| With one brilliantly simple idea, eBay was born just a | | | | As sellers begin to see profits eroding due to too |
| few short years ago. | | | | many sellers "playing the game", the question of the |
| From its humble beginnings in the Collectibles business, | | | | day seems to be, "What is the best thing to sell on |
| it went on to achieve the lofty heights it enjoys today. | | | | eBay?" |
| As eBay has continued to grow to over 30 million | | | | The simple (and somewhat facetious-sounding) |
| registered users, it has transformed the ability of | | | | answer is, "Whatever people are interested in that is |
| individuals (as well as Corporations) to move product | | | | not currently selling on eBay in mass quantities". |
| of all kinds.eBay is now a place where virtually any | | | | More often than not, success on eBay results from a |
| item imaginable is available, for the right price. | | | | seller taking on a niche that they are familiar with and |
| With a few clicks of your mouse, the doors to the | | | | enjoy. Many of the top eBay sellers have built their |
| world marketplace are opened for you. | | | | entire business around a niche that they enjoy, such as |
| Similarly, with a few clicks of your mouse, the entire | | | | a certain type of collectible, or a certain hobby, interest |
| world can be viewing your merchandise for sale. | | | | or sport. |
| It is this awesome power that eBay gives to you, for a | | | | If you take this approach, not only will you be happier |
| small fee. | | | | doing that which you enjoy, but listing items will not |
| Is it any wonder that large institutional sellers, such as | | | | become a "chore", it will be an enjoyable experience. |
| the U.S. Postal Service, J.C. Penneys, various Police | | | | As eBay continues it's trend-line of massive growth, |
| Departments and all types of Corporations have | | | | sellers must be increasingly aware of three things that |
| discovered the power and efficiencies of selling on | | | | will ensure opportunities for growth and success: |
| eBay? | | | | |
| The drawback for the smaller seller is that, as more | | | | 1. Opportunities for new products to sell |
| and more individual and institutional sellers sign on to sell | | | | 2. Alternative venues in which to sell their products |
| on eBay, the supply of similar items will increase. | | | | 3. Advanced marketing techniques that can leverage |
| This increase in supply results in a decrease in | | | | their time and money |
| demand, and with that decreased demand, lower | | | | Ultimately, it is this extra awareness that will determine |
| ending bid amounts and lower profits for all sellers. | | | | who the winners are in the game of Online Auction |
| This has already begun to happen in some categories | | | | sales. |
| as ending bids continue their slow trend downward. | | | | |