Ecommerce 'moonlighting' on the web is not a new phenomenon. For years people have dabbled on eBay to help make a bit of extra money on the side.
But it seems, at least anecdotally, that the increase of easy-to-use ecommerce software and payment systems is lowering the barrier to entry for more comprehensive shops and new ideas. That coupled with a slow job market for many and low wage increases is all the incentive the budding entrepreneur needs to get started.
Evidence is hard to find at the moment, But, according to Australia's Business Spectator web site, one ecommerce software firm Bigommerce.com says around 48 per cent of its users log on to their sites in what appears to be after-office hours between 5pm and 9pm and at midnight. The firm's co-founder Eddie Machaalani said they were 'starting' to see the evidence but he accepts that it is difficult to separate out those who are logging on after work from those who are simply logging on frequently - 82 per cent log on at midday, for example.
We know companies make self-serving statements about usage that aren't always backed up by solid facts to tap into our imaginations. But then there are also stories that make sense whether the facts are there to back them up yet or not - and this one certainly does.
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