Sensis has announced that its classifieds publication, Trading Post, has launched an online auction, in tandem with a revamped website for the weekly classifieds publication to provide a service for Australian users.

Sensis chief executive Bruce Akhurst said some two million people already use the http://www.tradingpost.com.au site to buy and sell goods and services.

The company now aims to attract a share of the additional 3.4 million Australians using online auction facilities.

“Sensis has taken decisive steps to return our classifieds business to growth,” Mr Akhurst said.

“This includes successfully reducing the rate of decline in circulation of our print publication, strengthening our online products and plans to further grow our presence in mobile.”

Sensis believes market share is there for the taking given the number of eBay users upset by eBay’s decision to force sellers to use its payment service, PayPal, which has resulted in higher selling fees.

“This is a true Australian alternative to eBay,” Mr Akhurst said.

The Trading Post site will allow sellers, which must be Australia based, to choose payment options and won’t charge a fee for a basic ad listing.

Posted: 05|27|08 at 9:15 am. Filed under: Auction News.