140 Irish SMEs stay up and running during pandemic period through eBay Ireland initiative

New sellers on eBay.ie have reported huge success on the e-commerce site following the launch of its Up and Running programme, which aims to support small to medium-sized (SMEs) Irish businesses struggling amid the COVID-19 restrictions.

Almost 140 businesses in Ireland joined the new Up and Running programme in May in a bid to keep afloat and reach new markets and new customers amid the pandemic.

Those that joined the programme sell a wide variety of products, including, chocolates, fabrics, beauty products, musical instruments and more. One company, Uncanny Collectibles, reported a 40% increase in sales during the month of May after joining eBay Ireland’s Up and Running programme.

The initiative was developed by the global e-commerce site to help local SMEs sell products at a time when many had to shut up shop due to the COVID-19 lockdown. The programme supports Irish businesses that are new to eBay by setting them up on the platform, removing all fees for the first three months, offering guidance and mentorship, and providing a direct line of communication to a dedicated eBay Ireland team.

Seller success amid unsettling times

Dublin-based business, Uncanny Collectibles, which sells genuine collectors’ items and action figures from brands such as Marvel, DC and NECA, was one of the first to join the eBay programme after its usual means of selling was put in jeopardy due to COVID-19 government restrictions.

Speaking about the Up and Running Programme, Kim Mooney, owner of Uncanny Collectibles said: “Joining eBay’s Up and Running Programme has been a very positive move for my business, I started my own website selling collectables in 2017 and know how difficult it can be to develop shipping rules, postage policies and everything else that comes with selling online, but the eBay team’s help and guidance has been brilliant, they really helped make the process so easy so I could get selling on eBay.ie as quickly as possible.”

Another business to join eBay through the Up and Running programme is Naas-based company buyleatherette.ie. The Kildare business was set up by John Mulligan and his girlfriend Ashling Whyte after they found themselves without an income due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

John, who runs a catering business, and Ashling, who runs a fabric shop, decided to join eBay after identifying a gap in the market for selling high-quality faux leather fabric at an affordable price online. Just 18 days after launching their eBay store, the couple had sold 58 units, and reported a huge number of requests for fabric samples, which they are confident will convert to more sales in the future.

Speaking about the Up and Running programme, John said: “Our eBay store has become an essential element of our business and has helped support our new website, which is just in its infancy.

“Without the help of this programme and with just our website alone, it would not have been possible to reach such a wide audience so quickly. Through a combination of regular contact and invaluable tips and advice, the team at eBay Ireland has given us every opportunity to succeed during these uncertain times.”

John and his partner Ashling are already planning the next step for the e-commerce business and aim to move into the UK market in the coming months, a move that they believe would not be possible without the help of eBay’s new programme.

Helping Ireland’s economy:

eBay Ireland’s site lead, Hazel Mitchell, said: “The Up and Running Programme has given Irish businesses, new and old, the chance to survive and even thrive amid what is a very uncertain time. Being a business owner is tough at the best of times, but never more so than the past few months when government restrictions have forced the majority of retail businesses to shut up shop. If reopening is a worry or cashflow is a cause for anxiety, we want businesses to know that they can expand their selling capabilities by joining the eBay Up and Running programme and we are here to help.

“Many sellers that joined the Up and Running programme in April and May have reported increased frequency of sales, a wider market reach, and their first global sale. This isn’t just great for the businesses involved, but it’s also fantastic for the local economy, which is under huge strain at this time. The programme is still available to join so we invite businesses across Ireland to get in contact with us today and find out how we can help them enhance their selling capabilities.”

About the Up and Running Programme

Irish businesses, with or without an existing e-commerce presence, are invited to use the eBay.ie marketplace with the following benefits:

— Free listings on eBay.ie
— No Final Value Fees (the commission paid to eBay based on the final value of sales)
— Free training that will cover eBay selling basics, how to get the most out of the platform, digital skills, search and listing optimisation and marketing. The training will be delivered through a series of webinars and mentoring programmes from eBay’s dedicated team in Ireland, helping ensure a smooth transition online for those with no or limited experience

With 174+ million buyers across the 190 markets in which eBay operates, the Up & Running programme will give Irish retailers the opportunity to reach new customers, both at home and overseas, at a time when consumers are looking to online channels to fulfil many of their shopping needs.

Companies interested in the Up & Running initiative are invited to:

— Create a business account on the sign-up page HERE
— Complete the eBay Ireland business questionnaire HERE to activate the programme
— Email the eBay Ireland team if you have any questions ebayireland@ebay.com