News

Trading Nation selects WPN to launch
radical new 'eBay' business concept in UK

Trading Nation, a radical new selling service that leverages the massive success of eBay, has selected DM agency Watson Phillips Norman to develop and implement its marketing communications.

While the use of eBay is growing dramatically, Trading Nation founders Jeff Kaye and Phil Harrison recognised that the vast majority of users buy but don't sell. This is despite the fact UK households have, according to a study by esure, up to £3.2 billion worth of goods sitting in their attics, basements, or spare rooms which they no longer use and which could be profitably sold.

Research here confirmed that as in the US, many people see the selling process as too difficult and time consuming. They want a simple, convenient service that allows them to drop off their old mobile phone, cameras, golf clubs, clothes or any items worth around £30 or more and get a cheque in the mail a few weeks later. Trading Nation has developed exactly this service, as well as providing businesses a method of selling off unwanted stock through the world's largest auction service.

Additionally, the organisation is now in trial with a number of charities that are confident they can attract higher value items which to date donors have felt were inappropriate for donation to high street retail outlets.

Phil Harrison, Marketing Director of Trading Nation says: "Trading Nation is a new business concept in the UK. As a business it serves individuals, charities and businesses who want to sell items on eBay but either lack the resources, the skills or the time. When we started we want to make sure that our agency partner understood brand constructs, consumer motivations and the business-to-business world. We were seeking a partner with creative skill as well as functional expertise. WPN fitted this bill for us - and they are great people too!"

WPN will be providing press work, direct mail, targeted door drops, and co branded material to be distributed through participating charities.

Tod Norman, Brand Planning Partner of WPN says, “We're excited to be working with this market making venture. Trading Nation has identified a real opportunity created by new technology, and has the skill and backing to grab first mover advantage. Given the 'all new' quality - both in the market and for the brand - there's a lot of learning to be done, so it's the kind of challenge we relish.”

For more information on this story contact

Phil Harrison, Marketing Director, Trading Nation 01895 44411

Tod Norman, Brand Planning Partner, Watson Phillips Norman, 0207 307 6161