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Ms. Inge goes to Washington; eBay business leads resident to Capitol Hill
By BRIAN PORTER/Managing Editor
Stephanie Inge never considered a time would come when a desire to focus on her small business would lead her from Rowlett to Washington.
She was among 23 persons around the nation selected to participate this week in the annual “United States of eBay” fly-in to Capitol Hill, where eBay sellers come to Washington, D.C., to share their stories with members of Congress and let their legislators know about important issues that will impact their work.
“I guess I started like most people,” Inge said. “I had an antique booth and would use eBay as a clearance center. I really thought seriously about doing it fulltime, but never had the nerve to quit my job.”
“I needed more revenue streams than just selling,” she said.
So what did she do? Inge did something unique at the time on the Internet. She offered her skills for sale. Inge used eBay to put out her resume to teach at local colleges.
Eastfield College, in Mesquite, accepted and soon there were 12 campuses interested. She then became very active in the eBay community and organized one of the largest selling groups.
Inge met with Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson and Sen. John Cornyn on Thursday to help explain the issues which could hamper her ability to operate an Internet business.
“Congress is considering a remote sales tax for small business,” she said. “What they want to do is require us to charge sales tax in all 50 states. This would be a logistical and accounting nightmare. We’re trying to lobby against this. We can work from home and earn a fulltime living now, but this could change this drastically.”
eBay opposes raising taxes on the Internet or its uses, as well as any attempt to impose remote sales tax collection burdens on small businesses.
Some of Inge’s wares include the Fossil line of handbags, wallets and accessories. She says everyday products are being traded online.
“When it first started out, it was like an online garage sale,” she said. “Not anymore. Every car dealership in Dallas has an eBay department. Customers make a purchase and they fly in. Dallas Golf is one of the largest online sellers. That is the wave of the future. It gives them a global presence.”
There is more Inge would like to accomplish. She intends to write a book about operating a home-based eBay business and desires to have a radio show which she says would be a “Dr. Laura of eBay.”
Contact Brian Porter at bporter@acnpapers.com or comment on this story at www.scntx.com.
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