Suggestion to bring ebid to the masses

[rivierashades]

Currently there is a lot of motivation with the changes on ebay for sellers to come and try ebid. However where is the motivation for buyers to come over? They are no directly impacted by fees increases and feedback. Sellers are finding ebid because of the motivation to look, where sellers are not. Ebid needs to get its name out onto the street so buyers will come and have a look.
I know this costs money but i would like to make the following suggestion.

Increase the final value fees on all sold items. With the increased revenue, we use this to advertise.For example we could sponser a lower league football team or advertise on hoardings (Non league football for example is cheap advertising and they screen games on Setanta weekly).

If we do not get the buyers then most of our new sellers will give up and go back.

So would you agree to increased FVF to support better advertising?

[BAGHAG999]

I have regular customers on Ebay despite me telling them i sell cheaper on here most are still reluctant to come.
Its a big task getting buyers to change.

[spaceman76]

I have regular customers on Ebay despite me telling them i sell cheaper on here most are still reluctant to come.
Its a big task getting buyers to change.

I am trying the same thing, I'm hoping cheaper packaging and postage charges will make them take a look.

[madelaine]

I have been amazed at the improvement in sales in the last month. Hang on in there! The buyers are coming!

[spaceman76]

Hi Madelaine,

Don't worry I am not going anywhere, you are stuck with me, I am here for life, that's why I took out the Lifetime Membership. I REALLY like this site, it's easy to use, and most of all I find the people really friendly, I have actually had replies from real people when I had to contact The Management, that's a first for me, that never happened on feepay! And the people on this forum are great to, very helpful, I have never had to go to the FAO pages for help.

[lofty100e]

I presume by advertising you mean on TV. Tazbar tried this and it back-fired, yes they got lots of sign-ups and increase in traffic. But TV advertising is very expensive, as a result they have had to revise their business model and charge membership fees. Which has seen their listings plummet.

I think G&M have the right idea steady and gentle growth within budget, rather than a massive debt to service.

[alm1995]

I presume by advertising you mean on TV. Tazbar tried this and it back-fired, yes they got lots of sign-ups and increase in traffic. But TV advertising is very expensive, as a result they have had to revise their business model and charge membership fees. Which has seen their listings plummet.

I think G&M have the right idea steady and gentle growth within budget, rather than a massive debt to service.

Think you are right Slow and steady growth so they are not over whelmed and buried in the avalanche. Slow and steady so they can careful monitor what the users want and what they can deliver

[kengillam]

I agree slow and steady growth is essential in early days but at some point I think there has to be a leap into the big league. There was a lot of work done on here a year ago I think it was, ready for a big push, so I would have thought now was an "opportune moment" to quote Captain Jack Sparrow

[3red123]

Don't forget Ebay didn't start TV advertising until they were massive. It wasn't something they did from the start.

I run a website called Home Business Success, with a section about online business. I have just added a bit about Ebay, and increased fees etc, and recommended Ebid instead. (With a link, of course!)
See http://www.homebusinesssuccess.co.uk/18.html

It is by getting the word out, all of us, on a daily basis - (i.e sig files on emails etc) that will get people to have a look. I personally had never heard of Ebid until I read an article in the Motley Fool newsletter a few days ago!

Ken, any ideas for that push into the big league? As you say, now is a great time, with all the disillusionment at ebay!

[kengillam]

I think some magazne or newspaper advertising, or even local radio would increase 'brand' awareness.