Three Ohio Business Leaders Recognized as eBay Top Sellers

Three Business leaders in Canton and Akron have been recognized by online e-commerce giant eBay as some of the corporation’s top sellers, and as a result were invited to participate in the 13th Annual United States of eBay Seller Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill.

As part of the event, Michael Swoape, general manager of One4Silver, Lauren Ward, owner of NOTO Boutique, and Brian Robinson, owner of The Music Farm, traveled to Washington, DC May 15-16 to meet with elected officials on various issues important to their businesses, including the way that the Internet, technology, and platforms like eBay have revolutionized the way that small business operate, discuss why it’s important that lawmakers keep small Internet-enabled entrepreneurs in mind when considering various public policy initiatives, and showcase how eBay has led to their dramatic growth as small businesses in Akron and Canton.

“In an ever-changing global marketplace, it is not enough to only offer low prices,” Swoape said. “You must also ensure customers receive a quality product and excellent customer service they can trust.”

“My favorite part about being an entrepreneur is connecting with people,” said Ward. “I have met customers, friends, and mentors who have really helped me shape my business and make it what it is today. I am grateful to have created something that my community has helped build.”

Of particular concern is the proposed Internet sales tax, which would treat small online businesses like One4Silver, NOTO Boutique, and The Music Farm the same as a mega-billion-dollar retailer and negatively impact small business growth and development. The Supreme Court is set to decide on whether a state can impose sales tax collection obligations on sellers without a physical presence in that state, which will determine whether the 4.1 million small businesses that sell online can continue to do so successfully. eBay has filed an amicus curiae brief with the Court on this issue.

One4Silver currently employs 5 individuals operating out of a 5,000 square foot warehouse, and exports 5 percent of its products. NOTO Boutique employs 3 individuals out of 2 retail shops and exports 30% of its products. The Music Farm currently employs 10 individuals operating out of a storefront, and exports 28 percent of its products.

In total, 20 small businesses from across the United States were selected to participate in the advocacy day. Each of these businesses will tell their small business story directly to their Representatives and Senators, as well as their Congressional staff members.

One4Silver’s eBay store is available at http://stores.ebay.com/one4silver. NOTO Boutique is available at http://stores.ebay.com/notoboutique1. The Music Farm’s eBay store is available at http://stores.ebay.com/THE-MUSIC-FARM.

About One4Silver

One4Silver’s founder, James S. Dyer, started his business in 1988 after realizing he could turn his love of attending auctions and estate sales into a full-time job. What started out as a hobby in his one bedroom apartment, is now a business that operates out of a 5,000 square foot facility in Akron, Ohio with five full-time employees. In 2012, Michael Swoape joined the One4Silver team as the company’s General Manager. Since his arrival, Michael has worked to develop strong retail partnerships with many of the world’s leading tabletop manufacturers. Michael currently oversees the company’s day-to-day operations, and leads an excellent team of customer service oriented professionals. One4Silver stocks an impressive and expansive inventory of high quality tabletop and household goods. To ensure the highest level of quality service, One4Silver handles all of its shipping and customer service needs in-house. Whether you are seeking a single replacement piece or a whole new set of tableware, One4Silver encourages you to stop by their facility or visit their online store to experience top quality products and service.

About NOTO Boutique

In 2008, Lauren Ward founded NOTO Boutique. Prior to jumpstarting her business, Lauren loved to invite her friends and family into her home to shop special finds. Following this passion by officially opening her own boutique was the next logical step. NOTO Boutique has since evolved into a successful business with two stores in Akron, Ohio that offer boutique dresses, locally made screen t-shirts, secondhand clothes and everything in between. Now NOTO Boutique has three employees and summer interns from local high schools and universities. As her out of state customer base grew, Lauren knew that she would need to provide a great online shopping experience, and eBay was the perfect marketplace to do so. In early 2018, Lauren joined eBay’s Retail Revival Program and has already seen a boost in sales. She looks forward to growing with the program and connecting with the eBay community.

About The Music Farm

Brian Robinson has lived near Canton, Ohio for most of his life. At the age of 14, Brian knew he wanted to have a future in music. After working as a janitor in his church, Brian earned the opportunity to become the church’s sound man. That experience inspired Brian to attend a recording technology high school and soon after, he obtained a job as a keyboard salesman. In 2004, Brian decided it was time to launch his own venture. He combined his previous experience selling tractors on eBay with his love of music, and created The Music Farm. The Music Farm began in the garage of Brian’s Doylestown home just outside of Canton. He shipped everything from guitars, to amps, to drums, worldwide. In 2007, Brian bought a 7,500 square foot retail store in Orrville, Ohio before moving to the heart of Canton in 2012. Today, Brian and The Music Farm are part of Canton’s “shopping mecca” where they enjoy a large number of walk-in customers daily, along with their growing ecommerce clientele.

About Ebay

eBay Inc. (NASDAQ: EBAY) is a global commerce leader including the Marketplace, StubHub and Classifieds platforms. Collectively, we connect millions of buyers and sellers around the world, empowering people and creating opportunity through Connected Commerce. Founded in 1995 in San Jose, Calif., eBay is one of the world's largest and most vibrant marketplaces for discovering great value and unique selection. In 2017, eBay enabled $88 billion of gross merchandise volume. For more information about the company and its global portfolio of online brands, visit www.ebayinc.com.