Ebay Seller Meetups

Posted on September 29, 2006

Earlier this year eBay purchased a minority share in Meetup.com, a community and events website. The minority share amounts to a 10% equity interest for eBay in Meetup.com. A BusinessWeek article says eBay purchased the minority stake because they are focusing on local markets.

Also, eBay is looking to connect to more consumers locally. To that end, Durzy says there is already significant overlap in users. He points to a Dallas Meetup group formed for folks who sell on eBay. Says Durzy, "We see a similarity in philosophy."
Indeed, Meetup plans to use a portion of the investment to launch six conferences across the country not so dissimilar from the eBay Live conference the company holds annually to bring sellers together. Says Scott Heiferman, "We want to help organizers become great leaders." The first Meetup conference will happen in Houston in May.
Also, Meetup will use its new resources to launch an advertising campaign to draw attention to local groups. The first Meetup posters will hit New York City subways on Mar. 24, says Heiferman.

BusinessWeek was correct -- Ebay has used the tool to get local. Meetup has a special page just for eBay Seller Meetups. The page includes a search tool that lets you meet eBay sellers near you. It says there are over 2,200 eBay sellers listed on eBay.com. The Dallas Ebaybes & Emales group is the largest sellers group with about 250 members. You can also see all the eBay Seller Meetups on this page which includes a map of all the Meetups. These Meetups could be a great opportunity for local sellers to meet network with other eBay sellers.