Jump On In Once tech-illiterate, this BIZ Experiences got on eBay--and got savvy fast.

By April Y. Pennington

Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.

For someone who didn't even know how to turn on a computer several years ago, eBay PowerSeller Steve Fliegman has come a long way. First, his son got him to buy a computer. Then in 2003, his son introduced him to eBay. A year later, Fliegman started an eBay Store called Internet Auctions Company, which is a Sanford and Son-type general store. "Anything I could sell, I did," says Fliegman, 50, who got his initial inventory from his Las Vegas home and storage shed. "But I concentrated on the items that sold really well."

Though opening his Store was extremely simple, Fliegman encountered an initial learning curve with sales. "You have to get the equation right," he says. "In the beginning, I was doing a lot of sales, but the profit margin wasn't there. It takes some experience to figure out the right products [to sell]." His eBay buying experience gave him a buyer's perspective, something Fliegman says is key to being a good seller.

Now focusing on sunglasses and goggles, Fliegman also sells buyout inventory from businesses and items from estate sales. He started a second eBay Store in 2005 just for books. Projecting combined 2006 sales of $80,000 and toying with the ideas of a physical location and a third eBay Store for eyewear, Fliegman's future looks so bright, he might need a pair of his own shades.

Want to be an BIZ Experiences Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for BIZ Experiencess to pursue in 2025.

Science & Technology

OpenAI's Latest Move Is a Game Changer — Here's How Smart Solopreneurs Are Turning It Into Profit

OpenAI's latest AI tool acts like a full-time assistant, helping solopreneurs save time, find leads and grow their business without hiring.

Social Media

How To Start a Youtube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

YouTube can be a valuable way to grow your audience. If you're ready to create content, read more about starting a business YouTube Channel.

Money & Finance

These Are the Expected Retirement Ages By Generation, From Gen Z to Boomers — and the Average Savings Anticipated. How Do Yours Compare?

Many Americans say inflation prevents them from saving enough and fear they won't reach their financial goals.

Starting a Business

I Built a $20 Million Company by Age 22 While Still in College. Here's How I Did It and What I Learned Along the Way.

Wealth-building in your early twenties isn't about playing it safe; it's about exploiting the one time in life when having nothing to lose gives you everything to gain.

Business Solutions

Boost Team Productivity and Security With Windows 11 Pro, Now $15 for Life

Ideal for BIZ Experiencess and small-business owners who are looking to streamline their PC setup.