evan11
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:11:00 PM new
corrdog:
hehe. If I get a broom job in heaven, I'll be happy.That's another reason I don't worry about the AW hike. LOL
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nanastuff
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:16:19 PM new
Well folks, I think we can all see that there will be no answers here from Mark personally. I, too, absolutely do not mind paying a listing fee; I expected it. I list my auctions one at a time, nothing fancy (cause I am puter stupid). Mark how do you justify the 1%?? You are NOT the auction site. I am not going to jump all over these boards to find a spot where you will answer. Rediculous: fvf from ME??? On my piddly stuff?? What are you thinking?? Janet
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grow
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:16:42 PM new
My slant on the new fees. It's one thing to pay a fee to list an item. The FVF is another thing. This really complicates the situation. As lovepotion stated - the problem starts with deadbeats. The bidder does not pay. Seller must notify ebay and prove bidder did not pay, then notify AW. Waiting for Ebay to reimburse small FVF fees is bad enough and small reimbursements to credit cards are more of a nusance than they are worth. That's just one problem. What about the buyer who decides they don't like the item they bid on. Even with the best photos and descriptions sometimes they find it's exactly what they thought it would be, the color is different than it looked on their computer, etc. They return it to the seller and the seller refunds their money. Is AW going to reimburse the seller their fee. Of course not! I certainly understand that AW needs to show a profit and although I do not like the listing fee I could live with that. The FVF is another story. It looks like I'll have to move on, however reluctantly.
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cin131
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:18:38 PM new
I have a concern about the 1% FVF. I have posted maybe 75 auctions over the past month. I have filed for 13 FVF. This was just from my January auctions. This is a pretty high percentage. I don't know if this is average or not, as I have only been doing this for a few months. The items I sell are low cost, topping out at about $25.00. I do file NPB and requests for my FVF. Is auctionwatch ready for the inundation of paper work????
I will be selling off my stock, and will no longer be doing auctions. It was fun while it lasted, but when the profit is $4.00 or less per item, the hobby loses it's fun.
I will be kicking butt to try to get my stuff done REAL soon!!! Thanks for the notice, AW!!!!!!!
Cindy
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digitalmaster
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:19:25 PM new
I also would not paying SOME fees. I just don't think a company that locks threads and deletes posts that disagrees with them does not deserve my money.
Also, I don't think a company that selectively ignores the same quetions by different people deserves money if they refuse to offer good customer service.
Whats with that anyway? We supported your service, why wont you at least answer our questions?
[email protected]
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local
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:21:36 PM new
I am sorry to see this announcement of fees. What surprised me is that when you began, you indicated your strategy was to keep the isting service free. My thoughts were that you would charge for the other services, such as post auction, perhaps a management/bookkeeping
service, etc. I am extremely disappointed that AW has chosen to go this route. I feel we are being nickel & dimed to the point, where it will not be worth the effort for some.
Any chance of reconsidering the percentage fee of 1%? I think 5 cents listing fee is reasonable, but the 1% on top of that is going to make some people stop using your service. Afterall, it is the sellers
who have made you the #1 service. I hope you will reconsider, as I have enjoyed using your service, and have passed on your service to
several others. I suppose, I will now have to look around, unless we can
compromise.
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dman3
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:22:59 PM new
I have no objection to paying a nickle per auction I launch from auction watch.
but Im wondering if the 1% FVF was well thought through I think the help and book keeping just for the dead beat FVF refunds will cost them more then hosting this for free.
Yhey have 700 thousand users and 1 in 5 auctions is won by a dead beat or a buyer who has buyer remorse and wants a refund yahoo is #1 for this problem.
Ebay is not really bad with the dead beats but I sell on yahoo and over 50% of my winning bids last year were dead beats.
I cant be paying an FVF to Auction watch for dead beats I would get a refund of these fees from the auction sites them selves and would need the same from AW.
Also I think in order to justify the 1% or any FVF they will need to garentee hits and visiters to my auctions.
But as far as a fee for there auction manageing service This is reasonable.
http://www.Dman-N-Company.com
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lfelipe23
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:23:26 PM new
Fees come in and I go out! I was just thinking that I needed to throw away some more money! MY PREDICTION -- AUCTIONWATCH WILL CEASE TO EXIST IN 6 MONTHS. Not many people are going to pay for this service. I list 150 auctions a week. This was nice, but would certainly not pay for it.
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lorndav
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:24:59 PM new
SINCE MY OTHER THREAD WAS LOCKED, AND IT IS A DIFFERENT QUESTION, I WILL POST IT HEAR SO IT CAN BE LOST IN THE 187 POSTS!
Since the implementation of fees, does this mean we can expect better customer service when we are having problems? I really do not want to hear "Let us know if the problem persists..." or "We sincerly apologize for any inconvenience..." if I am PAYING for the service. I am really not being sarcastic, this is a GENUINE question!
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thegenuinesneaky
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:25:41 PM new
WOW, its about time AW got that cc/billing app workin'! 
As a long time AW user, I think its great!
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digitalmaster
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:30:56 PM new
It's a shame that they have so much time on their hands to delete and lock posts, but not to answer questions.
I sure wish I knew of a service or software as good as AW without the fees! Jeez...
[email protected]
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getalife
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:31:10 PM new
I've always wondered how AuctionWatcha made a profit and I guess the answer is, they don't. So I don't mind paying a listing fee of five cents but the one percent seems kind of steep. And I believe AW could have broken the news a little differently. Maybe they could have given us a couple of months notice instead of two weeks. It's kind of a shock to the system, what with many items not bringing anywhere near what they ought to bring plus all the negativity about the economy. With the string being nibbled on from both ends pretty soon it will cease to exist. So to AUCTIONWATCH I say, "HOW ABOUT TWO MONTHS NOTICE AND HALF OF ONE PERCENT." From what I've read they aren't charging for picture hosting.
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odomace
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:32:05 PM new
I;m another that has used AW for over a year. list over 150 auctions a week. .05 O.K., but 1% FVF NO WAY. I'm also leaving MAR. 14th
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tomservo92
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:39:48 PM new
I'm a software developer and could have developed my own auction posting system but I found AW and decided not to re-invent the wheel. I don't mind paying 5 cents per listing but there's no way I'll 1% FVF! So long AW!
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dadofstickboy
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:42:27 PM new
Will we be charged to relist,or just a one time list fee with a FVF at the (END)meaning sale?? I wish some one at AW woul start answering some of these questions being asked!
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Dragonfyree
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:48:09 PM new
No way will I pay 1% to AW. Since I'm already paying another nickel to ebay, might as well use their service for all my auctions. Auction Watch must have watched how wonderful things have worked out over at Yahoo and decided to go over the cliff with them.
Not Dragonfyree on Ebay.
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tapatti
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:48:38 PM new
I guess it never crossed their little pre-IPO minds to use their own message boards to survey their current users as to what an acceptable fee stucture would be prior to settling on one eh? Good thing it's relatively easy to get your resume out on the Internet today on short notice.
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celebrity8x10s
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:51:00 PM new
Who didn't see this coming? We've been grateful for the free service that AW and others have provided us in the past. I understand that they must make money to stay in business. This actually makes things better for the customers as they will have to compete now for our business. Supply and demand. We will go to the company that provides us the best service/resources for the best price. For me, that is goto.com, but I will always keep an eye out for new seller functions that I deem are useful and are in my best interest. As we see new dotcom failures every day, we have to understand that this is the only alternative to keep AW and others going.
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egabbe
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:53:33 PM new
I think most of the messages here are in agreement that the 5 cents fee is acceptable but the FVF isn't. My take on it the FVF doesn't have anything to do with non paying bidders or unhappy bidders. The bottom line is..
Does a listing service have a right to ask for a percentage of the item listed?
Does AW have to do more work to list an item that sells for $1000 as opposed to an item that sells for $10?
The service is the same no matter what the final cost of the auction. AW needs to decide what they need to cover their costs (and turn a profit) and set a one time listing fee. If the nickle doesn't cover the cost take it to a dime.
Mark,
I appreciate everything that AW has done for me. The service does make ebaying easier. I want to continue using it. I'm hoping that at the very least you'll reconsider the costs. I think with all of the feedback in this forum you can understand some of the frustrations.
thanks!
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mystry
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:54:23 PM new
I have never posted on these boards before, but I'm dissappointed and discouraged by AW's fees. A fee per listing would have been ok, but the FVF is not. On another thread, Anna has stated that pic hosting will still be free, but on this one, Chris says you have to pay to use pics???? It would be nice if they got their story straight. Anyway, it doesn't matter, I will be using ebay for listing and pic hosting for all future auctions. If I'm going to pay fees, it's easier to deal with one company than two.My ISP also give free space for hosting pics.
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dadofstickboy
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:59:09 PM new
There seems to be a point here that YOU don't seem to be grasping! Threatening to leave will not affect AW in the least,what are they going to loose a non paying customer? Big deal!! You walking will only free up site space for some one who is willing to pay! Now I haven't yet decieded if i'm going to stay or not,it will depend on how well they answer the questions put before them. So far they have not attempted to answer any! I hope they are just waiting for the dust to settle. But they better start responding soon for 14 day's is not all that long a time to explain details!!
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jwinch
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posted on February 28, 2001 07:59:20 PM new
This is to egabbe. Your post just now was well thought-out, polite and certainly makes all the sense in the world. I sure hope AW reads it and takes heed.
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jwinch
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posted on February 28, 2001 08:04:16 PM new
this is to dadofstickboy, If I understand things correctly, AW makes $ on advertizers. If they pull out because usership is down AW will be killing the goose that layed the gold eggs! E-comerce is very fragile - AW is messing with a fickle and wise group. Me thinks AW underestimates us.
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digitalmaster
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posted on February 28, 2001 08:10:53 PM new
I left GoTo because of the same thing. Not becuase they were charging, everyone needs to make money. BUT because they were dishonest to customers.
I sent an email to AW when I left GoTo and specifically asked if they would at least give 30 day notice as that is standard business etiquitte taght in business ethics courses in college. It is standard business practice. They said yes, they would.
Well, they uh... didn't. To top that off, anyone who disagrees with them is getting their threads or posts deleted.
I just don't like the way they are treating customers just because we are concerned. If I walk away, it will have more to do because of the way I have been treated then it will with fees!
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ashlandtrader
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posted on February 28, 2001 08:10:58 PM new
I am plenty bummed myself!
Add me to the long list of people irked by the 1% fee. I too would pay the .05 per listing, but I think the 1% is not justified.
Too bad too-- I have really enjoyed AW and have told SO many people about you over the last few weeks. Please reconsider the 1%.
Some sellers can afford the $200 per year but I am not making enough money to justify more costs and I am not alone.
Please no 1%!
Please?
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tomwiii
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posted on February 28, 2001 08:10:58 PM new
But... on a more serious note...
I discovered AW back in April in my SECOND week of online auctions -- boy was AW a life-saver! I knew NOTHING about NOTHING!
ALL I learned came from here & the boards! Folks like HCQ (even when she dumped on me) and Shosh taught me a ton & AW enabled me to actually learn easily how to launch ONLINE AUCTIONS! And, I became PRETTY GOOD at it! My sell-through is around 80%! My fb is 560/430 with no N's!
But around AUG, AW stopped working for me & I went to GOTO -- and was very happy! I launched from GOTO & followed my auctions with eBud. GREAT SET-UP! I was happier than a pig in poop!
Then the past 5 weeks has been real HELL for me with the auction world! First GOTO shot themselves in the foot with their (seemingly) expensive fees! BUT...But... then eBud REALLY put the screws to me -- they want to force ya to buy ePoster! Which I can't stand!
So I tried AW again -- just too CLUNKY! Sorry, I really gave it a shot... but then I crawled back to GOTO with my tail between my legs & coughed up the $120.00 (had to roll some Boy Scouts for it!) and now AW does the same thing to themselves -- the snatch defeat from the jaws of victory by making GOTO look like a BARGAIN!
Yikes, Auctions are really starting to SUCK! 
[ edited by tomwiii on Feb 28, 2001 08:15 PM ]
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ksterni
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posted on February 28, 2001 08:12:13 PM new
By design?
Hm, what if AW had JUST said there would be a 5 cent listing fee (without the 1% FVF fee)? Wouldn't everyone scream about that?
So, they cleverly propose both... 5 cent listing and 1% FVF... my prediction is that they will drop the 1% FVF so they look like "nice guys...." and then no one blinks at the 5 cent listing fee....
just my opinion...
by the way, I only use AW for message boards. I found a free website host 2 years ago & have been FTPing ever since... Took a one day HTML class, it was fun!
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musicman1313
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posted on February 28, 2001 08:12:40 PM new
WHEN will these Dot.Com guys put their head on straight and start getting to know their customers before they make a HUGE change like this. The FVF is offensive but what is even more offensive is AW's lack of communication with it's customers, both before the announcement and now. So far we've seen Paypal do it, Ebay does it daily, and now AW has fallen into this "Dictatorship" type of business.
I know, I know, it is their site and they can run it as they see fit, but just think if they would have come to the boards and said "here's how much money we need to be profitable" and then got some input before just lowering the boom on us and expecting us to pay their debt. Many of us would have been very understanding! But no, we get the "never let them see you sweat" mentality from them. Now, They Are Sweating!
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Shoshanah
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posted on February 28, 2001 08:14:05 PM new
Jwinch....Hi there.. Me think the INVESTORS are not gonna be too happy reading this topic...
As I said, I do not use any services here, but the chat board, but I can still express my view that 1% FVF is an outrage!...I can see two bits to list and put pics up...But this is NOT an Auction place, as so many have expressed.
********
Gosh Shosh!
About Me
[ edited by Shoshanah on Feb 28, 2001 08:20 PM ]
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Shoshanah
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posted on February 28, 2001 08:19:07 PM new
tomwiii...Thanks..It is nice to be remembered fondly...as opposed to...not-so-fondly 
Let's keep in touch OK? My best to you and yours.
[email protected]
********
Gosh Shosh!
About Me
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