NEW! From the Editor
(May 20, 2012, Issue #311)
Today's editorial asks how social networking sites such as Facebook and Pinterest are impacting ecommerce; looks at a lawsuit involving allegations of shill bidding by an eBay drop-off store whose owner stars in a reality television program; and includes a reminder that some provisions of eBay's Spring Seller Release changes take effect in 2 weeks. Editor Ina Steiner also announces some changes to the EcommerceBytes website and as we move our domain, and points to an interesting case study on how one retailer struggled with Google rankings when they moved from NutsOnline.com to Nuts.com - click on the headline to read more in today's editorial!

NEW! eBay's Titanium Sellers: Where Are They Now?
(May 20, 2012, Issue #311)
eBay is constantly evolving, but in 2008, the marketplace's new CEO took eBay in a completely new direction, making a decision to de-emphasize auctions and bring on name brands. In today's issue, EcommerceBytes takes a look back at the 50 top sellers on eBay in 2004 to see, where are they now? This report - complete with chart - may surprise you!

NEW! Russian Shopping Cart Helps Grow Michigan Plant Business
(May 20, 2012, Issue #311)
CS-Cart is a shopping cart and content management program that helps merchants set up their product catalog and start selling online. CS-Cart charges merchants a one-time licensing fee with no monthly fees or commissions. EcommerceBytes talks to a satisfied customer to learn more about this non-hosted ecommerce software solution.

NEW! Raising Funds for Your Online Business: Show Me the Money!
(May 20, 2012, Issue #311)
Ready to grow your ecommerce business but don't have the money to take it to the next level? Tax guru Barbara Weltman explains the options available for obtaining capital for your growing ecommerce business. In Part 1, she discussed the pros and cons of borrowing money (debt) vs. taking in investors (equity) - see "Raising Funds for Your Online Business: Debt vs. Equity." Today, she discusses where to look for debt and equity financing and some pitfalls to avoid.

NEW! How To Make Your Own Personalized Link Shortening Service
(May 20, 2012, Issue #311)
In the last issue, EcommerceBytes contributor Mark O'Neill discussed the benefits of link shortening services. Today, he explains how to set one up for yourself.

NEW! Collectors Corner: Hand Fans
(May 20, 2012, Issue #311)
You might associate hand fans with romantic images of lovely ladies, but did you know Samurai warriers used partial or all-metal versions as both offensive and defensive weapons? Michele Alice takes us on a tour of hand fans - who would have thought there would be so many types!

NEW! EcommerceBytes Soundoff: Letters to the Editor
(May 20, 2012, Issue #311)
In every issue, readers soundoff about issues important to them. From shipping to payment services, from fees to online marketplace policies, EcommerceBytes Soundoff gives you a chance to air your views.