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eBay >  Trading Assistant Program >  Trading Assistant Directory >  Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions


What are Trading Assistants?
Trading Assistants are experienced eBay sellers who have indicated they are willing to take your items on consignment and sell them for you on eBay for a fee. If you want to sell your stuff on eBay, but don't have the time, a Trading Assistant can help. Each Trading Assistant has a feedback score of at least 100, has experience selling items on eBay, and has at least 98% positive feedback from buyers and sellers on previous transactions.

What's the difference between a Trading Assistant and a Registered eBay Drop off Location (REDOL)?
A Registered eBay Drop Off Location is a Trading Assistant who provides a staffed, storefront drop-off location with posted business hours. You can usually drop by a Registered eBay Drop Off Location without having to call ahead or arrange a meeting time. Note, however, that it may still be helpful to contact the store beforehand to either make an appointment or to discuss your item, fees and terms.


Why should I hire a Trading Assistant or Registered eBay Drop off Location?

If you don't know how, or don't have time to sell on eBay yourself, you can hire an experienced eBay seller to do it for you - for a fee. If you're a business that wants to sell excess inventory or unused equipment or you are a consumer that simply wants to clean out your garage, sell items before a move, or sell something you're not using anymore, a Trading Assistant can help you do it successfully using eBay. It's a great service for people and businesses to get cash for unwanted or unneeded goods.


How can I find a Trading Assistant or Registered eBay Drop off Location?
You can find a Trading Assistant or Registered eBay Drop Off Location near you by searching the Trading Assistants Directory or by using the links on the left. Simply fill in your zip code and any other pertinent information in the search fields, and then click the Search button. The results will show Trading Assistants and Registered eBay Drop off Locations who are closest to your address.

Once you get results, you can then determine which Trading Assistant you are interested in by clicking on a Trading Assistant's User ID. This will take you to a profile page that displays the Trading Assistant's location, contact information, specialties, and a description of their services, policies, and fees.

Alternatively, you may have an experienced local Trading Assistant contact you. Simply fill out your contact information here



What items can I sell using a Trading Assistant or Registered eBay Drop off Location?
You can sell almost anything on ebay through a Trading Assistant. Some have expertise in particular categories on eBay and prefer to sell only in categories they have expertise in. Others will sell in any of the thousands of item categories on eBay. Still others may have certain minimum requirements your item must meet before they will work with you. Check each Trading Assistant's profile to review their policies.

Although most Trading Assistants take your items on consignment, some may purchase your gadgets or photo equipment and then sell it on eBay. If you have items such as unused cell phones, laptops, cameras, MP3 players and hand held video game consoles, you may be able to sell it now for cash. Click here for a list of Trading Assistants that provide this service.

Please note that due to eBay Policy and many state regulations; Trading Assistants may not sell your motor vehicle (unless they have a motor vehicles dealers license) using their eBay account. They may, however, sell parts and accessories on eBay Motors, providing local laws allow.



What are the fees for hiring a Trading Assistant or Registered eBay Drop off Location?

The fees you pay a Trading Assistant for selling your items are up to you and the Trading Assistant to agree upon. You should agree on any fees and terms before any work takes place. eBay does not charge you fees for hiring a Trading Assistant. Note, however, that eBay charges fees for selling items on eBay, and some Trading Assistants pass those fees on to their clients as part of the overall cost of their services.

How do I verify a Trading Assistant or Registered eBay Drop off Location is legitimate?
There are several ways to research a Trading Assistant and determine if they are the best match for your needs. Utilize these sources of information:
  • Trading Assistant profile. Click on a Trading Assistant's User ID in search results. You'll get information the Trading Assistant has provided about their specialties, fees, requirements, and other terms (such as drop-off schedule). Some Trading Assistants will sell in any of the thousands of item categories on eBay, while others have expertise in particular areas and prefer to sell only in those categories. Look for Trading Assistants who will sell the type of item you have.
  • Member profile. Like all eBay members, Trading Assistants have a running record of ratings and comments they have received from other members who have traded with them in the past. How a Trading Assistant has dealt with buyers and sellers may be a good indication of how they conduct themselves as a Trading Assistant. To see this information, click on the "Member Profile" link in the Trading Assistant profile, or click on the number in parentheses next to their User ID.
  • Selling experience. You can review some of the Trading Assistant's past transactions to see if they have experience selling the type of item you have. Within their member profile, click on the item numbers to see items they've sold previously, or click on "Items for Sale" to see the items they're currently selling.
  • References. When you contact a Trading Assistant, ask them to provide references from other clients who have worked with them in the past.
  • Reviews. Soon you will be able to see feedback left by clients of Trading Assistants. To leave feedback about your experience with a Trading Assistant, go to http://www.ebaytradingassistant.com/findone and click on Evaluate Your Trading Assistant. You will need your Trading Assistant's eBay User ID and a valid email address.
Remember, you should apply the same standards in selecting a Trading Assistant as you would in hiring anyone to perform a service for you. Use good judgment and common sense in making your choice. Also keep in mind that Trading Assistants are not employees or independent contractors of eBay, nor do we endorse or approve them. Each Trading Assistant runs his or her own independent business free from any involvement by eBay.


What is eBay's role in the Trading Assistants' Directory?
eBay provides access to the Trading Assistant directory through a 3rd party as a service to Trading Assistants and to potential clients. While Trading Assistants are experienced members of the eBay community, they are neither employees nor contractors of eBay, and eBay cannot guarantee their performance. Please research Trading Assistants carefully before hiring them to sell your items. You and the Trading Assistant are responsible for negotiating all terms.


Are there any legal considerations related to hiring a Trading Assistant or Registered eBay Drop off Location?
Legal requirements and regulations for Trading Assistants vary based on the city, state, or region in which they operate their business. Trading Assistants are responsible for ensuring that the services they provide to clients are legal.

Trading Assistants operate independently of eBay. While Trading Assistants are experienced eBay sellers with a minimum feedback rating of 100 and past sales experience on eBay, eBay does not formally screen Trading Assistants to conform to a set of professional credentials. Also please note that Trading Assistants come from across the country, in many different counties and municipalities. Some of these local governments may have rules and laws that limit or restrict some of the services Trading Assistants may offer. On eBay we require all sellers to ensure that the items they sell are legal to sell where they live. Similarly, as a client you are ultimately responsible for ensuring that your work with a Trading Assistant is legal where you live. A consultation with an attorney may help you clarify questions you may have.



Can a Trading Assistant or Registered eBay Drop off Location sell my motor vehicle?
Each state has different laws regarding the sale of motor vehicles; however, eBay has a single policy that requires all Trading Assistants to have a motor vehicle dealer's license if they sell any motor vehicle (other than their own) on eBay. Trading Assistants or REDOLs not licensed as motor vehicle dealers may not list vehicles using their eBay User IDs, unless they have an auto dealer's license and the vehicles they list are part of their business inventory. They may, however, sell parts and accessories on eBay Motors, subject to local laws.


Can a Trading Assistant or Registered eBay Drop off Location list my real estate on eBay?
Trading Assistants may not post real estate or time share advertisements on eBay on behalf of third parties unless the Trading Assistant is a licensed real estate agent.


Can a Trading Assistant or Registered eBay Drop off Location help me sell my non-profit's charitable donations?
Trading Assistants are responsible for evaluating all local laws relating to proxy selling on eBay and must also comply with the following eBay specific guidelines:
Trading Assistants must not reference the name of a charitable organization in a listing as a beneficiary of the proceeds of the listing unless the Trading Assistant has obtained the advance written consent of the charity.

What are the requirements for becoming a Trading Assistant or Registered eBay Drop off Location?
Learn about joining the Trading Assistant Program by clicking here.



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