posted on January 15, 2005 06:55:20 AM new
Oh good grief! Talk about melodrama! It isn't necessary to use a gallery, BIN or 10 day listing to sell on ebay!
What sellers SHOULD be doing is to organize a long term boycott of the "extras" ...no more galleries, no more 10 day listings. If none of the jewelry sellers used the gallery, then individual sellers would not feel compelled to use it.
Instead of this rate increase INCREASING seller costs, it could DECREASE them. I would bet that an effective boycott of features would do more to "punish" ebay for greed than petitions and a one day listing strike and whole lot more effective than a bunch of small time sellers to simply quit selling on ebay or close their stores.
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"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "...holy sh@#...what a ride!"
posted on January 15, 2005 07:09:41 AM new
..... and here is AP's wording of the 'story' at the main ABC News website:
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The Associated Press
SAN JOSE, Calif. Jan 13, 2005 — Some small business owners who reach most of their customers via eBay Inc. expressed anger Thursday at the online auction giant's plan to boost the monthly fee it charges sellers by 60 percent. Its shares lost nearly 4 percent.
EBay outlined the increase in a terse e-mail on Wednesday to all buyers and sellers, including small business owners who hawk clothing, electronics and other low-margin commodities.
"It seems as though the larger eBay becomes, the more greedy they become," said Lynette McDonald of Alton, Ill., who has sold Barbie and baby clothes on eBay since 2001. She says she may close her eBay store entirely because of the fee hikes or raise prices she changes buyers.
Starting Feb. 18, eBay said the monthly subscription fee for people who operate "Basic eBay Stores" will increase from $9.95 to $15.95.
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"This site used to be a place where one could get a good deal," McDonald said. "Now that the starting prices on goods are higher to accommodate the growing fees incurred, there are no more deals to be had."
Such reactions underscore the popularity eBay has achieved with small business owners who can't create their own Web sites or operate a traditional bricks-and-mortar establishments. Peddling vintage china, handmade sweaters, classic cars and other collectibles on eBay generates supplemental income for senior citizens, rural Americans and others who live far from commercial hubs.
EBay spokesman Hani Durzy declined to discuss how the price hikes would affect revenue at the San Jose, Calif.-based company, which reported sales of $805.88 million in the first three quarters of 2004. The company will report fourth-quarter earnings on Wednesday.
"We believe the price changes are the right thing to do to ensure the continued success of the marketplace," Durzy said. "Ultimately that's good for the entire community of buyers and sellers."
The changes, combined with eBay's dominance in the auction and online payment sectors, prompted some members to ask whether the government or a fair-business consortium should regulate fee structures so small-scale entrepreneurs don't get gouged.
"Yes, it is a free market and sellers can take their business elsewhere, but there is very little competition for this style format," said Artie Klawans, an art dealer in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
EBay shares fell $4.12 to close at $103.13 on the Nasdaq Stock Market. Its shares were at a 52-week high of $118.42 in December.
[ edited by estatesalestuff on Jan 15, 2005 07:11 AM ]
posted on January 15, 2005 07:19:44 AM new
So only the sellers are allowed to make a profit selling on eBay?
eBay has an obligation to their shareholders to make a profit each and every quarter...
But seeing all these "I found it for a nickel and sold it for a c-note..." stories told them money was being made and they deserve their share.
AIN'T LIFE GRAND...
posted on January 15, 2005 09:24:01 AM new
I agree Twelve, greed goes two ways.
When you think about it, if you don't use gallery, BIN or 10 day listings and have no store..THERE WAS NO PRICE INCREASE AT ALL!!
Sellers should be thankful! LOL
**********************************
"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "...holy sh@#...what a ride!"
posted on January 15, 2005 10:13:22 AM new
Sure, some folks make a great find and come out with HUGE profit from time to time. Often they share and we celebrate with them. However, these instances are the exception not the rule. Most of the time sellers are skimping by on slim margins, and when a great item at a low price comes along it can make up for those slim times.
Ebay fees are the rule, not the exception. There is a difference.
posted on January 15, 2005 05:02:19 PM new
I don't use any of the extra's on eBay but I do use the Marquee gallery that Vendio has. If they want to see an auction of mine they have to click it but when they do they are able to see everything I have on auction.
I know that it won't work for neglus as she has far to many cards for the gallery.
What I can't understand is the 50% raise in store fees. I wonder how they determined that.
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[ edited by Libra63 on Jan 15, 2005 05:05 PM ]
