People who purchased carpet at Home Depot were interviewed. They asked, “Why did you shop at Home Depot?” Most people said they would prefer shopping at a smaller store to get better service. But where are these stores? And if you find one, how do you know it is any good?

Home Depot is convenient. It’s on way to work. You can be there getting plumbing supplies and stop to look at carpet at same time. You know they have good prices because they advertise them everywhere!”

What’s Answer?

As good as these tools were in past, they are not good enough to compete in today’s market place.

There is a strategy that can be used successfully in today’s market place. It is called small business Niche Building. Find your own special spot in market place and go there. If you try to be all things to all people, you become all things to no people!

Niche Building

Niche building flows from four fundamental principles:

1. By narrowing your business focus, you create more business.

2. You must become an expert in at least one area of your business.

3. Customers find you when you are an expert in a one business area.

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4. Price is not an issue in a small business niche.

When you apply these principles to your business operations, you will see magic that can happen with small business niche building. Your business will be transformed; you will be transformed with new energy. This is an exciting solution to today’s crowded market place.

In next issue of The Small Business Tool Box, I will give more details about how niche building leads to small business profits. For now, I welcome your comments, insights and feedback on topic of small business niche building. Send me an e-mail at al@hanzal.com.

eBay Live (US )

Started in 2002 and now an annual event , ebay live gives its users a rare opportunity to come together in person, celebrate with one another and build lasting relationships. This is not advertised on UK site , maybe eBay do not want Brit's to attend .

eBay live Auctions (US)

This is only available on US site . The Live Auctions feature opens traditional auction houses to a worldwide audience on Internet through eBay site . These type of auctions differ from a traditional eBay auction in many ways .

Live auctions presented by auction houses not individuals

Live Auction items are referred to as lots

After registering as a eBay user, you must sign up for each individual auction.

Auctions have two phases preview and live

Before placing bids, people can browse auction house catalogs for upcoming sales

They can then place their bids before or during a live event.

During live phase, you may participate by bidding or just watching.

Auctions accept two types of bids: absentee bids and live bids.

Bids placed beforehand--absentee bids--are sent to salesroom during auction

The total cost of a lot won equals final cost of lot plus shipping charges, buyer’s premium, and sales tax (if applicable).

Most sellers (auction houses) do not have shipping departments and buyer may need to handle shipping through a 3rd party company.

Going Going Gone (UK) Although this feature is available on both sites it is far easier to find on UK site . Going Going Gone allows you to view all auctions ending within next 5 hours . To find same feature on US site Click on "Site Map" at top of any eBay page and scroll down to where it says "ending first" . Click this and you will find thousands of that are due to finish shortly .

These are a just few of differences you can encounter within two different sites . If you are thinking of running some of your own auctions on eBay or even setting up your own business as a seller make sure you choose correct site . You can learn more by going to web site http://www.uk-dropshipper.com/

This is a "Shareware" Article (what's that ? read on)

This article is shareware. Use this article for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright © 2004 karen mills