Sheila Dahlgren SVP Marketing & Corporate Communication
Scene7, Inc.
Office: 415-506-6002
Cell: 415-948-5207 sheila@scene7.com
November 15 , 2004
eBay Snail-Mails Print Catalog to Millions of Users
eBay mailed a 32-page print catalog to millions of its users on Monday.
The print catalog describes various items that can be found on eBay,
along with suggested search terms. For example, a listing for Nine
West Boots says, "From flats to heels, ankle to knee-high, eBay has
a huge selection of brand-new Boots from Nine West and other famous
Brands. Search: NINE WEST BOOTS (NEW, NIB). On eBay from $20.49."
The cover features attractive color photos and reads, "Just what
you wished for. Perfect Gifts - Incredible Savings! eBay Holiday
2004." The print catalog also points to an online version of the
catalog powered by Scene7 that features links from each item to
search results. eBay heavily promotes gift certificates in the
catalog. The certificates can be used only on items where PayPal
is accepted.
eBay first used print catalogs in 2001 when they inserted them
inside 55 newspapers on three consecutive Sundays. Last year, eBay
mailed two million pieces of direct mail to promote eBay's branded
MasterCard.
USA Today reports that
eBay is mailing the new catalogs to several million eBay customers
in the U.S., and says eBay is considering publishing catalogs throughout
the year if this campaign is successful.