e-how (How to do just about everything) published an article "By ***amylaine" touting these 7 easy steps to fame and fortune as an eBay Trading Assistant.
I can certainly attest that the process and the challenges facing eBay Trading Assistants are much more complicated and more labor intensive than this article suggests.
Lets review the e-How list... Continue reading “How to become a eBay Trading Assistant – Is it Really That E-asy?” »
The eBay Trading Assistant program was re-engineered several months ago. eBay, in fact, started the recent round of controversial announcements (Fees, Feedback, DSRs tied to fee discounts, No more digital delivery, etc) with the summary and unexpected changes to the Trading Assistant system. 
We reviewed the terms of the new program here at the Trading Assistant Journal. Continue reading “Finding eBay Consignment Help – New eBay Trading Assistant Directory – Not So New” »
As a former official eBay Trading Assistant, Trading Post owner and master franchise representative for an eBay drop store franchise chain. I would like to weigh in on the subject of franchising and stand alone eBay drop stores or consignment locations.
My experience on both sides of the fence has revealed certain truths, and since I was at one time a proponent of the franchise model, I believe my views could be helpful to anyone considering the purchase of a new franchise eBay drop store. These views are my own opinion and do not reflect upon eBay any eBay franchise drop store chain in particular or upon eBay consignment as an addition to any other type of business. I am simply expressing my views regarding the stand alone drop store franchise model and why it has failed. Continue reading “eBay Franchise Drop Stores – Why they failed” »
Reader Please Note: This post is over 1900 words in length. I feel it is worth the time to read the entire article. If you think this post is just too long after reading the entire article please leave a comment and tell me what you think - Thanks - Scott
eBay has decided to change the existing system in regards to Trading Assistants and Trading Posts. In doing so eBay completely revised the way they qualify participants for the program(s). This change has been presented as a way to clean up the "old" directory and provide more relevant results for people looking for help in selling merchandise on eBay. Some think the real reason for the change is to allow eBay to extend the legal distance between itself and anyone listed as a eBay Trading Assistant because of certain active cases against Trading Assistants and Drop off Store owners in States like Pennsylvania.
The terms and conditions eBay requires to be placed in the eBay "official" Trading Assistant directory are extensive. To be included in the directory as what is now termed REDOL (Registered eBay Drop Off Location) or Drop Store, the extensive terms of the TA agreement become even more so. Choosing to be included in either directory at this time is a more important issue than many may be aware. Diligent business owners will read all of the terms of the agreement(s) before making a quick choice to join the directory.
There were many promises made to the existing members of eBay's TA & Drop Store or Trading Post (Now REDOL) community when this massive change was announced. Essentially eBay promised a massive advertising campaign to 50,000 businesses in the USA promoting TA's and REDOLS, they also promised a new, easy to find, and less spam filled directory. eBay said that with the "reduction in competition" after the directory was switched over to the new version and every TA & Drop store re-registered, each registered member would receive more business from the directory.
The results so far have been less than promised.
Consider the first promise: "Massive" direct mail advertising campaign to 50,000 businesses. This boils down to a single letter sent to 1000 businesses in each State. Continue reading “eBay Trading Assistant Directory Google Search and Consignment Sellers” »
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” »
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...
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
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.
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...
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” »
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.” »
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” »