This report uses eBay Digital Density data, a measurement of per capita eBay small business activity, to refute the conventional wisdom that digitalization is destined to worsen imbalances. Rather, the data reveals that eBay small businesses are an inclusive business phenomenon in Germany. The findings are consistent whether looking at GDP and Income, the Districts qualifying for GRW structural support, or urban/rural breakdowns, with eBay small business communities in “disadvantaged” districts often outperforming the wealthier and more urban locales.

Top Findings Include

eBay is fostering vibrant small business activity in a way that is significantly more balanced than growth in the German economy overall.
 

eBay small businesses are flourishing in economically challenged Districts.
 

Rural Districts in Germany collectively score lowest in GDP per capita but highest in eBay Digital Density.
 

eBay small business activity in Districts with median salaries below the national median outpaced the higher-income areas by 18%.
 

Mathias Keller

Without access to a broad online marketplace, I would only be able to reach a very limited local customer base. Selling online allows me to connect with buyers who are actively looking for exactly what I offer.

Mathias Keller

TradingCardWorld_1988

Berlin

https://www.ebay.com/str/tradingcardworld1988
Nina Fink Headshot

E-commerce allows businesses like mine in smaller towns and rural areas to compete on a much larger stage and build a sustainable business beyond the local market.

Nina Funk

Luxe4Less

Neulußheim

https://www.ebay.com/str/affordableluxehandbags
Lutz Gaissmaier

As a specialized seller, online marketplaces help me connect directly with customers who need the products I offer, wherever they are.

Lutz Gaissmaier

Studibuch

Stuttgart

https://www.ebay.com/str/studibuch
Carolin Knorr

For me, online business offers the advantages that we can reach our customers around the clock, but also the reach across Germany. In contrast to the local brick and mortar business, we can present our products better. We can provide pictures or videos to show customers how the plants will look later when they have grown.

Carolin Knorr

LaCaTho

Öhringen

https://www.ebay.de/str/lacatho

* This links to an AI-generated audio brief created by Google’s NotebookLM that provides an overview of the findings of the Digital Density in Germany Report.