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Hiring a Trading Assistant - Frequently Asked Questions


What are Trading Assistants?
Trading Assistants are experienced eBay sellers from throughout the eBay user community who have indicated they are willing to sell your items for you for a fee. Have you wanted to sell your stuff on eBay, but don't have the time to do so? If so, Trading Assistants can help. Each Trading Assistant has a feedback score of at least 50, has experience selling items on eBay, and has at least 97% positive feedback from buyers and sellers on previous transactions.

Why should I hire a Trading Assistant?
Each Trading Assistant is an experienced eBay seller. Whether you want 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 who want to sell items on eBay without taking the time to actually sell items themselves.


How can I find a Trading Assistant?

You can find a Trading Assistant near you by searching the Trading Assistants Directory. Simply fill in your address, then click the Search button. We will show Trading Assistants 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, languages spoken, and a description of their services, policies, and fees.



What kinds of items can I sell with a Trading Assistant?
It depends on the Trading Assistant you hire. 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.

What are the fees for hiring a Trading Assistant?
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 is begun. 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 research a Trading Assistant?

There are several ways to research a Trading Assistant and determine if they are the best match for your needs. Utilise 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 is 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.

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's the difference between a Trading Assistant and a Trading Post?
A Trading Post is a highly experienced Trading Assistant who provides staffed drop-off locations or stores with regular business hours. You can drop by the Trading Post without having to call ahead or arrange a meeting time. Note, however, that it may still be helpful to contact the Trading Post beforehand to discuss your item as well as fees and terms.


What are drop-off locations and pick-up services?
All Trading Assistants are available by appointment, but some Trading Assistants offer special services to their clients:
  • Drop-off locations: The Trading Assistant provides staffed locations or a shop with regular business hours. You can call in with your items for sale without having to telephone ahead or arrange a meeting time.
  • Pick-up services: The Trading Assistant will come to your location to pick up the items you have to sell. This can be convenient if you have many or large items to sell that are difficult to move. Some Trading Assistants are equipped with large vans or trucks.


What is eBay's role in the Trading Assistants Directory?
eBay provides the directory as a service to help people find Trading Assistants who can sell for them. 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?
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. Please see our legal considerations page for more details.


I'm an experienced eBay seller and am interested in becoming a Trading Assistant. What are the requirements?
Learn about getting started as a Trading Assistant.



Trading Assistants can sell items on eBay for others. Trading Assistants operate independently as eBay sellers, and are not employees, agents or partners of eBay. Trading Assistants are responsible for complying with all eBay policies, and must meet specific requirements to be listed in the Trading Assistants Directory. Learn more about finding a Trading Assistant.

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