For many businesses, both small and large, eBay is the primary source of revenue. By eliminating the costs associated with rent, insurance, electricity and other expenses that would normally be incurred as the result of opening an actual storefront, the appeal of eBay is one of fewer expenditures and more profit. But, what happens when a business desires to move forward and attract even more customers or simply finds that eBay has run it’s course and is no longer a profitable venture? In this article, you will come to learn some options that will help to make your next step after eBay a successful leap into business wealth.

After having sold on eBay for a considerable amount of time, many business owners build a strong customer base. If you are considering leaving the auctions behind, take the time to promote your new venture to current customers. This means including a business card or other free promotional item in each eBay shipment that you send in an effort to let shoppers know where they can find your product(s) in the future.

If you are a jewelry or clothing designer, or any other type of inventor, consider marketing your product to retailers. If you already have loyal customers, they will help to make this venture successful by purchasing your items wherever they are available.

For those who still desire the world of auctions, but simply wish to branch out beyond the world of eBay, there are several other options. Popular online sites uBid and Bidz allow businesses to list and sell products via their website in exchange for a fee. With a large presence, both of these companies stand to add considerably to any business’s bottom line.

If your desire has always been to open an actual storefront and you understand all of the expenses involved, perhaps eBay has served as a stepping stone to help you save the cash needed to launch your local business venture. If that’s the case, go for it. All new businesses need publicity and it will benefit you greatly to take advantage of as much free or low cost promotion as you possibly can. This includes distributing press releases to local newspapers and magazines, hosting contests, giving away free prizes via local radio stations, promoting discounts and special sales to entice potential customers into your store, etc.

Because the internet is a haven for buyers and sellers alike, every business needs a website. If you have been participating in eBay auctions as a seller and do not already have a website, this may be the next viable step for you to take. This is a very affordable approach to reaching a world of potential customers with very little out-of-pocket expense. Internet promotion can be done by distributing press releases to online websites specifically designed for news distribution, local and/or national media or with the help of a mailing list.

Whether you are leaving the auctions behind or simply looking for a way to attract new buyers, there is a whole world of customers out there just waiting to be discovered. If you are able to tap into a successful market, your next step after eBay will be a big one.