The new fixed-price option, which will start in July, works just like a regular store, with no auction involved. Currently, eBay allows auctions to include a "buy it now" feature through which a bidder can halt an auction by agreeing to pay a preset price. Whitman also announced that the company is expanding its fixed-price sales options. Power sellers will get other benefits as well, including dedicated customer-support, a discount subscription package for eBay services, free customizable letterhead and business card design, and quarterly newsletters. Those sellers will also be invited to an executive retreat with eBay staff.
The company also has added two new levels of power sellers-"platinum" and "titanium," the latter category for those who sell more than $150,000 per month over the site. Starting this fall, the San Jose, Calif.-based company will allow power sellers to acquire health care coverage, including dental, vision and pharmacy, through a deal eBay has struck with Physicians Mutual.ĮBay has lowered to $1,000 the monthly volume of sales required for someone to join the power sellers programs. "That leaves our family entrepreneurs at a serious disadvantage when it comes to acquiring health care coverage for their families."
Sometimes it's both husband and wife," she said. "Many power sellers are self-employed eBay merchants. So-called power sellers, those who average a certain amount in monthly sales, are the backbone of eBay's auction business, CEO Meg Whitman said this weekend at eBay Live, the company's first conference aimed at the site's users.
EBAY STEALTH GUIDE 3.0 FULL
In a bid to increase the number of people who sell items full time on eBay, the online auction company will offer them group health insurance.