Chapter 14. Becoming an eBay Trading Assistant
What is an eBay Trading Assistant? Simply, eBay Trading Assistants sell merchandise for people who have stuff to sell but no motivation to learn about eBay. They also charge a commission. They also can make some serious cash. An official-sounding definition is that a Trading Assistant sells items on consignment for those who are not familiar with the eBay site or are simply too lazy to learn the ropes. Several companies have sold franchises for this type of business. A few national franchisers (for example, iSold It) have opened up across the country with retail locations accepting consignment merchandise from the general public to sell on eBay. By becoming an official Trading Assistant, you don't have to buy a franchise and can compete on your own with the big boys in your own area.
The best part is that if you are already running your eBay business out of your home, from a garage, or from a low-rent industrial office, you're a step ahead of the big guys who have to pay high rents in fancy neighborhoods to get their "drop in" business. These chains also have to hire people who are familiar with setting up auctions on eBay — aren't you already set up for that?
eBay helps individual Trading Assistants with many business practices. Most important, you're listed in a searchable directory with other eBay selling professionals for all the world to find at www.eBay.com/tahub.
Becoming a Trading Assistant
The first thing to take into consideration ...
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