eBay goes into print to drive traffic to sellers’ wares

Even the leading online marketplace is taking to print. eBay said today it is launching eBay Seller Classifieds, a service that allows eBay sellers to advertise their items in a dedicated eBay sellers section of newspaper classified ads. Readers find items in print, and then go online to bid and buy. eBay Seller Classifieds, powered by AdStar.com, is being offered in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Star Tribune and will soon launch in the St. Petersburg, Fla., Times. eBay will determine expansion plans based on user adoption in these two markets.

"Now buyers have a way to browse eBay listings before turning on a computer," said Bill Cobb, senior vice president global marketing, eBay.

Beginning in May, when sellers list an item on eBay they will have the opportunity to also advertise their item in a branded eBay sellers section featured in local newspaper classifieds. For a special introductory price, eBay sellers can include product information, including item number, title and starting bid price. In addition, sellers can create ads promoting their eBay user IDs within the eBay Seller Classifieds area. Interested buyers are directed to go online to bid on and buy advertised items.

AdStar.com is powering eBay Sellers Classifieds. AdStar.com has adapted its Advertise123 product to enable eBay sellers to place ads in eBay Seller Classifieds with a web interface. The AdStar.com service collects the ads and distributes them to participating newspapers.