posted on February 16, 2001 01:17:55 PM new
For just about every concievable enterprise there is generally a face to face convention once a year or so.
So it seems that a convention of auction sellers should be a natural.
Typical agenda items:
1)Talks by famous people about thier experience.
2)Presenataions from vendors about thier products (Auction S/W, wholesales items, new auction sites)
3)Informal gatherings to meet people face to face.
4)Education seminars about various aspects of the business. (Taxes, getting started, legal issues)
What do you think??
Would you attend??
5) Yes and I want to help.
4) Yes definitely will attend
3) I'd think about it.
2) Only if it was in my town and free.
1) No way.
posted on February 16, 2001 01:28:20 PM new
Well I figured Las Vegas would be a natural choice, so the hookers and booze are required there (state law)
I was thinking Power sellers, or Ebay execs, but Famous deadbeats would be great!
posted on February 16, 2001 01:31:14 PM new
i am there for all the fun and i can even speak as a famous deadbeat if you like.....my fee would be a hooker or 3......hows that sound
[ edited by pacoferrone on Feb 16, 2001 01:36 PM ]
posted on February 16, 2001 02:59:58 PM new
I would consider going, but only if a "big name" is backing it, i.e. AuctionWatch or even eBay itself. I wouldn't want to waste my time and money traveling to Las Vegas only to discover some small-time, podunk, rinky-dink, Mickey Mouse, fly-by-night, type of convention.
"My possessions are causing me suspicion." - Neil Finn
posted on February 16, 2001 03:12:48 PM new
I like the idea.My answer is :
#6 I would consider it if it were local and educational. Maybe a 2 day set of exhibiting vendors and seminars with an admission fee and seminar fee that is separate- I go to local computer, sewing/quilting and gem and mineral shows. These are run by show promoters and have dates all over the US.
posted on February 16, 2001 03:13:21 PM new
no... I have no interest in allowing anyone to fleece me out of more dough to promote their billion dillar business.
posted on February 16, 2001 04:55:17 PM new
I would definately go if it were within 100 to 150 miles of me. I go to shows for various things I've been involved in and come home pumped each time. Its amazing to feel the energy generated by thousands of folks who share an interest. And there's always a ton of things that I learn. I would only pay a modest entry fee though. Like Pocono, I'm not into donating a cent to any greed mongers, and at some of these events you could get a cheesburger cheaper at an airport. I have enough trouble rationalizing what I pay to ebay. Not that ebays fees constitute a an unreasonable business expense, it's actually somewhat of a bargain, but I hate giving money to greedy people for any reason.
I think its a fantastic idea, sure to be successful if its promoted and backed properly and I'm actually ashamed it hadn't crossed my mind already. Not that I would involve myself in the organizing of such, just that it hadn't occured to me.
posted on February 16, 2001 05:47:06 PM new
Yeah, but forget the ebay execs, we get enough bull out of them. How about those male dancers? For the ladies, you guys got your hookers and booze.
posted on February 16, 2001 06:34:45 PM new
Oh heavens no. Not on your life. Especially if it's in Las Vegas. Convention weeks are called "hell week" at our house. My hubby spends a week more more at NAB every year and I've done enough 10-day stints covering RNC and DNC conventions to last a lifetime.
posted on February 16, 2001 06:46:57 PM new
Nope - count me out on a "get together" type convention - I'd rather spend my time and money going to a major wholesale convention where I can locate new product - which we do ever so often - not interested in partying, just finding new product at great prices to make money on.
posted on February 16, 2001 06:52:17 PM new
This is something we've been contemplating. In fact, I'd be surprised if eBay isn't planning such an event...it's a natural progression from the eBay University stuff they're doing now. Another logical sponsor would be an auction seller's user group. (I'm not naming names.)
There is potentially a lot of money in a trade show for eBay sellers. There's no reason why some of the booths can't be rented by eBay sellers who supply bubble bags and such to the masses of eBay sellers. Heck, I buy my Tyvek envelopes and printer labels on eBay. I'd love to make contact with more sources.
I could very easily see booths populated by booksellers, software dealers, even computer manufacturers. I'll bet Apple would be interested. People with better graphics sell more...and a Mac is the tool for desktop publishing.
posted on February 16, 2001 06:58:28 PM new
I'd think about it, and Vegas would be a good place. Lots to do when not at the convention, and lots to do for those that tag a long but aren't interested. Vegas isn't just for gamblers anymore!
posted on February 16, 2001 07:34:04 PM new
If you have it in Las Vegas and is successful, then have one on the east coast and then in the Midwest (so I can come). Haven't made my millions yet, so I can go to Vegas. LOL. But I would enjoy something like that. Just as long as there wasn't a high fee. Gosh, between ebay fees, paypal fees and everything else we pay for it is getting hard to make some good money. And yes, I pay taxes too. Get sponser (Ebay, Microsoft, Apple, etc) and give the sellers something for free. Angiesplace1
posted on February 16, 2001 07:46:03 PM new
I'd go if there were special discounted rates for accommodations and if airfare was low enough to the selected site. Vegas would be awful for me--wouldn't ever get to see the convention!!
However, the best scenario would be more local show type events. Overall would attract more folks. Could be advertised to general public as chance to meet the sellers and perhaps remove some of the fear that has grown with all the scam stories we've been hearing.
There are a whole lot of big businesses out there who would likely be more than happy to foot the bill for a big event where they can promote their wares--computer vendors, software vendors, camera vendors, shipping supply houses, wholesalers, ebay itself, cable and DSL providers, and on and on--maybe even a credit card company or three. I don't think there would be any need for entry or admission fees at all.
posted on February 16, 2001 07:58:20 PM new
Lots of interesting response to a sudden flash of inspriation.
1)I just trew out Vegas as a possiblity. Moving the location from year to year would be a good idea. But it could also be held concurrently with another wholesale show such as surplus dealers or a gift show.
2)Bring the entire family along and make it a tax deducatble vacation.
3)We need a Big Name sponser. But please not Ebay, would like an all auction format. Perhaps and independant third party. (hint hint hint Auction Watch)
4)I'm not sure if a local show type format would work especailly since were talking a sellers convention only. Not enough critical mass in any locality. Vegas (Or other locations like Orlando) generally offer reasonable Air/Hotel packages.
5)I'd push hard for a Free entrance fee. [it's going to cost most everyone to travel there so thats enough] But participants would have to be qualified in some way to keep out the riff raff. Money would have to come from sponsers. So we probabally couldmn't afford Bill Clinton as the Key Note speaker.
posted on February 16, 2001 10:33:01 PM new
The heck with Bill Clinton,send the cat. It would be less destructive and a whole lot cuter,and we could trust it not to screw up as much.
posted on February 17, 2001 12:32:54 AM new
A convention where all the attendees are ebay sellers? A convention that has many wholesalers trying to sell their products to those ebay sellers who will then sell said products on ebay? And all the attendees at this convention, after they buy all that "new ebay merchandise", can compete against each other on ebay...selling the same stuff to the same customers?
Nope...count me out. I think I will try to find merchandise that other ebayers are not selling. I have no desire to buy a couple of thousand dollars worth of merchandise from some wholesaler at an ebay convention only to find out he sold the same stuff to 200 other ebay sellers. And then we will all try to sell it on ebay.
posted on February 17, 2001 06:27:26 AM new
I am like a lot of other eBay sellers - I sell here because I am handicapped and I copuld not function at a convention. I would much rather go to a couple trade shows than a "party" convention for sellers who want to smooze and greet. I want items to sell not socializing.
posted on February 17, 2001 06:37:12 AM new
How about a convention where Auction sites are there with reps on panels and in meetings that listen to sellers' ideas and gripes? Many sites claim they listen to sellers and do things that help sellers and buyers, and some sites may be very interested in demonstrating their listening skills followed by the implementing some changes, features or strategies.
How about a convention where sellers have the opportunity to meet each other and perhaps form or strengthen untied voices and alliances?
How about a convention where sellers attend and conduct workshops on selling, shipping, developing terms of service, customer service, buying products, taxes, software programs, inventory control, drop shipping, online payments, writing code, using bulk uploads, developing web pages, adding shopping carts, etc...?
If not wholesalers trying to sell identical items to competing sellers, how about craft persons, artists, surplus dealers, importers, and liquidations with one of kinds or limited wares to sell to auction and online sellers? A February wholesalers convention in Vegas has booths full of limited and liquidated merchandise, much of which are bought in reasonably small to huge quantities by retailers.
posted on February 17, 2001 08:29:01 AM new
"Nope...count me out. I think I will try to find merchandise that other ebayers are not selling. I have no desire to buy a couple of thousand dollars worth of merchandise from some wholesaler at an ebay convention only to
find out he sold the same stuff to 200 other ebay sellers."
That's a risk you take ANY TIME you make a buy from a wholesaler, whether it's at a trade show or not. Successful business people take this risk because the horrid alternative is to NOT purchase in bulk (and we all know how time-consuming that is.)
And yet people buy at wholesale very successfully in the catalogue and gift fields. Companies like Lillian Vernon and The Horchow Collection buy some of their merchandise at trade shows. If they feel it's important to have an "exclusive" on the merch, they make sure the supplier knows that right up front. And suppliers who sell the item to other catalogues after that won't get repeat business from the customer who wanted the "exclusive".
On the other side of the coin it's a great opportunity for small manufacturers to get started. Get an order for 10,000 reticulated widgets from Lillian Vernon and your rent's been paid for the next six months or more. In other words, an auction seller's trade show could be a huge opportunity for folks who are currently trying to sell their own products on eBay but lack the merchandising savvy. If you're an eBay seller who has great presentation skills but is tired of hunting up the lone widget here and the single doodad there at garage sales, you could forge some very profitable alliances.
An auction seller's trade show would also be a terrific opportunity for mainstream retailers to get buyers for their overstock, clearance and salvage. To some extent this can currently be done through the B2B auction site I use frequently, but that site tightly contols communication between bidder and retailer (sure...they want their commission!).
These goods may not be for everyone, but for the high-volume seller with a tried and tested fulfillment process, there's good money to be made.
And last (I can't believe I'm giving away my good ideas...oh well, nobody reads my stuff on AW anyway), a trade show is the perfect opportunity for entrepreneurs to offer fulfillment services. Yep, you heard that right. Even catalogue operations the size of Bloomingdales by Mail or Coldwater Creek hire outside fulfillment companies to pick, pack and ship. Fulfillment is notoriously difficult in the outside world and even more so on eBay. How many complaints do you hear about shipping time? "ITEM TOOK 3 WEEKS TO ARRIVE" or similar is the commonest complaint on eBay. (Fraud is such a tiny percentage of complaints that it's almost not worth mentioning, compared to shipping.)
Last, a trade show would not be worth the time of the eBay "occasional" seller, and in that category as a rough guideline I would class anyone who grosses less than $2,000 a month on eBay. Don't kid yourself; that's still the hobby level even if you're selling 1000 $2 widgets. So demographics are needed, and the only entity that knows who the professional sellers are, what kind of volume they do and where they are located geographically is eBay.
posted on February 17, 2001 09:43:00 AM new
Bettylou...you missed the whole point of my post. Its COMPETITION!
Trade shows are fine for the seller of new merchandise...great place to find merchandise. In the normal scenario, I go to a trade show in say Las Vegas. Lets say I live in a little town in southern California called Redlands. I have a little gift shop in town. My customers also live in Redlands and probably in the surrounding little towns...my customer base is local not worldwide.
I buy from several suppliers at this trade show. The suppliers also sells to several hundred other retailers who attend this trade show. BUT...those retailers have their shops in San Clemente, San diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Tuscon, Phoenix, Fresno, Sacramento, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, San Bernardino, etc.
Except for the retailer in San Bernardino, who is close enough to me that we could have some of the same customer base, all the others are drawing from different customer bases and we are not in competition with each other. The opposite would happen with a convention of wholesalers, liquidators, etc selling to only ebay sellers.
No matter where you or I live, we are selling in the same store. We are drawing from the same customer base. If you buy several gross widgets from wholesaler A and I buy the same widget from the same wholesaler and we put our widgets in our "store" (ebay) we will be trying to sell those widgets to the same buyers.
There is a reason a catalog merchant wants an exclusive right to a certain widget...they don't want the competition with other catalog retailers. The catalog retailers are all selling to much of the same customer base.
We are conductiong business on a new frontier. Internet sales is a different breed and will require that the successful seller think innovativly. A convention of all ebay sellers, even one that only has workshops on how to ship, write great copy, developing TOS, pricing, customer service, inventory control, etc gives to much help to the competition. This type of a convention is ok when the participants are spread out over a geographic area because when they go home and implement at their business what they learned at the convention they are not in direct competition with the other convention attendees.
When we go home from such a convention and implement what we learned we are in direct competition with all the other convention attendees. They are implementing the same lessons learned. All those lessons on how to be a better retailer so you can stand out from the crowd are going to be worthless when all the other retailers are doing the same thing.
I think I would stay home and not attend such a convention.
But if it was JUST to meet other sellers...just a big social get together...kind of a company party...I would love to go and meet a lot of you.
posted on February 17, 2001 10:24:25 AM new
I'd attend definitely, even if just to get the free goodies that are handed out, and a tax deduction to go along with my vacation.
I pretty much learn about new products or services here on AW, and wholesale sources can easily be found on the web. But it's be interesting to see who else might show up or what else can be learned. It'd be cool if liquidators showed up and had things to sell in various lots and each lot would be different to avoid saturation. Or an auction where things could be sold wholesale in lots, and anyone can have their lots auctioned off.
\"They say the grass is greener on the other side. But have you flipped it over and looked?
\"
