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  • August 2001 (Revised September 2005)
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eBay (A): The Customer Marketplace

By: Frances X. Frei and Hanna Rodriguez-Farrar
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:17
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Abstract

eBay, the popular Internet-based consumer-to-consumer marketplace, has recently become attractive to corporate customers. According to a vocal subset of eBay customers, the company has lost its way and is set to forsake its traditional business. Told from the perspectives of two eBay customers--a buyer and a seller--the case presents the challenges and opportunities posed by increased corporate involvement.

Keywords

Customers; Multi-Sided Platforms; Problems and Challenges; Opportunities; Trust; Internet; Web Services Industry

Citation

Frei, Frances X., and Hanna Rodriguez-Farrar. "eBay (A): The Customer Marketplace." Harvard Business School Case 602-071, August 2001. (Revised September 2005.)
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About The Author

Frances X. Frei

Technology and Operations Management
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  • Leaders Can Move Fast and Fix Things By: Frances X. Frei and Anne Morriss
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  • Storytelling That Drives Bold Change By: Frances X. Frei and Anne Morriss
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