Second-hand e-tailer gets new lease on life from e-partners

Ma Jian has never regretted his decision two years ago to start a website focused on shopping for second-hand goods, despite objections from friends and relatives.

Though many people told him the business would surely fail, Ma is pleased to see his first entrepreneurial venture enter its second year.

Founded in 2008 by Ma and four of his friends, Shede.com began as a platform to enable users to shop for and exchange second-hand goods. It later expanded to include new items and serve as a gateway for other online vendors.