Joy W. is the driving force behind Sound of Tri-State’s online presence, helping the family-owned audio electronics business thrive since 1999.

Her journey began when her boss recognized her knack for online sales in her personal life and encouraged her to help sell excess inventory. What started as a simple task quickly evolved into a thriving online business, boosting their retail operations based out of four retail locations in Delaware and Pennsylvania.

Since launching on eBay, they have achieved a 98.5% positive feedback rating, sold 102,000 items and grown their team. Joy credits eBay for being a true ally, rather than competition, and providing protections against fraud that have been essential to their success.

Finding a Community

Through eBay, Joy has not only expanded the business but has also found a sense of community. As a self-proclaimed introvert, she says eBay has helped her come out of her shell and be more active in the community.

eBay offers programs for new sellers, guiding them through selling strategies and teaching them regulatory requirements. Joy recalls how when Sound of Tri-State first started selling on eBay, an account representative would call them to offer suggestions on how they could improve. The representative introduced them to tools, such as a shipping software to help streamline their processes, demonstrating eBay’s devotion to helping small businesses prosper.

Today, eBay offers a wide variety of tools to small businesses looking to grow, such as its International Shipping Program which streamlines the exporting process. 

“eBay is a partner to us,” Joy said. “They help us put our items online to get in touch with the world.”

It is critical to her that eBay does not compete with its users. Unlike other marketplaces, which examine what’s popular and then sell their own versions, eBay only provides small businesses infrastructure.

Giving Back to the Community

Joy and Sound of Tri-State are actively involved in philanthropies, such as eBay for Charity, an eBay program that allows buyers to donate to Sound of Tri-State’s charity of choice at checkout. She is also a member of eBay’s seller advocacy community and Small Business Ambassador Network program.

Joy says that a lot of small businesses are starting to grow because of eBay and their commitment to a free flow of communication between buyers and sellers. Recognizing that there is enough space for everyone at eBay, Sound of Tri-State trains their employees in selling techniques, leading some to launch their own businesses as well.

“It’s all about connections,” Joy says. “And really, we’re all connected with eBay.”