Looking to increase traffic on its marketplace, eBay is making it easier for members to sell their stuff by dropping it off at 1,600 FedEx Office stores through a new partnership with the carrier.
Members can bring their items to a FedEx Office location, where they will be packed and shipped to an eBay Valet processing center. Once there, they are listed, sold and shipped to the buyer. After the sale, the member gets paid by PayPal. Sellers also get updates and notifications throughout the selling process. EBay and FedEx Office share a commission ranging from 20% to 40% on each sale.
“As a pioneer in peer-to-peer selling, eBay understands that ease and flexibility are critical for consumers looking to sell online,” said Laura Chambers, vice president of consumer selling for eBay in a release. “That’s why we’re investing in solutions and offerings that streamline every stage of the selling process – from listing, to shipping, to successful sales. Our relationship with FedEx Office allows us to offer even more choices to consumers looking to get the most money for their items with the least amount of work … and the peace of mind it will arrive safely.”
There are 162 million active sellers on eBay’s marketplace. According to a 2015 study it commissioned, the average U.S. home has more than 50 used items worth about $4,000. eBay Valet began as a pilot in Atlanta and Los Angeles in 2014, attracting mostly first-time sellers. The ability to have FedEx Office handle the shipping should increase participation substantially.
Mike O’Brien is Senior Editor of Multichannel Merchant