The emerging market in games eBay: The eBay Trading Post (Part II In A Series)

In 2002, the eBay consignments business was born, referred to in the eBay Trading Assistant Program.

It 's possible that eBay did not foresee just how much they would benefit form their eBay consignments program. Designed for experienced eBay sellers together with people who want heir goods sold on eBay, without having to go it alone, the Trading Assistant program has been a huge success.

As great as eBay had become - bigger than all the other online auction sites together - were still missing a large segment of the population, the technophobes. These people would sell on eBay if they had access to a computer and a digital camera, and had the time and desire to learn to manage an auction. But either do not have the technology or have no desire to become auctioneers, or both. Since you are not online, are not likely to know the Trading Assistants that advertise primarily through eBay. And even if they have seen the ads, you probably would not trust them.

You see, people active in online communities are already comfortable with the environment, which has an element of anonymity. But a non-computer person is more likely to have to do with a real, brick and mortar retail business. They can not trust someone who runs the auctions out of their house.

How to reach these people? By introducing the concept of "Trading Post" ...

A trading post is to match what the eBay consignment shop is typical of the EU average. This is a drop off location that allows consumers to leave their stuff and sold it to them as a service. It 'a position that is sold to retail consumers as a local, experienced ebay seller dispatches - a Trading Assistant with brick and mortar store.

While every eBay trading assistant can establish a service of ebay items from a store, only a Trading Post can put your brand on eBay showcase their physical.
(A Trading Assistant can advertise in your shop). With this privilege is a higher standard, namely, eBay has "raised the bar" for their needs.

A Trading Post must meet the following additional requirements:

-Provides a personal drop-off store-based or drop-in hours regularly, so that customers can visit the place without calling in advance.

-He has a feedback score of 500 or higher

-Has at least a 98% positive feedback

-It has a turnover of at least $ 25 000 every month on eBay

Online, customers can search Trading Posts in particular, and Trading Posts can receive priority placement in search results. (Yes, some customers prefer the online retail setting). In addition, Trading Posts are displayed with a special icon next to their user ID. If you are a Trading Assistant who also meets the requirements, you automatically qualify as a Trading Post and do not need to take additional measures.

Duflock Walt, Director of Program eBay Trading Assistant and a real life Trading Assistant, eBay announced its intention to have "secret shoppers" and "customer satisfaction surveys" to see if there are certain positions eBay Trading Post would support more than others.

Regardless of your status on ebay, there are tools that anyone can use to build their success as TAS, available on eBay. I found many of them very valuable. For example, between their instruments of efficiency, it is recommended to use software for contact management. eBay sees this as a great tool to get "a better understanding of how many prospects it takes to actually create a new customer and how long it takes for a client to go from initial contact to hire them as a TA."

As for support, some of the commercial messages have become so large that they no longer have to rely on eBay for help. Some have developed their own proprietary systems for tracking inventory and customers, and manage their own auctions. The largest and most successful ebay business will also start playing with the franchise that includes the use of their proprietary systems. All you have to come up with is $ 55 K more than operating expenses.

But never fear. You can start your own ebay consignment business with little money, and this is how most start. Since 1998, the auction sites like eBay and have been growing by leaps and bounds. eBay shipments are still in their infancy, but I foresee a very bright future! ......