EBay calls itself the World's Online Marketplace. Now there's a new way to get in on the action.

Some local businesses can help you sell your stuff on eBay.

GET HELP eBay storefronts are a growing business in metro Detroit. Here are few Ruth to the Rescue found: Cashin Online, Farmington: (248) 442-2274 I-deal Auctions, Troy: (800) 214-SOLD River Raisin Collectibles and Consignments, Petersburg: (734) 279-1520 or email rrcc@cass.net www.mainstreetauctions.com www.baylisters.com www.i-soldit.com

EBay is a great way to make money by getting rid of your old things, but what if you don't have the time or don't know how to sell your stuff online?

Ruth to the Rescue found some local businesses that do the work for you.

Frank Jones is moving, but he wants to leave his old computer and film projector behind.

"It's an antique," said Jones.

Instead of having a garage sale, Jones hopes to reach more buyers by selling on the Internet.

"EBay has vast exposure. My garage sale is limited to probably just a few blocks," said Jones.

Jones brought both items to Main Street Auctions in Royal Oak. The company takes professional photos of your merchandise and writes a detailed description to attract more bidders.

"(We know) tricks of the trade, ways of selling an item, ways of describing it and photographing it. We can actually increase the final sales price of an item," said Scott Simpson of Main Street Auctions.

Once your items are listed, Main Street Auctions handles all the hassles. They answer e-mail questions from potential buyers, then after your item is sold they ship it out.

"Some people hate packaging, some people hate shipping, some people hate answering e-mails. We take care of the whole process, and even experienced eBay users love that," said Simpsons.

If you decide to sell through a third-party broker, make sure the company's other auctions look professional and that they have good feedback from other sellers.

Be sure to get the company's fees, and when you'll be paid, in writing.

For its services, Main Street Auctions takes 35 percent of the first $200 you make, 30 percent of the next $300 and 20 percent of anything over $500.

If an item doesn't sell, the company returns it to you or donates it to charity.

Jones hopes to fetch between $75 and $125 for this computer and about $35 for the film projector.

"I'm not a greedy person. I'm just hoping to get whatever the market price is," said Jones.

The auction for Jones' items ended Tuesday night and he did better than he hoped. The computer sold for $127 and the film project sold for $105.