Let eBay advertise for you!

Have you ever noticed on eBay's home page that they are always pushing some kind of promotion (See Picture)? These promotions usually have links to specific categories of products for buyers to click on. Sometimes they even send out emails to users highlighting promotions too. Wouldn't it be nice to know what's next on the eBay promotion agenda? Well, let me show you the way!

eBay has been kind enough to post up the schedule of marketing promotions on their site (although it can be easily overlooked) known as the Merchandising Calendar. This calendar will show you what product categories they will be promoting in the upcoming months. Next you will want to browse the eBay Pulse page to find specific products in these scheduled categories that are currently in high demand. The Pulse Page is a gold mine of information (I am surprised that eBay releases it freely).

With this information in hand, you should be able to develop targeted marketing campaigns for your Trading Assistant business. You may also want to hold off listing certain items if they are going to be promoted shortly. If you can get your clients to supply you with items that are in the product categories of these scheduled promotions, it is like having eBay advertise your items for Free!

Marketing 101 for your TA Biz - Part 1

Many new eBay Trading Assistants are full of energy and excitement when they successfully sold items for their first client. Many TAs actually get started because their first client came to them (usually as a family member, friend or acquaintance). The problem TAs quickly run into is how to get new clients. Don't worry...There are many ways and most won't cost you a fortune either.

The first thing to do is make sure you are registered as an eBay Trading Assistant and get your profile completed so you are listed in the eBay TA Directory. Many TAs think that this is all they have to do and the clients will come a'knockin. The truth is most trading assistants get very few leads and even fewer clients through this method.

The second thing every serious trading assistant should have is business cards. They don't have to be fancy but the more professional looking the better. These cards should be handed out to everyone you know and come in contact with. They are cheap enough to buy online, so go with full color and a glossy finish for a quality look. I get my cards printed using an online printing service which is convenient and saves me money. 50% OFF Premium "Custom" Business Cards

Next you should have some flyers or brochures created describing your services. Leave several of them with you clients. You will be surprised how quickly they will tell their friends and hand off your info.

Another way to generate new business is to offer incentives. Let your existing clients know that you appreciate referrals and will kick them back a referral fee (fixed amount or percentage) for each new client they send your way. Also you might want to include a coupon in a flyer or brochure for new clients to get a discounted commission rate on their first item you sell for them.

Direct mail can be very effective if done right. You really need to do your research and target your mailings to clients who have the right things to sell. Most likely you will want to target a demographic area that is made up of 30-40 year olds and older with a middle to upper class status. Seniors are also a great group to sell for who have wonderful items like antiques, rare collectibles and more.

A little marketing creativity can go a long way and it doesn't have to cost you a fortune either. In a future post I will cover some online marketing methods.

Summer is almost gone...gear up your eBay TA business

Now is a great time to start an eBay Trading Assistant business or rejuvenate your existing TA business. I have noticed an increase in clients requesting my services through eBay's Directory and through my Selling4-u TA website.

Historical data has shown that the summer time is always a slow period for selling in the USA. Most people are outside enjoying the weather. This does not mean you shouldn't sell...but less active buyers could mean lower final values. If you sell Internationally, then don't worry too much because the seasons are different all over the world. :-)

August is a great time to start an aggressive marketing campaign to generate alot of new clients for the Fall & Holiday seasons. Hand out flyers and business cards everywhere you go. Another cool incentive is to use a coupon on your flyer for a discounted commission rate or waive a listing fee on one item for new clients. Don't forget about online marketing methods. I will discuss this more in future posts. Happy Selling!

Free Networking and Marketing Tool: eBay Blogs

If you are reading this post then you see the power of blogging. Blogs are now another feature integrated into the eBay community. As a trading assistant, this could be a great way to connect with other TAs and buyers. These eBay Blogs could be used to post your latest listings, upcoming auctions and interact with other TAs and buyers. Be sure to put a link on your Me Page to your blog and post often to keep the interest high.

Blogs are a great way to humanize the Seller. The eBay community loves a great story so why not tells yours and get some free publicity!