Here’s an excerpt from our conversation.

Sheryl: In the past, a lot of successful business owners have gotten started online by selling on eBay. Do you think that’s still a good way for folks to begin?

Cindy: Yes – eBay is still an excellent starting point for someone who dreams of having a business. eBay offers a value that I’ve never seen before in business – and that’s a low barrier of entry.

In the past if you wanted to start a business you had to purchase the inventory (a big capital investment) then find a physical location. Of course the expenses didn’t stop there. Just to open the doors you had to purchase all sorts of licenses, permits, insurance, etc.

In retail the mantra was “location, location, location.” Of course the best locations cost the most and if your budget didn’t allow a spot in a mall or on Main Street, you had to spend to market your business. So, if you wanted to start a business, in the past it was a huge capital investment that was very risky.

With eBay you don’t have spend a fortune before you know if the market is there. Starting a business on eBay allows you to purchase as much (or as little) inventory as you can afford and build. For the most part you don’t have to worry about location – because eBay is the location and will bring you customers looking to purchase.

And many sellers start off with a small office in their home or on their kitchen table. The risk is much smaller and allows sellers the freedom to experiment in a way that was not possible before.

I think eBay offers someone who dreams of having a small business the chance to do just that-with minimum risk and maximum potential.

Sheryl: What other questions do you have for Cindy? Please leave them in the comments section below.

P.S. Cindy is also one of the founders of The Web Sellers Circle, an online career, coaching, and resource center that offers very practical business advice that will help you become a more profitable seller.  I highly recommend you check it out.

Disclosure: Yes, that’s my affiliate link and I am proud to be  associated with the site as the go-to person for questions about accounting, bookkeeping, and QuickBooks.  WSC has an active discussion forum for its members and it’s usually the first place I go myself when I need help with any of the technical aspects of selling online.

Hope to see you there!