Auction eZine - Issue 8
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AuctionInsights Newsletter
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Feb 17, 2005
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Hi,
Doug Feiring here from AuctionInsights
eBay Consignments are a Growing Opportunity for
experienced eBay sellers and a boon to consumers
who want to unload their "stuff" This issue we
present the second of two articles getting started as
an eBay Trading Assistant.
If you missed it you can find the find the first article
in this series here.
Sincerely,
Doug
http://www.auctioninsights.info
http://AuctionLink.to
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o FEATURED ARTICLE...
An Emerging Market in eBay Consignments: The
eBay Trading Post (Part II In A Series)
By Carolyn Schweitzer
In 2002, the eBay consignments business was born,
referred to by eBay as the Trading Assistant
Program.
It's possible that eBay didn't foresee just how much
they would benefit form their eBay consignments
program. Designed to unite experienced eBay
sellers with people who want heir merchandise sold
on eBay without having to do it themselves, the
Trading Assistant program has enjoyed enormous
success.
As big as eBay had become -- larger than all other
online auction venues combined -- they were still
missing out on a large segment of the population;
the technophobes. These people would sell goods
on eBay if they had access to a computer and a
digital camera, and had the time and inclination to
learn how to run an auction. But they either don't
have the technology or they lack the desire to
become auctioneers, or both. Since they're not
online, they're not likely to learn about Trading
Assistants who advertise primarily through eBay.
And even if they saw the ads, they probably
wouldn't trust them.
You see, people active in the online community are
already comfortable with the environment, which
has an element of anonymity. But a non-computer
person is more likely to want to deal with a real,
brick-and-mortar retail business. They may not trust
someone who runs auctions out of their home.
How to reach these people? Introducing the concept
of the "Trading Post"...
A Trading post is to eBay consignments what the
typical consignment shop is to the average
community. It's a drop off location that allows
consumers to drop their stuff off and have it sold
for them as a service. It's a retail location that
markets itself to consumers as a local, experienced
ebay consignments seller -- a Trading Assistant
with a brick-and-mortar store.
While any ebay trading assistant can establish an
eBay consignments service out of a retail location,
only a Trading Post can put the eBay brand on their
physical storefront. (A trading assistant can only
advertise inside their store). With this privilege
comes a higher standard, ie, eBay has "raised the
bar" on their requirements.
A Trading Post must meet the following additional
requirements:
-Offers a staffed drop-off location or storefront with
regular drop-in hours, so that clients can visit the
location without calling ahead.
-Has a feedback score of 500 or higher
-Has at least 98% positive feedback
-Has sales of at least $25,000 on eBay each month
Online, clients can search for Trading Posts
specifically, and Trading Posts may receive priority
placement in search results. (Yes, even some online
clients prefer the retail setting). Also, Trading Posts
are displayed with a special icon next to their User
ID. If you're a Trading Assistant who also meets the
requirements, you automatically qualify as a
Trading Post and do not need to take additional
steps.
Walt Duflock, Director of the eBay Trading Assistant
Program and a real life trading assistant, has
|
announced eBay's
intention of
having "secret
shoppers" and
"customer
satisfaction
surveys" to
see if there are
certain Trading
Post locations
eBay would like
to support more
than others.
|
Regardless of your status on ebay, there are tools
that everyone can use to build their success as TAs,
available on the ebay site. I've found many of them
quite valuable. For example, among their efficiency
tools, they recommend using contact management
software. eBay regards this as a great tool for
getting "a better understanding of how many
prospects it takes to actually create one new client
and how long it takes for a client to go from initial
contact to hiring you as a TA."
And as far as support, some of the Trading Posts
have become so large that they no longer rely on
eBay for help. Some have developed their own
proprietary systems for tracking customers and
inventory, and managing their auctions. The
largest and most successful eBay consignment
business will even get you started with your own
franchise which includes the use of their
proprietary systems. All you need to come up with
is $55 K plus operating expenses.
But, never fear. You can start your ebay
consignment business on a shoestring, and this is
how the majority begin. Since 1998, eBay and
similar auction sites have been growing by leaps
and bounds. eBay consignments are still in their
infancy, but I predict a very bright future!
© Copyright 2004 Carolyn Schweitzer DDS.
Dr. Schweitzer was a family dentist for 20 years and
is now owner and editor of several websites. You
can learn more about where to find specific links to
the Trading Assistant and Trading Post programs by
visiting her website at:
http://www.netbrainer.com/site/500041/page/449460.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
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The Hot List:
Top eBay Seaches:
o cd
o dvd
o silver
o gold
o pink
o rings
o leather
o shoes
o diamond
o callaway
o card
o audiovox
o art
o charm
o nokia
o handbag
o sunglasses
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