There are many ways to start a business, but none as thrilling as buying one from an online auction house.
If the price is right and you can stand the fear of the unknown, the Internet is a bargain bonanza for cool and unusual business opportunities. Feeling a little risky? Alberta Venture went searching for the best deals on eBay.ca.
Bon appetit
Feast your eyes on the “Coney Island Famous Hot Dogs” trademark. In the late ’80s, Edmonton’s David Gibson operated three stores in Alberta and Ontario under the name until he “lost interest” in hot doggin’ it. For $15,000, this trademark could satisfy your appetite for success.
Well, well, well
With energy prices skyrocketing, the timing couldn’t be better to purchase your own oil well. Although it may take a day to pump four to six barrels of black gold, imagine the reaction of your friends and family when you show off your riches. Mineral rights, 40 acres of land in Saskatchewan and an inventory of drilling equipment are up for grabs for a minimum bid of $14,919.
Own a piece of the Rocky Mountains
You may need to cash in more than your life savings if you intend to purchase the Web portal named after Alberta’s foremost mountain playground. Priced at $746,349, Banff.com is a smart buy for investors who can generate revenue from activities other than Internet advertising, says owner Kevin Unger. Currently, Banff.com operates as a tourism information site with 30,000 to 100,000 visitors a month. Why is the moneymaker up for sale? Unger says he’s liquidating his assets to pursue a hotel venture.
Buyer beware
In Alberta, the Internet Sales Contract Regulation protects online buyers from unscrupulous businesses who may be out to scam your money. Before agreeing to purchase merchandise, make sure you exercise some caution.
• Sellers must give you the opportunity to accept or decline a contract, or to correct errors before entering into it.
• Once a purchase agreement is in place, sellers must provide a copy of the contract in writing or in electronic form within 15 days.
• You have the right to cancel the contract if you do not receive the goods or services within 30 days of the date specified in the contract.
Source: Alberta Government Services
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