eBay Inc. is a multinational e-commerce corporation that facilitates consumer-to-consumer (C2C) and business-to-consumer (B2C) sales through its online marketplace platform. Founded in 1995 by Pierre Omidyar, eBay is headquartered in San Jose, California, and its shares are traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol "EBAY."
Key aspects of eBay include:
- Online Marketplace: eBay operates as an online marketplace where buyers and sellers can interact and conduct transactions. The platform allows users to list items for sale, either through an auction-style listing or a fixed-price format. eBay's marketplace features a vast range of product categories, including electronics, clothing, collectibles, automotive, and more.
- Business Model: eBay primarily generates revenue through transaction fees, listing fees, and advertising. When a sale occurs on the platform, eBay charges the seller a final value fee based on the item's selling price and shipping cost. In addition, eBay may charge listing fees for certain types of listings, such as those with a fixed price or reserve price.
- Global Reach: eBay operates in over 190 countries, with localized websites in several regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Australia. The platform supports multiple currencies and payment methods, making it accessible to a broad range of users worldwide.
- PayPal Spinoff: In 2015, eBay completed the spinoff of PayPal, its online payment processing subsidiary, into a separate publicly-traded company. This move was aimed at allowing both eBay and PayPal to focus on their core businesses and better capitalize on growth opportunities in their respective markets.
- Subsidiaries and Acquisitions: Over the years, eBay has acquired and invested in various companies to enhance its platform and expand its offerings. Some notable acquisitions include StubHub, an online ticket exchange, and Classifieds Group, which operates a collection of online classifieds websites. In 2020, eBay sold StubHub to Viagogo, a rival ticket marketplace, for $4.05 billion.
- Trust and Safety: eBay places significant emphasis on maintaining a safe and trustworthy marketplace for its users. The company has implemented various policies and tools to combat fraud, protect user information, and resolve disputes between buyers and sellers. eBay's feedback system, for example, allows users to rate each other based on their transaction experiences, fostering a sense of trust and accountability within the community.
- Mobile Commerce: eBay has been actively investing in its mobile commerce capabilities, providing users with a seamless shopping experience across devices. The eBay mobile app is available on multiple platforms, such as iOS and Android, and enables users to browse, buy, and sell items on the go.
In summary, eBay is a global e-commerce corporation that facilitates online buying and selling through its marketplace platform. With a diverse range of product categories and a user base spanning over 190 countries, eBay has established itself as a prominent player in the e-commerce industry. The company's focus on trust, safety, and mobile commerce helps ensure a positive user experience, contributing to eBay's ongoing success and growth.
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