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How did marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Etsy etc. got their first sellers?
2 points by florian_08 48 days ago | hide | past | favorite | 1 comment
Hi!

Just like the title of the post says, I wonder, sometimes, I could say that I am puzzled, how these behemoths from today convinced people(small businesses)to sell on their platforms in exchange for a commission for every transaction that the end-users made. I would love to see some original samples of emails or some other form of written communication between the founders of these companies and the first sellers that decided to use these marketplaces. For me, at least, as a Software Engineer with a not negligible experience under my belt(6+ YOE), convincing some strangers(small businesses included, as they are run by strangers as well) seems something surreal. I don't know, maybe I am much too introverted to understand the ins and outs of this art(or science?) of pitching a product/service.

Just a curiosity of mine. I just want to know about these things from people with real experience in this field. Of course, opinions are also highly valued.

P.S: If this has been asked before, then I'm sorry for duplicating the question.

Thank you all in advance!




Starting up two-sided marketplaces is an art in itself. The successful companies often resorted to unorthodox practices. Search for growth hacking. Some of the tactics are clean, some unethical and many come in the grey area.

As startups aren't afraid to operate at a loss, they could offer sellers incentives that are too good to refuse. Other than that, maybe populate the side with their own "sellers".

Then again, the specific market you listed is way way too saturated for new players at this point, just to be aware.




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