Exercise 1

Exercise 1b (i)
There's a common thread in the layout of E-bay US, UK and Australia so that users can find their way about them easily not matter which site they're on -

• the name E-bay is in the same position on each page, and in the same font and colours, as befits a trademark
• the login and join section is in the same position on each page and in the same colours
• the opportunities to buy, sell and join the communites are likewise in the same place

Within each community tab there are similar items - however the US has Neighbourhoods and Groups listed, the UK has Groups listed, and Australia has MyWorld (an example of cultural cringe?).

Exercise 1b (ii)

A number of worldwide-acceptable payment methods are listed on all 3 sites such as PayPal and debit or credit cards. Each site however also has payment options peculiar to it, such as Escrow for the US and UK, Pay on pickup for the US, Pay on collection for the UK and Cash on Delivery for Australia. Australis also offers bank deposit and money orders which are not offered elsewhere.

Exercise 1b (iii)

The benefits of an online auction sale are as follows:

• For buyers, convenience and the irrelevance of location. The buyer can attend the auction from their chair without havnig to attend an auction site. The buy can also attend auctions that are conducted by sellers at locations remote from the buyer, such as interstate or overseas. E-bay's security safeguards also make it more likely that the buyer will not be ripped off by a seller who does not dispatch the goods.
  
• For sellers, online auctions provide the convenience of no location, as for buyers. This means that a larger number of buyers are able to attend the auction than would be available for a physical auction, as buyers can attend from overseas and interstate. Further, E-bay's security safeguards add an extra layer of protection for the seller, making it more likely that they will receive payment for their goods.
  
• For the E-bay owners, the more attractions that they can ofer to buyers and sellers, the more auctions wil be on their site, with more sellers and more buyers. More action at the auctions means more funds going to E-bay, so more profit for owners.