Tradefair is an idea that was born of necessity, arising from conversations that I have had with fellow small business owners over the last ten years. In a climate of ever-increasing costs and greater competition, frustration at the inability to reduce costs was prevalent. Evidently, the majority of small business owners? most annoying, and greatest, cost was advertising. Advertising, in particular print media was expensive, static, temporary, and importantly, there was no way in which to interact with potential customers. Unfortunately, sizeable advertising budgets and costs were no guarantee of success, due to the market already facing saturation by competitors. Traders did not have a method in which to differentiate themselves from their competitors, unless they joined the advertising race. Some had attempted to launch websites, but in a vast electronic sea, their brave attempts were simply lost. Worst of all, print media held a monopoly over the public?s perception, subsequently dictating unsustainable advertising rates - rates which small businesses reluctantly passed on to consumers.

There had to be a fairer way.

What if there was a website that was widely promoted, containing business listings that did everything the print media could and more? What if this website could offer listings with links to a businesses website, special offers, photographs of work completed or goods for sale, and company histories? Most importantly, what if this website enabled customers to participate by leaving feedback? Customer satisfaction would be the cornerstone of this website - an information conduit between customers, traders, and potential customers. What could be more valuable than a transparent website that gave every business listed a fair and equitable chance, regardless of the size of its pockets. The public would judge any business, be it small or large, by its performance . . . finally a level playing field. As a bonus, the website would give out regular prizes to registered customers, as an appreciation of their participation in a trading revolution.

This is the story of how tradefair.com.au was born . . . Australia?s fairest website.

Welcome.

Steve Kolak