eBay PartnerNetwork Blog

In a matter of weeks the Apple iPad has found its way to the front page of every major media outlet and technology blog in existence. It’s been praised by some universities, banned at others and is even being adopted by the US Army. This product’s momentum shows no signs of slowing and it will inevitably be one of the hottest tech gadgets released this year.

Back in March, Wade Sisson over at Schaaf-PartnerCentric posted about the potential leverage awaiting eBay publishers with the upcoming launch of the iPad. Thanks to higher than expected demand in the US, this rare opportunity just got a one-month extension. Last week I received an email from Seth at 9to5mac.com regarding a statement Apple had made on the international sale of the iPad. Due to overwhelming popularity, Apple has pushed back international shipments of the iPad until at least late May, leaving eBay the only major outlet where international buyers can purchase this highly anticipated Apple product. During the first days of launch, some iPads sold for as much as $5,000 USD. Currently, it’s being reported the iPad is selling in some locations for double its comparable retail price in the US.

How it Works

If an eBay seller in the US lists an iPad with worldwide shipping, it is likely that iPad is going to be available for purchase on other eBay country sites as well. With eBay’s quality click pricing, eBay’s winning bid revenue (WBR) is a major factor in determining the payout, and we’ve recently seen WBR for iPad’s ranging from $25 to $75. Some publishers promoting the iPad during its first week saw the equivalent of 80% or more of this WBR come back to them in the form of commissions.

How to Promote the iPad on eBay

Before the launch of the iPad, eBay created an iPad specific mini-site at iPad.eBay.com, which has a listings page with all of the iPads for sale on eBay. By using the custom url option in the link generator tool, it is easy to create a link to this page, or any of the others. However, we suggest using the iPad.eBay.com/listings page, as it will convert the best. Another great aspect of this page is that it should be around indefinitely, and it will always have the best selection of iPads for sale on eBay. Place a link like this in a blog post or editorial about the iPad, and it could potentially generate revenue for years to come.

Another option is to use the custom banner in conjunction with the free eBay geo targeting tool that R.O.Eye recently created. Use a keyword query like “ipad -(sleeve, case, stylus, film, silicone, address, protector, email, domain, neoprene, oem, bundle, usb, accessory, adapter, alternative, iphone, email)”, and forgo applying a category id so the geo targeting feature will work. By integrating the geo targeting script, the custom banner will show iPads available on the eBay country site associated with the users ip address. If you’d like, feel free to use the code for the custom banner integration below, but be sure to apply one of your own campaign ids to “campId=”.

On The Horizon

The 3G version of the iPad is slated to be released in the US on April 30th, but there is no known date for an international release, let alone international data plans. When the 3G version of the iPad launches at the end of April, expect another opportunity to capitalize on the limited availability of this revolutionary product. Also, with the recent media frenzy surrounding the next generation iPhone found in a SanJose bar, the release of this product on the open market should create even further opportunities for eBay affiliates locally and abroad.

Mike Kansa / eBay Partner Network

Beginning Monday, April 12th, at 8:00am PDT, eBay’s Fashion Vault will have ESCADA products up to 75% off retail prices through Wednesday, April 14th! Make sure to check the Fashion Vault for updated information and specific sale items.

About ESCADA
A prestigious international fashion house, ESCADA believes in the use of technology in creating fashion. Computer Assisted Design for pattern-making, automated cutters and state of the art equipment for sewing and knitting are used as time-conserving devices in the tedious side of the rag trade. A powerhouse of both creativity and the use of high-technology, ESCADA continue to be innovative while keeping its strong market appeal.

How to Promote eBay’s Fashion Vault
You will be able to promote this exciting flash sale in several ways:

• Dynamic Banners in sizes 160×600, 300×250 and 728×90. These banners will be updated to reflect the ESCADA sale on Monday, April 12th.
• You can access the Fashion Vault XML Feed.
• Use the Link Generator Tool with the Custom URL or Item ID options to link directly to sale items.

Happy Promoting!
The eBay Partner Network Team

Beginning Monday, April 5th, at 8:00am PDT, eBay’s Fashion Vault will have Romeo & Juliet Couture products up to 60% off retail prices through Wednesday, April 7th! Make sure to check the Fashion Vault for updated information and specific sale items.

Use coupon code CFASHIONVAULT47 for an additional 30% off, for a total of up to 90% savings from retail prices!

About Romeo & Juliet Couture
Romeo and Juliet Couture: whether ironic or romantic, the name is familiar to the old and young alike. The idea is to contrast the tragedy with a universal collection of versatile and comfortable clothing. Offering a diverse selection from couture sophisticated feminine tops, Romeo and Juliet Couture also sends a positive message of love and tolerance.

How To Promote eBay’s Fashion Vault
You will be able to promote this exciting flash sale in several ways:

• Dynamic Banners in sizes 160×600, 300×250 and 728×90. These banners will be updated to reflect the Romeo & Juliet Couture sale on Monday, April 5th.
• You can access the Fashion Vault XML Feed.
• Use the Link Generator Tool with the Custom URL or Item ID options to link directly to sale items.

Happy Promoting!
The eBay Partner Network Team

eBay PowerSeller 3balls Golf has announced a 10% coupon off purchases of up to $100 on select items. Simply use code CTHREEBALLSGOLF at checkout and enjoy this discount on brands such as Adidas, Callaway, Cobra, Nike and more! Included items range from driver headcovers priced at $9.95 to a Callaway Graphite Iron priced just under $700. This coupon is valid between April 1st and April 12th and is only valid when payment is made through PayPal.

All of the eligible items, item IDs and other information related to this coupon can be found in this deal file. In order to create links that track to your eBay Partner Network account, use the link generator tool with either the item ID or custom URL options. Please note this promotion is for the US eBay Partner Network program only and runs through April 12th, 2010, or while supplies last.

Happy Promoting!
The eBay Partner Network Team

WorldofGood.com is giving ten lucky winners of their Merch Madness $150! This is a great contest to share with your site visitors: contests and giveaways like this lead to increased conversions for you. Remember, when you promote WorldofGood.com, you earn the same commissions as with regular items for sale on eBay.

Here’s how it works:
World of Good has handpicked 16 products that they have placed in head-to-head matchups. All you have to do is go through the matchups and pick which eight you deem most popular for Spring. You will get a point each time your selection matches the majority vote. Simply fill out your information, and if you are one of the ten highest-scoring participants, you will win $150!

Contest Details
Merch Madness runs from March 18th through midnight PST on April 2nd. Winners will be announced on April 5th. Only one entry per e-mail address allowed.

For more information to share with your visitors, or to play yourself, check out the WorldofGood.com Merch Madness page.

Happy Playing!
The eBay Partner Network Team

BH Express just released a 10% Off Coupon that is good on all of their listings between $1 and $1099. The coupon code is CBHEXPRESSAPR5 and can only be entered after the user takes action to “Buy it Now” or win the auction. This coupon expires on April, 5th 2010 and is also valid only with Pay Pal checkout. In order to create eBay Partner Network links to this offer, please use the Link Generator Tool with the custom url or item id options. BH Express does ship internationally, so linking with the item id to different country sites is possible, and the coupon code will work.

eBay PowerSeller Mobile Karma just launched a coupon good for 10% off a select list of 24 used mobile phones from Blackberry, Nokia and Motorola & Samsung. The coupon code is CMOBILEKARMA29 and all of the valid items have Free Shipping. There are specific terms and conditions* that apply as well and can be seen on the main landing page. This coupon code runs from March 18th to March 29th, 2010 and is only valid when PayPal is used as payment. One of the lowest prices is on this Nokia 6030 GSM Radio Cell Phone (AT&T) for only $13.49 after the 10% off coupon code. Note that the coupon code can only be applied after the customer chooses to “Buy It Now”.

All of the phones, item ids and other information related to this coupon can be found in this deal file. In order to create links that track to your eBay Partner Network account, use the link generator tool with either the item ID or custom url options. Please note this promotion is for the US eBay Partner Network program only and runs through March 29th, 2010, or while supplies last.

eBay PowerSeller eForCity is launching a new coupon based promotion with eBay on Friday, March 5th that will run through March 15th, 2010. The coupon is for 20% Off select items and the code is CEFORCITYMAR15. The terms and conditions for this offer can be found here. One of the best deals they’re offering is on this Wii Remote Charger + 2 Battery Packs for $10.36. The 20% off coupon takes this down toonly $8.29 with Free Shipping!

Note that the coupon can be applied only after the user chooses to “buy it now” at the regular price. All of the products and information related to this promotion can be found in this deal file. In order to create links that track to your eBay Partner Network account, use link generator tool with either the item ID or custom url options. Please note this promotion is for the US eBay Partner Network program only and runs through March 15th, 2010, or while supplies last.

We are pleased to announce that Narciso Rodriguez recently launched his first capsule collection exclusive to eBay! The collection features ten items in Rodriguez’s signature style, including a reversible trench coat, dresses, shoes and more. Rodriguez focused on the prominent color palette of black, white and red for this collection that starts at just $65.

The Narciso Rodriguez collection is a perfect fit for publishers with fashion related websites. You can learn more about Rodriguez, this collection, sizing and FAQs here.

Happy Promoting!
The eBay Partner Network Team

eBay recently launched a Diamond Ring Designer (US only) so that buyers can now build unique engagement rings quickly and easily!

What was once a rather daunting task, finding a wonderful engagement ring is now simple on eBay.

With the ability to choose up to five diamonds and five ring settings, buyers can mix and match selections to customize their dream ring.



Unlike retail jewelry stores, eBay’s diamond selection is virtually limitless. The Diamond Ring Designer allows buyers to choose from thousands of certified diamonds, selecting the shape, size, cut, color and contrast. Once the buyer has selected up to five diamonds, the next step is to pick as many as five settings to compare. Once the choices have been made, only on eBay can the buyers then mix and match their stored diamonds and settings for creating the perfect ring. Buyers can also use the Diamond Ring Designer to shop for certified loose diamonds.

Additional Benefits

With the launch of this new tool comes many added benefits in the quality and value of the diamonds offered, such as:

• Significantly increased number of certified, high-quality diamonds from reputable grading labs.




• A world-class experience for the buyer without taking them off of the site during the buying process, which increases conversion rates. The new experience better meets customer expectations of an online diamond buying experience.




• Only qualified and vetted sellers are allowed to participate. Additionally, a Returns Policy is now offered.




• An independent third-party lab confirms that the diamond being sent to the buyer is the diamond that the buyer purchased.




• Shipping is FREE! In addition to free shipping, the ring is insured by the seller during the shipping process.

Announcing eBay’s “Build Your Bling” Contest – Win a Diamond Ring Worth $25,000!

This exciting contest kicks off February 8th. Contest participants will need to register at diamonds.ebay.com, where they will customize and upload their unique ring design. With eBay’s Share function, which houses over fifty social media channels including Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and MySpace, entrants will be able to share the news about their ring and encourage voting, since the winner of “Build Your Bling” will be determined by public poll. The designer of America’s most popular ring will win their one of a kind engagement ring. Voting is open for two weeks, culminating February 19. Be sure to share the contest details with your visitors!

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, now is the right time to tell your visitors about the unique benefits of eBay’s new Diamond Ring Designer and the Build Your Bling Contest!

Happy Promoting,

The eBay Partner Network Team