Secrets of the eBay

“Go on Discussion Boards and Really Help People”
If there’s one thing I’ve noticed over the years, it’s the fact that, for the most
part, the sellers who make the most money on eBay are also the ones who
are the most generous with their time and knowledge. That doesn’t apply to
all of eBay’s PowerSellers—many of whom guard their secrets jealously—
but it applies to David Yaskulka.
“I recommend growing your online presence and reputation through
online discussion groups and trade associations,” he says. “We are proud
members of the Professional eBay Sellers Alliance (PESA); they are
devoted to promoting honesty and fairness online, and helping their members
foster responsibility and philanthropy.”
David recommends that sellers who want to build a positive reputation
participate in discussion groups on eBay and other locations. “We have
participated in groups at different times, giving tips and answering
questions. If you go on a discussion board and you shamelessly promote,
it won’t work very well. People won’t appreciate what you’re doing. But
if you really go and help people and demonstrate your knowledge, people
value that.”
“We Try to Have a Core Value for Our Company”
You hear lots of eBay sellers talk about money, and fees, and profit margins,
and automation. You don’t often hear them talk about values—core beliefs
that are reflected in their operating style and in the way they communicate
with the public. You only hear the most successful eBay businesses talk
about such things.
“In terms of reputation and branding our online presence, we have tried
to have a core value for our company. We work from home, and we allow
a number of employees to work from home as well, but to our customers
we very much want their experience to look like and feel like buying from
Neiman Marcus.”
In just two and a half years, David and Debbie Yaskulka have built up
one of the most successful and highly respected businesses on eBay. But
business is far from their ultimate goal.
“Human motivation is complex, and it’s hard for me to analyze it,”
David says. “People who are in business tend to think solely about business
success. But there are many case studies of businesses that have built their
brand in large part through charitable donations. Cause-related marketing
began with American Express’s charge against hunger. Great companies
like Patagonia and the Body Shop have built their reputations by connecting
their core values with charitable causes. There’s absolutely benefit to the
donor. It’s all about what they want to tell their children about the work they
do, and what they want to be remembering on their deathbed.”
CHAPTER 9: Build a Good Reputation 187