posted on February 26, 2003 10:33:45 AM new
Yes, it *IS* a real issue... And not just in the foreign markets.
All they ever talk about on TV anymore is the war- And war is NOT good for business. At least until we start winning. It's the uncertainty of the whole thing that makes people put off unnecessary purchases. Who wants to buy a two thousand dollar TV or computer today if you are going to need to start stockpiling food next week?
With all the war talk, the media's focus has shifted away from the crappy economy. Hmmmm... Almost as if it were planned that way.
As far as going back to Japan, I doubt anyone is really surprised at that. eBay wants to cover the entire globe. Once she starts talking about "eBay Pakistan", THEN we should worry...
posted on February 26, 2003 11:02:27 AM new
I think Meg saw eBay revenues were beginning to flatten out and she will blame it on the war.
I went through my list of sellers that I have compiled over 7 years to see how they are doing. Over half are no longer registered and 1/4 had no listings.
I think the listing totals are up due to liquidators dumping items on the site, and the pricing pressures as well as getting lost in the millions of items are driving many sellers out.
One thing meg didn't not take into account when she rolled out the red carpet for these large companies and corporations- these companies will brand and advertise at every customer contact and will have their own web site to drive their customers too. I known this is happening because I purchase supplies directly form sellers I found on eBay- they advertise their web site on their email, invoices and all communications, and their web site prices are lower and more choices.
What's making ebay grow now will turn out to be its own demise.
posted on February 26, 2003 01:52:51 PM new
I do not think its just the war talk, there are a lot of other factors at work here. Sales do seem to be on a very good up swing for me.
If it does come, I think things will settle out just fine in a short order.
posted on February 26, 2003 02:04:59 PM new
People will be watching CNN, when it starts I think there might be a sharp dropoff on ebay (sick thought, might be a good time to check out ebay to see if you can find some bargains) but after a day or so, I think people will start to tune out tv a little and go back to ebay.
posted on February 26, 2003 05:34:04 PM new
Too bad US sellers dont follow Japans lead and use yahoo. Must be nice in Japan having ebay compete for sellers money.
