Category Archives: Consignment

New Trading Assistant Directory – Listing Promotes NOT using a Trading Assistant

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I found the listing below (in italics) in the "New" TA Directory this morning.  I was looking at whom in my area had signed up for the new directory with an eye to see if any of my former local colleagues in the industry had joined up. If they had, I was going to stop in or call and see if they were getting any leads from the new system.

The first listing in my area (Largo, Florida) I came across had the following information listed as the description of services (Please note, this name is not listed as an education specialist). Continue reading “New Trading Assistant Directory – Listing Promotes NOT using a Trading Assistant” »

Trading Assistant eBay Discussion – Read the fine Print – Join The TA Agreement or Not?

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I have been spending too much time on the eBay Trading Assistant discussion board, and admittedly I may have gotten carried away with my opinions.  You may fault me, or you may respect my veracity, in any case I think it is important that the discussion from today is noted somewhere besides the eBay forum.  One never knows when eBay could decide to delete or retract certain threads.

The lead in is simple...

The Characters -

SoJo - A long standing TA has elected to not join the new REDOL or Trading Assistant program.  SoJo is a long standing member of the boards and by all accounts has contributed value to each discussion with great advise and valuable insight. Oh and SoJo invented the Flurpel campaign....

 Karen Swett - Also a great and valuable asset to the board with an enormous amount of experience. Karen is a large eBay fan and promoter.

Scott Pooler - Me... Well, you know who I am...  

 The Story - SoJo is saying goodbye to the board because she knows she will not be listed in the official eBay directory after the 14th of February because she has done what most have not and actually read the new eBay Trading Assistant agreement... SoJo has elected to continue her business as an Internet Consignment Specialists without a listing in he new eBay directory... SoJo is a wise woman and can see the real writing on the wall...

  • Part 1 - Sojo Says GoodBye.... 

Well I came here figuring it was the 11th and the old TA list was coming down, and since I'm not re-registering, I was going to give my good-byes to all my fellow boardies and wish you luck.

But the old is still up and there I am, still listed?? I live in California, and its 6:10 p.m. so???

Well, anyway, I'm sure they will get around to it soon.

In any case -- I guess I'm no longer an "official" TA, though I'm doing just fine in the consignment biz, got a wait list of customers, and still believe in this industry.

So best of luck to all of you remaining. You'll still find me on Seller Central and the Stores board, as well as my 3 offsites.

May you all wear your Flurple proudly!

Was... Registered Trading Assistant
Now... Professional Online Consignment Seller

sojo
Continue reading “Trading Assistant eBay Discussion – Read the fine Print – Join The TA Agreement or Not?” »

Rebuttal – Accused vs. State of Pennsylvania – Trading Assistant Auction Trial

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The following is a fictional account of the possible tact a defence attorney could present in the case currently before the Circuit Court in Pennsylvania.  Any relation to real persons or events is purely coincidental...

Perry Mason
Thank You Your Honor....
In My Cross Examination I would like to ask the prosecutor in this case to take the stand....

Thank You for your cooperation... If I may ask a few questions, with Your Honors Permission?

...I'll allow it, but you better get to the point quickly Mr. Mason...

Yes - Your Honor....

Continue reading “Rebuttal – Accused vs. State of Pennsylvania – Trading Assistant Auction Trial” »

Internet Business Mentorship – Option for the future of TA's Drop Store Owners?

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Are you the friend or business acquaintance everyone asks about eBay or how to sell online?

  • Do you have previous experience selling products on the Internet via online auctions or through your own website?
  • Have you ever worked at or owned an eBay Trading Assistant Business or eBay Drop Store?
  • Are you familiar with fellow members of your community, local business people and entrepreneurs who would like to know what you know about the internet or eBay or both?
  • Have you ever thought about how much easier it would be if someone had shown you how to sell online?
  • Do you think you could explain why online marketing is important for any business?
  • Do your friends ask you about web 2.0, blogs, ebay selling, or the difference between a server and an isp?

If any of these situations sound familiar… if you are a former eBay seller or current eBay trading assistant looking for additional income or a new career we think you could be an Internet Business Mentor.

Read More Here

Top 10 eBay Trading Assistant Drop Store Reality Checks

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TA Consignment

Running an eBay consignment business can be complicated, time consuming, and nerve wracking...

As a business, consignment selling on eBay is not the easy get rich quick scheme some would have you believe. While initially setting up an eBay consignment business may sound like a ticket to easy street...

Whats better than selling other peoples stuff and making a 40% commission from the sale?

Having a retail store without owning inventory...

When one gets right down to the facts, its not that simple...

eBay consignment has its rewards and challenges, like any other business. The difference here is the dependence eBay consignment sellers have on outside influences. Outside factors have a great deal to do with how well an eBay consignment based business will prosper or if it will even survive.

Some of those outside sources of influences are:

Continue reading “Top 10 eBay Trading Assistant Drop Store Reality Checks” »

Chicago Tribune reveals Auctioneer vs eBay battle from the front lines.

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An article in the Chicago Tribune reveals the Auctioneer vs eBay battle from the front lines.

GavelvsTA

The Tribune article details with specific clarity the unfair and abusive nature of the State of Pennsylvania's prosecution of honest eBay small business owners. Legislation in Pennsylvania has been sponsored by a small group of politically savvy and powerful special interest groups (Auctioneers). 

When Pennsylvania prosecutors proceeded with these cases... "in my opinion" they crossed the line from protectors of the people to being nothing more than hired thugs, attempting to close down small business owners because the business they have built may threaten the profits of more established businesses.  

To suggest regulation in any State in the Union of eBay sellers, consignment or not, by a board of Auctioneers who are not elected officials is ludicrous.

Continue reading “Chicago Tribune reveals Auctioneer vs eBay battle from the front lines.” »

State Bill Vote Scheduled – Exempts Internet Sellers from Auctioneer Regulations

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In a story by: Unravel the Gavel and reported in AuctionBytes today. It is reported New Hampshire has introduced a bill in the legislature to exempt Internet sales from any auctioneer licensure requirements.

This report is the best news of the week for eBay TA's (excuse me please, REDOL's). We can only hope this Bill in New Hampshire passes and some semblance of order in restored to the eBay consignment sellers universe.

Personally, I do not understand why more eBay consignment specialists have not organized a PR campaign to fight this movement to require our industry be governed by the antiquated auctioneer statutes and competetively biased Auctioneers regulatory organizations.

eBay TA's, Trading Posts, Drop Stores, REDOLS, or as I prefer, Consignment Specialists.... Are NOT Auctioneers... period. Continue reading “State Bill Vote Scheduled – Exempts Internet Sellers from Auctioneer Regulations” »

New eBay Trading Assistant Agreement – Options for Drop Store Owners

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With the advent of the new eBay Trading Assistant (”Registered eBay Drop Off Location” or REDOL) agreement, an already complicated business outlook has just become more convoluted.   

eBay Trading Assistants and Drop Store owners - Franchisee or Non-Franchise... should be evaluating the new eBay Trading Assistant Agreement and determining what the implications are for the future of your business. 

I will refrain from interpreting this new eBay agreement for you, but please become aware of the terms and restrictions involved with proceeding under the new eBay TA agreement.  I suggest you review the terms (see link in the sidebar) with your business advisers and/or legal council prior to determining if joining the new eBay Trading Assistant directory is a business decision you are willing undertake.

Ultimately, for those who do sign the agreement, a small increase in TA business may result due to the culling effect it will have on the present population of TA's listed in the Trading Assistant directory.

If the prospect off initially receiving more than one or two calls per month from the TA directory is a worthwhile benefit in your future business plan...  You may be inclined to simply agree, get listed in the new directory and move forward with your daily business (especially if you are happy with the way eBay has promoted eBay drop stores and TA's in the past)...

Since you've found this blog post, I will assume you are looking for a way to weather the storm and move forward with your trading assistant or eBay drop store business.  Lets look at the options... Continue reading “New eBay Trading Assistant Agreement – Options for Drop Store Owners” »

Important Changes to the eBay Trading Assistant Program – Action Required

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eBay Announces Changes to the Trading Assistant Program:

Our initial evaluation of this "agreement" is underway... I will post our opinions after we have digested the entire "new" program.   I can say that I never received any email from eBay regarding this change and we have been listed in the TA directory since 2001. - Our listing is still in the directory... Yet I received an error message when I tried to sign in which said our user name was not listed as a TA.  Nice Work - eBay...

eBay Forums Post 

Changes to the Trading Assistant Program
Hi Everyone:Tomorrow we will be announcing the re-launch of the Trading Assistant program requirements, directory and benefits. In addition, on January 18, we will be sending this email out to all TAs currently (or formerly) in the program. If you would like to get a jump on it, you may register now, but please let me know of any issues you encounter (or ideas to improve).Important Changes to the eBay Trading Assistant Program - Action RequiredDear eBay Member,On January 15, 2008, we re-launched the Trading Assistant Program with new standards for program members that will deliver many new benefits for your business:• Powerful new search functions to help potential customers find you fast
• An opt-in lead management system to distribute leads directly to you
• A new evaluation system to help showcase your satisfied customers

On February 11, 2008, the old directory will be retired and only those Trading Assistants who've registered for the new program and agreed to the terms of one of two new user agreements will show up in Trading Assistant search results.

Even if you're an existing Trading Assistant or Trading Post, you'll need to register and accept the updated user agreement before February 11th to stay in the program.

Changes to the program

We've made the following changes to improve the customer experience:

• Qualification: To qualify, all Trading Assistants on eBay are now required to have an eBay Membership in good standing, a minimum of 100 eBay Feedback (98% positive), and sales of at least 10 items on eBay in the prior 3 months.
• Titles: The name "Trading Post" has been changed to "Registered eBay Drop Off Location." Use of the term "Auction" or "Auctioneer" in a Trading Assistant business name, signage, and marketing materials is no longer permitted (unless you are a licensed Auctioneer).
• User Agreements: There are two new user agreements; one for Trading Assistants and one for Registered eBay Drop Off Locations (including new insurance requirements).
• Profiles: Each Trading Assistant may have only one profile in the directory, but you can now refer potential clients to your own Trading Assistant web site. If you're an Education Specialist you can also link to your profile and classes.
• Marketing Materials: The program has a new look with updated logos, customizable collateral, mailers, and business cards--all free and accessible when you register for the new program.

Register now or view the new user agreements and get more information at http://www.ebaytradingassistant.com/signup

For more information about these changes, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. (http://www.ebaytradingassistant.com/newfaqs)

We also welcome your ideas and/or concerns on the Trading Assistant discussion board. And again, be sure to register before February 11 to make sure you're included in the new directory!

Sincerely,
Sharon Guldner
Sr. Marketing Manager
Help others sell on eBay
www.ebay.com/esp
www.ebay.com/ta

Important registration notes:
Before signing in, make sure you are at an official eBay site by checking the url in the address bar (https://signin.ebay.com...). You will be required to sign into your eBay account to validate your qualifications. From there, you will be directed to a site hosted by American Research Institute (ARI) at www.ebaytradingassistant.com. Follow the instructions to submit your new profile and agree to the new terms of the user agreement.

*If you reside outside of the United States and you have created a Trading Assistant profile on the U.S. eBay.com site, this profile will be removed. The new registration and directory will not allow you to re-register as the new user agreements are applicable to residents of the United States only. If you wish to have a profile in the Trading Assistant directory, please create one on the eBay site of your country of residence. For a list of countries that support the program, please see the Frequently Asked Questions (http://www.ebaytradingassistant.com/newfaqs)
- Newton

Cornerstone Commercial Carpet Cleaning Supply – eBay Stores Design – Update -

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cornerstone-logo.jpg

Cornerstone Commercial Supply Inc. is the proud new owner of an eBay Store designed by DesignLogic with Frooition and All Business Auctions.  Cornerstone Tools

Our design work was completed over the holidays and installed on January 7, 2007.

Within hours of the installation of our custom eBay store design the client, Cornerstone Commercial Supply Inc., logged thier very first eBay store sale... Congratulations Cornerstone!

Richard Carpenter - Owner of Cornerstone is very pleased with the immediate and verifiable advertising exposure already generated by the site. "We have already had inquirys from professional carpet cleaners in other states asking about purchasing our best Truck Mount Carpet Cleaning machine packages and we do not even have any of them listed in the eBay store yet". "I am really excited about all of the exposure this eBay store".  Read More...

Call Scott Pooler at iBusinessLogic / All Business Auctions to learn about the benefits of an eBay store for your business.

727-596-6900