EcommerceBytes Blog
News and insight focusing on ecommerce.
by Ina Steiner, Editor of EcommerceBytes.com

Wed Apr 14 2021 19:48:47

Can eBay Be Used to Sell Locally? It Thinks So

By: Ina Steiner

In a blog post about a survey it conducted in January, eBay revealed it is working on tools to help sellers sell locally, which may come as a surprise to people who buy and sell on the marketplace.

"We are creating tools that help our sellers across their entire business," according to Wednesday's post, "including competitive price-setting, creating compelling listings to better target buyers, selling locally and more options for shipping needs."

Sellers have long reported that eBay's platform is not ideal for in-person selling, unlike sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, so it will be interesting to see what features it thinks will make a difference.

Even sites conducive to local selling are no replacement for robust online marketplaces, many sellers report (see the Auction Professor's latest column in EcommerceBytes to see some examples of why).

Is it worth the investment for eBay to try to capture local sales? The biggest challenge for EcommerceBytes readers would likely be seller protection (or lack thereof): eBay requires sellers to provide a shipping tracking number to prove when they shipped an item and to see if the item arrived at its destination.

To help overcome that challenge, last year eBay introduced QR codes in the eBay mobile app to serve as proof of delivery for Local Pickup orders for US users, later expanding it internationally.

According to eBay's survey conducted in January, sellers said what would be most helpful to growing their business in the future were technology applications and features to support shipping (72%) and listing management tools (61%).

What areas would you like to see eBay invest technology resources in when it comes helping you grow your business?

And what do you think about local selling through eBay?

Comments (23) | Leave Comment | Permalink

Readers Comments

Can eBay Be Used to Sell Locally? It Thinks So

by: Mark4

Fri Apr 16 11:58:14 2021

Why would anyone sell something locally and have to pay ebay fees when one can use facebook marketplace or craigs list for free?

Can eBay Be Used to Sell Locally? It Thinks So

by: Geetar

Fri Apr 16 12:20:57 2021

"Why would I want to make a local sale " for pickup period. The whole idea of selling online is to not have to deal with a retail store, keeping hours at the store and dealing face to face with customers. I DO NOT DO LOCAL PICUP for this reason. My time is flexible, and I like it that way. If I am going to have to be here in 10 min for a customer, and then 3 hrs from now for another one whats the point. I might as well punch a clock somewhere. At least thats the way I see it.

Can eBay Be Used to Sell Locally? It Thinks So

by: zeek6228

Fri Apr 16 14:55:35 2021

Both buyers and sellers would be better protected conducting business in the alley behind the liquor store.

Of course if eBay was only a venue and you can do the business with cash or actual swipe of credit card it would be fine but noooooooooooooooo.

Buyer will be able to open "item not received case" and keep item for free.
Seller will be able to bait/switch and waste buyers time.

There are just so many things that could possibly go wrong here.

On small items that could be shipped for say $10 or less, 95% of buyers who insist on local pickup are psychos or weirdos.

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