Sunday, October 03, 1999
E-auction plus seminars
Event to conduct, teach online sales
The Associated Press
COLUMBUS — Participants in the growing business of online auctions will get a chance next weekend to combine buying and selling with learning how Internet trading works.
eBay, the largest online auction company, will sponsor its inaugural E-Fair for coins, antiques and collectibles Friday through Sunday at the Columbus Convention Center.
Andrew Coleman of eBay said from the company's headquarters in San Jose, Calif., that about 500 dealers will be taking part in the show, which is expected to draw about 20,000 people.
“This will be a unique event because, unlike most shows, this one will do more than focus on the collectibles themselves,” he said.
About 20 people will conduct hourly seminars about using the Internet to enhance collections and make businesses more competitive.
Show spokeswoman Colette Chandler said those taking part would include dealers in antique furniture, jewelry, coins, stamps, sports memorabilia, Beanie Babies, paper collectibles and other items.
“The antique furniture collector may be very different from the person who collects Beanie Babies, but because this show has such variety, this is one way we can bring all these types of people together and see how we can learn from each other,” Mr. Coleman said.
He also said more such events were likely to take place if the fair draws the crowds that are expected.
Show organizer Sandy Gulde said from her home in Scottsdale, Ariz., that Columbus was chosen for the show because of its location.
“In many ways, it's in the center of the collectors' world,” she said. “Interstates 70 and 71 come together there, it has a tremendous number of major cities within 250 miles, and eBay's biggest user base is next door in Indiana.”
Six million users bought and sold items last year on eBay, which averages 3.5 million individual items for sale at any time.
The company says it has about 10,000 people who use it as a middleman to sell $2,000 to $25,000 or more in merchandise each month.
More information about E-Fair is accessible through its Web site: www.ace-expo.com.
Top private firms show the will to grow
Execs bullish on outlook for area's economy
Notable locals investing in R&D and technology
Signs of softening economy showing
Skilled, loyal employees are precious commodities
Traffic woes creep into gripes
How the list is put together
Ris Paper Co. No. 1 for 3rd year in row
List has room for 11 newcomers
10 companies come close to mark, but lag in revenue pace
Privately owned businesses face Y2K challenges
New device keeps mileage for IRS
Employers can guard against suits
SMALL-BUSINESS DIARY
E-auction plus seminars
