There are a select group of sellers who are known as eBay Trading Assistants. They belong to a special program, which allows eBay sellers to offer items provided by others. For example, if you are familiar with the concept of a consignment shop, then you will understand the responsibilities of a trading assistant. A friend, family member or acquaintance may have one or more items to sell, but no computer or internet access. So, they would contact an eBay trading assistant who would offer their items for sale. Most eBay trading assistants charge a fee for their service, but it should be a reasonable one in order to provide quality service at an affordable price.

There are a number of ways to find people who are in need of an eBay trading assistant. Word of mouth, of course, is very popular as is the eBay directory listing every trading assistant and their location. But, what if you want even more business? For the serious entrepreneur, there are a few more ways to drum up some new customers.

1. Place an advertisement in the local newspaper’s classified section. It should go under the ‘Notice’ or ‘Services’ section. Because the cost of classifieds are usually determined by the number of words, keep it short while remaining informative. For example, "eBay Trading Assistant now accepting new items on consignment. Excellent reputation and reasonable rates." Be sure to include a telephone number or e-mail address, or both, at the end of the advertisement.

2. Buy airtime on a local radio station. Record your own message or ask the DJ to create a commercial with pizzazz. Don’t worry - you should get final approval before anything is released on radio, so be sure to let them know you want to hear the commercial before it airs.

3. Post flyers in your community, on bulletin boards and anywhere else that will allow flyers to be posted. At the bottom of your flyer, print your telephone number diagonally as many times as you can. Cut strips, which will separate each telephone entry. This will allow interested parties to take a telephone number and stick it in their pocket without having to find a pen and paper to write your information down.

4. Ask local businesses and retail stores if you can leave flyers in their window or at their counters. Consumers passing through the store may have some old clothes or other collectibles that they would like to get rid of, so a store is a good place for your flyers.

5. Talk with local business owners and inquire if they have any merchandise they would like to have sold, but aren’t having any luck moving it out themselves. Tell them that you believe you can help, explain that you sell on the internet and ask if they would be interested in letting you sell their items in exchange for a small commission. Many businesses, especially the small ones, would be interested in reaching a broad international market. The appeal of the internet may be just what they need to free up inventory and bring in some extra cash.

Mark Kenny runs an independent eBay forum where you can discuss any aspects of eBay & get rewarded for your contribution to the forum. For any advise or eBay problems, visit the forum at: http://eBusinesseBooks.com/forum

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