A Potential Customer Base of Millions
From July 2005
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eBay 'Stores' Level the Field for Small Shops
By Stephanie Chandler
If you think eBay is just a venue for swapping Beanie Babies or sports memorabilia, you’re in for a surprise.
What began as a place for hobbyists has morphed into a thriving community of buyers and sellers — 135 million of them. For some small companies, eBay is their office, warehouse, sales force and distribution center.
Launched in 1995 by Pierre Omidyar, eBay was originally a forum for trading PEZ dispensers. This giant online-direct-sales site, best known for its auctions now offers everything from books, antiques and office supplies to computers, jewelry, real estate and cars.
More than 1.4 billion items were listed for sale in 2004, with a gross merchandise volume — the total value of all successfully closed listings on eBay’s platforms — of $34.2 billion.
Today, the eBay marketplace provides aspiring entrepreneurs an opportunity to start a business and allows existing businesses to create an additional revenue stream.
Continued...
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