***eBay Workshop: Introducing Want It Now, Friday, January 28, 4-5 PM ET***

[carly@ebay.com]

Topic: eBay Workshop: Introducing Want It Now!

Host: eBay Staff
Date: Friday, January 28, 2005
Time: 4:00-5:00 PM ET
Location: Canada Town Square

Description: The Want It Now Team at eBay invites all buyers and sellers to join this workshop to learn all about Want It Now, an exciting new addition to eBay where buyers can make requests for hard-to-find items and sellers can respond to those requests with eBay listings. In this workshop, we will be discussing what every buyer needs to know about creating a post and how every seller can use Want It Now to find out what buyers want to increase their sales!


Hope to see you there!
Carly

[sundin@ebay.com]

Hi ohwisht,

We just posted a WIN (Want It Now) policy clarification on the Announcement board today recommending that buyers do exactly that i.e. be more specific in their description and asking sellers not to spam our buyers.

Here's the link to the Announcement: http://www2.ebay.com:80/aw/marketing-ca.shtml#2005-01-28114750

:: Sundin

[jakejake@ebay.com]

First of all, thanks for all your feedback.

We realize that vague WIN posts difficult to respond to. The team is studying this problem and looking at some product solutions to help address this problem.

[ohwhisht]

Thank you. It isn't really that they are difficult to respond to; it is that we can't be bothered to look at them at all.

[jakejake@ebay.com]

To respond to ohwhist’s concern above. Yes, there are a whole lot of posts out there.

One suggestion would be to use the Want It Now search within a category. Doing searches within a category can help focus your search results.

[moogie1*]

Hi Jake,
I use the WIN search and yes it does work, but I still say people who post WIN are too vague and I'm glad to hear that ebay is looking into this.
moogie

[jakejake@ebay.com]

Hello ohwisht,

To clarify, the team is looking at ways to help the posters in being more specific.

Thanks!

[sundin@ebay.com]

Hi .CA Community Folks,

While we are here for this hour, we would also like to collect any suggestions or improvements that you may have regarding WIN.

If you are reading this after the Workshop hour is over, please do leave a post anyway and we'll collect them all for the Product team to review. The Community has been the source of some of the best ideas and suggestions. 🙂

:: Sundin

[jakejake@ebay.com]

Hello runasics,

Many community members have suggested that we add pictures to Want It Now. That feature is something that we’re definitely considering for the future.

Thanks!

[purpleferret999]

Hi Carly, Sundin and Jakejake:

I have to say i LOVE WIN! At first I checked the listings, then listed what was wanted in my category. Realized I was putting up too many listings without thinking about them. Now, I selectively respond to only those that are listed or about to be.

I've had responses to my listings on both .com and .ca

My only complaint would be to some how narrow it down (buyers) and the removal of email addresses...just a spam set up. I'm sure those hapless buyers would only post their addy once.

I can just imagine to in-box!

This feature is a great one, product people!

marian
have a fab weekend all!

[jakejake@ebay.com]

Hello cornerstone*,

Want It Now posts are shown in a separate area from eBay’s listings and will continue to be in the future.

Although we use the same categories as listings, we will not mix listings and Want It Now posts.

Thanks!

[purpleferret999]

another wonderful feature is the Best Offer on fixed listings. Good idea.

[jakejake@ebay.com]

BTW, Want It Now uses the same category names as listings to make it easier for both buyers and sellers to find what they’re looking for.

[purpleferret999]

Yes, jakejake...and that makes it very useful for buyers and sellers alike. It would be good though if they were controlled some how. For example, calenders in post card sub-cats, when there is a sub-category for calenders.

[sundin@ebay.com]

Hi secondtimesthecharm,

WIN is a venue for Buyers to ask for items they can't find and it is another sales opportunity for Sellers to participate in.

WIN is entirely optional for Sellers although we do encourage their active participation.

:: Sundin

[jakejake@ebay.com]

Thanks purpleferret999!

BTW, it is against eBay listing policy to include contact information in a Want It Now post.

[carly@ebay.com]

Hi Purpleferret, weavers, owhisit, and moogie1,

Glad you could make it this sunny friday afternoon, and thanks for all your feedback on the new feature.

[purpleferret999]

should we be reporting these to someone?

[purpleferret999]

oops that query was to jakejake.

[jakejake@ebay.com]

Good suggestion purpleferret999. Improving category selection is also something that the team is looking at for the future.

[sundin@ebay.com]

Hi nan*55,

Congratulations on the 3 sales as a result of WIN. That is the type of success story that inspires us.

BTW, what were the items you sold? Do you have any suggestions on how we can improve WIN?

Keep checking out WIN! 🙂

:: Sundin