BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Nick Martin, the founder of eBay seller The Pro's Closet, was mentioned by name in a letter about the Trans-Pacific Partnership that President Obama sent to members of eBay Main Street, an organization of small business people who use eBay as part of their operations.
In the letter, Obama urged the group to support the TPP, noting that it preserves an "open Internet," creates global rules for e-commerce, streamlines customs regulations and eliminates 18,000 taxes that other countries place on products that are made in the U.S.
Obama noted that most eBay sellers do significant business overseas — much more than most small businesses in the U.S. Obama cited Martin as an example, saying Martin is "a Wisconsin native who traded living out of his van for running a successful eBay business that continues to grow because of his ability to reach customers around the globe."
"I’m confident you’ll see why this trade deal will level the playing field for entrepreneurs like you and open up opportunity to expand in some of the fastest-growing markets in the world," Obama said.
Martin said 45 percent of The Pro's Closet transactions are cross-border. "The fact is that this deal can significantly impact the way we work and run our businesses," he told BRAIN Thursday.
Martin founded The Pro's Closet, based in Boulder, to sell racer's excess gear over eBay and supplement his income as a pro mountain bike racer. It's now the largest bike "store" on eBay and sells close-outs and excess inventory from suppliers and retailers as well as items on consignment from individuals.
More: Obama's letter to eBay Main Street.
