Akron, Ohio has long been the center of American invention and innovation. The city of nearly 2000,000 has a claim to being “home of the hamburger” and, in the late-19th century, Akron was known as the “Rubber Capital of the World.”
Now, Akron as another claim to fame. eBay has announced it will bring 40 jobs to Akron as part of the launch of its eBay@Home customer service work-from-home program in the U.S. The program launched successfully in Ireland in 2017 as a way to better serve eBay buyers and sellers in the communities in which they live and work.
Akron is currently home to more than 19,000 eBay sellers.
New Program Builds on Success Working with Akron
eBay is already working with Akron though its Retail Revival program, a 12-month pilot program it launched there in January, 2018. The program is aimed at helping traditional brick-and-mortar main street businesses connect with new customers around the world.
Leaders in Ohio Voice Support for the Program
“We are excited to continue to expand our relationship with the eBay@Home program, which will benefit not only the Akron community but eBay buyers and sellers around the U.S.,” Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan said.
U.S. Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) also voiced support for both the Retail Revival and eBay@Home programs in Akron. “This is a testament to the skill and potential Akron residents have to make these programs successful,” said Congressman Ryan. “We must continue to support investments like these that bring jobs, full-time benefits, continued education, and on-the-job training which ultimately lifts up and rejuvenates our communities.”
Local Jobs to Better Serve Local Customers and Sellers
Both the eBay@Home and Retail Revival programs showcase eBay’s commitments to supporting main street entrepreneurs and serving local customers. eBay@Home positions will feature locally competitive pay, full-time benefits, and all technology essentials. Teammates will also enjoy on-the-job training with five weeks’ paid virtual learning.
Paul Gazeley, Head of North America Customer Service Operations at eBay, said he’s excited about what Akron’s talent and the eBay@Home program can do together.
“The caliber of applicants in the Akron area has exceeded our expectations, and we’re thrilled to officially welcome our first new hires into the eBay family,” he said.
Program to Expand to Other U.S. Cities in 2019
By the end of 2018, eBay@Home will create nearly 300 remote, full-time customer service positions around the world, 120 of those in the U.S. In 2019, the program will expand to more U.S. cities.