Eager students enrol for 'eBay University'

Published on Sunday 23 September 2007 00:04

HUNDREDS of online wheeler-dealers gathered in Glasgow yesterday for a masterclass in how to turn trash into treasure.

Scotland's first 'eBay University' took place at the SECC, with staff from the internet auction giant giving seminars on how best to make money from unwanted items.

Organisers said more than 300 'students' attended the sessions, with people coming from as far away as Holland.

"We are absolutely delighted with the enthusiasm shown by the people of Scotland," said eBay spokesman Jamie Parkins. "The range of people who came along went right along the spectrum."

Parkins said the event had been attended by "everyone from teenagers looking to earn a bit of extra money to silver surfers in their 60s and 70s.

"There are people who sell weird and wonderful things, people who use eBay as a career and people who are looking to make a fortune selling online.

"It was particularly great to see so many dedicated online users getting out from behind their computers and having a whale of a time meeting other eBay buffs.

"It is as much a social event as anything else, although lots of people are looking towards the busy Christmas market."

Matt Priddle, eBay's events manager, added: "Our research shows that the average Scottish household is hoarding more than 390 worth of items that will never be used in the attic, at the back of the wardrobe and under the bed.

"Our goal is to teach people how to convert this unwanted clutter into cash."

The event was the biggest-ever gathering of eBay users and was aimed at providing motivation for people looking to spring-clean their house and boost their income at the same time, Priddle said.

"There are 68,000 people in the UK alone who make at least a quarter of their income by trading on eBay, and it is never too late to learn how to get involved."

Staff from the auction firm gave a series of classes and talks which ranged from sales tips for complete beginners to safe trading techniques and power-selling masterclasses for the most dedicated eBay traders.

Financial advisers were also on hand to offer advice aimed at making sure that rookie online entrepreneurs did not fall victim to internet fraud and scam merchants.

Since its launch in San Jose, California, in 1995, eBay has become an international sensation employing 12,000 people and generating a turnover of $6bn.

The UK version of the site, which attracted its 15 millionth user last May, claims to have at least 10 million items on the site at any one time.