posted on February 4, 2001 01:41:37 AM new
eBay's new hidden email policy is basicly one of greed.
eBay had many complaints from some sellers that disinterested parties(non-bidders) were emailing their bidders warning them of items that were either forged (autographs, or pre-prints not described as such,etc.), copyright violations (viedos, cd's, etc.), fakes (coins, stamps, collectables), or just plain "not as described" (china and porcelian with chips or cracks, etc.). As a result of these "harrassing" emails or "spam" to their bidders, these less than honest sellers were loosing a LOT of money with lower final bids. With lower final bids eBay also loses money with a lower FVF (final value fee).
The other major reason for this decision (imho) is to keep sellers from offering a second and/or third item to the runner-up bidders at their top bids which negates listing those items on eBay resulting in a loss of listing fees and FVF's to eBay. eBay does not want ANYONE that is a registered user conducting business outside of their
control.
Spamers creating mailing lists from eBay sellers and bidders is not really that much of an issue. I've only received two or three in the past year. But it is a great excuse to clamp down on people doing business "out in the aisle" or making private deals which costs eBay profits.
Not all eBay sellers are crooks or thieves. The vast majority of them are cleaning out the attic or garage, selling off unwanted items, people making a few extra dollars, or small "mom & pop" businesses. There are good deals to be found there but one must shop with great care and have an idea what you are buying and who you are dealing with.
As stated at the begining, I believe it mostly comes down to greed on eBay's part.
[ edited by jrodgers on Feb 4, 2001 01:44 AM ]
