USPS partners with eBay
The U.S. Postal Service, which has lost many customers to cyber communication, is increasing online appeal by strengthening its eBay association.
More than 75 area eBayers attended seminars Friday at the Gary main post office on Martin Luther King Drive, learning how they could use the post office to ship CDs, books, antiques and other wares.
“We have a partnership with eBay so that when the client makes a purchase our shipping option is shown online,” said Cynthia Norfolk, USPS customer relations head for Gary.
“We want customers to see how easy it is to use the United States post office. We are fast, quick and convenient.”
Norfolk said three seminars drew occasional sellers as well as online business runners: “Our attendees were seniors, young people, first-time buyers and sellers … some with some experience. We’re really pleased. This is the first one here in Gary.”
Norfolk said catering to the eBay segment has become a national trend for the company, which has actual eBay teams.
“An eBay team from the Indianapolis (post office) led our seminars,” she said.
The three workshops were filled to overflow.
“People were asking a ton of questions and networking, saying I’ll call you,” Norfolk said.
While people can relay messages via texting or e-mail, Norfolk said the U.S. Postal Service intends to remain a leader of delivering goods bartered online.
They, of course, contend with FedEx and UPS competition, but “We’re easier. We have delivery stops everyday. We have carrier pickup and free shipping materials,” she said.
Contact Sharlonda L. Waterhouse at 648-3085 or [email protected]
