Speaking of eBay...eBay Launches an Exclusives Program

Speaking of eBay (see my entry just below this), eBay has announced a new program where selected collectibles manufacturers will offer exclusive items only available on eBay. So far, Goebel, Enesco, Disney and Fenton Art Glass have launched exclusives on the site. There hasn't been any word yet on whether collectible dolls will be offered through this program. As a retailer, I'm not crazy about this program--its hard enough to sell collectibles in a shop with eBay's competition on nearly every major line. At least eBay and the manufacturers are thinking about retailers, and are offering coupons with the merchandise redeemable at retailer locations.

As a collector, I think this program could certainly be a good, fun thing. Heck, where's my eBay Barbie?? Or how about a little Madame Alexander with a tiny computer accessory in her eBay logo shirt and hat? How about a Boyds Bear in an eBay t-shirt, clutching a miniatue bear just won on eBay? However, to date, the merchandise offered has been exclusive TO eBay, but not about eBay in any way. I hope that will change!