eBid August 2016 Newsletter

News from Gazza

4,318,189 Live Listings
14,007 Categories
$4,912,790,075 Gross Listing Value

Welcome to the eBid August Newsletter

We've been making quite a few category layout changes this month in anticipation of the major changes we have been working on behind the scenes for a number of months now. The changes will allow us to incorporate "Item Specifics" to many more categories throughout eBid than we currently do. At the moment we have colours and sizes for most clothing categories but we also need to add item specifics to thousands of other categories which is proving to be a Herculean task for our development team.

Once in place, item specifics will allow for a much improved search and filtering system within most categories and also, very importantly, is linked strongly with allowing us to bring in "Product Variations" into eBid for the first time.

Many of our sellers use the USPS First Class mailing method. This has always, as far as I can remember anyway, had a limit of 13oz for packages and large envelopes. USPS has now upped this to 16oz and the update is now live on eBid. It is worth pointing out that this is available only for "commercial" shipping which USPS classes as simply not over the counter. So if you print your postage online or through a third party like Stamps.com or Pitney Bowes then you're good to go. It should save you quite a few pennies over USPS Priority Mail.

A common support request we have received this month has been related to Google Shopping and the problem with barcodes (or "GTIN"s as Google calls them). The barcode is a field that Google Shopping has been requesting more and more vigorously recently and some of you have noticed that your products have been relegated a little in the Google Shopping results when one is not in place on your listing. One important tip we can give is that if you do NOT have a barcode for your product due to the product never having had one or the item you are selling being handmade or a bundle of goods then make sure you enter the text EXEMPT in the barcode field when listing your items. This allows us to notify Google that there isn't one available for your item and that it has not just simply been forgotten.

On a last note, I would like to say a big thank you to our community of regulars who have been great for the past few years helping to locate and report problems they find to us. Most people (including myself) will ignore a problem when one is found within a website or app thinking it may be a problem at my end or perhaps only a temporary one or even knowing that if I report it it won't be read and is therefore a waste of time. Well, we really appreciate every report and the time you take to let us know about bugs you find. Every report is read by myself or one of the team and they are never a waste of time.

Speak to you all again in September, hopefully some big changes to announce.

eBid Pulse News from Debbie

Spread the word ...

Why not consider promoting your listings on your Facebook page? At the top of every listing you will see a blue Facebook button which allows you to share the listing. When this is clicked, you simply login to your Facebook account and the item will appear on your wall.

You may also want to visit and LIKE our eBid Facebook page, this is updated regularly and will give you a heads-up on what's new, site updates and so much more.

Not visited us for a while, drop by and see what you are missing!

eBid have been established since 1999 and our site has evolved and improved over time. Last year’s major site revamp brought us bang up to date with the needs of today’s marketplace. Buyers today are not limited to browsing and shopping from their home computer or laptop, and many choose to shop on the move using their tablets and smartphones. The eBid site offers full functionality when using handheld devices. Not only is this good news for Buyers, but benefits Sellers who can list from handheld devices rather than be chained to their desk.

We are pleased to say that one thing has NOT changed- our low cost listing fees. Where else can you sell worldwide for a MAXIMUM sale fee of 3%?

With an International presence – wherever you are, we are with you! With over 4 million listings in 14,000 categories – come and get to know eBid again.

Get advice, swap ideas and join in the chat at the eBid forums

When you’re self-employed or working from home, you don’t have the opportunities your 9-to-5 friends do to sneak off for a gossip with workmates, chat over coffee about the changes in the office or moan about the management at lunch. So, eBid’s Forums are just what you need to get some conversation going and exchange ideas with like-minded people when you’re taking a break from organising your listings or if you need fast help while trying to get some new items up for sale.

You can read more about the benefits of participating in the eBid Forums in our recent blog article.

Toys on eBid

From cuddly toys to action figures, we have a wide range of toys for children from 0-90!

100% Natural Rubber Submarine Baby Teether Sensory Bath Time Toy
Action Man 40th Anniversary Combat Division Soldier Mint Boxed
Lego Telehandler, Technic, 8283

Playmobil 5127 Ferry Boat & Jetty
NEW! VTech First Steps Baby Walker PINK - ages 6 month + BOXED & SEALED
Playmakers Cute Soft Toy Plush Pig Piggy Collectable

Competition Time

Last month's question :

On an average day, buyers from how many different countries register on eBid?

a) Less than 15
b) About 22
c) At least 25

The correct answer was (c) At least 25. Congratulations go to bncoley from USA for winning last months competition, your eBid Goodie Bag and iPod should be with you now.

Now for this month's question :

What is the text to be added to the barcode field that tells us your item doesn't have a barcode (GTIN/UPC/EAN)?

a) NONE
b) EXEMPT
c) EMPTY

To enter send us :

Answer to the competition question
Your eBid username
Name and address for sending out any prizes
Incomplete entries will be automatically deleted. Closing date 10th September 2016. Email answers to competitions@ebid.net