Professional UK based eBay seller to launch

September 1 2006: East Anglian based eBay specialist XS Items, which provides a professional selling service for individuals and businesses, has secured backing for nationwide growth based on its successful UK model and will be exhibiting on Stand No F60 at this year’s National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC.

[ClickPress, Wed Oct 11 2006] Founders Cliff Haviland and Ian Montgomery will be launching the business at the show and believe there is huge potential for growth in the UK, where the concept is still relatively new. For example, in the US, the market has exploded from a handful of locations to over 500 in the past three years.

XS Items opened its first branch in Chelmsford, Essex in 2005, rapidly followed by two drop off shops in Colchester and Ipswich. It accepts any items that will sell for more than £30 on eBay. The company takes care of the whole selling process in return for a percentage of the sale price

“eBay is fast becoming a part of everyday life. Research shows that 92 per cent of registered eBay users are buyers and only 8 per cent sellers, demonstrating enormous potential for a professional eBay selling network,” said Ian.

“Add to this the 11 million already registered users of eBay UK which is growing at a rate of 40 per cent per annum and the scope for success becomes even greater.”

“We have developed a model that is tailored to the UK market and is based upon our day to day experience of working in this market.”

“We have developed a UK specific, low risk eBay drop off model that is sustainable and has a clear operating structure underpinned by our bespoke online consignment management system XpertSeller. We believe that The National Franchise Exhibition will provide a perfect showcase for our model”

Cliff and Ian are joined by co-directors Gareth Millar and Brian Taylor. Gareth is the main driving force behind building the current XS Items eBay presence and Brian is an experienced franchising executive. The team is based at Dickens House in Witham and operates as XSI Management Ltd.

Ian says the XS Items concept lends itself perfectly to franchising as it demonstrates a compelling offer, a clear operating system, is competitively priced with relatively low overheads, and offers franchisees flexibility over areas such as shop fit. The market offers unlimited potential for those who are prepared to work hard and smart.

XSI Management will also provide a unique package of training to help set up a new business including PR and marketing support, with ongoing advice and guidance to ensure its success.

“Our aim is to establish a national brand and network of XS Items drop off locations which will become local centres of expertise for online auction selling. Our service will enable everyone to take advantage of the huge eBay selling opportunity,” said Ian.

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