NEW! From the Editor
(May 06, 2012, Issue #310)
eBay's attempts to transform itself from an auction site into a retail shopping destination have been met with resistance from longtime sellers who resent the favoritism the company shows large brands and retailers (aka "Diamond sellers"). The latest controversial policies the company is rolling out include the addition of advertisements on sellers' product listings - read today's editorial to find out about other changes (have you seen the new "Authorized Reseller" badge yet?). And, learn just how much Amazon is relying on third-party sellers to grow its thriving ecommerce business!

NEW! Using YouTube Videos to Spur Your Online Sales
(May 06, 2012, Issue #310)
Online merchants and artisans are learning they can attract shoppers through YouTube videos. Julia Wilkinson talked to a number of sellers and discovered three main approaches they take with their YouTube videos: Tutorial, Product Demo and Storytelling, and how the videos help drive traffic to their listings and storefronts and improve conversion rates!

NEW! How Toy Seller Toynk Stays Ahead of the Curve
(May 06, 2012, Issue #310)
Steve Loney turned his home-based business into an ecommerce success using a number of approaches. EcommerceBytes Contributing Editor Greg Holden reviews some of these practices, from automation to repricing, that helped Toynk reach $11 million in sales last year and achieve 30% growth so far this year.

NEW! Raising Funds for Your Online Business: Debt vs. Equity
(May 06, 2012, Issue #310)
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, whether you're investing in operations and staffing, or taking advantage of inventory acquisition opportunities. Today, she discusses the pros and cons of borrowing money (debt) vs. taking in investors (equity), and in the next issue, she'll show you where to find the money!

NEW! An Introduction To Link Shortening Services
(May 06, 2012, Issue #310)
You've probably used link shorteners like Bit.ly and TinyURL when sharing links on social networking sites. But did you know you could create your own shortening service? Mark O'Neill explains the benefits to online sellers in today's introduction to link shortening services.

NEW! Collectors Corner: Fast-Food Toys
(May 06, 2012, Issue #310)
Most toys found in fast-food children's meals (made popular by McDonald's Happy Meals) are worth no more than a dollar or two, but there are always exceptions to the rule, as Collectors Corner Editor Michele Alice explains in today's column!

NEW! EcommerceBytes Soundoff: Letters to the Editor
(May 06, 2012, Issue #310)
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.