As major online retailers are being shoved further into the physical realm to keep competitive, eBay’s doing everything it can to stay in the fray with the announcement of two new pilot programs in the US.
The first comes in the form of a “selling assistant” who essentially acts as a consignment store with pick-up service — for 25 per cent of the proceeds, of course.
The second allows you to bring smaller items (e.g. clothes and consumer electronics) to designated drop-off points for a fixed price based on its estimated value. But what if you find their paltry offer insulting? No problem! The eBay representative will still give you advice on the best ways to price and list your items for maximum attention.
eBay had already been experimenting with eBay Now in the US, a same-day delivery service. It’s still only available in San Francisco and parts of New York, however, and there is no word on plans to expand. [All Things D]