E-commerce Trends 2008-2009

E-commerce Guide posted an article recently about trends in 2009. The five major trends as E-Com. tells is are

1. Trying to Cash in on Social Sites
2. eBay Undergoes Huge Changes
3. Shipping News
4. Customer Reviews and Video Ads/Marketing
5. International Sale on Tap

Of the sections each one seems interesting and noteworthy. The use of social sites has exploded in 2008 and each of the trends from the past year will influence and reflect what comes about in '09. 

eBay is so often the talk when it comes to online marketplaces aka sales channels or auction sites. Most of the talk this past year has been about the fee and feedback changes that the global auction house made. Forcasters claim the Amazonification of eBay will have huge implications for online sellers and resellers. While e-retail appears to be growing, small businesses and recreational sellers - that once used eBay - will likely (1) hang on till the end, (2) find a new home, or (3) take up another venture. 

Shipping doesn't strike me as a hot such a topic. The question of whether to offer free shipping hasn't ever been available to me. I can't see folding that into the item cost, and I don't make enough to recover without charging something for shipping. 

I found this at netSpray's delicious page under industry information.