Online bisnes with own domain + hosting OR start with ebay?

I've started using my own domain with paid hosting again for my online business (previously already got one but the hosting company was terrible).  Now my items listed in both : my own online store and ebay. If someone ask me where to start, I will definitely say start with ebay. It will help you build your reputation and skills in communicate with customers, deals with problem and gain more experience and exposure.

The problem with most ebay site, for sure you are being 'taxed' by ebay. You'll be charged for listing fees, and final value fees. More money will be charged if you are using their special feature such as featured item, bold, gallery etc. Sounds too much but if you are using your own online store, you have to pay only once (per year) for the hosting. Normally the domain comes free with the hosting package.

The advantage selling through:
ebay :
1. NOt much promotion needed to gain traffic (beware of others ebayer skills to expose their products listing)
2. All features and templates are ready to be used, just click - click and you are done.

own online store:
1. Free as many listing as you want
2. Nobody will give VERO, unlike ebay.

The disadvantage selling through :

ebay:
1. Fees charged
2. Final value fees charged
3.Too much competition to expose your items

own online store:
1. Promotion needed to gain traffic (visitors)
2. You have to convince buyers that you offer secure transaction.
3. Setup process will be very long, before everything ready [you need to customize shipping, currency etc]


I've been through lots of 'memory' with ebay and I think it is time for me to focus on my own online boutique. The beauty inside it, I rules the store!