Acquisition Q&A
Why did Auctiva sell to Alibaba.com?
Auctiva is the leading developer of seller tools for eBay and elsewhere, and it has remained a thriving
profitable business since its inception in 1998. Coming under the umbrella of a global leader in e-
commerce represents a great opportunity for Auctiva to meet the challenges of an ever-changing
landscape with tremendous resources, expertise and focus. Combined with the synergies that exist
already between the two companies, this acquisition translates into incredible stability and promise for
Auctiva and new, valuable sourcing services for Auctiva’s customers.
How do Auctiva and Alibaba.com fit together?
Auctiva and Alibaba.com share a common belief that the Internet and well-crafted software can—
and should be—used to enable people to easily do business anywhere, without the complication
of geographical boundaries. Also, both companies focus on small to mid-sized merchants, who can
benefit from the product and service offerings that make online commerce accessible to everyone.
Alibaba.com's more than 1.5 million storefronts can offer highly valuable, exclusive sourcing opportunities to Auctiva merchants.
Similarly, Auctiva can provide selling services to Alibaba.com customers leveraging the AliExpress wholesale platform.
Who is Alibaba.com and what is AliExpress?
Alibaba.com is a leading global e-commerce company that employs approximately 18,000 people, with
offices in more than 60 cities across Greater China, Japan, Korea, Europe and the United States. The
company's family of online properties comprises more than 50 million users in more than 240 countries
around the world.
Alibaba.com's AliExpress wholesale platform provides the opportunity to source more than 5 million
products online directly from suppliers, with each purchase protected by buyer protection to ensure
fulfillment before your payment is released.
Auctiva's Future
What does this mean for Auctiva?
We're dedicated to expanding and improving our suite of seller tools. This will include the added ability
to help you identify and source great products to resell on eBay, other online marketplaces, your Auctiva
Commerce Store and other channels.
We'll continue to stay in-sync with eBay's ever-changing landscape and policies while adding to
our feature set as we maintain our position as the leading developer of tools for eBay and other e-commerce sellers.
What does this mean for Auctiva CEO Jeff Schlicht?
Jeff will remain the CEO of Auctiva. He's as excited about leading the company through this next stage
in its evolution as he is thrilled about the opportunities this deal will mean for Auctiva users. Among
the highly valued elements of this acquisition is the Auctiva management team, which Alibaba.com is
committed to keeping intact.
What about the recently announced plans for Elefy and Amazon integration?
We remain committed to our plans to allow you to easily access multiple selling channels through your
Auctiva account. Expect more detailed news about integrations in the months ahead.
Will there be any downsizing at Auctiva? Will some of the jobs move to China?
Quite the opposite. We look forward to growing our teams to better serve you and
all your needs related to online selling. We also look forward to leveraging additional resources, existing
technology and technical advice from Alibaba.com's experienced team as we pursue integrated sourcing
opportunities and the general expansion of Auctiva services.
What does Alibaba.com's recent acquisition of Vendio mean to Auctiva?
Alibaba.com understands and values the ability to provide a variety of selling services to allow
individuals to select the package that best suits their needs and preferences. Although Auctiva and
Vendio may benefit from the sharing of knowledge and a more cooperative relationship, there are
currently no plans to combine Vendio and Auctiva. The two brands will continue to thrive independently
under the Alibaba.com corporate umbrella.
Products
Will any of Auctiva's products be discontinued?
There are no plans to discontinue any products as part of this new relationship. As always, we
will put more resources into the products you want the most and allocate fewer to those you've
told us are less important to your business. Have your voice heard in the Auctiva Feature Center.
Are there any new products planned?
Yes, as always. Auctiva employs more than 80 developers, customer support reps, e-commerce experts,
managers, and others all focused on enhancing our suite of tools, both through the addition of new
capabilities and improvements to the existing feature set. Of course, we'll be working on integrating
Alibaba.com's compelling sourcing options into the Auctiva Platform, but that won't be our only focus.
Expect a continuation of Auctiva's fast-paced release schedule.
Using and Contacting Auctiva
Will Auctiva's name change?
Auctiva is still Auctiva. Our management team, staff, locations, dedication and commitment to our users
remain unchanged.
Will I still access the site at Auctiva.com?
Yes. You will continue to access your Auctiva services, including other sites like Auctiva Commerce and
KickItBack, as you do currently.
Will I still be able to reach you at the same phone numbers or e-mails?
Absolutely. Our phone numbers, e-mail addresses, online customer support, etc. remain the same. Our
friendly, knowledgeable and prompt Customer Service team is also unchanged, so you can expect the
same great communication from them that you've always had.
Auctiva Pricing/Fees
Will Auctiva's pricing structure change?
We do not plan to raise fees as a result of this deal. Instead, Auctiva will continue to look for ways to
increase the value of our products and services for our users while also making those accessible to the
broadest group of online sellers possible.
I've read in the forums that some users have a Sourcing tab in their account, which I don't see. Do I have to pay for access?
Over the past couple of months, we've been piloting a program offering sourcing opportunities
through Alibaba.com's AliExpress wholesale platform to a small subset of Auctiva users. Very soon, this
opportunity will be made available to all users in the form of a new Sourcing tab within your Auctiva account.
No additional fees are associated with access to this sourcing opportunity. In fact, your Auctiva account
will get you special promotions and discounts on purchases made from suppliers on AliExpress.
Integration with Alibaba.com/AliExpress
When will I be able to source Alibaba.com products through Auctiva?
The new Sourcing tab will soon be available to all Auctiva users. Over the next year, we'll be working
hard to develop a robust integration plan to make sourcing even easier through your Auctiva account.
Are there going to be Alibaba.com specials for Auctiva customers?
Definitely. We're very excited about this new opportunity for Auctiva users to access thousands of
potential suppliers, offering more than 5 million different products. Adding to the already tremendous
value of this opportunity is a number of exclusive deals, coupons, discounts, services and more offered
only to Auctiva users. These will be accessible through the new Sourcing tab within your Auctiva
account, so be sure to check that page often to ensure that you don't miss out.
Buying from AliExpress
If consumers can buy directly from AliExpress, what 's exclusive about this sourcing opportunity?
Auctiva users will have access to regular coupons, discounts and exclusive sales made available only to
Auctiva users. AliExpress is not meant for direct consumer purchases. Although many products offer
a 1-piece minimum order, this is to allow resellers to sample the item's quality before placing a larger
order. The best value comes from the volume discounts offered on most items available at AliExpress.
How can I protect myself on the purchases?
AliExpress offers a free Buyer Protection program where payment is held from the seller until you
confirm delivery. Refunds are available if you're unsatisfied with the order or if your order does not
arrive.
How can I make sure that I get my order in a timely manner?
Each item description on AliExpress includes a "Shipping & Packaging" tab where suppliers will notate
the shipping company (or companies) they plan to use, shipping cost and estimated delivery time. You
can also track your order from processing to shipment from your AliExpress account. It's also a good
idea to have an open line of communication with the supplier so that you're alerted if anything were
to cause a delay. You can contact suppliers through an integrated e-mail-like system or through instant
messaging through the AliExpress site.
How do I contact AliExpress?
You can reach an AliExpress customer service representative at 1 (888) 983-1688, or by using the site's
contact form, which includes e-mail and live support via instant messenger. There's also an active
AliExpress community called "Ask It!" where you can view Q&As on a variety of topics and post your
own questions.