Making Killing on Items eBay Won't Sell
Jeremy Gutsche — December 10, 2006 — Pop Culture
References: wired
As creepy as it may be, there's a market for people who want to by murderabilia, aka memorabilia from murders. Examples of such items often get posted on eBay. Recent examples include: copies of OJ Simpson's unpublished book, 'If I Did It, Here's How it Happened', photos from September 11, and a ballpoint pen from serial killer John Wayne Gacy. However, eBay has a policy that prevents such items from being sold. As a result, a number of other sites are springing up, which don't have such policies. These include Supernaught.com, Serial Killer Central, and MurderAuction.com. The latter was started by a former eBay member after he was booted by the giant auction house about three years ago.
Trend Themes
1. Anti-murderabilia Policy - Companies can create anti-murderabilia policies and use them to differentiate themselves from competitors.
2. Alternative Online Markets - Entrepreneurs can create alternative online marketplaces for controversial items that larger platforms refuse to host.
3. Demand for Notoriety - People's fascination with true crime and notorious killers may spawn businesses that provide experiences related to crimes and murderers.
Industry Implications
1. E-commerce - E-commerce sites can explore creating niche marketplaces that cater to a variety of markets.
2. Criminal Justice - Criminal justice organizations can focus on raising awareness about the negative impact of murderabilia on crime victims and their families.
3. Tourism and Entertainment - Tourism and entertainment companies can leverage people’s fascination with true crime and murderers by creating experiences related to famous crimes and notorious killers.
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