AuctionWally's 2009 predictions for the online marketplace

January 1, 11:09 AMAuctions and Antiques ExaminerWalt AuctionWally

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OK, you knew they were coming, most people post their prediction list on New Year's Eve, I want you sober. 

Here are my predictions for the online marketplace in 2009.

• 2009 will be the year of the small independent vendor.

• Online sellers of unique items such as antiques and collectibles will realize that there is one website crucial to their success above all others, their own. I don't think that they necessarily need to have their own site be a "store front" nor should it be, but it at least has to be a central contact hub where they can explain their brand and promote their mission statement.

• I predict that eBay will finally separate it's auction model from it's fixed price model into completely separate businesses.

• I think the   podcast will start to do to air wave radio, what the blogs have done to the printed newspaper.

• Google search will be the first place people go to find a product.

• Sales tax will be collected in all 50 states for online purchases.

• Local economies will become mashable with Internet sales as sites like Bonanzle encourage sellers to search and shop by location.

• As smaller independent vendors learn and become better versed in how to manage their own websites, and as the tools they're using become more stable and easier, they will not seek out the help of paid website builders and developers.

• Those same website builders and developers the good ones, such as iBusinesslogic, will have plenty of work from corporate businesses as these businesses seek to solidify their foothold in the marketplace. Although they may not realize it until 2012, to these companies, the website developer will become as important to their success as the CEO.

• Who'll be around in 2010: eBay, Amazon, Bonanzle, Worthpoint, Auctionzip, PowersellersUnite, iTaggit, Seeauctions.com,Craigslist & AuctionWally.com ;)

• Wall St. investors will funnel a large amount of money into the antiques & collectibles market as they realize that tangible assets have out performed EVERY other investment over the longterm.

• Antiques, fine art & collectibles experts will become the new investment gurus.

• Quality used and antique items will expand in market share as the economy tightens, the younger generation realizes that these are the ultimate green products, and we finally grow tired of cheap over-produced goods that break after the second or third time used.

Happy New Year, I'll see you here next year!

 Test your antiques knowledge, what kind of Asian bowl is that below, and how much is it worth?

                        Click here to see the full appraisal

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