If you've been reading the last few issues of AuctionBytes-Update, you're probably aware that this Fall, we will be launching a new publication called EcommerceBytes Insider to help merchants diversify and grow their online businesses. An integral part of this new project is a site we are pleased to announce to our readers today.

EveryPlaceISell.com is a merchant directory that helps buyers find their favorite sellers and view all of the places they sell online. For instance, if a seller has an eBay Store, an Amazon store, an eCrater shop and their own retail site, they can list each of them on their EveryPlaceISell.com (EPIS) page, so that shoppers can easily click-through to any or all of them.

As a shopper, not only can I track down my favorite seller and learn where else they may be selling, but because of the different fee structures of various sites, I may save money by purchasing from a merchant on one venue rather than another. It may also help shoppers feel more comfortable purchasing from a seller if they can visit all of their storefronts and review their reputation on various marketplaces.

Buyers who prefer a payment method prohibited on a particular marketplace might also use the EPIS directory to see if the seller lists on other marketplaces where that payment method is accepted.

Here's a sample listing of an EPIS directory listing. As you'll see, a seller can "brand" themselves within the listing by adding a description, a custom logo and links to up to 10 sites where they are selling their merchandise. There is also a place within each site field for merchants to enter promos or discounts that they may be offering on each store.

As a service to users, we allow sellers to include their TrustPlus badge on the EveryPlaceISell.com directory. TrustPlus is an independent reputation service provided by TrustPlus Inc., and displaying your TrustPlus badge is optional.

EveryPlaceISell.com is completely free to use - and merchants may create a listing for free.

A Guide to EveryPlaceISell.com

Sellers: click on Register and sign up with your contact information. Once you receive an approval email, you can set up your listing in the directory. You may add your logo, a description, and links to all of the places you sell online, including your own website if you have one. (You are certainly welcome to use EPIS even if you sell in only one place.) A link to Instructions is provided on the listing submission page.

Remember, this is a public directory - include the information about your business that you want the world to see!

We are accepting new registrations in a controlled manner while we evaluate feedback. Please submit your registration, but be aware that because of the overwhelming response in early testing and the number of registrations we are expecting, it may take up to a week for you to receive your approval notification email. We appreciate your patience as we roll out this new directory in a responsible and thoughtful manner!

Ina has created a blog post to announce the new site and solicit your comments there as well. We'll use it to keep you up-to-date on our progress.

Buyers: search the directory by seller business name or User ID to find a seller along with a list of all the places they sell online. You may also find descriptions of sales and promotions they are running online.

You can find more information on the website, including the FAQs section that includes six ways shoppers can benefit by using the directory.

Forums
We've created a discussion forum where registered merchants can post their questions. These forums are accessible only to registered merchants, and are available in the merchant's administration panel. The EveryplaceISell.com merchant directory is a work in progress. We have many exciting ideas for features to help buyers find sellers, but are starting with the basics.

Thank you to the sellers who helped us with our initial testing over the past several weeks. Their suggestions were immeasurably helpful. We consider this launch a continuation of the testing and we welcome your comments and suggestions in the EveryPlaceISell.com forums and on the AuctionBytes Blog.