A Practical Guide to E-Business

An exciting cross-curricular business project
 

• We used eBay because it allows us to start a business project with almost no initial costs.
• We listed items for sale that cost us less than $1.00.
• eBay provides the entire infrastructure.
• The tools required to complete this project are available at most schools and there is no fixed time frame for the project. Once the students have learned how to sell they are capable of running a small business independently.
• We also see the e-commerce business as an opportunity for young people to explore as entrepreneurs. On-line businesses remove the need for expensive downtown locations where walk in traffic is important. There are no restrictions on store hours and most of the inventory is in the form of a digital image.
• We would encourage anyone to embark on an adventure in on-line sales.
   

• The Quebec government has been encouraging entrepreneurship. This site includes a contest and funding of $50 per student, up to $750 for class projects.
• Let the students deal directly with the suppliers for materials. Accept that sometimes they make poor purchases. It creates some good lessons in cross-border duties and shipping charges.
  • For example steel wire has a tariff of 183% (up for review in January 2005).
  • $20 worth of supplies crosses the border without duties.
  • For items over $20 is worth paying a $3.45 brokerage fee because Canada Customs will charge much more.