All aboard the eBay Express II

So how will eBay’s latest venture fare against popular, established retailers? That will depend on how well eBay can convince buyers as to its trustworthiness.

With some sellers insisting on listing products as ‘100% genuine’ (something you wouldn’t question if you were shopping on Amazon) and obscure CDs and DVDs promoted more than the latest releases, there’s definitely still the traditional eBay feel to it.

This is likely to change as the site evolves – the US version of eBay Express is far more current (it has a section devoted to autumn fashion for example) and we should expect the UK incarnation to follow suit.

David Bradforth, editor of eBay Advisor magazine, thinks it has definite potential. “What eBay Express provides is a means for eBay to get the audience that haven't yet experienced the auction site,” he told Web User. “With a focus on professional sellers, all with a return period guarantee, it's a stress-free way for new eBay users to begin their eBay experience.

For the rest of us, it provides a stylish means of locating new products, at a bargain price, and with a warranty in case of product failure. It's easy to use, has a very slick design and a lot to recommend it. We expect big things but they do need to add more retailers and focus on the latest products if they are going to capitalise on the Christmas market.”

Price is the one area where you’d definitely expect eBay Express to stand out, but a lack of sellers means that isn’t currently the case. There are still bargains to be had, but you are just as likely to find the same items for sale cheaper elsewhere, including the main eBay site itself.

As Express grows it will doubtless become very popular but it’s unlikely to have much of an impact on eBay’s main auction business which boasts an estimated 15 million members and around three million items for sale at any given time. Experts think retailers will continue to have an eBay presence and simply use Express as a showcase and additional outlet – a win-win situation for eBay.

Ina Steiner, editor of AuctionBytes.com, says “because eBay Express is limited to new, in-season items, I don't think it will reduce the number of auction-format listings, since sellers know that auctions are better suited for used, refurbished, out-of-season or collectible items. The only danger eBay faces is in possibly confusing the consumer.”

Managing to get the new site’s unique selling points over to the general public will undoubtedly be eBay’s greatest obstacle. “eBay Express was launched in the US in June, but only began marketing the new marketplace aggressively several weeks ago,” Steiner says. “So it's too soon to know what the reaction of shoppers will actually be.”

For part one of this article, click here.

http://www.auctionbytes.com

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