You think there's shit on eBay? Wait til you see this!

I’m always fascinated by niche auction sites which spring up from time to time. Many are born from the desire to escape the clutches of eBay and simply provide an alternative venue, normally with lower fees in mind. Now and again a new site crops up which is bound to succeed as it truly serves a niche market. It never occured to me there was a thriving market for manure though!

Drum Roll: Pennsylvania Manure Trader

Yes that’s right, a site dedicated to trading in crap, the real stuff! Apparently the story goes State regulations prevent muck spreading with manure produced on site, so there’s a real requirement for farmers to swap their dung with their neighbours. The Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers developed the site enabling farmers to find alternative uses for excess manure. It’s working too, there’s already a wanted add for 400 tons of chicken poo.

If you’re ever thinking of starting up a new site remember Manure Trader, they have a market for the products sold, sellers have a never ending supply of fresh produce and one mans crap really is another mans gold.

I wish I’d thought of the title for this article but the honours go to Sue