eBay alleviates sticker shock on shipping large items
EBay Inc. is finding yet another way to encourage online buying. Today the online auction site announced a deal with FreightQuote.com, a provider of online business-to-business freight and logistics services, for FreightQuote to provide immediate cost of shipping large items that a consumer is contemplating bidding on at eBay.
Under the agreement, eBay users may link to the FreightQuote.com web site to access online freight tools to arrange freight shipments for items purchased via eBay.
"EBay customers are savvy buyers and sellers. They see the Internet as a practical tool that can help them save money on the products they need. The bigger challenge lies in transporting the items sold to the new owner who may be across the country, or around the globe," FreightQuote.com CEO Tim Barton said. "In response to the challenge presented, FreightQuote.com built a customized site with eBay users in mind. Knowing most users won`t be freight experts, we have developed tools and carrier relationships to accommodate their specific requirements."
EBay users can set up freight shipments and allow their buyers to get a freight cost before bidding on items. Inquiring customers enter shipping details such as ZIP codes, weight and item description to query their rate, carrier and transit time. They can schedule a pick-up immediately or come back at a later date after the listing closes to complete the transaction.
FreightQuote says it expects to double the number of transactions through its web site as a result of the eBay agreement.
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