Rockville gets top rating

On leaving his job with a Government department last year, Simon Heritage set up Rockville Store, a 'virtual shop' to trade in vintage music items on the popular auction site.

The inspiration for the business, which he runs from his home, came from his lifelong love of music.

Rockville, which was launched last autumn, specialises in selling vintage copies of music newspapers New Musical Express, Melody Maker and Sounds, as well as concert memorabilia such as programmes and used tickets.

After less than four months of trading, Rockville Store has been awarded eBay's top-rated seller status, which is given to high-volume traders who consistently offer an outstanding service to customers.

Mr Heritage, aged 50 and originally from Tipton, has lived in Halesowen for more than 15 years. He said: "I'm really delighted to now be classed as a top-rated seller. It was always a target in my business plan to attain this as soon as possible, but I am still a little surprised at how quickly it has been accomplished.

"It's a nice reward for the long hours and effort put in to getting the business from the drawing board to the point where we now have hundreds of happy customers, both in the UK and all over the world."

Mr Heritage said a real mix of people were buying the retro items he offers and winning customers from all over the year.

"Those in my age group might want to revisit the their youth, or replace stuff they regret throwing out years ago. On the other hand, thanks to the internet and digital radio, younger people are discovering a much wider range of music, including bands from 30 to 40 years ago. Having heard the songs, they then want to read about the band, or even frame an iconic magazine cover for their wall," he explained.

He is looking to build on the initial success during the coming year.

"The single most difficult part of the business is listing items on the eBay site quickly enough. At any one time, I am likely to have several hundred things piled up and waiting to be uploaded. I am hoping to be able to take on extra help to overcome this at some point, and to continue to expand and develop Rockville Store further," he added.

The Rockville Store website is at: http://stores.ebay.co.uk/rockvillestore