What Can eBay Do For You? - Lindsey Fair, Market Me

Although eBay is often made fun of, part-time business people know all about eBay and how powerful it can be, and the big box players are jumping in with both feet too. But what can eBay do for you and me?

If you're in a product based business, using eBay seems to make more sense, but are you doing it? eBay has everything from nuts and bolts, to a tractor, to an office building. It's a great way to get rid of old stock, figure out going prices and to check out your competitors.

It's inexpensive (for most items) and fairly easy to use. The cost to list on eBay is dependant on your listing requirements and a percentage on the sale price. If your item doesn't sell the sale price percentage isn't charged and you can re list for free. For eBay prices visit: www.ebay.com.

If you're in the service industry most people think eBay can't do anything for them, but be adventurous. Do you have a workbook, workshop, or an advertising opportunity? If nothing else, eBay is another great venue to post your website link, and drive traffic to your website.

The first downside we experienced was that the interface is sometimes difficult to work with and forces you to re-sign in several times. The only other draw back is that being a Canadian on eBay has its' disadvantages. To open a store or participate in other special services of eBay you have to be an American or have a high sellers rating (positive feedback from buyers & sellers on your record).

Most new eBayer's find the system a little overwhelming at first but with patience and good reading glasses you should be able to pick it up. So, go ahead and try to sell an item - you never know, it just may work.

Market Me helps businesses have success with their online initiatives. We help you get higher search engine ratings, manage paid listings online and get you true results from your website. Market Me has helped over 65 businesses get the results they want online. 536.5042
info@marketme.ca | www.marketme.ca

Small Business Facts

What outlook do Canadian Small Businesses have for their own businesses in 2001?

1. 8.5 per cent of Canadian small business owners are expecting a "much stronger" year in 2001. 44.2 per cent of re-spondents anticipate a "somewhat stronger" year. Source: CFIB.
2. Which provinces had the highest percentage of businesses expecting a stronger year in 2001? • Ontario 57.2% • Alberta 56.6% • Quebec 51.5% • Nova Scotia 49.3% • Prince Edward Island 48.5% • Manitoba 48.3% • Newfoundland 47.3% • New Brunswick 47.2% • British Columbia 46.7% • Saskatchewan 41.9% Source: CFIB.
3. What percentage of Small Businesses intend to boost their capital spending in 2001? 26.9 per cent are planning to boost their capital spending. 29.4 per cent intend to reduce their capital purchases. 43.8 per cent are anticipating no change in their spending plans. Source: CFIB.
4. In 1999 what percentage of Canadian Small Businesses had a web site? How does this compare to the year before? How does it compare to the U.S.? In 1998, 6 per cent of Canadian small businesses had a Web site, growing to13 per cent in 1999. In the U.S., 18 per cent of small businesses had a site in 1998, growing to 28 per cent in 1999. Source: Canadian E-Business Opportunities Roundtable, IDC Canada