Leading online marketplace eBay has become the latest brand to show its support for driving positive change in the KBB installation sector by becoming a corporate sponsor of the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI).
eBay, most widely known for its auction-style listing site, creates pathways to connect millions of sellers and buyers in more than 190 markets around the world, providing opportunities to grow and thrive. There is a significant opportunity to work more closely with the installation community, delivering solutions to redirect furniture, hardware and appliances away from landfill and perhaps even monetise what would otherwise become waste. The prospect of connecting installers with product via an increased network of KBB manufacturers and retailers is also very exciting for eBay. With 192 million active sellers, eBay provides a unique, potentially untapped and environmentally sustainable solution for established bricks and mortar and online retailers, as well as manufacturers across many industries, creating a route to market for products such as returned and reconditioned merchandise.
BiKBBI, a government sanctioned organisation, is focused on driving positive change in the KBB industry through its work on education, standards, sustainability and compliance, ultimately uniting manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and retailers with the installation community. As a not-for-profit organisation, the institute, and its efforts to build a sustainable workforce for the future, is wholly funded by registration fees and corporate sponsorship.
Rosalind Bridges, category manager at eBay commented: ‘We are really happy to be working closely with the BiKBBi as we have a continued focus on bringing ‘not new’ inventory to our platform, with bathroom and kitchens being the next areas of the site we would like to focus on. We know there is stock out there that can be refurbished or simply given a second life by reselling on ebay.’
BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters said ‘The institute’s priorities on education and sustainability align with eBay’s values and strategy, and the partnership has the potential to deliver significant benefit to, not only BiKBBI registered installation businesses, but also to our network of manufacturers, distributors and retailers. Gaining the support of a global brand such as eBay is a milestone for BiKBBI and a huge positive for the whole industry.’
