 'Keep me signed in...'

    The 'Fees' box is a double info box.  The default view has a blue background and has the total fees (listing fees and final value fees added together.)  You can double-click the 'Fees' label to see the fees you have recorded for the listing only (green background.)  Please note:  the fees will be the same until the auction has ended and bid info has been retrieved (because until then, the total fees are simply the listing fees.)

    At any time you can instantly open the item record for the auction listing.  Click the '< Item #' button to see the item record.  This is convenient for reviewing the item record for any auction.

    If you no longer need to access a record because the auction is complete, you can hide it by checking 'Archive'.  This will save the record for you, but it will be hidden if you choose to hide the archived records.  For archiving options, double-click the little 'Archive' label on the Auction records tab.  PLEASE remember, that this hides the auctions that you have chosen to archive.  SO, if you one day can not find an auction that you know should be there, double-click the 'Archive' label and choose to see all records.

    Also see Work on Bidders for more information concerning bidder records and bidder tasks.

    See Record Tips for information that applies to all records and always remember to backup your database in order to safeguard your records.  kAuction automatically backs up your database at start up just in case you forget!

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Auction Tasks ('Do Auction Task' drop down list)  

    kAuction automates many auction tasks.  Here is a rundown of the things kAuction will do for you from the 'Do Auction Task' drop down list on the 'Auctions' tab:

• View Auction - opens the current auction in the browser

• See High Bids - shows the current high bidders for the auction in the browser

• Get High Bid Info - will retrieve the high bidder information and final fees for the current auction

• Get All High Bids - will search your database for all auctions that have ended, but bidder information has not been retrieved.  It will get the high bidder information and final fee information for all auctions that meet this criteria:

  • the auction has expired according to the date/time you have entered for the auction in your database

  • the auction has not yet been marked as 'Bids Checked'

  • will not retrieve bidder info for auctions that have ended with 'Buy It Now' because the end date has not been reached.

  • problems?  read this

• Email All Bidders - will search the database for all auctions that need a 'Winning Bid Email' sent.  It will build the emails for all auctions/bidders that meet this criteria:  (you can also email one bidder at a time)

  • the auction is marked as having had the high bidder information retrieved.

  • the bidder has not yet been marked as 'Emailed'

• Revise Auction - will open the auction for revision if it has not yet received any bids

• Add Info to Auction - will allow you to add information to your auction, but not change the original ad

• Cancel a Bid - will build a 'cancel bid' page in the browser for the current auction

• End Auction Early - will build a 'end auction early' page in the browser for the current auction

• Non-Paying Alert - will build a 'non-paying alert' page in the browser for the current auction.  Submit a non-paying alert for bidders who have not paid, but only after you have reminded them at least once!  Enter a note in the bidder notes with the date you submitted the 'Non-Paying' alert.

• Credit Request - Can only be submitted 10 or more days after you submitted a non-paying bidder alert.  Enter a note in the bidder notes with the date you submitted the 'Credit Request' and you can also mark the auction 'Complete' if you like at this time.

• Relist Item - will open the current auction's item record and allow you to relist the item

• Leave Bulk FB - will leave feedback to all bidders who are marked as 'Paid' but not yet marked as having had feedback left for them (you can also leave feedback for one bidder)

• Mark Complete - will search your database and mark auctions 'Complete' if all bidders have paid and feedback has been left for them
  

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Auction Record Views:

    You can choose from a number of auction views and sort them how you like.  On the 'Auctions' tab you will find three drop down boxes in a row to the left of the little '< Auctions being viewed' label.  The leftmost dropdown list has a number of choices for which records you wish to view.  Pick from:

• all auctions (all auctions in your database, active and completed) 
• active auctions (still running or have outstanding bids) 
• not yet ended (currently running on eBay) 
• ended and need bid info (high bid info has not yet been retrieved) 
• notification not sent (high bid info has been retrieved, but not yet marked as 'Emailed')
• ended, no bids (marked as 'Bids Checked' but has no bidders.  You can determine how many days back to look and from there you can choose 'Relist' from the 'Do Auction Task' dropdown list box if you desire)
• overdue (payment still not received for one or more bidders.  Note:  the number of days before being considered overdue can be set on the Options tab of the Tools->Settings/Options form)
• completed (ended with no bids or all bids are accounted for and feedback left.  You can mark auctions complete yourself when it is paid and feedback is left or have kAuction do it for you by choosing 'Mark Complete' from the 'Do Auction Task' drop down list box)
• notified, not paid (winning email sent, not yet marked as 'Paid')
• paid, not yet shipped (marked as 'Paid', but not marked as 'Shipped')
• needs feedback  (all auctions that are marked as 'Paid' but feedback has not been left)

    You can sort the records (middle dropdown list box) by item number, item title or end date and put them in ascending or descending order (rightmost drop down list box.)  If you need a specific record or want to pick from some other auction record search choices, just click 'Find'  

    Remember, if you can not find an auction that you know should be there, double-click the 'Archive' label and choose to see all records.  It may have been 'Archived' and is being hidden by kAuction.

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Active vs Completed:  

    kAuction groups auctions into two main categories.  Active or Completed.

    Active auctions are ones that are either currently running or still have outstanding bids or feedback needs left.  They are active because they still require attention.

    Completed auctions are ones that have ended without any bids or all bids are accounted for and feedback has been left.

    Note: you can manually mark auctions complete by changing the drop down box to 'Completed'.  Do this when all bids are paid and feedback has been left for the auction's bidder(s).  HOWEVER, kAuction will mark auctions completed for you.   Choose 'Mark Complete' from the 'Do Auction Task' drop down list box.   (Tip: First leave bulk feedback.  kAuction will not mark an auction completed unless feedback has been left for the bidder.)  The exception for kAuction automatically marking auctions complete; if you get a final fee credit because the bidder did not pay you must mark the auction as complete on your own.  It's completed because it no longer requires attention, you got credit.

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Auction End:

• For one auction:
  1. Find the auction.  If you have a small number of auctions in the database, simply move through your auction records to find it.  If you have a large number of auctions, you can find the one that ended by clicking 'Find' and using one of the search options.  Searching on 'End Date' is a quick way to find the auction that ended.
  2. To retrieve the high bidder information, choose 'Get Bid Info' from the 'Do Auction Task' drop down list box.  It will retrieve high bidder information for the auction.
  3. Email the high bidder by choosing 'Winning Bid Email' from the bidders 'Do It' drop down list box.
  4. (Note:  you can also choose 'Get All High Bids' from the 'Do Auction Task' drop down list box.  It will find the auction that has ended and get the bid info for you)
• For a number of auctions:
  1. Choose 'Get All High Bids' from the 'Do Auction Task' drop down list box.  kAuction will find all auctions that are ended (according to the end date/time you have entered in the database) 
  2. After all bidder information is successfully retrieved, then you can email the winning bidders.  Choose 'Email All Bidders' from the 'Do Auction Task' drop down list box and kAuction will find all auctions that have had the Bids Checked, but are not yet marked as 'Emailed.'  kAuction will generate the 'Winning Bid' emails for you, one after the other.  Just click 'Send'
  3. kAuction will also combine multiple winning bids into one email for you automatically.

Note:  kAuction calculates the auction final values fees at this time also.  It adds the final value fees to the auction listing fees and displays the total in the 'Fees' box.   If you cannot get high bidder information, be sure you are signed in to eBay and make sure you have checked the box that keeps you signed in always.

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Enter a Sale:

    You might be tempted to just click the 'Paid' checkbox next to the bidder.  Don't do it.  A sale must be entered for each payment received!  Try to take shortcuts and nothing is going to work right.  Profits will be wrong, items will have incorrect quantities, etc.  Keep accurate records and your database will serve you well.  You may also want to read the first section of the Sale Records help.

    When you receive payment for an auction, follow these steps:

1. Find the auction that payment was received for.  Click 'Find' on the auctions tab to select from a number of options for finding the auction record.  Searching by item number is the easiest if the customer included it with the payment.  They don't always do that, so you can search on bidder username, email address, auction title, etc to help find the correct auction.  If the customer is paying for more than one auction, just find any one of the auctions.
2. If it's a dutch auction (more than one item) the little label indicating the bidder record number will be highlighted with red text to remind you to find the correct bidder (because their are multiple bidders.)  Move to the correct bidder record by clicking the little '<' and '>' buttons. 
3. Choose 'Enter Sale' from the bidder's dropdown list and click 'Do It'
4. The Sale form will open.  If this bidder is a previous customer (kAuction will search on the username to check) the sale form will open with all of the customer information already filled in.  Check it to make sure it is still accurate and hasn't changed.  If it is a new customer, you can enter the shipping information the customer provided.  Click 'Save' when finished entering customer information
5. If payment is for more than one item, you can click the little '+' button to the right of the sale item lines and kAuction will search for other bids this bidder has not yet paid for.
6. Enter the payment method.  (Tip: Payment methods that appear on the dropdown list can be modified to match your needs.  Click View->Payment Methods on the menu.)
7. If it's a credit card, enter the number and expiration date.  (Tip: If you double-click the little 'Credit Card' label, kAuction will add the credit card number and expiration date to the customer's notes field.)
8. Ensure that all the information is accurate. Click 'Total' to see the total before entering the sale and make sure it matches the payment you received.  Double check the shipping and insurance charges.  Accuracy is very important because mistakes are hard to fix on this form once the sale has been entered.
9. If you have more than 7 items for this customer then, congratulations on the great customer!  I hope kAuction helped you to get this customer.  But, you will have to enter the first seven items on the form, then fill out another sale for the additional items.  (I fit all the sale lines I could on this form and still have the form fit on a smaller computer's screen.)
10. You can enter non-auction items also.  You can not use the item number field for non-auction items however, as it's for auctions that the customer has bid on only.  For non-auction items, kAuction will ask for your cost when you attempt to enter the sale.  That's for profit analysis.
11. After double-checking everything, click 'Enter Sale'  This adds the sale record to your database.
12. After entering the sale, you can also mark items as shipped if you plan on shipping the items that day.  Otherwise, kAuction will mark the items as shipped when you send an 'Item Shipped' email.  The easiest way to keep your records up-to-date is to mark them shipped right from the sale record.
13. Print an Invoice.  Even if you do not plan on shipping (ex- waiting for check to clear) print the invoice after entering the sale.  This way you will have the invoice ready when the check clears and it will serve as a reminder that the item(s) on the invoice have not yet been shipped.  If not shipping immediately, keep the invoice in a safe place until you do send the items.   Include the invoice with the item(s) when shipping.  You can modify the message that appears at the bottom of the invoice by clicking View->Emails on the menu.
14. Print a mailing label if you have a label maker.   Default font sizes for mailing labels and invoices can be set by clicking Tools->Settings/Options on the menu.  It's on the Options tab.
15. If you made a mistake click 'Edit.'  Only a few fields can be modified.  If you need to change more information then kAuction is allowing you to modify, you have to reenter the sale.  COPY all the information down (item numbers, descriptions, amount, etc), delete the record (DO NOT delete it until you've copied the information), then start over.  This is necessary because entering a sale makes changes all over your database and the only way to undo the changes is to completely delete the sale.  I told you to double check everything!
16. You can also enter a sale for a customer that does not have any bids.  To enter non-auction sales, click View->Customer Records.  If they are an exiting customer, click 'Find' to find them.  If they are new, click 'Add' to add them.  When you found the customer or entered their information, click 'Save' if the record is open, then 'Enter Sale'  (IMPORTANT!  You should enter something into the USERNAME field.  If you do not know their username, enter their email address or name...something unique.  kAuction uses this field when searching for customers!)
17. There is a 'Print All' on the sales records form.  This will allow you to print all of the invoices or all of the mailing labels for a particular date.  This is useful for users that enter all their customer's sales for the day BEFORE they print any invoices.

    Get used to this form.  With the help of kAuction, you'll be spending a lot of time here entering sales.

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Ship List:

    Super feature.  You can access the Ship List by clicking View->Ship List from the menu or from the sales form when entering a sale.  Pick the dates the sales were entered (the default is today's date) and kAuction will list all the customers with their purchases right in the text preview box.  You can view them there or print the list out.  I print one every day after I finish entering the days sales so I have a complete checklist of everything that needs shipped.  It's also great for people without label makers.  You can simply cut out the customer address portions and tape them to the packages!

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Work on Bidders:

    kAuction automates most of your bidder tasks.  Just pick a task from the bidder dropdown list and click 'Do It.'  The bidder check boxes (Emailed, Paid, Left FB, etc) are updated automatically by kAuction as you perform the tasks.  You will find all of the tasks in the bidder dropdown list to be huge time savers and you can experiment with them to see how they work.   You can leave feedback from the bidder dropdown list or leave bulk feedback and catch up all at once.  Attempt bulk feedback after first testing feedback for an individual bidder.

    kAuction adds notes (includes the date the action was performed) to the bidder notes field as you work.  Bidder notes that are automatically entered by kAuction include when the winning bid email was sent, when the sale was entered, when the item was shipped, when feedback was left, and when a late reminder was sent.  

    If there are multiple bidders for one auction (dutch auction) the bidder record count label will be highlighted with red text to remind you that there are multiple bidders.  This is important to remember so that you can use the little '<' and '>' buttons to locate the correct bidder.

    You can find bidders by clicking 'Find' on the 'Auctions' tab.  You will be given a list of auction fields to search on, including bidder username, bidder email, etc.  

    A rundown of all the bidder tasks found in the 'Do It' drop down list box are found below.  Some other bidder tasks are also found in the 'Do Auction Tasks' drop down list.

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Bidder Tasks ('Do It' drop down list)

    kAuction will perform many bidder tasks for you.  Here's a rundown of all tasks found on the 'Do It' drop down list box:

• Winning Bid Email - builds the 'Winning Bid' email by combining what you have entered as your email default with the auction and bidder information.  kAuction calculates totals for you.  You can review the email before sending.   'Emailed' will be checked for the bidder after sending a 'Winning Bid' email and a note will be added to the bidder note's with the date the action was performed.

• Show All Bids - shows all the bids the current bidder has on auctions you are running

• Enter Sale - enter a sale for this bidder.  Opens the sales form with much of the information filled in.  After entering the sale, 'Paid' will be checked for the bidder and a note will be added to the bidder note's with the date the action was performed.

• Payment Rcvd Email - builds a 'Payment Received' email for the bidder.  Combines auction information with the default email you have entered.  If kAuction finds multiple bids by the bidder that are not marked as 'Paid' it will ask you if you want to combine them into one email.  (Note: sending the 'Payment Rcvd Email' does NOT mark items as 'Paid', they are marked 'Paid' when a sale is entered for the items)

• Leave Feedback - leave feedback for the bidder for the current auction.  It will check 'Left FB' for the bidder and a note will be added to the bidder note's with the date the action was performed.  You can choose which default feedback you wish to leave for the bidder or enter a specific one.

• Item Shipped Email - builds an 'Item Shipped' email for the bidder.  'Shipped' will be checked for the bidder after sending this email.  Combines auction information with the default email you have entered and a note will be added to the bidder note's with the date the action was performed.  If kAuction finds multiple bids by the bidder that are not marked as 'Shipped' it will ask you if you want to combine them into one email.  (Notes: 'Shipped' can also be check from the Sales record form for all items on the Sales record.  However, If you mark the items as 'Shipped' from the Sales record before sending the Shipped email,  kAuction will not be able to combine 'Item Shipped Email' information for you because it won't find any records that are NOT marked 'Shipped')

• Late Reminder Email - builds a 'Late Reminder' email for the bidder.  Combines auction information with the default email you have entered.  'Late Reminder' will be checked after sending this email and a note will be added to the bidder note's with the date the action was performed.

• See Bidder's FB - view bidder's feedback in the browser

• Past Customer? - checks to see if the bidder is a past customer by searching your customer records by username.  If they are a past customer, the record opens.  If not, you are asked if you would like to add a record for them.

• Extra Email - opens an email for the bidder that you have entered in the default emails.

• Blank Email - opens a blank email for the bidder.

    Some other bidder tasks are also found in the 'Do Auction Tasks' drop down list.

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Feedback:

    Before leaving any feedback, make sure you have entered at least one default feedback message.  Click View->Feedback to see your feedback defaults.

    You can leave feedback two ways.  One way is directly from the bidder dropdown list.  The bidder information and tasks are found in the middle section of the 'Auctions' tab.  Choose 'Leave FB' from the dropdown list and click 'Do It'

    When you leave individual feedback, you will have the option of choosing which message to leave for the bidder.  You can also leave negative or neutral (use with caution.)  When you leave bulk feedback, you do not get to choose which message is left for which bidder.  kAuction will choose the feedback randomly from the feedback messages you have entered.

    You can also leave bulk feedback.  Choose 'Leave Bulk FB' from the 'Do Auction Task' drop down list near the bottom of the 'Auctions' tab.  kAuction will search through your database for any bidders that have been marked as paid, but have not yet been marked as having feedback left for them.  Warning!  This could take a while if you have let feedback pileup for a long time.  You can work on other things while bulk feedback is being left, but it may slow down response time in the browser.  If you have 30-50 or so, it should take just a couple minutes.  If you attempt to close kAuction before bulk feedback is done, kAuction will warn you.

    Also, it is strongly recommended that before leaving bulk feedback, you leave one feedback manually first.  Find an auction that you have recently received payment for and you know that feedback has not been left for.  Choose 'Leave FB' from the bidder list box and click 'Do It'  Make sure it goes through.  On numerous occasions I have received a 'This functionality is currently unavailable' message from eBay.  If you get that message or something similar, try later because they may be experiencing server problems.  If you leave bulk feedback while the servers are not functioning, the bidders will be marked as having feedback left, but feedback will not have actually been completed.  In short, kAuction sends the info but that doesn't mean eBay is accepting it.  Check one feedback manually first!

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 Item Records:

    All auctions are based on items.  Your item records contain all the information pertaining to each item you wish to sell.  You can open the item records by clicking View->Item Records from the menu, or by clicking 'Pick Item' on the start auction tab of the main form.  

    The fields on this form include:

• Description.  A short description of the item.  This will be used for the auction title when you start an auction, but you can change it before listing the item if you like.  (For example you can just enter 'Grandma's clock' as a short description, but then enter something more appealing when starting the auction like 'Antique Clock -wonderful condition, must see!')
• Quantity.  How many you have on hand.  The default is 1.  kAuction will automatically deduct from the quantity when an auction is listed for the item.
• Item Cost.  You can enter how much you paid for the item, or if on consignment how much you get.  For consigned items, enter either a percentage of the final selling price you will get or a set dollar amount you get for selling the item.  This information is optional but will be used to calculate profits on the Totals page.  You do not have to enter costs of items, but then your profit percentages will not be accurate.  Even if you are just selling items for fun, you should enter your estimated costs, so you can see your profit figures once in a while.  Profits and totals can be found by clicking Tools->Totals on the menu.
• Long Description.  Tell about your item.  This information will be used as the auction description when starting an auction.  If you do not plan on entering a set shipping amount when starting the auction, you should indicate shipping charges (see Start an Auction) in the item description.  Also, there's a little check box called 'Insert HTML line breaks.'  This is handy feature.  If you are describing the item and you hit the enter key, it will add a HTML line break (<br>) for you.  With HTML you can hit the enter key 50 times and it will not show up.  It has to be told to break with a tag.  To add a blank line between sections of the description, check the box, and click the enter key twice.  It'll appear as <br><br> in the description, each one counting as a carriage return.  In fact you can use any HTML in this field if you want.
• HTML pros - if you are using your own HTML when starting an auction, you can type it into the item description.  Then when starting the auctions, choose 'Own Desc' and kAuction will drop your HTML into the auction listing's description field for you!
• Pictures.  Click 'Edit' to open the current item record, or 'Add' to add a new one, and the 'Browse' buttons will be activated.  Browse your hard drive to find the pictures for the item.  A picture preview is available for your convenience.  Never use bitmaps (picture files with .bmp extension)  They are too big and bidders will not wait for them to load.  When scanning pictures or saving them from a digital camera, store pictures as .jpg files.  See FTP Tips for more information on pictures.   The web locations will be blank until you upload the pictures.  If you already have the pictures at a web site, you can enter the complete URL in the 'URL' fields (note that I said the 'URL' fields are for the URL.  'Pic' fields are for the local (hard drive) picture locations only.)  Also, after a successful uploading, the 'Uploaded?' label will say 'Yes'
• Item Notes.  Just for your records.  Not part of the listing.
• Extra Info.  This is information that you would like added to every listing at the bottom.  Include here payment options, payment terms, if state tax is collected for any state, insurance options, if you take PayPal, etc, etc.  This is a great place to add images that you would like to appear in every ad.  You can use HTML in this field if you like.
• Auction listing defaults.  These fields (including Cat, minimum, Buy It Now, etc) will be used when you start an auction for the item.  If you leave them blank, you can choose the category, etc on the 'StartAuction'.  The auction listing information stored in the item record includes:
• Min (minimum starting bid.  If no amount is entered, the minimum will default to $1 when starting an auction)
• Res (reserve price.  If no amount is entered, no reserve will be listed when starting an auction)
• BIN (Buy It Now price. If no amount is entered, the BIN will not be used when starting an auction)
• Days (Length of auction...3, 5, 7, 10 days.  If no length is entered, the days will default to 7 when starting an auction)
• Cat (Category.  If no category is entered, the category will have to be entered on the 'StartAuction' tab when starting an auction)
• Cat2 (second category if desired.  If no category 2 is entered, then no second category will be used when starting an auction)
• Qty (quantity if this item you will be selling at auction.  More than 1 and it's a dutch auction.  If no qty is entered, the qty will default to 1 when starting an auction)
• S&H (default shipping amount for the item.  If no amount is entered, the shipping will default to $0 when starting an auction)
• Ins (insurance amount and information regarding insurance)
• eBay store information (only if you have an eBay store)
• Type of auction
• Bulk upload information (see 'Bulk Upload' for important information on this topic.
• Picture Viewing/Maintenance.  'Settings' opens your FTP settings, 'Upload' starts to upload your pictures to your FTP site, 'Delete Local'  will delete your pictures from your hard drive, 'Delete Web' will contact your FTP site and delete the pictures. See FTP for more information on setting up your FTP.
• There are record navigation buttons to move through the records and 'Find' will give more options for finding a specific record.
• You can choose an item records 'view' from the drop down list box.  The default view is 'All Items'.
• Click 'List Auctions' and kAuction will show any past and current auctions that this item was used for. 
• You can preview your pictures in the little preview box.  Double-click one of the labels ('Pic' or 'URL') and that picture will be shown.
• Note:  you can enter as many item records as you want before starting any auctions for them.  kAuction store your item information forever, so you don't have to start the auctions right away.  I do it this way.  I enter my first new item by clicking 'Add' on the item records form.  I fill in the description, upload pictures, choose the category, minimum, etc.  Then I click 'Add' again to enter another item.  Sometimes I work on 40-50 items at night (uploading pictures goes quicker for me at night) then start auctions for those items one after the other the next day when I get time.

    If you no longer need to access a record because the item's auction(s) is/are complete, you can hide it by checking 'Archive'.  This will save the record for you, but it will be hidden if you choose to hide the archived records.  For the different archiving options, double-click the little 'Archive' label on the Item records tab.  PLEASE remember, that this hides the items that you have chosen to archive.  SO, if you one day can not find an item that you know should be there, double-click the 'Archive' label and choose to see all records.

    See Record Tips for information that applies to all records and always remember to backup your database in order to safeguard your records.  kAuction automatically backs up your database at startup, just in case!

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Customer Records:

    Customer records are one of your most important business assets.  Always enter customer information accurately and completely.   You can view your customer records by clicking View->Customer Records from the menu.  (A customer record also opens when entering a sale.  It's at the top of the sale form and it's automatically filled in if it is a repeat customer, or blank if a new customer.)

    Most fields on the customer record form are self-explanatory.  There are some tools added to the form that you may find useful.  They include:

• Past Sales.  Searches the database and presents a list of all previous sales credited to this customer.
• Check Bids.  Searches the database and shows all bids by this customer that have not yet been paid.
• Send Email.  Opens a blank email for the customer.  Really handy feature, but not too useful for AOL users.
• Find.  Click it to see a list of fields you can search to find a customer.

    Take good care of your customers.  Repeat customers can help you build a solid business base.

    See Record Tips for information that applies to all records and always remember to backup your database in order to safeguard your records.  kAuction automatically backs up your database at startup, just in case!

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Sale Records:

    I am sure you know that these are important records.  Well, they are ultra important to your database and your online business.  Having customer records is nice, but what makes the customer information really valuable is knowing what purchases they made.  Auction records are very important too.  But they become real tools when you can calculate profits and view sales based on them.  Sales records bind all the information together.  They tie a bidder to what is now a customer, the customer to a sale, items to a sale, and auctions to the items from the sale.  

        You can open the sales form in three ways.  To open the sales form, click View->Sale Records on the menu, or choose 'Enter Sale' from the bidder dropdown list on the 'Auctions' tab, or directly from a customer record.  The form opens a little differently with each method.  If you open it from the menu, all the sales in your database will be shown.  If you open the sales form from the bidder dropdown list, it will open ready to add a new sale with the customer information (if a previous customer) and the auction listing information already filled in.  If you open it from the customer records form, it will open ready to add a new sale and the customer information will be already in place on the sales form (but no item information.)

    I've designed a neat and efficient Sale Records form for your auction needs.  Many fields are self-explanatory and you can also find out more information about them by simply placing the mouse cursor over them.  A tip will pop up for most text boxes, buttons and some labels.  Some features include:

• Customer Information.  Located at the top of the form, you can edit the info, check for other outstanding bids, see past sales for the customer, print a mailing label, and send a blank email.  If the customer information is open for editing, you must finish editing and click 'Save' before kAuction will allow you to enter the sale.
• Quick - will allow you to paste the customer's address info into one box and then kAuction will attempt to paste it into the customer fields for you.
• Little buttons.  The little '+' button to the right of the sale line item will open a form that will show other outstanding bids for the customer.  So convenient for bidders with multiple bids on your items.  Check it out!  The little 'x' button will erase a line if you made it in error.
• Adjustment field.  Use this field to make an adjustment to the profit for the sale.  For example, if you make a buck or two on the shipping, you can enter a positive amount in this field so your profit calculations will reflect it.
• Credit Card Label.  Double-click it to copy credit card info directly into the customer's notes field.  That way when you look up a customer in your customer records, the credit card information is with that record also.
• Tax Label.  Double-click it to bring up your tax table.  
• Payment Methods.  You can set this list to the methods you accept.  Click View->Payment Methods on the menu.
• Mark Items Shipped.  (Not visible if the sale has not yet been entered.)  Click it and all the items from the sale (if they are auction items) will be marked as 'Shipped' with today's date.
• Print Invoice.  (Not visible if the sale has not yet been entered.)  Click it and an invoice is copied to the main screen Preview box for printing.  Print an invoice for every sale, even if you do not plan on shipping right away.  
• Ship List.  (Not visible if the sale has not yet been entered.)  Click it and the ship list form pops up.  You can pick dates on this form and kAuction will list all sales for the dates you pick.  The ship list is very handy, check it out!
• Find.  (Not visible if the sale has not yet been entered.)  Click it and you will be given a list of fields that you can search in order to find a particular sale.

    You should also read the information about entering a sale.

    See Record Tips for information that applies to all records and always remember to backup your database in order to safeguard your records.  kAuction automatically backs up your database at startup, just in case!

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Record Tips:

    Records that kAuction maintains include Customer, Item, Auction and Sale records.  All records have some nice features to help you perform your auction tasks more efficiently.  They include:

• All records come with a notes section.  You can use this section for any information that will help you find, sort, and organize your records.  kAuction can not possibly anticipate every piece of information you would like to track, so this field can be used by you for your purposes.  An example:  when starting an auction, you decide to make it a Featured auction for an additional fee.  Besides adjusting your fees field, you could write 'featured' in the auction notes section.  Later when you are searching for records, you can enter 'featured' as your search word and search on the notes section (that's right, all 'notes' fields are searchable!)  The search will bring up all auctions that you have 'featured' on eBay!  Tip: be consistent.  Use the same word or words every time, so when you search, kAuction can find all the records you are looking for.
• 'Find' buttons are available on all record forms.  Click it and you'll be presented with a list if fields you can search on.
• When entering a search word, you can use a wildcard character.  What's a wildcard character?  It is a special search character.  It can stand for any number of characters or spaces.  The wildcard character for kAuction is the percent sign (%)  For example: suppose you are searching for a particular auction for a clock you sold but can't remember the exact title.  All you can remember is that you used the word 'clock' and 'must see' in the description.  As a search word you would enter 'clock%must' and the click 'Search' button.  kAuction will look for any auction records that have the word 'clock' in it, then any number of characters or spaces, then the word 'must' in the title.  The '%' stands for any characters or spaces, of any length.  You should also remove any filter before searching in order to search all the records (see below.)
• Records will often appear with the 'Remove Filter, View All Records' button visible.  This means you may not be viewing all the records.  You may have searched the records or chosen a particular record view.  Click the button to view all the records again.
• The record number label (says 'Record 1 of whatever') can be double-clicked and you will be given an option to jump to a particular record.  For example, if you are at record number one and believe the record you are looking for is at about number 1000, you don't have to keep clicking the next button!  Double-click the label and enter 1000 as the record number you wish to jump to.
• You can change information by clicking 'Edit.'  When finished click 'Save' to save the new information or 'Cancel' to cancel any modifications.  Please note that you will not always be able to cancel changes.  If you have moved off of the current record or some other activity has been performed besides just editing, pressing 'Cancel' may not work because the changes may have already been applied to your database.
• Deleting records.  You can delete records that were entered by mistake.  You will not be able to delete some records if they are related to other records in your database (ex- you can not delete an item record if it has related auctions, you'd have to delete the auctions first.)  In most cases, there's no reason to delete records anyway.  It doesn't matter if you have thousands of auctions in your database, kAuction provides you with the navigation tools ('Find', auction views, etc) to handle them easily.  Also, you can not delete a record if it is the only one in your database.  You can edit the record or you can delete it once other records have been entered.
• There are often buttons to help you cross reference your database.  For example, on the customer record form, you can click 'Past Sales' or 'Check Bids' to open information pertaining to that customer.  Take a good look around.  Neat, time-saving features are everywhere throughout kAuction.  Hold the cursor over a button or label and a tip will pop up to assist you.

    Also see Database Tips for information about safeguarding your records.

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General Tips:

    Some general auction tips and kAuction tips.

• Leave negative feedback in only extreme cases.  Try to work it out with the bidder.  I generally get a credit from eBay and then maybe leave neutral.  Negative feedback dangerous because it may lead to retaliation from the bidder.  Of course, if they are a dishonest bidder they deserve negative feedback and the negative helps to warn your fellow eBay'rs.  Just use caution.
• Make your default 'late reminder' email a 'gentle' reminder.  Many times email gets deleted by accident or the bidder just forgot.  A quick way to make a potential customer into a 'defensive' bidder is to threaten them.
• Check the bidder's feedback before requesting a 'Non-Paying Bidder Alert' or 'Credit Request' from eBay.  If they have a good, high rating, try to email again.  You can check a bidder's feedback from the 'Auctions' tab.  Find the auction in question, move to the bidder record (if it's a dutch auction, else they'll be the only bidder), and choose 'See Bidder's FB' from the bidder dropdown list.  Click 'Do It.'
• Repeating an FTP Tip.  Don't spend a week trying to get your FTP settings ironed out with a problematic internet service provider.  If you can't get your FTP up and running, just open an web space account with a more user-friendly provider.
• You should fill in all five default feedbacks.  kAuction randomly chooses one feedback from however many you have entered.  Five helps to ensure that it's not the same thing over and over (especially for bidders with multiple bids.)  Click View->Feedback on the menu to see your feedback messages.
• The browser half of the main screen uses some cool technology from Microsoft's Internet Explorer.  You can open most any document type in the browser, not just web pages.  Click 'Open' above the browser and try it out!  Also, the extra links on the 'QuickStuff' tab can be set to a file on your hard drive - just enter the path (example of a path- C:\My Documents\MyFile.doc) instead of a web address!  The file will open directly in the browser.

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Listing Tips:

    Some auction listing tips:

• To prepare to list a bunch of auctions you should first fill in all the item information for each item you are going to list before starting.  Upload all the pictures before starting any auctions also. Then locate the first item you are going to list and start the auction.  If you have all the information entered, you will be able to list one item (or more) per minute (but of course, it depends on the eBay server speed, internet traffic, etc.)  Preparing all the item information first allows you to concentrate on getting them listed in a quick way.  (Note: kAuction stores all item information forever, so you can enter the items when you have time, and then start an auction any item at any time.)
• Make sure your 'Extra Information' is clear and complete.  'Extra Information' is found on the item record form and can be included with every listing.  The information you include here will help keep the email traffic a little lower.  (Less questions like, 'do you take PayPal?' and 'can I get insurance?', etc)
• Choose attractive colors for your listing and make sure the text colors show up well against the background color you chose.  You can pick your colors and see how they will look by clicking 'Auction Defaults' on the 'StartAuction' tab.
• Many more listing options (like background patterns and sounds) are also found by clicking 'Auction Defaults' on the 'StartAuction' tab of kAuction's main form.
• If your full-sized picture is large (wider than the average computer's screen width) then choose thumbnails.  Then they will be shrunk, with an option to view the full size image.  
• Never use a bitmap (.bmp) image file as your picture.  It's too big of a file and people will not wait for it to load.  When saving your pictures from a scanner or digital camera, choose .jpg as the file format.
• Finding yourself listing over and over in the same handful of categories?  You can make a text file with just your categories in it and kAuction will open your file whenever you pick the '<Cat' button on the 'StartAuction' tab.  Just make the text file, then go to the Options tab of the 'User Info' form.  You'll find a checkbox to indicate that you'd like to use your file as a category picker and a 'Find...' button to locate it on your hard drive.
• If you are starting a reserve price auction, you might want to include what the reserve amount is in the item's description.  Many people get frustrated when bidding and they keep receiving the 'reserve not yet met' message.

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Database Tips:

    Your database is extremely important!  You should take the utmost care of it.  Some guidelines include:

• Enter accurate information!  This cannot be overstressed.  Fill in all fields completely.  When performing auction tasks, kAuction (and you) depend on accurate information.  
• kAuction automatically backs up your database on start up.  But before closing the program, you may want to back it up again.  Click Tools->Backup Database on the menu to bring up a backup screen.  Choose a file name other than the original (kauction.mdb) or the auto backup filename (kauctionbackup.mdb) such as 'backup1020.mdb' where 1020 is the date so you know when you saved it.  Store the backup apart from your computer's hard drive if possible on a CD or removable disk.  This is so vital.  If you lose your computer, that's one thing.  You can get it repaired and reinstall the software.  Your database is (or will become) much more valuable then the computer hardware.  If you lose your database, it's gone forever.  If you have 1500 auction records, 900 sale records, 850 customer records and 1400 item records, and your computer crashes, what would you do?  You could NEVER reenter all the information.  If you backup regularly, just breathe a sigh of relief, pop in your backup, and get back to work!  See FAQs for more info on restoring a backup.
• This information is for experienced Access or Office users who may want to use the database for mail merges or other data queries.  The database was designed with Microsoft Access.  That means if you have Access you can open it and view how it is designed.  Just don't modify it!   The database is commented to assist you.  Warning:  if you change any of the tables, your program may no longer work!
• Importing other databases.  This isn't going to work in most cases.  The reason is that the design of other auction databases is flawed.  Incorrect relationships, etc.  Sorry, you will have to start fresh with this one.  If you really want to try it and you are experienced with Access go ahead and try to import the information.  Match the fields the best you can.  Just make a 'clean' copy of kauction.mdb first in case it doesn't work.

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Bulk Upload Tips:

    First, make sure your Internet Explorer settings have been adjusted so that information from previous auctions does not get submitted.   

Information concerning bulk upload....

1. I don't recommend bulk upload for users who are not accustomed to running auctions with kAuction.  (There may be information you forget to add to the item record that you will have to correct after the item is listed!)
2. if there is an error in submission, bulk upload will end and you will have to correct the error and press 'bulk upload' again. Possible 'errors' include the sign-in for selling screen, reserve price not higher than starting bid, category not selected, etc.
3. if you click the '+' button, that item will be marked for bulk upload. if you need to list the same item more than once, click the '+' as many times as needed.  It will list the item with the exact information that is on the item record form.
4. if you click the '-' button, it will take the item off the bulk upload list when the quantity reaches zero
5. new items can automatically be marked for bulk upload if you like, as you add them to the database. Click the '?' button and that option will be available.
6. kAuction will also start the items in bulk upload at predetermined intervals.  Enter a time in minutes into the space provided on the options form.  This is useful for folks with fast internet connections (i.e. cable, DSL, etc) so that auctions do not start one after the other.
7. as an item is uploaded, it is removed from the bulk upload list.  In a future update, i may be able to allow the user to choose to 'save' certain groups of items in a bulk upload list (for users that list the same items repeatedly) but for now you will have to reMARK the items if you want them to be bulk uploaded again  (Tip: if you do have groups of items that you want bulk uploaded as a group at certain times, enter something in the item record 'notes' section. i.e. bulkItems1, bulkItems2, etc. Then you can search the item records for all items with that in the notes section and remark them with greater ease then finding each item individually again.) 
8. If you later list an item manually that has been marked for bulk upload, it will NOT be removed from the bulk upload list automatically.  You have to click the little '-' button to remove it from the bulk upload list.
9. during bulk upload, the item records form will NOT be accessible.  Plus, kauction will be busy working, as will the hidden browser that is doing the submission. That means, you can still work on some things, but it may be slow going. I recommend that you just let it run, checking it occasionally to make sure no problems were encountered.
10. depending on your connection speed, this can go fast or slow.  I am still on modem (believe it or not) and it takes me about 90 minutes to bulk upload 70 items.
11. ALWAYS check which items are marked for bulk upload before beginning a session!   Choose 'items marked for bulk upload' from the item records form....it's a filter in the 'item records view' drop down list box.
12. test it out first with a small group of items....5 or 10 at the most, to see how it works.  Then if there was a problem with the listings, it won't be as tough to correct as if you start with 50 items!
13. do NOT just leave the computer while bulk uploading when first trying it out.  Make sure you check it to see if there is a problem or error so you can correct it and start bulk upload again
    

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Set Time:

    Double-click the little clock in the upper left corner of the main screen or click Tools->Set System Time on the menu.  If you are online, you can click 'Set For Me' to have kAuction automatically set your computer's clock.  It'll match eBay time but be adjusted to your time zone.  (Actually, I have the time checking done against a major university.  It is much more reliable and accurate and eBay is always within a few seconds of the university)   Always make sure your system clock is accurate; not just the time, the date is very important also.  kAuction uses the date and time for many tasks.

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HTML InstaView:

    HTML InstaView is a really cool tool.  Click Tools->HTML InstaView on the menu to open it.  It will also open when you click 'Preview' when starting an auction.  

    Use HTML InstaView to practice your HTML skills!   Your item 'Extra Information' is a place where you may want to include some HTML.  For example if you want to make a bulleted list of payment terms, you could enter:

<b>Payment options</b>
<hr><ul>
<li>Cash</li>
<li>Checks (must wait 10 days to clear)</li>
<li>Paypal (send to dkinem@ velocity.net)</li>
</ul>

    Highlight the above lines by placing your mouse at the start, clicking and highlighting until all the lines are highlighted.  Release the mouse button.  Then press Ctrl and C at the same time to copy it to the clipboard.  Open HTML InstaView and paste it into the top box by pressing Ctrl and V at the same time.  You'll see the results of the HTML in the bottom half instantly! 

    You can adjust the space between the top and bottom halves by clicking on the red bar, holding the mouse button down, and dragging it to where you need it.  When you are working on HTML you will (most of the time) want to see instant updates.  This updates the browser view instantly as you type.  This can get irritating if you have multiple images in the HTML, so you can choose to have it updated only when you click update.  The options are at the bottom of the form.     

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Spell Checker:

    The spell checker can be accessed by clicking Tools->Spell Checker on the menu.   Press 'Spell?' and the contents of the spell checker box will be checked for accuracy.  

    It is also available directly on the Item Records form, the Feedback and Emails form, and on the main screen when the Preview box is open.   Click 'Spell?' and the spell checking will begin.

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Clipboard Manager:

    You can access the Clipboard Manager by clicking Tools->Clipboard Manager on the menu.  You can paste or enter any text you want into the box and kAuction will store it for you.  Then when you need a 'clip' you can open the Clipboard Manager and click 'Copy' to have the clip copied to the Windows clipboard.  You can then paste it wherever it is needed (pressing Ctrl & V at the same time is the keyboard shortcut.)  This is handy for saving any information or text that you find yourself typing too often.  Also, you can store additional emails templates here if you like.

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Tax Table:  

    Click View->Tax Table from the menu.  Fill in the appropriate state tax information.  kAuction will add a tax line to outgoing emails (example- NY residents add 8% sales tax for a total of ....)  Also, kAuction will automatically calculate tax when entering a sale for the appropriate state.  If you do not have to collect tax, leave all the states at the default (0 percent.)  

    (Note:  the tax table can also be brought up from the sales form.  Double-click the little 'Tax' label.)

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To Do List:

    Open your 'To Do' list by clicking 'To Do List' on the main screen 'QuickStuff' tab or by clicking View->To Do List on the menu.  Use this tool to keep track of any tasks that you do not want to forget.  Possible uses include tracking a bidder (a bidder who wants to wait until some of your other auctions end before you send a total, enter the username here and then follow them for awhile), notes for neutral or negative feedback (kAuction only leaves positive, if you plan on leaving neutral or negative for a bidder, make a note of it here until you leave it), etc.  Just any little jobs that need done and you don't want to forget!

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

• Can I see a short checklist on how to get started?
• Can I see the general steps for running an auction from start to finish?
• How do I add existing auctions to my database?
• I'm still not sure how to get a picture into my ad!
• How do I run another auction for an existing item? 
• How do I prepare to list a bunch of auctions?
• I can't enter any info into the fields, they appear to be locked....why?
• A bidder task/auction task or quick link is no longer working.  How do I fix it?
• 'Get Bid Info' is giving the wrong (or no) results.  How do I fix it?
• eBay changed the sell page, how do I update kAuction?
• I can't see the bottom of the item records form, Add/Edit are not visible on the item records form!
• I am signing-in repeatedly, what's wrong?
• How do I restore a backup database I've saved?
• How do I move kAuction to another computer?
• How do I fix the 'error connecting to database' problem?
• How do I fix 'Error number 6, overflow error'?
• My category picker is lost or not displaying. How do I fix it?
• How can I safely reinstall kAuction?
• Can kAuction be used for multiple usernames on the same computer?
• Can I use kAuction for eBay motors?
• How do I add my own backgrounds?
• What are the instructions for joining a FTP site that is reasonable and actually works?
• How do I restore an auto backup database that kAuction saved for me?
• How do I fix FTP errors?
• How do I get the FTP settings from my internet provider?
• How does the USPS calculator work?
• Can I install kAuction on another computer?
  
  

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Can I see a short checklist on how to get started?

    It is recommended that you read the complete help file before starting any auctions.  I can guarantee that many will not do that, so a short checklist follows:

• First, don't be overwhelmed by the apparent crowding of features.  kAuction does A LOT of stuff, so it's all needed.  You will see how it all comes together.
• Open the Settings/Options form by clicking Tools->Settings/Options on the menu.
• Enter your user information in the 'User Information' tab (more...)
• Enter your FTP information in the fields of the  'FTP Settings' tab and test the FTP (more...)
• Enter your email information in the fields of the 'eMail' tab (more...)
• Enter your defaults for auction listings by clicking 'Auction Defaults' on the 'StartAuction' tab (more...)
• Fill in default emails before emailing bidders (more...)
• Test email (more...)
• Fill in Tax Information before emailing bidders (more...)
• Set the time (more...)

    These are the general steps in getting started.  Please read the 'more...' links for detailed information.

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Can I see the general steps for running an auction from start to end?

    The steps in running an auction from start to finish are as follows:

• First, do not get confused!  Run ONE test item all the way through these steps to see how it comes together.  Guaranteed you will be a pro in short order.  This list looks long, but trust me!!!
• Go to the main screen and click the 'StartAuction' tab
• Click the 'Pick Item' button to find (or add) an item to list (more...)
• Make sure any pictures are uploaded and the description and extra information are complete (more...)
• On the item form, click 'Start Auction' (more...)
• Check your defaults, listing options, and see how your ad will be built by clicking 'Auction Defaults' on the 'StartAuction' tab of the main form
• Click 'Build...' button to 'build' the web pages that begin submitting the info to eBay
• If changes are needed before submittal of the auction, change your database, then click 'Rebuild'
• You can preview your auction by clicking 'Preview'
• When the review page is displayed by eBay, check it for accuracy and submit it (Note:  if you chose 'Auto Submit' you will not see the review page)
• Enter auction item number (that eBay supplies on the 'auction has begun' page) into your database and click 'Auction Has Begun'.  If you chose 'Auto Submit' this will be done by kAuction.
• View auction and work on auction as needed (more...)
• When auction ends, retrieve bidder information (more...)
• When payment is received, find the auction that the payment is for.  If it is payment for a few auctions, just find any one
• When you've found the auction, for a dutch auction find the correct bidder, otherwise there will be just the one bidder
• Enter the sale (choose 'Enter Sale' from the bidder dropdown list)  (more...)
• You can 'Mark Item(s) Shipped' right from the Sale form if you plan on shipping that day
• Print Invoice (even if not shipping immediately)
• Print mail label from Sale form if you have a label printer
• Leave feedback (more...)
• When you have entered all sales for the day, you can print a ship list from the Sales form or by clicking View->Ship List on the menu (more...)

    These are the general steps in running an auction.  Please read the 'more...' links for detailed information.

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How do I add existing auctions to my database?

    Adding existing auctions is not as simple as typing in the auction number.  The main reason is that the auction database is centered on ITEMS, not auctions.  So, to get auctions into your database, there first must be a related Item Record.   kAuction will track all auctions you START with the program very easily, but to enter ones that are already running and/or completed involves a few steps.

For each auction you want to add.....

• click 'Pick Item' from the 'StartAuction' tab on the main form.
• click 'Add' to add the item that the auction is selling (or has sold) to your database
• enter SOME info about the item that the auction in question is selling or has sold, at least the description
• click 'Save' to save the item record...now you have an item record in your database that you can attach an auction number to
• click 'Start Auction' this opens the 'StartAuction' fields on the main screen.
• no need to click 'Build Start Auction Form' cause it's already been submitted previously
• enter the actual item number in the field and click 'Auction Has Begun'
• it has been added to your database and tied to an item.
• go to the 'Auctions' tab and find the auction.  Click 'Edit' and change the end day/time to match the actual end day/time.

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I am still not sure about how to get a picture into my ad!

    Questions about pictures and FTP are the most common questions I get.  Follow these general guidelines:

• First, you have to somehow get the picture into your computer's memory.  The pictures usually are transferred to your computer from a scanner or a digital camera.   You'll have to work with the software that came with the scanner/camera in order to see how to do that.  My experience is that the software provided with scanners and cameras is not good, so read all the help they provide.
• Once the picture has been transferred into the computer memory, save the file as a .jpg (example of a filename- 'mypic.jpg')  The preferred picture file format is .jpg.  It uses far less memory than bitmaps and you don't lose much in clarity.  Save it with reasonable dimensions.  You'll have to use the photo software provided and view the picture at it's normal dimensions.  If it is too big, then the software should be able to resize it.  You will have to figure out how to do this, as every camera/scanner software package is different.  Experiment until you get it right then copy down the steps you took to get it that way for future reference!
• OK, the picture is on your hard drive, in .jpg file format and a decent size.  Now, it has to be sent (uploaded) to somewhere on the web so people can see it.  This is where File Transfer Protocol (FTP) comes in to play.  You have to use FTP in order for your computer to be able to communicate with another computer (server) so that it can be uploaded.  As far as you are concerned, FTP means this; your computer calls up another, tells it you have a picture that you want to put somewhere on the web, the server says ok, and the transfer begins.
• Your computer needs a server to talk with and send the picture to.  Most internet service providers have FTP server(s) ready to work with their subscribers and they give the subscribers free web space to use for FTP.  You will have to check with your provider.  You need to know your FTP username, FTP password, the FTP server's name, your directory (if you have one,) and what the URL prefix is in order for someone to view the images.  Sounds confusing and like a lot of info, but these are simple little questions to your provider.  Tell them you need the exact information and you need it quickly.  
• Do not spend a lot of time figuring out your FTP settings!  This should not take a week.  If your internet provider can't get back to you with the information you need or they only give a small amount of storage space (like AOL) just move on to a different web space provider.  Sign-up, get your space, start working. See www.kinem.com/picturehelp.html for more information if you've become completely frustrated.
• You now have a web space to store the pictures.  Enter the settings (username, password, etc) into the FTP settings fields.  Click Tools->Settings/Options on the menu.  They are on the 'FTP Settings' tab.  Test the settings.
• Ok, you've tested the settings, you have a web space, now you are ready to start an auction.  Pick an item that you have pictures of from your item records.  Click 'Edit' to open the record and then click 'Browse' to find a picture on your hard drive of the item.  Click 'Upload' and kAuction contacts your FTP provider and begins to transfer the image.  This can take a few seconds up to a few minutes depending on connection speed, size of files, etc.
• Once the pictures are uploaded, kAuction builds the URL for the picture (combining the URL prefix from your FTP settings) and the file name.  You can double-click the item's picture labels to switch between web location of picture and hard drive location of picture.
• Now when you click 'Start Auction' for this item, kAuction will automatically add the picture(s) to your ad.  In your ad, the pictures can be on either side or the bottom of the item description. See 'Auction Defaults' on the 'StartAuction' tab of the main screen to change the picture location.
• For more FTP help, see FTP, FTP Tips, and Sample FTP Settings and for complete frustration, see www.kinem.com/picturehelp.html for the latest tips/advice.

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How do I run another auction for an existing item? 

    Want to run auctions for the same item, repeatedly?  Very easy.  Simply find the original auction.  (Click 'Find' on the 'Auctions' tab for help in locating it.)  Choose 'Relist Item' from the dropdown list of 'Do Auction Tasks.'  kAuction will find the item, open the item record and send you to eBay's relist page.  

(Note:  when relisting through eBay's relist page, the original ad is rerun.  If you want to change the auction ad itself, you have to modify it on that page OR relist the item manually.  Open the item record, click 'Start Auction' and then choose the way you want it to look by clicking 'Auction Defaults'  from the 'StartAuction' tab.)

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I can't enter any info into the fields, they appear to be locked....why?

    The fields are locked for the protection of your database!  To open fields in order to enter information, follow these guidelines:

• To open the fields of many of the records (like Customer, Item, Messages and Feedback) simply click 'Edit' to open the fields for editing. 

• To open 'StartAuction' fields, first click 'Pick Item' to find or enter an item to start the auction with.  After the item has been added or found you click 'Start Auction' from the item record to begin an auction with that item.  That will transfer the item info into the appropriate fields and open the other fields for editing on the 'StartAuction' tab of the main screen.

• If you just started and wonder why the 'Auctions' tab is locked with no way to edit the fields, it's because you have not entered any auctions yet.  You do not add auctions from the 'Auctions' tab, you enter auctions from the 'StartAuction' tab.  See starting an auction for more help.

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A bidder task/auction task or quick link is no longer working.  How do I fix it?

    From time to time, you will experience 'failures' when trying to link to a site or accomplish a bidder or auction task.  This is unavoidable and is not an error in the software.  eBay is constantly changing and therefore, you may have to update the software to match.  I have built the most updateable eBay auction software on the market.  If something has changed, I have either built the fix already, or I am working hard to get it done in the quickest time possible. Follow these general guidelines if you are having problems with a link or task:

• First, check your internet connection.  Seems obvious, but often the internet connection is to blame for the problems.  Disconnect and reconnect.  Even rebooting sometimes helps.
• Try the task again.  Make sure to note these things;  1) what, exactly, are you attempting to do, 2) what happens when you are trying to do it, 3) what (if any) error messages are you receiving from kAuction and/or eBay.
• Check the web site for updates (www.kinem.com) 
• If it is one of your extra links on the 'QuickStuff' tab that is giving you trouble, you'll have to check to see if the URL is correct.  Click Tools->Settings/Options on the menu.  Your extra links are on the 'User Information' tab.  Those are the links as you entered them, so you will have to do the trouble shooting.  
• Of course, email me if nothing else seems to help!

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'Get Bid Info' is giving the wrong results.  How do I fix it?

    kAuction retrieves the high bidder information by reading the HTML 'behind' the auction's high bidder web page.  If eBay changes how the information is presented on that page, you may have to update the software.  Follow these steps:

• First.  Try to retrieve the high bidder information again.  Check your internet connection.  Many times it is an unresponsive server's fault.
• Second.  Make sure that if it is a dutch auction (more than 1 item) you have the correct quantity entered in the 'Qty' field.  It should match the quantity you have listed for sale for that auction.  kAuction looks for different 'tags' in a dutch auction than it does in a single item auction, so this could cause it to 'read' the wrong information.
• Third.  Make sure you are signed-in to eBay and make sure you check the box that tells eBay to always keep you signed in on the computer.
• If it still is not working, check our web site for an update as the settings may have changed.
• In the mean time, you will have to copy and paste the information by hand into your database.  Choose 'See High Bids' from the auction dropdown list.  Click 'Do Auction Task' to open the high bidder page in the browser.  Find the high bidder username and the high bidder email address.  Enter them in the appropriate boxes.   (Note: if there is just an email address for the bidder, then that is their email address and username.)  Enter the high bid and quantity.  You'll have to do that for each bidder if it is a dutch auction.  BE SURE to change the auction to 'Bids Checked' so kAuction does not try to retrieve the information again (erasing what you have entered in the process!)
• That 'copy and pasting' will get old quick, so email me to tell me exactly what problems you are having.

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eBay changed the sell page, how do I update kAuction?

    This will happen occasionally.  The two most common problems will be an 'Input error' or 'invalid parameter' message from eBay or, sometimes, you may have seen new features on eBay's sell page that are not available in kAuction.

    If you get an input error message (or some other similar message), the first thing to do is to try submitting the sell page a few more times.  It could be a temporary server problem.  If it continues then check our web site and see if a new update is available for download.  Odds are that I am aware of the changes and have already started or completed a fix.  If there is no indication of a fix at our web site, you can email me.

    Don't panic.  I have anticipated changes and will get the fix built quickly.  In the meantime, you can still list with kAuction.  It's never completely 'down.'  Open the Settings form by clicking Tools->Settings/Options on the menu.  Go to the 'Options' tab.  Click the 'Use Alternate Sell Page' option.  kAuction will then use the Sell Page web address that is entered in the 'Server Settings' tab instead of trying to build the form.  Regretfully, you will have to enter some of your own information  into the sell page.  However, kAuction still builds your ad's HTML!   kAuction uses your default settings, pictures, etc and makes the HTML for you and copies it to Window's clipboard.  Just put the mouse cursor in the item description box on the sell form.  Right click the mouse and choose paste from the pop up menu, or use the Window's shortcut for pasting (press the Ctrl and V keys at the same time.)  The HTML for your auction will be pasted into the description text box!  Just make sure the information you enter on the sell page (min bid, qty, category, etc) is the same as the information that you entered into your database.  After submitting the auction, just copy the auction item number (as usual) into your database.

    Check our web site often, as the fix will be posted as soon as possible.  

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I can't see the bottom of the item records form!  Add/Edit are not visible on the item records form!  What is the problem?

    If you can't see the bottom of some of the forms then your screen resolution is too low.  Follow these steps to check it:

• Right-click with your mouse on a blank area of your desktop
• Choose 'Properties' from the pop-up menu
• Choose the 'Settings' tab
• Check what your screen area is.  It must be 800x600 or higher to use kAuction
• If it is lower, then see if you can increase it (check your computer/monitor's documentation first)

    If it is 800x600 and you still can't see the whole form, then some of your desktop may be "stolen" from you by banner ads.  Such as those that come on eMachines or from some free internet service providers.  See if you can remove it (which I doubt!)  If you can not remove the banner ads (or set your screen higher than 800x600) then you will not be able to use kAuction because the form will not fit your screen.

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I am signing-in repeatedly, what's wrong?

    When asked to sign-in to list an auction, sign-in with your username and password.   After sign-in is complete, DO NOT go through the eBay sell page that is presented in the browser!  Click 'Rebuild...' and kAuction will begin to submit the information.

    If you are repeatedly get asked to sign-in and nothing gets submitted, that is an eBay cookie error.  Try deleting your cookies by opening Internet Explorer and clicking Tools->Internet Options.  Click 'Delete cookies' and try again.   If this does not work, email me and I will try to help.

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How do I restore a backup database that I've saved?

    If you've saved a backup database and want to restore it, simply follow these steps:

• Rename the backup.  Name it  kauction.mdb

• Move the backup to kAuction's directory.  It can be found with Window's Explorer and it is 'C:\Program Files\kAuction'

• If there is an existing 'kauction.mdb' in the directory, you will be asked if you want to overwrite it.  Choose 'Yes'

• kAuction will then read the information from that database

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How do I move kAuction to another computer?

    To move kAuction to a new computer, follow these steps:

• Install kAuction on the new computer from your CD or download it from the web site (www.kinem.com/trial.html)

• Make a copy of your database from the old computer.  It's called 'kauction.mdb' and it's in kAuction's directory (C:\Program Files\kAuction)

• If there are no files that have the '.mdb' extension as part of the filename, see 'Hidden file extensions' to fix that before proceeding

• Move the database to the new computer, placing it in kAuction's directory, replacing the new BLANK database that the installation put there.

• Some settings are stored in the Window's registry, so you will have to reenter them by hand (auction defaults, username info, email and FTP settings)

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How do I fix the 'Error connecting to database' problem?

    Error connecting to database could be caused by a few things.

    The most common reason is that you just downloaded a new update and downloaded it to your desktop.  You then double-click the icon to start kAuction.  Well, there is no database on the desktop, so kAuction does not find it.  Simply move the new download to kAuction's directory (C:\Program Files\kAuction) replacing the old 'kauction.exe' that is there.  Then open kAuction as usual (Start->Programs->Kinem Software->kAuction)

    If that is not the case, some of the database support files may be corrupted.  See 'reinstalling kAuction' and follow those directions and then open kAuction and see if it works.

    The last and most severe reason is that the database is gone.  This happens RARELY, so follow the above directions first.   If neither works, then check kAuction's directory (C:\Program Files\kAuction) to see if there is a file named 'kauction.mdb'.   

    If there are no files that have the '.mdb' extension as part of the filename, see 'Hidden file extensions' to fix that before proceeding.

    If there no longer is a file named 'kauction.mdb', you can either restore a backup that you've made, or restore an auto backup.

    If nothing worked, email me and I will try to help.

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How do I fix 'Error Number 6, Overflow Error'?

    This happens rarely when you try to retrieve high bidder information.  The cause is there are too many bidders or too many bidders of the same name, and the information can't be stored in the field kAuction is trying to store it in.  You will have to hand enter the bidder information.  Choose 'See High Bids' from the 'Do Auction Task' drop down list box.  Click 'Edit' and enter the username, email  address, quantity and bid.  Do that for every winner if it is a dutch auction.  BE SURE to change the little drop down list box to read 'Bids Checked' so kAuction does not try to get the information again (erasing what you have entered in the process!)

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My category picker is lost or not displaying?  How do I fix it?

    Could be a couple things.

• First, try to force kAuction to read the category picker.  Click Tools-Settings/Options on the menu.  Choose the 'Options' tab.  Check the box that says 'Use alternate category....' and then click 'Find' to find the file.  It's called 'cat.htm' and it's in kAuction's directory (C:\Program Files\kAuction)

• Second, eBay is using a Java applet now as the category picker.  Your virus software may be blocking java scripts.  You will have to make sure that you are allowing scripts to be run on your computer.  

• Third, on the 'Options' tab of the Settings/Options form, click the checkbox that will allow the category picker to open in a full-size browser and see if it works!

• Fourth, get the latest java compiler from http://java.sun.com/getjava/ and see if that fixes it.

    If nothing works, email me and I will try to help.

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How can I safely reinstall kAuction?

    If you want to reinstall kAuction because something is acting strangely or the database is not opening and you feel the cause is some corrupt files, follow these instructions:

• Make a copy of your database.  It's called 'kauction.mdb' and it's in kAuction's directory.  Name it 'kauction.mdb' and save it to the desktop (or someplace you can find it easily!)

• Install kAuction again from your CD or download (get it at the web site www.kinem.com/trial.html)

• Move the copy of the database that you saved to kAuction's directory (C:\Program Files\kAuction), replacing the BLANK one that the new install put there.

• Open kAuction as normal.

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How can kAuction be used for multiple usernames on the same computer?

   You can use it for multiple usernames by following these steps:

• Install kAuction as many times as you like.  Once for each username.  

• BE SURE to install it into DIFFERENT directories each time.  This will keep the databases separate.  Auctions, sales, customers, items, default emails, etc, will all be separate.

• If you install it to the default directory each time, you will simply overwrite the original installation.

• When you want to use a different username, you will have to open the kauction.exe that was installed for that username

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Can I use the software for eBay motors? 

    kAuction can manage your eBay motors auctions for you, but it can't list them.  They use a completely different sell page for listing and it's not built-in to kAuction.  However, if you follow these steps, kAuction can still get high bidder info, send emails, leave feedback, etc.

1. Enter the item information into an item record

2. You can have the HTML for the ad built for the item by clicking 'Preview' and choosing 'InstaView' as the preview location.  The HTML will be in the top half of InstaView and can be copied and pasted into the eBay Motors sell page.

3. Click 'Start Auction' and that will send the info to the 'StartAuction' tab

4. Do not click 'Build...' as kAuction can't submit it.

5. Open eBay Motors sell page in the built-in browser or a separate browser.

6. Fill in the info as needed (and you can paste the HTML that kAuction built for you in step 2 into the item description field on the eBay sell page)

7. If it is an automobile, you will have to enter the appropriate fees into the  'Fees' field.

8. When you are presented with the eBay item number, copy it into kAuction and click 'Auction Has Begun'

9. You can then manage the auction through kAuction.

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How do I add my own backgrounds?

    To use a background or background sound file that you have, you have to do this:

• The file has to be at your web space.  Use your web space's FTP uploading tools to put it there.

• Enter the COMPLETE URL for the file's location into one of the blank spaces provided on the Backgrounds tab of the 'Auction Defaults' form.

• Check the box next to the file you want to use and check the box that says 'Include the following background....'

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What are the instructions for joining an FTP site that is reasonable and actually works?

    See the web site (www.kinem.com/picturehelp.html) and follow the instructions for pair.com.  It's reasonable AND reliable.

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How do I restore an auto backup database that kAuction saved for me?

    kAuction automatically saves a copy of your database for each of the last five times the program was opened.  They are named 'kauctionbackup1.mdb', 'kauctionbackup2.mdb', etc.  

    If there are no files that have the '.mdb' extension as part of the filename, see 'Hidden file extensions' to fix that before proceeding.

    The number is not significant.  What you will want to do is this; find the most recent backup by the date/time it was made.  Rename it 'kauction.mdb' and kAuction will then read from that database.  

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Hidden file extensions

    If you do not see any files with the extension '.mdb' then they maybe 'hidden' by Windows.  Follow these steps to correct this:

• Open Window's Explorer

• Choose Tools->Folder Options

• Choose the 'View' tab

• UNCHECK  'Hide file extensions....'

• Close the form, saving changes

    You will then see the file extensions for your database files.

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How do I fix FTP errors?

    If you have uploaded pictures successfully with kAuction in the past and you are now receiving errors when attempting to upload pictures, it may be a temporary server problem.  Try again in a while.  It can also be caused from your web space being overfull.  Try going to the site and signing-in manually.  Check to see if there is space available in your account.

    If you have never uploaded with kAuction previously, please check your settings to ensure they are correct. Also see 'How do I get my FTP settings from my internet provider?' 

    You can email me if you still need help.

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How do I get my FTP settings from my internet provider? 

There are literally thousands of internet service providers and each has there own settings.  Contact your provider to get the exact FTP settings.  You need to know the following (you can copy and paste the list into an email to them):

1. Do you provide me FTP space that I can access from FTP client software?

2. If so, do I need to do anything to activate that space?

3. What are my settings for using the space you provide?  I need to know the following:
   Username
   Password
   Directory to upload to  (if necessary)
   FTP server name
   URL prefix for the files that I upload to my space

If/when they reply, enter the settings into the kAuction FTP fields.

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USPS Calculator

    If you check the box to have a USPS calculator added to your auction, kAuction will ask you specifics about the item being listed when 'Build...' is pressed on the 'StartAuction' tab.  Enter the package information and it will be added to your auction listing.

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Can I install kAuction on another computer?

    You can install kAuction on another computer, BUT if it is for the SAME USERNAME, you will have problems keeping the database updated.  For example, if you install it on a lap top and enter some items into the database, the other computer will NOT HAVE these items in the database because they were never entered there.  You will have to move the database back and forth between computers EVERY time you want to work on the database.  It's called 'kauction.mdb' and it's in kAuction's directory/folder (C:\Program Files\kAuction) or you can network the computers in question.  (I can't advise you on networking...it's something you will have to research and incorporate yourself)

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Every thing in this help file and the kAuction program is the property of Kinem Software and protected by copyright laws.

kAuction is not endorsed, licensed or supported by eBay™
Windows™ and Internet Explorer™ are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation