This books covers all the different flavors and dimensions of CRM and its entire lifecycle. I have been involved on all phases of a CRM lifecycle as a data architect, and I find it broad enough to help me understand the context for the entire CRM and my own piece in it. Understanding the overall CRM strategy as well as each component is important because of the dependencies between the different functional areas and between business and technology. This book is really good on explaining WHY - and therefore it helps you make decisions, plan your approach, and design your solution, whatever your role might be in a CRM project. As someone who has faced many of the issues presented in the book, I found the tips very actionable and the case studies insightful (and I just wished I had this book earlier in my career). I also found it useful to re-read the portions of the book as they relate to the phase I am working on and to help me analyze and resolve a design issue. My only caution is that you should be willing to understand business and technology and all the different business functions, and not just your own - but if you are serious about CRM, you will have to anyway.

This books covers all the different flavors and dimensions of CRM and its entire lifecycle. I have been involved on all phases of a CRM lifecycle as a data architect, and I find it broad enough to help me understand the context for the entire CRM and my own piece in it. Understanding the overall CRM strategy as well as each component is important because of the dependencies between the different functional areas and between business and technology. This book is really good on explaining WHY - and therefore it helps you make decisions, plan your approach, and design your solution, whatever your role might be in a CRM project. As someone who has faced many of the issues presented in the book, I found the tips very actionable and the case studies insightful (and I just wished I had this book earlier in my career). I also found it useful to re-read the portions of the book as they relate to the phase I am working on and to help me analyze and resolve a design issue. My only caution is that you should be willing to understand business and technology and all the different business functions, and not just your own - but if you are serious about CRM, you will have to anyway.

This book is thorough, clear and filled with useful information. It's organized in two parts. Part 1 defines CRM in chapter 1 and in the next six chapters covers the reasons and issues for implementing CRM from five perspectives: (1) Marketing, (2) Customer Service/Call Centers, (3) Sales Force Automation, (4) E-business and (5) Data Analysis. The case studies, all based on real clients and situations, add life to the well written chapters on marketing, customer service and sales force automation. In addition each chapter contains nuggets of insight, clear discussion of the topic and numerous checklists and tables that you can use for your own projects.

Part 2 covers delivering CRM and is structured in the logical sequence of planning, tool selection and CRM project management. Like the first part of the book the four chapters in Part 2 contain case studies, checklists and excellent advice. It is in this part of the book where you'll benefit from Jill's experience because she reveals common traps and pitfalls, and gives advice on how to deal with them or bypass them altogether.

What I like about this book is that it covers the business and technical parameters, requirements and issues. Jill's writing style makes it not only readable, but engrossing as well. She goes into considerable detail about how and why CRM is important to meeting business requirements and gives business metrics, explains differences between CRM and business intelligence, and the pro's and con's of all issues and factors. Because she covers the subject from the five perspectives I listed above this book is valuable to all possible stakeholders in a CRM project. I especially liked her use of the Porter value chain and how she leads you through the development of a business case for CRM.

If you're involved in CRM, or are in a company that is implementing ISO9001:2000 (which requires that organizations have an effective method of measuring customer satisfaction to achieve ISO certification), then this book will be your most valuable source of information. If you want to see the dark side of CRM I recomment that you also read World Without Secrets by Richard Hunter, and for more information about CRM's underlying data I strongly recommend reading Jill's first book, e-Data: Turning Data into Information with Data Warehousing.

This book offers a 'blueprint for leading businesses through the perils of the Digital Age'. The four main sections of the book cover 'Evaluating and Understanding the Internet'; 'Internet Strategy Formulation'; 'Technology Implementation'; and 'Internet Business Management' . Each section provides a very thought provoking coverage of the relevant issues and the book in total provides a very comprehesive coverage of the critical issues in Internet commerce written from a business strategy and management perspective rather than from a web design or technical perspective.

Chapter 6, in particular, is extremely useful providing a very practical step-by-step guide to the actions required to implement a successful internet marketing strategy. The main steps suggested are: conduct necessary education; review current distribution and supply chains to see how they are impacted by the Net; understand what customers and partners want from the Net; re-evaluate the nature of your products and services; give a new role to your human resource department; extend your current systems to the outside i.e. extranets; track new competitors and market shares in the digital marketspace; develop a Web centric marketing strategy; participate in the creation and development of virtual marketplaces and intermediaries; instill electronic marketing managemnt styles.

If you have read "Reengineering the Corporation" by Hammer and Champy, you will see parallels with this book. It seems that the author has adopted a similar style but focused on the Internet, so it is a very practical management handbook that presents a comprehensive framework which is not affected by the day to day Internet developments. Thinking of electronic markets (the author calls them "digital markets") as a primary goal for the Internet is a great way to keep a business focused on the main objective. The book shows many ways to participate in these markets, which Mougayar believes are the markets where future competition really counts. We used the book here for our own purposes, and it did have an impact on our thinking. I concur that I wouldn't want too many of my competition reading this book either.

Opening Digital Market: Battle Plans and Business Strategies for Internet Commerce is a must read book for every business professional interested in the world of Internet Commerce. It is very clear, concise, and presents its core arguments in logical and coherent fashion. While the entire book is organized along the lines of e-commerce formulation (technological/organizational challenges) to e-commerce implementation (examples of good business models), it is written such that the reader can easily skip chapters and go to their topic of interest without missing a beat. In the past, I have been thoroughly disappointed with the supply side (firm/technological) emphasis of emerging trends. This is one of the few books that makes a seamless transition between the supply side and demand side (market orientation)and thus manages to offer a holistic perspective of all facets--its challenges, its pitfalls, its multifaceted opportunites--of Internet Commerce.

You get five excellent books for the price of one with Clicks and Mortar. Let me explain.

This is the first book that I have read about innovating with e-commerce that truly straddles the divide between existing business principles and the new economy. Unlike many of the books on e-commerce which are written by consultants, pundits, Web site designers, and technologists, this book is written by business people who have successfully made the transition into using the Internet to enable all their stakeholders. That perspective alone makes this book a valuable contribution to the literature, because it allows everyone to understand the overall business perspective of how to think about this new technology.

Beyond that benefit, the book also serves as a fine best practice example of developing e-commerce businesses based on the successful experiences of Charles Schwab. The details of this example are much more complete than I have read elsewhere, and Charles Schwab is one of a handful of firms that have successfully changed their business models. In fact, the company has appeared on my CEO 100 list more times than any company other than Clear Channel Communications and Tellabs.

Third, this book is valuable for focusing on people (customers, employees, suppliers, partners, and regulators) as the basis for thinking about technology and new business opportunities. The book does so in a sound and thoughtful way that will be helpful to companies that are not challenged by new technologies, as well as those that are. If you are a humanist, or someone who believes that business starts with creating a customer, you will find that this book expands your perspective on great ways to do that. The authors understand that passion for a larger purpose is the glue (the mortar of the title) to bring people together to advance service for customers (using clicks, in this case, through computer technology).

Fourth, this book also has value in filling in gaps in the perspective of most business people, technologists, and new business developers. The beauty of the book is that it does so in a way that will encourage the dialogue and community across narrow perspectives to build something better.

Finally, the book transcends its narrow example base of Charles Schwab by referring to other books, studies, and companies to provide a full perspective on effective ways to drive innovation and improvement in a large or small organization.

The book is easy to read and interesting. Although financial services is not my favorite subject, I enjoyed what the authors had to say about Charles Schwab. The rest of the material was even more compelling and useful.

The book is also very well organized. Summaries of key points are interspaced with more fully developed arguments and examples. The authors alternate in presenting their ideas and experiences, so you also get the benefit and the interest inherent in two voices and speakers. That was very well done. It is a device that more co-authors should consider using.

Finally, the book did something that almost no case history books ever do. It took a moment to look ahead for the next 20 years. The final section is a roundtable discussion with 8 experts in the field. I would give the book 5 stars, just for the idea of including this section. The execution is also excellent.

This book is one of my nominees for top business book of 2000. Get it right now! Read it immediately!! Live it every day!!!

According to Lew Platt (former chairman and CEO of Hewlett-Packard) in the Foreword, this book "looks at the three most significant aspects of this business transformation [ie how a well-established company moves into the new millennium] in what I consider to be their order of importance. First is the building and sustaining of a culture based on strong values....In the second section of the book, Dave and Terry explain what this means in terms of day-to-day personal conduct and day-to-day business decision making. The change required from pre-Internet times is profound....Then, in the third section, the authors look at some fundamental business practices and give us some guidance in adapting traditional business concepts to the Internet world. They chose the practices of measurement, marketing, and management of technology as the disciplines that would be most important in the next decades." Platt's comments are dead-on.

The authors organize their excellent material within three Parts:

Culture at the Core: Creating a Passionate Corporate Culture in the Internet Age

Leadership Practices: Inspiring Passion-Driven Growth

Management Practices: Bringing Passion to the Internet World

All of us have encountered people who, for lack of a better descriptive, come across as "evangelists." They are SO enthusiastic about where they work, about what they do, and -- especially -- about their opportunities to serve others, associates as well as customers. They are always eager to go what Napoleon Hill calls "the extra mile." You know the type. They come in early, stay late, volunteer for an inconvenient or unpleasant task, etc. In my view at least, these are the most valuable currency of "human capital." I mention all this in fervent support of Pottruck and Pearce's frequent emphasis throughout the book on the importance of "passion." Southwest Airlines, to cite but one example from my own experience, contrinues to sustain a "passionate corporate culture" inspired by passionate leaders and managers who drive continuous growth. It is no accident that Southwest Airlines and the other "most highly admired companies" are also the most profitable, year after year after year.

If you have a passion to help your own organization to prosper, you and your associates must expect to be in what Leonard Berry (author of Discovering the Soul of Service) describes as a "constant state of innovation to improve the value proposition....But the innovation is channeled and purposeful only when it revolves around strong values. It's really a wonderful circle. The right kind of corporate values lead to the right kind of customer value. Values inspire people, and inspired people do great things. When they do, they find ways to produce value for customers, and that improves either cost or revenue or both." Pottruck concludes the book with an affirmation that "the Internet and its cousins make it possible for each of us to become more powerful and more responsible, to contribute in ways we could not have without it. It makes individual and collective 'passion-driven growth more likely." Then he adds: "What a dazzling prospect and inspiring vision for our time!"

Indeed it is...and available to all.

Clicks and Mortar is one of the ten best business books of 2000, and worth more than five stars!

I highly recommend this book for its people-centered approach to electronic distribution and services.

The book is also a great value because you get the contents of five excellent books for the price of one with Clicks and Mortar. Let me explain.

This is the first book that I have read about innovating with e-commerce that truly straddles the divide between existing business principles and the new economy. Unlike many of the books on e-commerce which are written by consultants, pundits, Web site designers, and technologists, this book is written by business people who have successfully made the transition into using the Internet to enable all their stakeholders. That perspective alone makes this book a valuable contribution to the literature, because it allows everyone to understand the overall business perspective of how to think about this new technology.

Beyond that benefit, the book also serves as a fine best practice example of developing e-commerce businesses based on the successful experiences of Charles Schwab. The details of this example are much more complete than I have read elsewhere, and Charles Schwab is one of a handful of firms that have successfully changed their business models to embrace the Internet. In fact, the company has appeared on my annual CEO 100 list more times in the last ten years than any company other than Clear Channel Communications and Tellabs.

Third, this book is valuable for focusing on all stakeholders (customers, employees, suppliers, partners, regulators, shareholders, and the communities served) as the basis for thinking about technology and new business opportunities. The book does so in a sound and thoughtful way that will be helpful to companies that are not challenged by new technologies, as well as those that are. If you are a humanist, or someone who believes that business starts with creating a customer (as Peter Drucker urges), you will find that this book expands your perspective on great ways to do that. The authors understand that passion for a larger purpose is the glue (the mortar of the title) to bring people together to advance service for customers (using clicks, in this case, through computer technology).

Fourth, this book also has value in filling in gaps in the perspective of what to think about for most business people, technologists, and new business developers. The beauty of the book is that it does so in a way that will encourage the dialogue and community across narrow perspectives to build something better.

Finally, the book transcends its narrow example base of Charles Schwab by referring to other books, studies, and companies to provide a full perspective on effective ways to drive innovation and improvement in a large or small organization.

The book is easy to read and interesting. Although financial services is not my favorite subject, I enjoyed what the authors had to say about Charles Schwab. The rest of the material was even more compelling and useful. I subsequently became a customer to better understand what is being done, and am very impressed with what I have observed.

The book is also very well organized. Summaries of key points are interspaced with more fully developed arguments and examples. The authors alternate in presenting their ideas and experiences, so you also get the benefit and the interest inherent in two voices and speakers. That was very well done. It is a device that more co-authors should consider using.

Finally, the book did something that almost no case history books ever do. It took a moment to look ahead for the next 20 years. The final section is a roundtable discussion with 8 experts in the field. I would give the book 5 stars, just for the idea of including this section. The execution is also excellent.

Get this book right now! Read it immediately!! Live it every day!!! Talk about it with everyone who is a stakeholder!!!!

Dr. Sindell's book, Investing Online for Dummies, met my expectation for transitioning my investment knowledge from phone, fax, and written investment research data to navigating in the morass that is the Internet. The benefit that I have received from reading this book will result in more timely investments, and more informed choices regarding which investments to make. As the old saying goes, "time is money", and this book will save you time, and make you money! A definite "must read" for investors that are just starting to transition to investing on-line.....

I have all three of Dr. Sindell's Investing Online for Dummies books and have found them to be very informative and gave great resources. This book is an easy read for the novice investor and gave me the "courage" as an older person to start investing online by myself. All the information I needed has been addressed in these books. I am anxiously awaiting Dr. Sindell's next book for my collection.

I tried to invest online using information from two other books on the subject, but the experience left me cold. I had given up the idea of online investing when I heard about "Investing Online for Dummies" by Dr. Kathleen Sindell, on the Nightly Business Report. The review was so positive and excited me so, that I rushed out the next day and bought the book. Finally! Information about online investing written in an authoritative, thoughtful manner that I could understand! The book is beautifully organized in a manner that covers everything - selecting, analyzing, buying, monitoring and selling! The book even comes with its own CD! Thank you Dr. Sindell for writing such a comprehensive book - it is a truly a masterpiece that will help me achieve my financial goals!

I loved this book. I originally bought it because of the example business plan. The content of the book explained just about everything I needed to know to get started. The reason I bought it for, the business plan, was a great relief after reading so many "How To" books on business plans. I am so greatful that there was something out there that catered to a under-represented subject (i.e. industry specific home-based business plans and the gift basket business in general).

I have to write to say what a great book this is. My father and I are thinking about getting in the basket business but we both decided the smart thing to do was to read up on the subject. After looking at several books on the subject we came across Mrs Fraziers book and happy to say it is the best book we have read. Before you plunk down alot of money read the book first you will learn alot. The thing I like alot about the book is it is so easy to read and understand and was very well written. I hope to be successful in this business and if I do this book made it possible,,Thank You Mrs Frazier.

A great step-by-step guide. It walks you through every step of the way. Great coverage of inventory, figuring costs, how and what to charge, advertising & marketing ideas plus forms, spreadsheets, checklists and eveything else you will need to get yourself going on the road to success -- Plus great design tips and business resources. If you follow the book you will be well on your way! Well worth it!

Now that the dust has settled, the volatility of the stock market during the dot-com boom is a memory that is already disappearing in the rear-view mirror of our collective conscious. It is time for the stories and histories to be told - the recent film Startup.com chronicled the rise and fall of, as you might have guessed, a dot-com startup; this book from Stephan Paternot, cofounder of theglobe.com, is ostensibly in the same vein.
After a prologue talking about the euphoria of IPO day (on which theglobe.com's share price jumped by 1000% before closing up 700% for the first day), Paternot (with a little help from a ghost-writer) talks the reader through his early life, up until his entry into college at Cornell, and the founding of his company. I say, "talks through his life" - that is precisely the tone of the book. It comes across as more than a little rushed, though the story is consistently gripping enough that it scarcely matters that the author's writing style would not be out of place in a Dick and Jane story. There is no doubt that Paternot and his friend and business partner, Todd Krizelman, were in the game right from the very beginning, and created what was probably a terrific Web site that became the Apple Macintosh's number one online community destination. For a pair of 20-somethings, this was a wonderful achievement, and Paternot is rightly proud of his company and its achievements. Some might say a little too proud, and the hubris in the book is sometimes breathtaking; for example, it might surprise aficionados of the internal combustion engine to hear that apparently the Internet is the most important human invention since movable type... though there is little doubt in my mind that the author's enthusiastic knack for hyperbole was probably what allowed him to convince a number of business big-shots to buy into his vision (most notably the ex-Chairman of Alamo Rent-A-Car, Michael Egan).
The book continues on, talking a great deal about stock price movement, and betraying the author's bitterness that theglobe.com was never quite so over-priced as so many other dot-coms (theglobe.com was one of the first companies whose value slid dramatically). Dust-jacket hints about salacious stories of an unconventional rebel wild-child flying in the face of the business establishment are few and far between, unfortunately - I was hoping for a few more tales of bacchanalian debauchery, but Paternot's life doesn't sound too different to that of most young, professional Manhattanites.
Nonetheless, it's certainly an interesting read by a talented person - that talent may not be in the literary field, but then you would hardly read the autobiography of Richard Branson and grumble about lack of literary merit. Ultimately, though, the book fizzles out in a rather unsatisfying way, and I was left with the overwhelming sensation that it was as if the company had never really existed... Perhaps it is fitting, then, that despite Paternot's pride in the fact that his company was still operating at the time of publication, all that is left of theglobe.com today is a message on the Web site: "In 1995, theglobe.com confirmed the Internet's power to connect people worlds apart. Unfortunately, after six amazing years, theglobe.com closed its doors on August 15, 2001... Thank you for your patronage and for the incredible support over the years. Sincerely,
theglobe.com"

I am 29 years old and was looking for a book to read by an author of my generation. And I stumbled across this one by Stephan Paternot. His true story almost reads like a novel because it sounds so exciting and adventurous. Being about the same age as the author and having been swept through Internet mania and lost my share of money, I found his story very engaging. I saw the review in salon.com after reading the book and was rather disappointed that the reviewer did not share my enthusiasm. Apparently, the book did not meet the reviewer's high intellectual standards, when in fact, Paternot's writing style was (I felt) a major strength in the book. It's as if the negative reviews (from other websites) I have seen are not so much about his book as they are begrudging of Paternot who possesses youth, movie-star looks, worldly upbringing, entrepreneurial family heritage, and Ivy League schooling. So his company failed. But other than maybe Michael Dell or Bill Gates when they were starting out, how many under-30 CEOs do you know have the poise and savvy to lead a highly publicized and publicly-traded company?

I just finished reading this book and I just wanted to say that I think this story is very fascinating. It was akin to reading a private diary. ( I wish I could write like that too.) To be so young and hit it big is the sort of thing that people dream of, myself included. I am 30 years old and so I can relate to some of the things he went through. As was pointed out, on the one hand, Steph and Todd had to conduct themselves as mature businessmen running a company. And on the other hand, he wanted to act the way other 23-year olds act, fun-loving and party-going, with boundless energy.

The last chapter, The Second Coming, was my favorite, as he poses self-searching questions about what new direction to take with his life. I find myself in the same position at this very moment. Good for him that he found his calling--- writing and acting. Hope to see the movie when it comes out.

Ms. Modahl has written a clear, concise, and (mostly) jargon-free primer that instructs business managers, strategists, and consultants in the basics of Internet consumer behavior. She bases her analysis on research done by Forrester Research, where she is VP of Research. The benefit she brings to the interpretation of Forrester's research is her clarity of presentation, and her ability to move from general statisitics to recommendations for the creation of competitive Internet business models. She also does a good job in expounding the factors that inhibit successful "brick & mortar" enterprises from migrating to the net.

I gove it 4 stars rather than five because it is very high-level, without a lot of real implementation advice or underlying analysis. She presents a set of 3-5 'rules' in each section, but they are a bit glib and make it seem that implementation of her conclusions should be straightforward, but anyone who's tried to build an Internet enterprise knows it's not quite that simple.

Not withstanding these minor criticisms, this book belongs in the library of every entrepreneur, manager, or consultant that must understand Internet consumer behavior and apply that to the creation of competitive advantage.

In my opinion, the title does a disservice to the extraordinarily valuable content of the book that bears that name. Those with extensive experience in the so-called E-conomy have learned (with the scar tissue to prove it) that words like "always" and "never" are irresponsible. So much for the title. Modahl writes with great skill. She has assembled a wealth of material which is Consumers (everything starts there...without such understanding, it probably ends there), Exploiting Internet Business Models (as Derek Bok once observed, "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance"), and then Defying the Gravity of the Old Ways of Doing Business (much easier said than done but imperative nonetheless). Modahl then provides an Appendix in which she examines "Technographics Methodology." I strongly recommend that, periodically, this Appendix be re-read in light of the certain and sometimes major changes which will occur in the E-conomy.

Informed by what seems to be an avalanche of real-world evidence, Modahl identifies five "alarming" trends:

-New pricing models that undermine existing revenues.

-Higher customer-service expectations.

-New ways to distribute products.

-Unexpected market opportunities.

-High rates of entry--even in very staid markets.

Given these trends, what to do? Modahl offers all manner of options, in combination with specific suggestions as to how "the battle for Internet consumers" can be won while retaining long-term value in an Internet business. Some of the winners will be traditional companies; others will be dotcoms. Modahl asserts that "The past is not what will drive the future." Some may agree with William Faulkner who observed, " The past isn't even the past yet."

In the final chapter, Modahl summarizes brilliantly the key points she has so carefully developed earlier. She then concludes, "In the end, the companies that win the battle for the Internet consumers will be the ones that really want to." At least in this context, for many of those unwilling and/or unable to engage in that "battle" now, tomorrow may indeed be too late.

Now Or Never is very aptly titled. The author makes the case for getting into the game now, before your competitor figures out how to win.

This book is immediately useful for those trying to figure out their winning strategy on the net. The tour through Forrester's Technographic models on consumer types is worth the price alone. The discussion on Internet business models puts the reader in the driver's seat, trying to avoid whiplash, given the implications the author clearly articulates regarding just how difficult building an Internet business really is. This book tells it like it is, not with all the puffery so often served up.

For dessert, check out the final chapter where the author talks about what she sees when Internet start-ups meet with her to discuss their great new idea(s). Her perspective on how she knows who will win and who won't is convincing and appropriately focused on the key factors of founders and financing.

As an owner of an Internet business, this book has become our BEST REFERENCE that we have ever come across. Superbly written with the most helpful ideas and advice in 'plain English' that everyone can understand. Nick conveys his knowledge and expertise about writing online copy that WORKS in such an easy to understand way, that it can actually DOES WORK. This book is a MUST HAVE for anyone that owns a web-based business. Out of the several books we have read regarding online copy, especially SUCCESSFUL online copy, NET WORDS is the only one we've found to be the most comprehensive, offering such valid examples. Thank you Nick for writing such a valuable resource for everyone. A definite AWARD-WINNER!

Nick Usborne, in his straightforward style, uncovers the dirtiest secret in the internet: The success of your site depends primarily on the copy. Unique graphics might get you noticed and win a few design awards, but without good copy, you don't stand a chance. Nick gets this message across by pointing out specific examples of sites that "get it" by using copy to establish a unique voice. He also show a number of examples of "corporate-speak" copy that is guaranteed to lose readers. By highlighting the differences between good web copy versus traditional advertising copy, the book teaches you how to write what people want to read on the 'net. Nick's approach to writing copy emphasizes bright, descriptive, no-nonsense and humorous text while eliminating stilted, boring, and unintelligible language. And the sections on writing sales copy (in the right place) is golden. Bottom Line: If you write for the web, especially if you're a one-person show, you need to read this book.

This book is extremely vital to anyone that has a web-based business! Writing online for a website is very tricky, and if you don't do it right, then your business will not succeed. Nick has portrayed writing high-impact online copy in such an easy-to-understand way, that you don't have to be a rocket scientist to put his valuable advice to work - to your advantage."When it comes to communications, words are the simplest and MOST effective of tools," and he's right! He couldn't have said it better. Sites depend on easy-to-understand language, and the 'simplicity' of your site is ultimately what sets you apart from your competition. This is one of the most valuable lessons that I've learned as a web-based business owner, and the most helpful. My favorite chapters are all of them that he has written, as each gives such meaningful and clear advice, tips, ideas, and suggestions that WORK, and that WORK WELL. Nick also puts you into other people's shoes, so that you can think like a direct marketer, close the sale, think like a customer, and so much more. I could think of nothing better than to have such a 'comprehensive' personal approach to writing online. He has addressed the whos, whats, wheres, whens, whys, and hows of strong online copy, especially in the last two chapters. I keep this book next to my computer at ALL times, and refer to it at least three times a day, often reading it cover to cover at least once a week. The best thing is, is that I learn something new every single time I read it. It's been a lifesaver, plain and simple. I can't recommend this book enough, but if you're ever looking for that 'one perfect book', this is it. Thank you so much Nick for writing such a phenomenal book.

Trying to be positive, the best thing about this book is the exposure to some useful areas of concern and companies that I didn't know existed to serve eBay sellers (such as auction management sites and software, as well as the names of several payment service vendors). That, and the occasional nugget of useful information.
When I bought this book, I thought that Marsha Collier was going to reveal some powerful secrets behind eBay business success. Instead what I found was a high level overview of the various aspects of starting a business and of the eBay site. Even though she states upfront that the book is for people who already are familiar with eBay, at least 50% of the book details eBay services and options -- nothing that you can't easily discover from eBay online help for free. Why didn't she just recommend her other book, "eBay for Dummies" for that stuff! Also, several of the "Tips" that she gave online were pretty much common sense. Coming from a marketing background, I had hoped that she would apply some serious marketing strategies to selling online and share useful marketing statistics. I guess that was asking too much from a book geared for "dummies." Even worse, I felt that Marsha was often trying to sell her secrets and promote her own website rather than really help readers. An example is the "Ebay Sellers Lighting Kit" which Marsha will be happy to sell you (don't waste your money -- build it yourself)! This reader definitely got tired of the self-promotion and commercial feel of the book.

As a novice ebay buyer,the "selling" bug bit me. It takes some of us longer then others,haha I knew I would need more info besides the tutorials supplied on ebay. So I did my research and bought this book and ebay for dummies before I started selling to get the full picture. Thank goodness! This book in particular is LOADED with great time and cost saving tips for a start up business. Her writing style and humor is very comforting along the ebay learning curve. ebay is an overwhelming but vastly entertaining animal. She has done her homework, is brutally honest and frankly, gives you the "real deal". Hats off to Marsha!!Great job to a savvy business lady!

I started reading the book "Starting an eBay Business for Dummies" yesterday. I read half the book before I fell asleep at 3 am! I found it to be very informative, and even an inspiration! I've toyed with ebay for a while now, but I'm now going to make a serious go at it. The book was packed with a lot of "nuts and bolts" type information that will directly improve my business. Thanks to Ms. Collier for taking the time to consolidate her knowledge and experience, and for writing it in a format that even I can understand. :)

This book was extremely helpful to me, being very inexperienced at book collecting. It is written in a very avuncular style, and is very easy to read and comprehend. Just reading the 1st chapter helped me buy and sell books more knowledgeably! This book is a must-have for any person who wants to get started seriously collecting and selling books. I highly recommend it!

If you love to buy and collect new or used books, then chances are you have some very collectible books just lying around. Some may be worth a fortune.

A book doesn't have to be old or a first edition Hemingway to be worth money. There are thousands of highly collectible modern first editions. It's easy to find them, too . . . often at prices far below market value.

The secret: Learn which books are in demand (many are more common than you may think), and then try to find them in first editions. Some may be sitting on your shelf right now.

Often, publishers state "First Edition" on a title page, but far from always. And even if you know you have a first edition, how do you know if it's collectible? Ellis gives detailed information on how to identify first editions and books worth collecting. You'll learn about how later editions can be collectible, too.

There's tons of solid, money making advice on how to become a book collector, even if you're on a limited budget, including tips on "avoiding costly mistakes that many beginners make."

Bonus: A section that lists "Over 1,000 Most Collectible Books and Authors."

Best of all: It's fun. You'll learn how to scout for books at major book stores, used book sales, remainder bins, tag sales and more. If you already enjoy buying books, why not turn it into a hobby that pays?

I started to become interested in book collecting about 2 years ago and this was one of the first books that I purchased. It is an excellent book for a beginning collector. The author describes the history of book production and how books are produced in modern times. There is also a very good chapter on the grading of books, and how to determine if a book is "collectible." Another chapter describes ways to determine if a book by a certain publisher is a first edition. However, if you plan to collect rare, old books then this text may not be the best for you. The focus of this book is on collecting modern first editions.

Although it's full of facts, the book is written in a light, easy-to-read style. The author is an avid book collector and he provides plenty of anecdotes about his experiences.

The author assumes that the reader is interested in book collecting both for pleasure and for profit. He explains in detail how to acquire collectible books as inexpensively as possible by using trade-ins.

The book claims to contain a list of the "1000 Most Collectible Books and Authors." This list is a little subjective however. The author even admits that what may be collectible now, may have little value later. What may be collectible to one person may be just another used book to another. Don't assume that every book on the list will be valuable.

If you collect books, or plan to start a collection, this book should be part of library.