YANS(Yet Another New Store) eBay or not eBay?

[sprocket]

a.) Google AdWords isn't a rip off but it's probably not going to do much for a niche shop that sells Amiga/C= stuff.  ..and it takes too long to refine your ad campaigns for something like this.

b.)  I agree with Persia that collectors and those who are really looking for something and having trouble finding it are on ebay.  

c.)  Yes, Paypal's 3ish% is as bad/maybe better than other low volume solutions.

d.) standalone shop is only going to work if you can figure out how to build enough of a social networking site/information site that you draw so many people you become visible from space.  Otherwise go where the people are already.

just my two cents but I've learned not to fight the undertoe and to use the tide.

[sprocket]

the killer ebay strategy is to use auctions of select items to drive traffic to your ebay store where you can highlight your own domain!

Then the ebay auctions and store expense becomes just part of your ad budget.

..but you have to be doing volume to manage that.

[sprocket]

that was quick!!!

I just looked at your profile and store like 90 minutes ago and there wasn't any inventory.

..now to auction a juicy Picasso IV graphics card or something to drive traffic to your store...

..then to set up your outside domain with all the really good stuff!

and make it a dating site, and a video posting site, and a tee shirt store!

[sprocket]

I think ebay restricts you from including links in your auctions/fixed price listings to sites that don't specifically have to do with support information for the item you are auctioning/selling.  They don't want you listing one auction and then redirecting everyone to your web site.

If my memory is right they do let you post your own web site link in your ebay store area and in any newsletter publications you send to those who've subscribed to your ebay store newsletter.

..they sort of direct you into using listings to drive to ebay store to get to your own domain.

[sprocket]

...there's also something to be said for blogging on vintage computers in junction with using the various hotlink sites like StumbleUpon, Digg, etc.

People do really use those referral hotlinks when searching for things in niche areas...and because it's a link to your site it raises your profile with search engine spiders.