Comments on: No merry Christmas for eBay http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/15/no-merry-christmas-for-ebay/ At the intersection of business and technology Sat, 20 Dec 2008 01:59:37 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: elizabeth, los angeles california http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/15/no-merry-christmas-for-ebay/#comment-4593 elizabeth, los angeles california Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:57:55 +0000 http://fortunetechland.wordpress.com/?p=2043#comment-4593 In 1998, somewhere around there, my neighbor tried to tell me about Ebay. I didn't even have a computer and had no idea what she was talking about. It seemed like quite a daunting task to consider selling my antiques I trudged home from flea markets on such a strange thing as the Internet I wasn't into it. It wasn't until 1998 or 1999 that my father bought me a really nice computer and I slowly discovered the ease with which auctions were listed and items were sold. It was just a fine experience. I actually designed mirrors in my living room and then sold them after hours of hard labor. It was such a fun enjoyable and rewarding experience. As an actress in LA, jobs were hard to come by and Ebay allowed me to supplement my income and survive...as I think it did for a lot of Americans. I remember thinking how great the structure of Ebay was. As Ebay was, I thought deeply on how it would change the face of America. I knew it would be able to empower every Ma and Pa around the country...allowing them to sell grandma's old tea cups for .10 and .15 and winding up with 22.oo or 35.oo. Wow! Not only would Ebay clean out the garages of citizens around the world...it would be on the front stage of the recycling green era we were entering....people buying used or old things...learning and understanding and studying the value of the attic hand me downs etc.....Ebay was a virtual cornucopia of grandma's attic and to search within its realm was to be able to almost feel the quilt of America's real people finally having a chance to be their own boss. I felt the entrepreneurial spirit of America come to pass with the advent of this “Ebay” phenomenon. It felt certainly independent, American, and delightful. Ebay had great success along side the American people now able to afford to sell of their wares of old. Everyone could participate...young and old! Then came the rise of Ebays fees. Then came the new “listing” changes....and so on and so forth. Ebay worked to expand its revenues beyond American soil and got the whole world enlisted. It seemed like Ebay would be moving up and up into the commercial stratosphere. But my dream of what Ebay was headed for quickly was replaced with mountains of Jade Buddhas and thousands of listings of plastic soulless gadgets that one now must pass through hundreds of before arriving at anything interesting.With the prices for listings set to be doubled now and the fees charged even if the item did not sell...make selling on Ebay much less of an opportunity than an investment decision...alot of sellers just left...others put up less...and some just faded away. There went Granny out the door with her teacup collection. She simply could not afford to sell on Ebay anymore. In came China and other countries, which at first seemed so almost altruistic, until we saw it didn't really include the lady living in the Congo making baskets...she would have to own a computer and have capitol to enter a listing...instead a lot of the over priced and over- peddled worthless commodities we see on Ebay now.. I imagined Ebay a long time ago becoming much more interesting than that...but alas...when you type in Malta....there is nothing for sale there still to this day but stamps. Strange With Ebay being more open to everyone in the beginning with lower fees, I only recall this because I remember paying about 70.oo every few months as opposed to about 70.oo every two or three listings now, it was just more spirited and delightful to shop on Ebay It showed the spirit of gamesmanship that Ebay had a venue that let some Iowa farmer list an old plow for 1.oo. - pick up only. It was like Mr. Toads Wild Ride. Now if you ask anyone...and I know many dealers on mainly the West Coast...no one likes Ebay like they used to and when its mentioned they liken the site to a great boyfriend or girlfriend that finally cheated on them and so they are not so in love any more. You must be aware of this. So why not do something about it? We are in a rough economy now. We have a new President and everyone is hurting all over America. Ebay is tanking and you know it. It is full of new merchandise that all looks the same and it just sits there and sits there.Why are you trying to be Britney Spears when you were Princess Di? In the year 2000...you could see bids up to 7 and 8,000.00 for a good vintage chandelier. I went on Ebay yesterday and I think the highest price realized for a chandelier in completed auctions was around 1200.00! Thats insane! No one wants to list their good stuff anymore on Ebay because no one shops there any more. If you know anything about art or art dealing...you know that people don't go to staged Estate Sales. They go where people don't know what they have. Its the allure of the “possibility “ of finding treasure. Whether they find it or not is almost unimportant. They won't stop at your sale at all if they think its a set up. Ebay has become a set up. With fewer and fewer people listing because they can't afford to and the big corporations listing their wares by the 3o dozen at a time...there is no finding treasure anymore. It becomes more like Home Depot. I wondered if Ebay had even realized they lost their allure which is why I wrote this letter. I know Ms. Whitman defended Ebay's hike in prices by saying that they needed to do so...well...it cost Ebay quite a lot. It lost Ebay a lot of revenue and a lot of respect, too. What is the saddest is the serious allure and sportsmanship of the whole Ebay game which now is all but gone. I know you have heard countless Ebayers stating that Ebay was created by the sellers and independent dealers in the US. That was your base. I could easily say you turned on your base, but I'm not here to complain...just let you know how sad I am that such a tool of commerce has faded so deeply into corporatism and become so bland. Again, I not only believed Ebay could solve a lot of poverty across the global universe, I thought it would be the wave of the future...that people would shop Ebay for specialized exotic pieces and leave the retail establishments, which are also tanking heavily in the dust. I believe Ebay began with that flavor and then took a different road that has only darkened the doorway for the profits, the pure competition for great and unusual merchandise and for the entrepreneurship and independence of people across the world. I for one, would gladly buy baskets from a lady in Guatemala on Ebay over something from Target. You would win. But the lady in Guatemala will not see Ebay as a marketplace in her lifetime because of the direction Ebay has taken. I write this letter in hopes that the spirit and origin of the Ebay past has not died under the leadership of people with no vision towards what could be so rewarding for the worlds future. In our present economy and with so much death and destruction spanning across the globe...would it not be in Ebays best interest to make headlines with a new fresh start? How about one month free listings for the entire world as a gesture of peace and independence? Its not my petty wallet I'm vying for here...I'm vying for a massive entity such as you are to act like a gentleman and give something radical to the world in which you earn your money from! You have veterans families on food stamps, you have displaced families that lost relatives, you have massive loss, corruption and greed everywhere across America and no one expects anything. Do you actually think in this climate that a 10% coupon off a 325.oo Star Wars Lego Set has anyone turned on? You do?Wouldn't it be the greatest open door to future generations of Ebay buyers and sellers if you did something altruistic and magnanimousand perhaps “old school” the way Ebay used to be? I write this because Ebay had the runway to spread power to all including itself, but in thinking that you could increase your power and net worth, you lost the trajectory that could have practically changed millions of lives and increased your profits globally and at home for years if not decades to come. It's an opportunity that if I were CEO, I would not hesitate to instate. No one really cares much who you are right now, but if you did something truly selfless and powerful such as lower the fees or erase the fees for a month or two , everyone in the world would knock on your door. I am not some greedy idiot who wants to not pay fees for a while...I just think Ebay is quite horrific a place now...most of my friends agree ...and it makes me sad. Whatever Ebays thinking was for the change in its clean open structure it began with...it will never be AMAZON or any other venue it is trying to compete with and it certainly will NEVER be Craigslist which charges nothing. It had its own spice. Look in the mirror. You were beautiful before you go the nose job, the tummy tuck and the hair implants. You had it right in the beginning!You should not have changed a thing. If you hadnt...all your old customers would still be with you. They are not. How will you ever lure them back and get new ones when you are trying to be Britney Spears? Everyone knows substance when they see it. Ebay has lost it. It's why people buy the New York Times and listen to AM Radio Hosts. They are craving the truth. What is the truth? Did you really need to make all those changes and kick up all your fees like that? Do you have any idea what its like to drop into Ebay and have a lot to do and be kicked in the face with a hundred pop ups? Can you spell desperate? I know you guys are trying to do everything you can to increase sales but you are not taking on the one thing you need to do if you want to save Ebay from itself. I wish you the best. Have a nice day. Sincerely, Elizabeth C./ LA In 1998, somewhere around there, my neighbor tried to tell me about Ebay. I didn’t even have a computer and had no idea what she was talking about. It seemed like quite a daunting task to consider selling my antiques I trudged home from flea markets on such a strange thing as the Internet I wasn’t into it. It wasn’t until 1998 or 1999 that my father bought me a really nice computer and I slowly discovered the ease with which auctions were listed and items were sold. It was just a fine experience. I actually designed mirrors in my living room and then sold them after hours of hard labor. It was such a fun enjoyable and rewarding experience. As an actress in LA, jobs were hard to come by and Ebay allowed me to supplement my income and survive…as I think it did for a lot of Americans. I remember thinking how great the structure of Ebay was. As Ebay was, I thought deeply on how it would change the face of America. I knew it would be able to empower every Ma and Pa around the country…allowing them to sell grandma’s old tea cups for .10 and .15 and winding up with 22.oo or 35.oo. Wow! Not only would Ebay clean out the garages of citizens around the world…it would be on the front stage of the recycling green era we were entering….people buying used or old things…learning and understanding and studying the value of the attic hand me downs etc…..Ebay was a virtual cornucopia of grandma’s attic and to search within its realm was to be able to almost feel the quilt of America’s real people finally having a chance to be their own boss. I felt the entrepreneurial spirit of America come to pass with the advent of this “Ebay” phenomenon. It felt certainly independent, American, and delightful. Ebay had great success along side the American people now able to afford to sell of their wares of old. Everyone could participate…young and old!
Then came the rise of Ebays fees. Then came the new “listing” changes….and so on and so forth. Ebay worked to expand its revenues beyond American soil and got the whole world enlisted. It seemed like Ebay would be moving up and up into the commercial stratosphere. But my dream of what Ebay was headed for quickly was replaced with mountains of Jade Buddhas and thousands of listings of plastic soulless gadgets that one now must pass through hundreds of before arriving at anything interesting.With the prices for listings set to be doubled now and the fees charged even if the item did not sell…make selling on Ebay much less of an opportunity than an investment decision…alot of sellers just left…others put up less…and some just faded away. There went Granny out the door with her teacup collection. She simply could not afford to sell on Ebay anymore. In came China and other countries, which at first seemed so almost altruistic, until we saw it didn’t really include the lady living in the Congo making baskets…she would have to own a computer and have capitol to enter a listing…instead a lot of the over priced and over- peddled worthless commodities we see on Ebay now.. I imagined Ebay a long time ago becoming much more interesting than that…but alas…when you type in Malta….there is nothing for sale there still to this day but stamps. Strange
With Ebay being more open to everyone in the beginning with lower fees, I only recall this because I remember paying about 70.oo every few months as opposed to about 70.oo every two or three listings now, it was just more spirited and delightful to shop on Ebay It showed the spirit of gamesmanship that Ebay had a venue that let some Iowa farmer list an old plow for 1.oo. – pick up only. It was like Mr. Toads Wild Ride. Now if you ask anyone…and I know many dealers on mainly the West Coast…no one likes Ebay like they used to and when its mentioned they liken the site to a great boyfriend or girlfriend that finally cheated on them and so they are not so in love any more. You must be aware of this.
So why not do something about it? We are in a rough economy now. We have a new President and everyone is hurting all over America. Ebay is tanking and you know it. It is full of new merchandise that all looks the same and it just sits there and sits there.Why are you trying to be Britney Spears when you were Princess Di? In the year 2000…you could see bids up to 7 and 8,000.00 for a good vintage chandelier. I went on Ebay yesterday and I think the highest price realized for a chandelier in completed auctions was around 1200.00! Thats insane! No one wants to list their good stuff anymore on Ebay because no one shops there any more. If you know anything about art or art dealing…you know that people don’t go to staged Estate Sales. They go where people don’t know what they have. Its the allure of the “possibility “ of finding treasure. Whether they find it or not is almost unimportant. They won’t stop at your sale at all if they think its a set up. Ebay has become a set up. With fewer and fewer people listing because they can’t afford to and the big corporations listing their wares by the 3o dozen at a time…there is no finding treasure anymore. It becomes more like Home Depot. I wondered if Ebay had even realized they lost their allure which is why I wrote this letter. I know Ms. Whitman defended Ebay’s hike in prices by saying that they needed to do so…well…it cost Ebay quite a lot. It lost Ebay a lot of revenue and a lot of respect, too. What is the saddest is the serious allure and sportsmanship of the whole Ebay game which now is all but gone.
I know you have heard countless Ebayers stating that Ebay was created by the sellers and independent dealers in the US. That was your base. I could easily say you turned on your base, but I’m not here to complain…just let you know how sad I am that such a tool of commerce has faded so deeply into corporatism and become so bland.
Again, I not only believed Ebay could solve a lot of poverty across the global universe, I thought it would be the wave of the future…that people would shop Ebay for specialized exotic pieces and leave the retail establishments, which are also tanking heavily in the dust. I believe Ebay began with that flavor and then took a different road that has only darkened the doorway for the profits, the pure competition for great and unusual merchandise and for the entrepreneurship and independence of people across the world. I for one, would gladly buy baskets from a lady in Guatemala on Ebay over something from Target. You would win. But the lady in Guatemala will not see Ebay as a marketplace in her lifetime because of the direction Ebay has taken.
I write this letter in hopes that the spirit and origin of the Ebay past has not died under the leadership of people with no vision towards what could be so rewarding for the worlds future. In our present economy and with so much death and destruction spanning across the globe…would it not be in Ebays best interest to make headlines with a new fresh start? How about one month free listings for the entire world as a gesture of peace and independence? Its not my petty wallet I’m vying for here…I’m vying for a massive entity such as you are to act like a gentleman and give something radical to the world in which you earn your money from! You have veterans families on food stamps, you have displaced families that lost relatives, you have massive loss, corruption and greed everywhere across America and no one expects anything. Do you actually think in this climate that a 10% coupon off a 325.oo Star Wars Lego Set has anyone turned on? You do?Wouldn’t it be the greatest open door to future generations of Ebay buyers and sellers if you did something altruistic and magnanimousand perhaps “old school” the way Ebay used to be?
I write this because Ebay had the runway to spread power to all including itself, but in thinking that you could increase your power and net worth, you lost the trajectory that could have practically changed millions of lives and increased your profits globally and at home for years if not decades to come. It’s an opportunity that if I were CEO, I would not hesitate to instate. No one really cares much who you are right now, but if you did something truly selfless and powerful such as lower the fees or erase the fees for a month or two , everyone in the world would knock on your door. I am not some greedy idiot who wants to not pay fees for a while…I just think Ebay is quite horrific a place now…most of my friends agree …and it makes me sad.
Whatever Ebays thinking was for the change in its clean open structure it began with…it will never be AMAZON or any other venue it is trying to compete with and it certainly will NEVER be Craigslist which charges nothing. It had its own spice. Look in the mirror. You were beautiful before you go the nose job, the tummy tuck and the hair implants. You had it right in the beginning!You should not have changed a thing. If you hadnt…all your old customers would still be with you. They are not. How will you ever lure them back and get new ones when you are trying to be Britney Spears? Everyone knows substance when they see it. Ebay has lost it. It’s why people buy the New York Times and listen to AM Radio Hosts. They are craving the truth. What is the truth? Did you really need to make all those changes and kick up all your fees like that? Do you have any idea what its like to drop into Ebay and have a lot to do and be kicked in the face with a hundred pop ups? Can you spell desperate? I know you guys are trying to do everything you can to increase sales but you are not taking on the one thing you need to do if you want to save Ebay from itself. I wish you the best.

Have a nice day.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth C./ LA

]]> By: Dave Noyes,Centralia,WA http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/15/no-merry-christmas-for-ebay/#comment-4586 Dave Noyes,Centralia,WA Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:33:29 +0000 http://fortunetechland.wordpress.com/?p=2043#comment-4586 This link will take you to a "memo" that was posted in the ebay discussion several times over a 2 week period nd quickly remved by ebay each time. http://www.localaccess.com/wizard/ebayplan.htm It may or may not be authentic as there is no way to verify that BUT it has become about 75% reality leading me to believe it is authentic.Take a look at it and you will understand better why these new policies have been implemented. This link will take you to a “memo” that was posted in the ebay discussion several times over a 2 week period nd quickly remved by ebay each time.

http://www.localaccess.com/wizard/ebayplan.htm

It may or may not be authentic as there is no way to verify that BUT it has become about 75% reality leading me to believe it is authentic.Take a look at it and you will understand better why these new policies have been implemented.

]]> By: Karina Boulder, Austin, TX http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/15/no-merry-christmas-for-ebay/#comment-4584 Karina Boulder, Austin, TX Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:22:24 +0000 http://fortunetechland.wordpress.com/?p=2043#comment-4584 Ebay has let too many sellers down with the constant changing of policies and rules. All are against the sellers especially the smaller sellers. The small sellers made ebay what they are and now they are getting ditched. Donahue needs to go. His anti-seller attitude ruins the whole image of ebay. These sellers are buyers too. Not any more. More and more are leaving. It is not all the economy that leads to the low sell through rate of ebay. It is the constant changes that are being made and all against the sellers. Donahue did a lot of damage and the only way to fix what he has done is to get him out of ebay. Undue the policies that he established and sellers will come back. I am mainly a buyer and it is so hard to navigate around on ebay with its "Best Match" category. There are so many other new sites where I can get my items. Ebay is not user friendly anymore. I'm taking my business elsewhere. Ebay has let too many sellers down with the constant changing of policies and rules. All are against the sellers especially the smaller sellers. The small sellers made ebay what they are and now they are getting ditched.
Donahue needs to go. His anti-seller attitude ruins the whole image of ebay. These sellers are buyers too. Not any more. More and more are leaving. It is not all the economy that leads to the low sell through rate of ebay. It is the constant changes that are being made and all against the sellers.

Donahue did a lot of damage and the only way to fix what he has done is to get him out of ebay. Undue the policies that he established and sellers will come back.

I am mainly a buyer and it is so hard to navigate around on ebay with its “Best Match” category. There are so many other new sites where I can get my items. Ebay is not user friendly anymore. I’m taking my business elsewhere.

]]> By: pugcasso , Canada http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/15/no-merry-christmas-for-ebay/#comment-4565 pugcasso , Canada Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:32:07 +0000 http://fortunetechland.wordpress.com/?p=2043#comment-4565 As a multi-year power seller on ebay who used to make 20 or so small watercolours a week and sell most of them, this year since the big changes has been a steady downhill decline. Auctions are now pathetic (8 ended tonight, 2 sold at around $10). Trying the new 30-day listings is better but still after the idiotic Best Match and the changes to everything else, I think it is these changes that have hurt so many. I also think the pressure to include 'Free shipping' should be illegal (as it affects one's placement in searches)! I know some previous power seller artists who just couldn't survive the changes and have left. Ditch Donahue! He plainly lives in another world. Maybe if people could find sellers items without sellers having to jump through hoops (usually with a $ attached), then it would be half decent. As it stands I've been struggling to figure it out all year. As a multi-year power seller on ebay who used to make 20 or so small watercolours a week and sell most of them, this year since the big changes has been a steady downhill decline. Auctions are now pathetic (8 ended tonight, 2 sold at around $10). Trying the new 30-day listings is better but still after the idiotic Best Match and the changes to everything else, I think it is these changes that have hurt so many. I also think the pressure to include ‘Free shipping’ should be illegal (as it affects one’s placement in searches)! I know some previous power seller artists who just couldn’t survive the changes and have left.

Ditch Donahue! He plainly lives in another world.

Maybe if people could find sellers items without sellers having to jump through hoops (usually with a $ attached), then it would be half decent. As it stands I’ve been struggling to figure it out all year.

]]> By: Janelle dixon bronson michigan http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/15/no-merry-christmas-for-ebay/#comment-4564 Janelle dixon bronson michigan Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:38:12 +0000 http://fortunetechland.wordpress.com/?p=2043#comment-4564 I tend to think the buyers commenting on here don't what its like to sell on ebay. Ive been selling on ebay since 2003. When I started out my sales weregreat. I got bids, and sidn't have to pay a whole lot of money for people to see my items. Then they 'fixed' things in 2004. Its been nothing but a struggle to sell on there ever since then. I sell my own artwork. I put money into these paintings in order to sell them. The past few months I have been lucky enough to make enough money to break even. And then black friday rolled around where my sales dropped down to zero. I'llbe lucky enough to cover my feebay bill for this month. I am also a buyer. I have to say I have seen a lot of my favorite sellers kicked off the site over something as stupid as the new feed back system. Where you are punished if the buyer decides to leave you a negative feedback instead of resolving the problem first. I like to shop on ebay. One thing I have noticed is that its more of a flea market, instead of the unique site it was a few years ago. Sellers are getting fed up with them and leaving. One thing I don't understand is why they don't listen to us. We are their customers! I have worked in customer service for years. Where I learned that you need to listen to your customers if there is a problem. You try to make it right with them. Why aren't they listening? I tend to think the buyers commenting on here don’t what its like to sell on ebay. Ive been selling on ebay since 2003. When I started out my sales weregreat. I got bids, and sidn’t have to pay a whole lot of money for people to see my items. Then they ‘fixed’ things in 2004. Its been nothing but a struggle to sell on there ever since then.

I sell my own artwork. I put money into these paintings in order to sell them. The past few months I have been lucky enough to make enough money to break even. And then black friday rolled around where my sales dropped down to zero. I’llbe lucky enough to cover my feebay bill for this month.

I am also a buyer. I have to say I have seen a lot of my favorite sellers kicked off the site over something as stupid as the new feed back system. Where you are punished if the buyer decides to leave you a negative feedback instead of resolving the problem first. I like to shop on ebay. One thing I have noticed is that its more of a flea market, instead of the unique site it was a few years ago.

Sellers are getting fed up with them and leaving. One thing I don’t understand is why they don’t listen to us. We are their customers! I have worked in customer service for years. Where I learned that you need to listen to your customers if there is a problem. You try to make it right with them. Why aren’t they listening?

]]> By: no longer an ebay user http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/15/no-merry-christmas-for-ebay/#comment-4561 no longer an ebay user Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:46:20 +0000 http://fortunetechland.wordpress.com/?p=2043#comment-4561 the truth to the matter is donhoe lol is running the co loke busch is running the country how much longer is this gonna be done i closed my account there new policys and rules are very ((( dunb))) the truth to the matter is donhoe lol is running the co loke busch is running the country how much longer is this gonna be done i closed my account there new policys and rules are very ((( dunb)))

]]> By: NYM Arts, Poughkeepsie, New York http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/15/no-merry-christmas-for-ebay/#comment-4556 NYM Arts, Poughkeepsie, New York Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:47:28 +0000 http://fortunetechland.wordpress.com/?p=2043#comment-4556 Ebay C.E.O. John Donahoe is Hiding his INABILITY to Command Ebay, in America's Sector-specific Slow-down. We, who Pay the FEES to Sell on Ebay as a Business, know that THIS ECONOMY is to Ebay, what Fish Emulsion is to Tomato Plants. EBAY THRIVES with This Exact Economy. Ebay BOOMS with THIS VERY ECONOMY. And THAT, my friends, is SOLID EVIDENCE that C.E.O. John Donahoe MUST BE REMOVED AT ONCE. Ebay C.E.O. John Donahoe is Hiding his INABILITY to Command Ebay, in America’s Sector-specific Slow-down.
We, who Pay the FEES to Sell on Ebay as a Business, know that THIS ECONOMY is to Ebay, what Fish Emulsion is to Tomato Plants.
EBAY THRIVES with This Exact Economy.
Ebay BOOMS with THIS VERY ECONOMY.
And THAT, my friends, is SOLID EVIDENCE
that C.E.O. John Donahoe MUST BE REMOVED AT ONCE.

]]> By: Deciso, Motocity, MI http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/15/no-merry-christmas-for-ebay/#comment-4553 Deciso, Motocity, MI Mon, 24 Nov 2008 03:43:21 +0000 http://fortunetechland.wordpress.com/?p=2043#comment-4553 eBay has bitten the hands that feed them, namely, the Sellers. Without the Sellers there would be no eBay. There will always be Buyers as long as there is something offered by a Seller. Yet eBay has made some severe mistakes recently, which is slowly coming to surface as the article addresses, and the forecast looks dire unless they make some radical changes quickly. The merging and "enforcing" payment with Paypal, thus seeming like double charging the Seller. The highly increased costs. The lopsided defence of the Buyer in times of dispute by eBay and/or Paypal. And recently, the current feedback fiasco. All add up to a slap in the face to the Sellers that eBay is based on. I would like to see a massive organized shift to other auction sites, because let's face it, it's getting harder and harder to package those items when your hands are being bitten off. So in conclusion let me reiterate: eBay needs to correct it's poor decisions, there needs to be a massive organized shift to other auction sites. Also, I would like to say that I am a Buyer and Seller on eBay and that I have noticed it has changed from being great and fun to P.O.S. and pain in the ace. eBay has bitten the hands that feed them, namely, the Sellers. Without the Sellers there would be no eBay. There will always be Buyers as long as there is something offered by a Seller. Yet eBay has made some severe mistakes recently, which is slowly coming to surface as the article addresses, and the forecast looks dire unless they make some radical changes quickly. The merging and “enforcing” payment with Paypal, thus seeming like double charging the Seller. The highly increased costs. The lopsided defence of the Buyer in times of dispute by eBay and/or Paypal. And recently, the current feedback fiasco. All add up to a slap in the face to the Sellers that eBay is based on. I would like to see a massive organized shift to other auction sites, because let’s face it, it’s getting harder and harder to package those items when your hands are being bitten off. So in conclusion let me reiterate: eBay needs to correct it’s poor decisions, there needs to be a massive organized shift to other auction sites. Also, I would like to say that I am a Buyer and Seller on eBay and that I have noticed it has changed from being great and fun to P.O.S. and pain in the ace.

]]> By: Kathy, Louisville, ky http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/15/no-merry-christmas-for-ebay/#comment-4427 Kathy, Louisville, ky Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:42:27 +0000 http://fortunetechland.wordpress.com/?p=2043#comment-4427 Ebay's probems stem primarily from thier own 'punish our sellers' tactics. Sellers can't afford thier fees and cuts. They claim a discount but the end is higher cost. Its a scam and a ripoff. A lot of sellers have moved to amazon and other sites. Sellers are also big ebay buyers, so... when you run off the seller you ran off sales too and loyal customers. But then, to hear ebay tell it the majestic buyer can't make a mistake and the seller should stand slumped and waiting with a jar of johnsons vasiline in thier hands with a big smile on our faces in the process. Ebay deserves to fail for the way they have treated thier sellers over the past year. Ebay’s probems stem primarily from thier own ‘punish our sellers’ tactics. Sellers can’t afford thier fees and cuts. They claim a discount but the end is higher cost. Its a scam and a ripoff. A lot of sellers have moved to amazon and other sites. Sellers are also big ebay buyers, so… when you run off the seller you ran off sales too and loyal customers. But then, to hear ebay tell it the majestic buyer can’t make a mistake and the seller should stand slumped and waiting with a jar of johnsons vasiline in thier hands with a big smile on our faces in the process. Ebay deserves to fail for the way they have treated thier sellers over the past year.

]]> By: Bill Smith Greenbay Wisconsin http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/15/no-merry-christmas-for-ebay/#comment-4425 Bill Smith Greenbay Wisconsin Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:20:42 +0000 http://fortunetechland.wordpress.com/?p=2043#comment-4425 to ebay buyer not a seller, you do not sell on ebay and you have not been subjected to the thieves. you are the problem not the answer, the buyer is not always right and your attitude toward towards businesses are typical for a buyer who thinks they are right about everything and should get MORE THAN WHAT THEY PAY FOR. If buyers would act more responsible instead of blaming everything on sellers when they do not read the ad,or expect cheaper shipping when the cost is stated in the ad. a bunch of cry baby whiner buyers have caused major problems, it is your responsibility to shop with honest sellers not ours wake up and quit whining we have a right to make a profit. What is the problem can't you read or what? to ebay buyer not a seller, you do not sell on ebay and you have not been subjected to the thieves. you are the problem not the answer, the buyer is not always right and your attitude toward towards businesses are typical for a buyer who thinks they are right about everything and should get MORE THAN WHAT THEY PAY FOR. If buyers would act more responsible instead of blaming everything on sellers when they do not read the ad,or expect cheaper shipping when the cost is stated in the ad. a bunch of cry baby whiner buyers have caused major problems, it is your responsibility to shop with honest sellers not ours wake up and quit whining we have a right to make a profit. What is the problem can’t you read or what?

]]> By: karwan, Denver, Co http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/15/no-merry-christmas-for-ebay/#comment-4324 karwan, Denver, Co Tue, 04 Nov 2008 07:19:49 +0000 http://fortunetechland.wordpress.com/?p=2043#comment-4324 FIRE JOHN DONAHOE PETITION! http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?jdonohoe "Ebay Stockholders and Sellers Calling For Immediate Termination of John Donohoe CEO" PLEASE! Pass this information on to others!!! FIRE JOHN DONAHOE PETITION!

http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?jdonohoe

“Ebay Stockholders and Sellers Calling For Immediate Termination of John Donohoe CEO”

PLEASE! Pass this information on to others!!!

]]> By: Jason, Porthmadog, Wales http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/15/no-merry-christmas-for-ebay/#comment-4286 Jason, Porthmadog, Wales Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:03:29 +0000 http://fortunetechland.wordpress.com/?p=2043#comment-4286 When I heard about ebay's policy changes earlier in the year, it reminded me of when Coca Cola replaced the "Real Thing" with "New Coke" in a panic at Pepsi's increasing popularity. Ebay haven't changed the name, but they have certainly changed the product - we are just beginning to see the consequences. This is a basic error. Donohoe will eventually pay with a golden parachute whilst stockholders, well... erm... pay. When I heard about ebay’s policy changes earlier in the year, it reminded me of when Coca Cola replaced the “Real Thing” with “New Coke” in a panic at Pepsi’s increasing popularity. Ebay haven’t changed the name, but they have certainly changed the product – we are just beginning to see the consequences.

This is a basic error. Donohoe will eventually pay with a golden parachute whilst stockholders, well… erm… pay.

]]> By: Lisa, Tempe, Az http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/15/no-merry-christmas-for-ebay/#comment-4279 Lisa, Tempe, Az Wed, 22 Oct 2008 23:36:04 +0000 http://fortunetechland.wordpress.com/?p=2043#comment-4279 FeeBay aka eBay has continually shot itself in the foot with the bad business decisions, changes, etc. that are sending their top sellers off to other sites. Stupid, incompetence, adversary decisions, rules, changes . . . I can't say enough. GOD help us if Meg gets a place in the next administration! FeeBay aka eBay has continually shot itself in the foot with the bad business decisions, changes, etc. that are sending their top sellers off to other sites.

Stupid, incompetence, adversary decisions, rules, changes . . . I can’t say enough.

GOD help us if Meg gets a place in the next administration!

]]> By: Joel Goslar, Mountain View, CA http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/15/no-merry-christmas-for-ebay/#comment-4262 Joel Goslar, Mountain View, CA Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:19:12 +0000 http://fortunetechland.wordpress.com/?p=2043#comment-4262 Ebay has turned into"fleabay" and I doubt the economic crisis is to blame for all of their troubles. I have a perfect customer rating on Ebay (from past use) but would not even think of selling anything on the site now. All the fees ebay charges now makes it unprofitable for any seller, regardless of their customer rating. Ebay is so frustrating to use, that I had my own site programmed at great expense that rewards honest, responsible sellers. It is at: www.myabuy.com Ebay has turned into”fleabay” and I doubt the economic crisis is to blame for all of their troubles. I have a perfect customer rating on Ebay (from past use) but would not even think of selling anything on the site now. All the fees ebay charges now makes it unprofitable for any seller, regardless of their customer rating.

Ebay is so frustrating to use, that I had my own site programmed at great expense that rewards honest, responsible sellers. It is at:
http://www.myabuy.com

]]> By: John Fredette, Raleigh, NC http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/15/no-merry-christmas-for-ebay/#comment-4239 John Fredette, Raleigh, NC Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:01:53 +0000 http://fortunetechland.wordpress.com/?p=2043#comment-4239 I began as an eBay buyer, then seller years ago. It was a magical marketplace of myriad treasures. Now it is just a lot of crap. Ten years ago I knew we would look back on the early days as a golden time. It was. Too bad someone could not figure out how to keep the community spirit and also make enough money to satisfy stockholders. Mr D and company have not exactly killed the goose with the golden eggs, but they have put her on life support and the prognosis is not good. It is very sad. I began as an eBay buyer, then seller years ago. It was a magical marketplace of myriad treasures. Now it is just a lot of crap. Ten years ago I knew we would look back on the early days as a golden time. It was. Too bad someone could not figure out how to keep the community spirit and also make enough money to satisfy stockholders.

Mr D and company have not exactly killed the goose with the golden eggs, but they have put her on life support and the prognosis is not good. It is very sad.

]]> By: Art, Ellicott City, MD http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/15/no-merry-christmas-for-ebay/#comment-4236 Art, Ellicott City, MD Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:48:10 +0000 http://fortunetechland.wordpress.com/?p=2043#comment-4236 I recently tried to sell some things after a gap of about a year. The eBay policy changes frustrated and aggravated me and the buyers so much that I cancelled my account. I'd rather throw the stuff away than go through that again. So I'm no longer a seller (small loss to eBay) <b>or a buyer.</b> I recently tried to sell some things after a gap of about a year. The eBay policy changes frustrated and aggravated me and the buyers so much that I cancelled my account. I’d rather throw the stuff away than go through that again. So I’m no longer a seller (small loss to eBay) or a buyer.

]]> By: Andy, Bristol, UK http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/15/no-merry-christmas-for-ebay/#comment-4225 Andy, Bristol, UK Sat, 18 Oct 2008 16:25:38 +0000 http://fortunetechland.wordpress.com/?p=2043#comment-4225 It seems clear that the people who post here with comments in favour of eBay have no idea what it is like to sell in high volume on eBay. I am one of those high volume sellers. I have people sabotaging my auctions. I write constantly to eBay and, let's be clear about this, they ignore my emails or respond with 'we'll look into this' and then they ignore the email. I have never known such an arrogant and appalling company. They do not give a damn. www.goldbondmoneyportfolio.com It seems clear that the people who post here with comments in favour of eBay have no idea what it is like to sell in high volume on eBay.

I am one of those high volume sellers. I have people sabotaging my auctions. I write constantly to eBay and, let’s be clear about this, they ignore my emails or respond with ‘we’ll look into this’ and then they ignore the email. I have never known such an arrogant and appalling company.

They do not give a damn.

http://www.goldbondmoneyportfolio.com

]]> By: Kim B., Canton, MI http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/15/no-merry-christmas-for-ebay/#comment-4206 Kim B., Canton, MI Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:24:09 +0000 http://fortunetechland.wordpress.com/?p=2043#comment-4206 It would be silly to say that the economy is not playing a large role in the decline of sales on ebay. Nonetheless, ebay's lack of respect for it's sellers is surely playing a crucial role in the decline. Everytime Ebay makes an improvement or decrease in its fee structure, it finds another way to sock it to the seller through outrageously priced 'extras' such as the high costs associated with adding extra images, using a subtitle or second category, and featured items. Another very huge issue is Ebay's unwillingness to invest more of its profit in technology to simplify the headaches involved in listing and editing listings. Over the past year, ebay has made numerous policy changes that have turned into a nightmare for sellers. Example: A year ago I was bombarded with sales by fraudulent buyers who then wanted to pay via BidPay. So I added a notice to all of my store listings stating that I do not accept BidPay. Two months later, ebay made a backside change to disallow Fixed Price and Auction listings with the term 'BidPay.' Those listings continue to relist as store listings. But the ONLY way I can send them to Fixed Price now (1,200 of my items are affected), is to edit them one-by-one (through ebay's turtle slow website). Then, another backside change. Ebay made recent category changes. Thus, any items sellers had previously listed under a particular category will not send to Fixed Price because ebay assigned a new category number. Again, another manual item-by-item edit will be required to change all these listings. Sorry! I don't have time for this crap. So ebay is losing $420 per month in fees from me alone for the items I can't send to fixed price. Ebay has no respect for the amount of time sellers invest in their businesses. Those of us who are PowerSellers are mostly self-employed full-time (i.e. small business owners). The average small business owner works 60+ hours per week. Ebay creates policies that subject us to excessive wastes of time to fix problems. Then they nickel and dime us to death on fees. And then, to top it off, they expect us to maintain ridiculous performance measurements in order for our listings to be visible to buyers. Now, if we don't offer free shipping, our listings are buried as ebay has created a structure so that everytime a buyer comes to ebay, items are sorted by 'Best Match'. And 'Best Match' has NOTHING to do with being the best match. It has everything to do with poor policy decisions by ebay. I could go on and on. This is just the tip of the iceberg. It would be silly to say that the economy is not playing a large role in the decline of sales on ebay. Nonetheless, ebay’s lack of respect for it’s sellers is surely playing a crucial role in the decline. Everytime Ebay makes an improvement or decrease in its fee structure, it finds another way to sock it to the seller through outrageously priced ‘extras’ such as the high costs associated with adding extra images, using a subtitle or second category, and featured items.

Another very huge issue is Ebay’s unwillingness to invest more of its profit in technology to simplify the headaches involved in listing and editing listings.

Over the past year, ebay has made numerous policy changes that have turned into a nightmare for sellers.

Example: A year ago I was bombarded with sales by fraudulent buyers who then wanted to pay via BidPay. So I added a notice to all of my store listings stating that I do not accept BidPay. Two months later, ebay made a backside change to disallow Fixed Price and Auction listings with the term ‘BidPay.’ Those listings continue to relist as store listings. But the ONLY way I can send them to Fixed Price now (1,200 of my items are affected), is to edit them one-by-one (through ebay’s turtle slow website).

Then, another backside change. Ebay made recent category changes. Thus, any items sellers had previously listed under a particular category will not send to Fixed Price because ebay assigned a new category number. Again, another manual item-by-item edit will be required to change all these listings. Sorry! I don’t have time for this crap. So ebay is losing $420 per month in fees from me alone for the items I can’t send to fixed price.

Ebay has no respect for the amount of time sellers invest in their businesses. Those of us who are PowerSellers are mostly self-employed full-time (i.e. small business owners). The average small business owner works 60+ hours per week. Ebay creates policies that subject us to excessive wastes of time to fix problems. Then they nickel and dime us to death on fees. And then, to top it off, they expect us to maintain ridiculous performance measurements in order for our listings to be visible to buyers. Now, if we don’t offer free shipping, our listings are buried as ebay has created a structure so that everytime a buyer comes to ebay, items are sorted by ‘Best Match’. And ‘Best Match’ has NOTHING to do with being the best match. It has everything to do with poor policy decisions by ebay.

I could go on and on. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

]]> By: Jim, Woodstock, IL http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/15/no-merry-christmas-for-ebay/#comment-4201 Jim, Woodstock, IL Fri, 17 Oct 2008 04:36:23 +0000 http://fortunetechland.wordpress.com/?p=2043#comment-4201 I have been making money. Instead of whining, I have been listing and have had one of my best month's ever. If you have no bidders, I suggest you take your crap back to Macy's, Target or Wallyworld. Everything I sell is vintage, one of a kind or unusal. The crap y9u people sell is over the top. I have been making money. Instead of whining, I have been listing and have had one of my best month’s ever.
If you have no bidders, I suggest you take your crap back to Macy’s, Target or Wallyworld.
Everything I sell is vintage, one of a kind or unusal. The crap y9u people sell is over the top.

]]> By: Colin N, Pleasant Prairie, WI http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/15/no-merry-christmas-for-ebay/#comment-4199 Colin N, Pleasant Prairie, WI Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:56:39 +0000 http://fortunetechland.wordpress.com/?p=2043#comment-4199 Many are right - You can find better deals now on Amazon with way less risk. Scammers, bad sellers and junk misrepresented merchandise are now the norm on Ebay. And 'Buy It Now' stuff is overpriced big time. I find everything cheaper and more reliable on NewEgg.com, Amazon or other retailers and don't have the hassles, so I have way curtailed my purchasing on Ebay. Many are right – You can find better deals now on Amazon with way less risk. Scammers, bad sellers and junk misrepresented merchandise are now the norm on Ebay. And ‘Buy It Now’ stuff is overpriced big time. I find everything cheaper and more reliable on NewEgg.com, Amazon or other retailers and don’t have the hassles, so I have way curtailed my purchasing on Ebay.

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