Right now, 69 companies offer their listing management services through eBay's Solutions Directory. Many are fee-based, but some are free. Some are software applications and others are web-based. Each user should carefully assess their needs, sales volume, and the program features before selecting one. The whole purpose of bulk listing is to AUTOMATE your auctions and concentrate on finding great items at discount prices to sell & market. This will dramatically organize your time and allow your operations to run very smoothly. The current grueling process consists of 5 pages of steps to get listed on eBay.

eBay’s fairly new Certified Provider Program highlights companies with a proven record of helping sellers manage their auctions. The Solutions Directory is also a very good guide for buyers & sellers to search for third-party software and services. These businesses allow sellers to take advantage of the following:

-   List items on multiple online auction sites to increase sales traffic

-   Create custom templates

-   Image hosting

-   Track inventory

-   Saving time through automation

-   Send email campaigns

Usually, a suite of management tools are provided for a monthly subscription fee and packages are also available depending on the potential need & user.  For a list of the most popular companies, click here. A few of the larger providers include ChannelAdvisor Corporation, Marketworks, Inc., and Vendio Services, Inc. Some companies, like Auctiva, offer free selling solutions, but do require registration for membership.

In ten years, eBay has become the world's largest online marketplace with over 200 million registered users in over 30 markets. (Translation - there is a vast pool of potential customers willing to find your merchandise once it is listed. They are also educated, loyal and repeat buyers).

In 2004, eBay launched a "Dream Big Save Big" campaign targeted to small business owners and now offers a myriad of business solutions, including toll-free consulting services. By using one of the three types of auction listing services noted above, you can receive the benefits of convenience, auction selling experience, and customer service. By mid-year of 2005, one of their company press releases stated over 720,000 people depended on eBay as a primary or secondary source of income. In addition, over 600 of the sellers are currently members of the Professional eBay Sellers Alliance with sales totaling over $1 billion annually. People all over the globe are experiencing online auctions as a viable solution for making money on the internet. You can too.

The hottest selling and most watched items in all categories are itemized on eBay Pulse. Check out the Top 10 products people are searching for right now. It's an exciting time...get in on the action! If you have any questions, email me.

helporgs is a consultant with over 20 years of sales & marketing experience and 10 years in graphic design. Services are provided for small business owners & nonprofits in the areas of marketing & PR consulting, collateral design, administration, and special event planning. To learn more about my business, visit my About Me page.

In 2004, eBay drop-off stores were named one of the "13 Hot Businesses for 2005" by Entrepreneur.com. These walk-in outlets rushed to hang their shingles, open their doors and service willing customers. In fact, Circuit City tried the consignment market with its Trading Circuit stores, but then closed them later in the year. United Parcel Service jumped in that same year with AuctionDrop. Many of the stores are franchises and many are also independently owned. The consignment stores with the most facilities include iSoldIt, QuikDrop, and Snappy Auctions. In fact, iSoldIt now has over 900 locations and is currently featured in the September issue of O Magazine.

 

 

Countless stores have expanded throughout the U.S.and several have plans to open more, including overseas locations. This proves the explosive escalation in numbers is not over by a long shot. Even though quite a few companies secured venture capital to get started a couple of years ago, the opportunities in this industry are still available.

 

What does the future look like for this industry? On July 16th, eBay announced their second quarter results in a press release. They now have 203 million registered users and approximately 541,000 eBay stores worldwide listing about 596 million items. A sure sign this business won’t fold anytime soon.

 

When deciding what company to sell through, be diligent and do your research first. Check my August 30^th post for a comparison of fees charged by various drop-off stores. All charges and terms are not the same. Also, some stores will pick-up your merchandise making it even more convenient to sell online.  

 

If you need quick money, check to see if you have $2,000 in your closet and start selling!

 

 

Trading Assistants must meet the following requirements to be included in eBay's directory -

•   Sell at least 10 items in the past 90 days
•   Have a positive feedback score of at least 97%
•   Feedback score of 100 or more
•   Have an eBay account in good standing

Click here to find an Assistant in your area. If you meet the requirements but have not registered as yet, this is a great way to create another revenue stream. You’ll find a link to register on the same page with the Trading Assistant Locator. Additional resources for information include:

      -  Amazon                           -  Articles                      -  Discussion Board                    -  News Group

     -  Barnes & Noble                -  More Articles              -  eBay Group                            -  Reviews & Guides

Some Trading Assistants are also PowerSellers, Trading Posts or Drop-off stores. PowerSellers must have had an active account for at least 90 days and sell $1,000 or more per month for three consecutive months. In addition, their eBay account must be in good standing with a feedback score of 100 and a positive rating of 98% or more. Trading Posts have stricter requirements, such as -

•   Offering a staffed, drop-off storefront or location with regular hours
•   Feedback score of 500 or more
•   Have a positive feedback score of at least 98%
•   eBay sales of at least $25,000 per month

For more information about PowerSellers, try the following:

-  Amazon                         -  Articles                      -  eBay Group                -  Reviews & Guides

-  Barnes & Noble             -  More Articles             -  News Group

As for Trading Posts, this is a fresh industry where franchises and independent stores have been created across the U.S. These companies have also teamed up with The UPS Store or PostNet to capitalize on new opportunities. There are 61 within 50 miles of Chicago. If you need one, click here, check Trading Posts and type in your city & state. For a comparison of fees, go to this site.

Investigate today to determine if this is your road to success!

More details on auction listing services are provided weekly. Check back to read more posts, make a comment or research the business.

There are four types of listing services: