Net Auctions Update 2010
It is 2010 and Beach-Therapy.com continues to grow and become more than I even knew to dream of when I started my first online business in 2004. We moved again shortly after our original case study was written in 2008 and happily the business was completely mobile and relocated very successfully.
After the move, my sister Heather and I chose not to lease a building in our new location. Instead we made a strategic business decision and dropped all product line items with low profit margins and narrowed our line to only items with margins large enough to absorb drop-ship charges.
This decision to further distance our relationship from eBay was made possible by the successful diversification of our income streams into advertising and affiliate income. Both of those income streams were not available to us when we were "working for eBay" instead of ourselves.
These new revenue sources have increased in profitability over the last two years. As a result, it is no longer necessary for the business to carry a large selection of inventory as our sole diversification strategy.
I know my postmaster misses me, but I don't miss him!
Why is this shift so important?
Travel, travel, travel! We wanted to be able to run our business from anywhere and not be limited by the necessary reality of packing and shipping inventory.
Our SBI! site has given us the freedom to travel to the beaches of the world.
In the past twelve months we have been to Kiawah Island, South Carolina, Florida twice, and Mexico on "business trips." Hard to believe, but true. Our online business is profitable even when we are busy inspecting coral reefs and reviewing gorgeous beaches.
The tools offered with my SBI! subscription were fantastic when I started the website, but every year they continue to upgrade and continue to overdeliver on their promises to me. I don't have to worry about chasing the next big thing on the internet because Dr. Ken and the SBI! staff incorporate important strategies (and the how-to) into the SBI! system for me.
All of this and the price has not changed in the five years since I first subscribed. I certainly can't say that about the eBay fee structure!
My family and I are more grateful I found SBI! every day.
Amy Dykens
http://www.beach-therapy.com
