From collectibles to cars, buy and sell all kinds of items on eBay
aAdvanced Search
Topic Locked This topic is locked - uploads are not allowed.
Last Post Apr 3, 2006 12:14 PM by: deirdre@ebay.com
Replies: 67
deirdre@ebay.com
Posts: 3,846

Member Workshop: Marketing & Business Advice for Trading Assistants - Apr 3

Mar 30, 2006 8:59 AM
Topic: Member Workshop: Marketing and Business Advice for Trading Assistants

Host: futureshopbook
Date: Monday 04/03
Time: 11:00 to 12:00 PST
Location: Workshop Board

Description: Please join Daniel Nissanoff, prominent entrepreneur and author of the new bestselling book FutureShop (www.auctionculture.com) as he discusses how eBay is creating an "auction culture" that will soon change the way consumers think about their possessions. Mr. Nissanoff posits that as more and more people gain easier access to eBay, we will start using our possessions more efficiently, trading up to newer things more frequently by selling our older things while they still have value. Join us to learn how Trading Assistants are uniquely positioned to take advantage of this quantum shift.

Cheers,

Deirdre
eBay Community Development
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
)
the_internet_auction_block_inc
Posts: 21
(1 of 67)

Member Workshop: Marketing & Business Advice for Trading Assistants - Apr 3

Apr 3, 2006 10:55 AM
This is my first workshop... is it okie to interact?

Stephanie
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
)
futureshopbook
Posts: 13
(2 of 67)

Member Workshop: Marketing & Business Advice for Trading Assistants - Apr 3

Apr 3, 2006 10:58 AM
The last few years has brought a wave of significant growth to the eBay ecosystem – the world of businesses that are intimately connected to the eBay platform and survive and thrive on it. One of the largest genres of companies in the eBay ecosystem is the eBay facilitator, of which the Trading Assistant is the most prominent representative within that segment. The notion of Trading Assistants – sellers who sell for others on eBay – has rapidly evolved, driven by the proliferation of what is loosely termed “drop-off stores.” These drop-off stores promise to have a major impact on our consumer culture. Yet, along with the advent of any new industry come challenges. Trading assistants and drop off stores face the following issues: low consumer awareness, consumer misperception, and unrealistic expectations by both the owner and the customer. In this workshop, I will offer advice on how to address these issues.
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
)
realdahl
Posts: 9
(3 of 67)

Member Workshop: Marketing & Business Advice for Trading Assistants - Apr 3

Apr 3, 2006 11:01 AM
I'm curious as to what fees Trading Assistants charge. Taking pictures of items, researching the item for prior sales price, writing a description that will sell the item, answering any questions, etc, all take time. If the item doesn't sell after all that, what percentage do the TAs charge for the listed but unsold item?
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
)
nelsontrotter
Posts: 9
(4 of 67)

Member Workshop: Marketing & Business Advice for Trading Assistants - Apr 3

Apr 3, 2006 11:02 AM
Is there a way to identify major department stores that are willing to work with Ebay Trading Assistants?
Diane

Diane Trotter
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
tradingassistant@ebay.com
Posts: 292
(5 of 67)

Member Workshop: Marketing & Business Advice for Trading Assistants - Apr 3

Apr 3, 2006 11:03 AM
Hi internet-auction-block

Welcome - and thanks for joining! Interaction is encouraged - let us know if you have questions or comments.

Thanks.

Walt
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
deirdre@ebay.com
Posts: 3,846
(6 of 67)

Member Workshop: Marketing & Business Advice for Trading Assistants - Apr 3

Apr 3, 2006 11:03 AM
Hi and welcome the_internet_auction_block_inc:

Thanks for joining the workshop. Do you have a question for our host?

Thanks,

Deirdre
eBay Community Development
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
)
laplaya29
Posts: 477
(7 of 67)

Member Workshop: Marketing & Business Advice for Trading Assistants - Apr 3

Apr 3, 2006 11:03 AM
Hello, I was unaware that you were going to critique our listings, but here is a typical one that I have. Anything you can suggest would be much appreciated. Item number: 7754349050
I am a trading assistant, and this is one of the items that I am selling for a lady who had a trading post type of roadside store that went out of business, she has a ton of inventory that she has asked me to sell for her. I can only participate for 15 or 20 min, then I must leave, but I will come back later and read all the posts and suggestions.. Thanks very much for having this workshop. I am enjoying selling on ebay and being a trading assistant. Bill.


Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
)
the_internet_auction_block_inc
Posts: 21
(8 of 67)

Member Workshop: Marketing & Business Advice for Trading Assistants - Apr 3

Apr 3, 2006 11:04 AM
realdahl... after a year of running a drop off store I have found it is much easier to just research the item and only take in items that 1.) have a good resell value and 2.) have a high percentage of items sold. I have found it is easier to just turn down items that aren't selling or won't bring what the person wants then it is to charge them some outrageous fee for doing the work and making them mad.. you want repeat customers

Stephanie
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
)
dick21845
Posts: 47
(9 of 67)

Member Workshop: Marketing & Business Advice for Trading Assistants - Apr 3

Apr 3, 2006 11:05 AM
Hi I became a Trading Assistant a few months back, and have been doing OK, but would like to do better. Do you have some suggestions on getting the word out to the public. My listing on eBay has been the only source that has produced several very good clients.

Dick
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
)
teresab_foundvalue
Posts: 53
(10 of 67)

Member Workshop: Marketing & Business Advice for Trading Assistants - Apr 3

Apr 3, 2006 11:05 AM
realdahl, you can find tons of information about what other TA's are doing/their guidelines by looking at the Trading Assistant directory on eBay (see site map). Try searching your zip code in the TA directory to see what sellers in your area are doing as well.

Teresa
Groovy Treasures
"Used to be only death and taxes were inevitable. Now there's shipping and handling too!" Source Unknown

Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
tradingassistant@ebay.com
Posts: 292
(11 of 67)

Member Workshop: Marketing & Business Advice for Trading Assistants - Apr 3

Apr 3, 2006 11:05 AM
Hi realdahl:

TA fees vary, but most take 25-30% of the price the item sells for, and most try and use low prices with no reserves to increase the amount of items that sell.

For items that don't sell, some TAs charge a per-item fee because even though it doesn't sell, they have still invested time into preparing the listing and managing the process. This fee can vary as well - usually between $5-20 per item.
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
)
laplaya29
Posts: 477
(12 of 67)

Member Workshop: Marketing & Business Advice for Trading Assistants - Apr 3

Apr 3, 2006 11:06 AM
RealDahl... I charge 30% plus fees, or 40% fees included, and if the item does not sell in auction I stick it in my ebay store, eventually it sells. I am somewhat selective what I will accept from someone, I am gaining a feel for what will sell and what will not. It is easy to tell the person, I dont think this is going to sell, so you should hang onto it.


Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
)
glorsstore
Posts: 127
(13 of 67)

Member Workshop: Marketing & Business Advice for Trading Assistants - Apr 3

Apr 3, 2006 11:07 AM
Hi! I'm a bit confused; my impression was that this discussion was to revolve around Daniel Nissanoff, and his new bestselling book FutureShop.


~Glor




Glor


Visit Our eBay Store for Poodle Skirts & Accessories... and Collectibles: www.stores.ebay.com/glorsstore
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
deirdre@ebay.com
Posts: 3,846
(14 of 67)

Member Workshop: Marketing & Business Advice for Trading Assistants - Apr 3

Apr 3, 2006 11:07 AM
Hi laplaya29:

We're not reviewing listings during this workshop. You may want to check out the workshop on April 17th:

Link

Thanks,

Deirdre
Community Development
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
Page: of 5

New to eBay Boards? Try a visit to our Community Discussion Boards Help and Welcome Center .

Want to visit another board? You can view our Community Overview Page or select from these lists:

Community Help Boards:

eBay Tools Boards:

Category-Specific Boards:

General Discussion Boards:


Feedback Forum | Discussion Boards | Groups | Answer Center | Chat Rooms | Community Values

About eBay | Announcements | Security Center | Resolution Center | eBay Toolbar | Policies | Government Relations | Site Map | Help
Copyright © 1995-2009 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the eBay User Agreement and Privacy Policy.
eBay official time
hosted by LiveWorld