Retail shop - online or ebay

[BlueSaint]

It all depends on your budget as has already been said, there are so many variables to consider how much traffic can you generate in what time period?

ebay is definately worth a bash and then look for other options such as Google Base, there are a few good shopping sites that allow you to post your products. Do the research before you start... it'll dramatically improve your chances of succes.

Good Luck

[matthewwh]

I started out on ebay then added a website after a year or so. In terms of benefits ebay gave me a list of customers who had experience of my service level and products, a place I could direct people to view feedback and a channel for finding new customers to expand the business.

I still sell on ebay now, although it accounts for a tiny fraction of my total turnover I do find that a couple of auction listings for nice products help to generate a bit of extra business on the main site too.

Cheers,


Matthew

[Kingdom_Mines]

Hi,

I don't know why, i alway found ebay to be "monkey" website prowling with scammers, and then the listing fee. Try on your own site, even better if can afford it go for a brick and mortar retail area. It does not have to be a big area, as long as you willing theres a way. Remember Nike started selling out of a boot of a car.

By the way what products are you retailing?

Ricky

[gevo]

Hi i think you have to do both.You can be well known through ebay.It will be very useful in the beginning...

[JoebeeKenobi]

Another vote for both from me! You could certainly use ebay as a 'toe-dip' if you want to startup online with low setup costs. Then if you think its viable, work on getting a website put together to run alongside your ebay store.

Joe

[iblbuilder]

Both is the answer. Although you are looking to drive sales through ebay, you need to get people onto a mailing list, and get repeat customers buying directly from your site where your overheads will be lower (ie no listing fees!). Short term ebay - long term retail site.

[freshpurple]

Looks like everyone has the same idea

I guess it depends what stage you are at - starting out on E-bay might be a good idea to check out what the market is like and gather the courage to invest in your own website. Your margins will be higher from your own site though, and you may not attract the same kind of customers.

[LOS Design UK]

A month old post.

Any feedback yet OP? Would be nice to know once in a while what direction these queries decide to travel in.

[littlegreenmonster]

Ebay is good for driving traffic to your site once you start selling things. You can include a business card or advert in each package you send out, to direct people to your own site.
Ebay has become much more expensive recently, and difficult for small sellers to get started, as they now have all the shops selling on there for rock bottom prices.