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  • August 1998 (Revised June 2000)
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

FairMarket, Inc.: Where Buyers and Sellers Connect

By: Lynda M. Applegate, Jack Wieland and Chad M. M Raube
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:26
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Abstract

On February 20, 1997, FairMarket, an Internet-based business-to-business auction site, was launched. CEO, founder Scott Randall, drew on his experience building Internet businesses at NECX Direct, Yahoo, and Internet Shopping Network to build his business. This case, set in June 1998, describes the challenges he faced in launching the company and enables students to debate the best approach to penetrating the market and growing the organization.

Keywords

Business Startups; Debates; Entrepreneurship; Growth and Development; Growth Management; Management Style; Product Launch; Multi-Sided Platforms; Problems and Challenges; Information Technology; Information Technology Industry; Web Services Industry

Citation

Applegate, Lynda M., Jack Wieland, and Chad M. M Raube. "FairMarket, Inc.: Where Buyers and Sellers Connect." Harvard Business School Case 399-006, August 1998. (Revised June 2000.)
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About The Author

Lynda M. Applegate

Entrepreneurial Management
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  • Wilburn Medical USA By: David Ager, Lynda M. Applegate and James Barnett
  • AEEC: Building Ecosystem Partnerships for Digital Transformation By: Lynda M. Applegate and James Short
  • Communities In Schools (Atlanta): Innovating a College Program By: V. Kasturi Rangan, Lynda M. Applegate and Alexis Lefort
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