4.1. Political eBay is a company, which is not very much influenced by political developments. Some countries might put some policies affecting them in place and the on-going globalization might have effects on them as well. Globalization Globalization is an issue that will positively affect eBay’s business. They will be able to expand internationally and find new markets. Government Policies Some government policies in favor and against interests might be introduced. When looking in the past though, national governments have left e-commerce alone. Regulatory bodies and processes Regulations could be passed making sites ensure a certain level of security in online shopping, increasing customer security but also costs for online businesses. 4.2. Economic Interest and Exchange Rates A future instability in Exchange rates would have heavy effects on eBay. Interest rates would also be affected by the instability and therefore affect eBay in bad ways. Economy Situation and trends Economic situations of course have a direct impact on eBay’s good performance. Another Wall Street crash would probably devastating effects on eBay while a second boom e-commerce would make eBay’s profit rocket. Taxation Taxation might affect eBay in two ways. First of all higher taxing of their profit might be possible. Secondly and more importantly if taxation for every sale in online auction houses would be introduced this would seriously damage eBay. 4.3. Social Lifestyle Trends Further integration of the Internet in the daily life will be a major issue in the next years. This is a great opportunity for eBay and will affect them very positively. Consumer buying patterns Consumer might develop completely different buying patterns meaning that they might start buying everything online and getting it delivered. eBay could make use of