iTaggit News and Events

Uploading Multiple Items at One Time Has Never Been Easier!

2008-10-13T15:18:00Z

The team at iTaggit has been working hard to fill the requests of our users. iTaggit users can now upload multiple items with multiple pictures at once. The number of items a user can upload at one time depends on the subscription level of their account. A Standard account can upload 10 items at one time, a Plus account can upload 25 items at one time, and a Premium account can upload 50 items at one time. All items can hold up to 10 pictures. We hope this makes uploading items on iTaggit quicker and easier. If you have any feedback on iTaggit's new item uploader please send an email to support@itaggit.com. Thank you for all of your suggestions as we continue to improve your experience on iTaggit.com!

iTaggit Announces New Premium Subscription Service

2008-08-27T17:48:00Z

iTaggit Introduces Premium Service to Assist Artists and Merchants with Online Sales

iTaggit announced today the release of their Premium Service to help Artists and Merchants sell their items more easily online. This new Premium Service includes all of the features of a free account plus;

· Ad free browsing on all pages on iTaggit.

· When others view premium user pages they see no advertisements so they can focus on the item.

· The ability to upload up to 50 items at once.

· The ability to embed HTML code, such as a PayPal checkout widget on your item and profile pages.

· The ability to store an unlimited number of items and collections.

· Increased SEO and publicity for each of their items

Premium users can embed checkout widgits such as PayPal on any item or their profile pages. This allows users to sell items on iTaggit without transaction fees from iTaggit. Users also have the ability to link back to their own website to allow them to use their own method of checkout. iTaggit will provide premium users that already have a website increased online publicity in a community of users that are passionate about art, antiques, and collectibles. In addition, iTaggit pages are indexed highly in each of the major search engines, allowing public items listed on iTaggit to achieve a high page rank.

“Artists and collectible dealers need a new environment to sell their things. They need a community that is supported by users who are passionate about the specific types of items they are selling,” said Casey Gannon, Marketing Manager of iTaggit Inc. “Artists and dealers also need a new way to get their items to show up higher when people are searching for similar items in search engines.”

The Premium Service is offered at $9.99 a month or $89.99 a year.

iTaggit Customer Support - Live!

2008-08-22T21:13:00Z

iTaggit users have been very excited about the ability to chat live with an iTaggit customer support member. Live Assist operators give iTaggit users step-by -step technical support as users navigate the site. Live Assist is available Mon - Fri from 9am - 5pm central time. If a live assist operator is not available, users are able to leave a message and an operator will respond within 24 hours. Live Assist can be find in the top right corner of any page on iTaggit. Click on the Live Assist box below to try it out.

Country Home Announces the Top 10 Collectibles of 2008

2008-07-17T15:48:00Z

They scoured shows and quizzed dealers to come up with their 14th annual collectibles hot list. Here's what they found:

1. Hens on a Nest - Colorfully painted hens on nests topped many tables in 19th-century England. People were drawn to their decorative outsides (and the hard-cooked eggs often kept inside). Some of these pieces of Staffordshire pottery (made in Staffordshire, England) were painted to represent actual breeds of hens. Value: $300- $3000

2. Signature Quilts - As early as the 1830s, signature quilts were made as gifts for newlyweds or for church or society fund-raisers. The names of those who made them were written or embroidered on the quilt. Value: $1,000

3. Boxed Games - Old board and boxed games, such as the Merry Game of Old Maid and Pick-Up Sticks, are popular for their colorful, graphic appeal. The earliest games were produced in the 1820s, but even games from the 1970s are collectible. Value :$5 - $900

4. Bakelite Kitchen Utensils - A hard plastic developed in 1907, Bakelite appeared on the handles of flatware and kitchen utensils in the late 1920s, bringing color and personality to the kitchen. Value:$10 - $200

5. Brass Candlesticks - In the 18th and 19th centuries, candlesticks were common in the household. Since brass was less expensive than silver or gold, it was often used. Brass candlesticks weren’t dated, but some were signed. Early ones were braised together; later ones were cast from molds. Value: $200 - $1500+

6. Political Buttons - The first political buttons were made for the 1896 presidential race between William McKinley, who became the 25th president, and William Jennings Bryan. Some of the rarest buttons are from the 1920s, says California dealer Tom French. Anyone could have buttons made, so new items are continuously being discovered. Value: $1.00 - $25,000

7. Vintage Home Magazines - In the 19th century, women started turning to magazines for information about their homes and gardens. Today, collectors are drawn to the colorful illustrations in the early issues, as well as the graphic covers. By the 1920s, photographs appeared. Value:$5 - $50

8. Notions - Notions include all kinds of vintage sewing supplies, including buttons, beads, trim, lace, and ribbon. Vintage lace and trims were usually made from natural fibers. If it’s synthetic, it’s newer. Value: Varies, but $2 - $20

9. Antique Footstools - Footstools, those hardworking pieces of furniture that still give a lift to homeowners today, date back to the 1600s. Constructed by local furniture makers or home woodworkers, footstools can be small or large, painted or natural, so find a stool that suits your personal style. Value: $150

10. Copper Jewelry - Copper jewelry debuted in the 1930s and had its heyday in the 1950s, though the mostly American-made pieces are better suited to the casual jeans and T-shirt style popular today. Value: $5 - $300

For pictures and more information, read the rest of the article here.

Kovels Announces Tips and Tricks to Protect Your Stuff

2008-06-17T21:20:00Z

Kovels, one of iTaggit's affiliates, has release a a new report with tips and tricks to protect your collectibles during a disaster. See their ad listed below:

Tornadoes and floods have hit the central United States hard. Are you ready for a disaster? The facts may surprise you.

Save $5 now. Enter code "PREVENT" at checkout.

FACT: Tornadoes strike quickly with little or no warning.	KOVELS Tip: Prepare yourself—plan an evacuation route now, create an emergency kit, and keep a household inventory in a safe-deposit box.
FACT: Most basic homeowners or renters insurance policies give minimal or no protection for loss of antiques and collectibles.	KOVELS Tip: You need special coverage for objects worth more than $5,000—and you need documentation to prove their value.
FACT: Theft is a widespread problem for disaster-striken neighborhoods.	KOVELS Tip: As soon as it's safe, secure your property. If there's a hole in the roof, move the collectibles in the attic to a different floor. If your doors are gone, move everything to rented storage.

Save $5 now. Enter code "PREVENT" at checkout.
NO HOME SHOULD BE WITHOUT THIS INFORMATION

"We wrote this report because so many of you have asked about these problems. Many times it’s too late; the mistakes have been made."

Terry Kovel

Kovels Dealing with Disaster: How To Protect Your Collection From Theft, Fire and Natural Disasters and How to Handle a Disaster If It Strikes

Common-sense advice and tips written in the Kovels' trademark no-nonsense style
More than 15 checklists crafted to save you time and money
Expertise compiled from all major disaster and insurance agencies
Keeps your phone numbers and contacts all in one place

Kovels Dealing with Disaster—THE guide to disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, fire, floods and theft AND to putting everything back in its place. Order it today.

*Prices are valid until June 27, 2008. Enter code "PREVENT" during checkout to get discounted prices.
Discount only applicable to report mentioned above. Discount doesn't apply to digital versions.

To make sure communications from Kovels Antiques, Inc. get delivered to your mailbox, please read our instructions on how to add us to your address book depending on the email provider you use.

You received this email as sfox@itaggit.com. If you would like to stop receiving important communications from Kovels' Antiques, Inc. please unsubscribe.

Questions? Please contact customer service at 800-571-1555 (toll-free in the USA).

Kovels.com
P.O. Box 22900
Beachwood, OH 44122-0900
800-571-1555

©2008 Ralph and Terry Kovel. All rights reserved.

TIAS Announces Top 10 Antiques and Collectibles for May 2008

2008-06-11T20:45:00Z

TIAS, the web's largest online antique and collectible mall, released their monthly "Hot List" of Antiques & Collectibles for May 2008. These monthly "Hot Lists" are based on hundreds of thousands of searches by people using the online search engines at the indicated Web sites in the month of May 2008. The top 10 items are listed below.

1. Cookie jar

2. Bird (related collectibles)

3. Transferware

4. Teapots

5. Teacups

6. Fenton

7. Pyrex

8. Chintz

9. Bavaria

10. Candlestick

Top 10 Sports Memorabilia Gifts for Father's Day

2008-06-09T17:39:00Z

Looking for that unexpected Father’s Day gift? Sure, most guy’s would love to add a Mickey Mantel autographed baseball or a pair of Muhammad Ali signed boxing gloves to their collection. But the truth is these items aren’t always affordable for the average sports fan. So here is a list of some of the hottest sports memorabilia items for 2008 that are relatively affordable and destined to increase in value.

10. Chicago Cubs Memorabilia

This one is based strictly on potential. It has been 100 years since the Cubs last won a World Series. The Cubs currently have the best record in June for the first time since 1908, coincidently the last time they won the World Series. If the Cubs are able to break the curse this season, memorabilia for 2008 will definitely be a hot commodity.

9. Sidney Crosby Signed Hockey Puck

Crosby is already being compared to hockey greats Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. He is the youngest player to record 100 points in a season, 200 career points, win the Art Ross Trophy, and the Lester B. Pearson trophy. Crosby is on pace to become an all time NHL great, so his memorabilia is destined to grow in value.

8. Adrian Peterson Autographed Football

As a rookie, Peterson set the rookie record for most 200 yard games (2), most rushing yard in his first eight games (1,036), and most yards rushing in a single game (296). He was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year and became the MVP of the 2008 Pro Bowl. Peterson is on record for stating that his goal is to rush for 2,000 yards in this upcoming season. Running backs can have short careers in the NFL, but Peterson is worth the risk.

7. Shaquille O’Neil Game Worn Jersey

Shaq is arguably the most dominant center in the NBA. Over his career he has lead his teams to 4 NBA championships with 3 straight finals MVP's. Although he is on the decline these days, he will always be considered an all time great. After he retires, his memorabilia will steadily increase, as long as it’s not his movie memorabilia.

6. Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card

Ken Griffey Jr. was projected to one day break Hank Aaron’s home run record. In 1998, he became the youngest player to ever reach 350 home runs. But injuries have really slowed Junior down. Today, Junior has compiled 10 Gold Gloves (1990-99) and currently is 6^th all time with 599 HR’s. He is a future Hall of Famer and a fan favorite.

5. Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup Gear

The Detroit Red Wings just won their American leading 11^th Stanley Cup. Behind the efforts of Henrik Zetterberg (Conn Smythe Trophy winner) and goalie Chris Osgood, the Red Wings were the best team throughout the regular season and the playoffs. This is a storied franchise and their memorabilia will always be very valuable.

4. Brett Favre Autographed Ball

Favre played the game with as much passion as any player on the field. His career numbers represent the risks he took and the fire he played with. It is for these reasons that Favre has always been a fan favorite. His memorabilia will always be a commodity and in 5 years when he is elected to the Hall of Fame, its value will soar.

3. LeBron James Autographed Jersey

LeBron James is already considered one of the best players in the NBA. In his first four seasons, James has already accomplished winning a Rookie of the Year award, 4 NBA All-Star appearances, won a scoring title, and led his team to the NBA Finals. If James continues to progress, he will go down as an all time great.

2. Kobe Bryant Game Used Jersey

Bryant is one of few NBA stars who have frequently been compared to Michael Jordan. But Bryant is the only star who has lived up to the hype, and he has the credentials to prove it. He won his first league MVP this season and already has 3 rings. Even if the Lakers do not win the championship this year, they will be a title contender for the next few years.

1. Tiger Woods Memorabilia

Tiger Woods will arguably be remembered as the greatest golfer ever. He is the youngest player to 50 wins, has 64 PGA tour wins (tied for 3^rd all-time) and 13 Major Championships (2^nd all-time). It is only a matter of time before he becomes the all time leader in each of those categories. Tiger could go down in history as one of the greatest athletes of all time, which will make is memorabilia very valuable one day.

Newsletters Now Archived on iTaggit

2008-05-30T19:46:00Z

iTaggit newsletters are now archived on iTaggit in addition to being emailed out monthly. The iTaggit team currently emails out 7 newsletters a month so we are sure to get you the most up-to-date information about your categories.

The newsletter topics are:

Previous newsletters can be found by clicking on any of the above categories. Newsletters are send out once a month. If you would like to be added to the list of recipients please send an email to support@itaggit.com with your user name and the newsletter you would like to receive. Additonally, you will automatically be placed on the list if you have at least 1 item in that specific category and you have opted in to receive iTaggit newsletters in your profile settings.

If you would like to be removed from the newsletter list, please change your newsletter settings in your profile to opt out or unsubscribe in the newsletter email you receive.

Have a topic or submission you would like to see in one of the newsletters? Send an email to support@itaggit.com with your submission and we will include it in next months edition.

If you would like to see another category have its own newsletter, please send an email to support@itaggit.com and the iTaggit team will consider adding it to their list of newsletters.

iTaggit Welcomes New Antique Expert Blogger – Susan Cramer

2008-05-29T20:15:00Z

Susan Cramer has been a fan of antiques and collectibles since she was a little girl. She holds a degree in interior design, with additional courses in writing. She has run estates sales, tag sales and booths at antique shows and considers sifting through dusty boxes in estate sale basements as one of the highest forms of recreation. As a writer her work can be found on Suite101.com and Antique Week. Susan collects many types of antiques including; buttons, blue pottery, art deco chromeware, statue of liberty memorabilia, and books. She also collects World's Fair memorabilia because the single brightest memory of her entire childhood is from when her adored Uncle took her and her brothers to the NY world's fair in 1964.

Susan is now iTaggit's first antique expert. Susan has been busy blogging on iTaggit this week. Her blogs focus primarily on specific items. For Susan, "the most interesting aspect of any antique is the back-story; the memories of the part that a particular item played in the life of its owner. Without this sort of connection, what we're talking about is simply "stuff". That is not to say that a collector has deep feelings for every item she has, but it's usually where a collection starts."

You can read Susan's first blogs below:

Mc Coy Cookie Jars

Chrome by Chase-Art Deco for the Home

Coca-Cola Collectible Trays

Fire King for the Kitchen

To follow her blogs view the Antiques Blog Directory or you can find them listed on her iTaggit profile.

iTaggit Unveils New Comic Book and Antique Microsites

2008-05-21T18:58:00Z

Online company continues to build strong comic book and antiques communities.

Communities as strong as iTaggit's comic book and antique communities command their own version of iTaggit.com.

Austin, TX (PRWEB) May 21, 2008 -- www.itaggit.com, the leading collecting web site, announced today the release of microsites to provide a simple point of access for collectors interested exclusively in comic books or antiques. These new sites, http://comics.itaggit.com and http://antiques.itaggit.com, filter the content found on iTaggit.com to display only content specific to comic books and antiques, including items, collections, news, and blogs.

iTaggit.com is a centralized application allowing users to gain access to content across multiple categories. Users who have an interest in multiple categories will still have the ability to use iTaggit's personalization feature to apply a custom filter site wide.

"iTaggit users are very passionate about specific types of items and giving them access directly to the type of content they want to see ensures a better user experience", said Casey Gannon, Marketing Manager of iTaggit Inc. "Communities as strong as iTaggit's comic book and antique communities command their own version of iTaggit.com."

Other features introduced recently include new tools to track and manage item values. These innovative tools tracks and chart the value of an item over time.

iTaggit continues to develop and release features to create the ultimate destination to organize, showcase, value, and monetize the items and collections that users are passionate about.

About iTaggit:
iTaggit is a web-based item management information system that provides "the place for every thing" by securely storing and organizing information, enabling research, and building communities based on individuals and collections of items. This essential online environment allows our user community to maximize the value and enjoyment of their stuff. iTaggit was founded in 2006 in Austin, Texas. For more information visit www.itaggit.com.

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Trading and Selling is FREE with iTaggit!

2008-05-19T16:02:00Z

    Did you know that iTaggit offers the selling and trading of items for free? Here at iTaggit, we believe that you should be able to showcase you item, find its value using our eBay and research tools, and monetize it by selling on eBay, or by placing it in our Items For Sale or Trade collection... all for FREE!!

    Adding your item to the Items For Sale or Trade collection is very simple, and only takes seconds of your time. First, find the item you would like to sell or trade and click on it, taking you to the item view screen. Next, click on the Item Actions button, located just above the pictures. This will activate a drop-down menu with a large selection of options from which to choose (shown in the picture on the right). Select Trade This Item, and a "Trade Information" template will appear. Simply fill out the information, including the date the item will be available until, what types of items you are willing to trade for or if you prefer to use currency (sell), the minimum you will sell it for, your location and where you are willing to ship the item.

    Once you have completed the information, simply click the orange Done button, and your item is automatically placed in the Items For Sale or Trade collection gallery. From here, users can message you for more information or to make an offer, and you can decide your next move! The picture to the right is a snapshot of the Item View screen, complete with the drop-down menu and Trade Information template. You can view this item (and make an offer, if you would like) by clicking the link, or by visiting the Items For Sale or Trade collection gallery.

    If you have any questions about buying, selling, or trading, please take a look at the FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions), the Trading Terms and Conditions, send me a message, or leave a comment at the bottom of this blog.

    I know many of you are looking to monetize your collections, just as many others want to add to theirs. Using iTaggit to buy, sell, and trade your items makes it easy to do all of these, and the best part is that it is 100% FREE!!

Happy Hunting!

-Chris

Want more from your appraisal?

2008-05-12T17:39:00Z

Are you looking for more information about your item than just the value? If you want more than just a Classic Appraisal, than try our Deluxe Appraisal. This type of appraisal is for customers requiring in-depth information about an item in addition to the fair market value and the replacement value.

When you order a Deluxe Appraisal you will receive more detailed information about your item which may include historical information, details regarding its manufacture, and other pertinent details which the appraiser has researched.

The appraiser will also provide information regarding the sources they used in obtaining their valuation. You will be given tips and hints on how to care for your item, how to store it and other useful advice.

The appraisal process is quick and fun and follows 5 easy steps:

Upload your item into your iTaggit account and select the valuation button in the item view. This will open up your item's valuation manager and give you 3 options for finding the value of your item and a chart that records the changes in value. From the valuation manager select the appraise button.
Choose the category that best suits your item.
This important step will determine who will appraise your item. Your iTaggit item record and pictures will be exported to WIW2U.
Answer more specific questions.
Now you will be asked a few more questions specific to your item. These questions will help the appraiser determine exactly what your item is.
Review the Appraisal.
At this point in time all of the information that you input will be presented to you for your review. You may add, edit or delete as appropriate.
Proceed to Secure Payment Page.
You will be presented options for payment. WIW2U accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and PayPal. You may also send payment to WIW2U’s office or call in your payment details.

iTaggit Welcomes New Comic Book Expert Blogger – Alan David Doane

2008-05-05T16:24:00Z

Alan David Doane has been a radio broadcaster since 1985 and a writer about comics and graphic novels since the mid-1990s. He is the mastermind behind the website Comic Book Galaxy and is the former reviews editor for Silver Bullet Comic Books (now Comics Bulletin). He has also written for many popular comic blogs and publications including: iTaggit Comics Expert David Doane

The ADD Blog for Comic Book Galaxy since 2002
The Comics Journal
Alan Moore's Yuggoth Cultures collection from Avatar Press

Alan is now iTaggit's first comic book expert. Alan has wasted no time getting started on iTaggit. He has posted 4 new blogs over the past week and plans to keep you posted with up-to-date information on the happenings in the comic book industry. Read his first blogs below:

So You Want to Publish Comics?
Recommended Iron Man Graphic Novels
So You Want to Make Comics?
How Much Are My Comics Worth?

To follow his blogs view the Comics Blog Directory or you can find them listed on his iTaggit profile.

Can I Get an Appraisal Within 24 Hours?

2008-05-01T21:24:00Z

Yes! An Express Appraisal is a deluxe appraisal completed in a 24 hr. time period. A deluxe appraisal is for customers requiring in-depth information about an item in addition to the fair market value and the replacement value. When you order a Deluxe Appraisal you will receive more detailed information about your item which may include historical information, details regarding its manufacturer, and other pertinent details which the appraiser has researched. The appraiser will also provide information regarding the sources they used in obtaining their valuation. You will be given tips and hints on how to care for your item, how to store it and other useful advice.

To have your item appraised you must upload your item with pictures and description into your iTaggit account. Once you have uploaded your item, click on the ‘valuation’ button located in the item view. This will open your valuation manager and allow you to submit your item for an appraisal.

There are two conditions that WIW2U put on this type of appraisal. First, you must upload at least one clear image of your item and second it must be submitted so that the appraisers have ample time to complete the appraisal during normal business hours.

WIW2U has set up an automated schedule of 'blackout' times (weekends and holidays). If you attempt to submit an appraisal during the blackout time the site will simply save your information and let you know that you must return to the website to pay for your appraisal outside of the blackout times. We will also send you a reminder email once the weekend or holiday is over. If your Express Appraisal is not completed within the 24 hr. time period you will be given three choices:

Change appraisal to a Deluxe Appraisal and receive a refund for the difference.
Change appraisal to a Classic Appraisal and receive a refund for the difference.
Cancel appraisal and receive a full refund.

IMPORTANT
Due to the time-sensitive nature of this appraisal it is imperative to note the following:

Ensure that you have quick and easy access to your email during the 24 hour time period and respond to appraiser inquiries as promptly as possible.
If your email uses spam filtering it is imperative that you add express@wiw2u.com to your list of approved senders.
Login to WIW2U’s and regularly check your page for messages, in the unlikely event that emails are still not getting through to you.
Although we only require that you upload one (1) image of your item for an Express Appraisal, it is best to take a few pictures from various angles and especially try to show any markings or signatures.

What is a Classic Appraisal and How do I Get One?

2008-04-30T20:03:00Z

The Classic Appraisal will provide the Current Fair Market Value and the Replacement Value of your item, along with some limited comments from the appraiser. The Classic Appraisal is still the best deal on the net for over 7 years at only $9.95.

Find out the value of your item from trusted professionals! To meet some of WIW2U’s experts click here. With experts in virtually every category, you will get a fast and accurate item valuation.

The appraisal process is quick and fun and follows 5 easy steps:

Upload your item into your iTaggit account and select the valuation button in the item view. This will open up your item's valuation manager and give you 3 options for finding the value of your item and a chart that records the changes in value. From the valuation manager select the appraise button.
Choose the category that best suits your item.
This important step will determine who will appraise your item. Your iTaggit item record and pictures will be exported to WIW2U.
Answer more specific questions.
Now you will be asked a few more questions specific to your item. These questions will help the appraiser determine exactly what your item is.
Review the Appraisal.
At this point in time all of the information that you input will be presented to you for your review. You may add, edit or delete as appropriate.
Proceed to Secure Payment Page.
You will be presented options for payment. WIW2U accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and PayPal. You may also send payment to WIW2U’s office or call in your payment details.

What do I do after I submit my item?
You can view the status of your appraisal by viewing your item on iTaggit and clicking on ‘View Status’ in the yellow bar under the item’s name.

If the appraiser requires more information, you will be sent an email requesting you to go to the website and provide additional details.

Once your appraisal has been completed, you will be notified by email and can then login to the website and view the details on the appraisal certificate. You can copy your appraisal into the notes section of your item record or upload a copy into the documents section of your item record. If you require a more in-depth appraisal please choose the Deluxe Appraisal.

Not an iTaggit member? Register today.