Sensis' Trading Post to take on eBay in online auctions

Stan Beer
Tuesday, 27 May 2008 06:34

IT Industry - Strategy

Mr Akhurst said the investment in the Trading Post website was an important part of the business’ continued focus to provide its products over multiple-platforms.

“Sensis has taken decisive steps to return our classifieds business to growth. This includes successfully reducing the rate of decline in the circulation of our print publication, strengthening our online product and plans to further grow our presence in mobile.

“Through this investment in www.tradingpost.com.au, we are creating a new wave of growth for Trading Post through a completely new revenue stream,” Mr Akhurst said.

The Trading Post’s announcement comes at a time when Australian sellers are up in arms following eBay’s decision to force sellers to use its own payment service PayPal and as a result, pay higher selling fees.

“Trading Post’s new website and auctions means we now offer a strong local alternative to eBay – one that lets you choose payment options and provides terrific value for money,” Mr Akhurst said.

“Australian businesses that make their living trading online are screaming out for a way to trade online in which they have more control over how they do business."

In another obvious dig at eBay Australia's PayPal move, Mr Akhurst affirmed the view that payment choice online is important.

“Trading Post has been listening closely and is now providing auctions with a broad range of payment options for sellers to choose from. We’ve also made it easier to register, buy, sell, navigate, search and compare products online,” he said.

Mr Akhurst’s comments were supported by a Newspoll survey that confirmed 93 per cent of online sellers and 95 per cent of online buyers said it was important to have a choice of payment options when trading online.