posted on August 17, 2000 08:16:57 AM new
It's me again, Jupiter - I started a new discussion because, after looking at the e-mail from Jeff Bezos again, I realized that we received this letter regarding the proposed new navigation site as CUSTOMERS of AMAZON, not as SELLERS AT AMAZON!
We have bought CD's and books in the past so are on their customer list.
This is why most of you sellers DID NOT receive an e-mail for your input on this navigation system that would relegate AUCTIONS to a secondary page.
We seller's are again "getting no respect" and not being apprised of any proposed changes - changes that will affect our business on Amazon drastically!
Our suggestion is to send a mass e-mail mailing to your bidders, since they are the people who received this proposal and were asked for their opinions.
Ask them to send an e-mail (include the e-mail link) and protest
this new proposed Auction link - tell them it is because it will
be hard to find, especially for new users - tell them that if they
love the auctions to please assist us sellers in keeping them on the FIRST PAGE! To keep this auction going and successful - they must
act now!
posted on August 18, 2000 04:54:56 PM new
I don't thing auctions would be harder to find in the new layout. All Product Search is how I usually end up on an auctions page. With 750,000 auctions in progress, random browsing is a waste of time, so I rarely use the auctions for that. As long as the auction and zShop listings pop up in search, and on the retail pages, I'm happy.
I usually use the auctions tab to get to the auctions "your account" button, which brings up a page with very different options than the retail "your account" page. Beyond that, I don't think I'd miss it.
posted on August 18, 2000 05:16:25 PM new
Where are you from? Amazon is so slow that anything that keeps people from finding the auction site quickly will just hurt sellers more.
We are sellers - we need to have easy access to Auctions - happy you feel like it is fine with you.
We need supporters - not pom-poms!
Comments like yours always hurt the protests against unfair treatment.
posted on August 18, 2000 05:56:29 PM new
Thanks for keep us updated on the navigation changes.
It is obvious that customers will be less likely to venture into auctions if they have to click on an extra button (directory) and then search thru a list to find Auctions.
Granted some folks may access auctions thru Books or other Amazon sites. I find that folks who are new to auctions (lots of my customers are NEW), just happen into auctions because it is an option on the first page of Amazon.
Just when we as sellers are starting to get our feet under us again, so to speak, Amazon proposes to chop them off.
And to make matters worse, they did not even survey those of us who have been with them for years as sellers and buyers, and who pay large monthly fees they can count on, they survey new customers who are less likely to care or have a financial interest in the set-up on the Amazon first page.
I am a book customer and an Auction and Z-shop seller, and an Auction pro, and have been with them a LONG time, and I did not receive the notice about the navigation changes.
posted on August 20, 2000 11:21:47 AM new
Sorry if I angered you, azillion. I'm posting from the point of view of a bidder/buyer, which is a pretty lonely point of view on these boards. By all means, sellers, do what ya gotta do--- I was just expressing my opinion. But when you complain, you should suggest an alternative that solves the problem that Amazon is trying to solve. I don't think auctions would be better off buried in a mountain of tabs, and that's where you're headed if Amazon keeps adding product categories.
posted on August 20, 2000 02:25:23 PM new
In my opinion, if Amazon leaves Auctions on the top page with a direct link, they can fix their many, many shops any way they wish.
We as sellers, pay what we believe is a lot to maintain a merchant account to sell, we pay for features to bring our item to the top so folks can see it, we spend a lot of time and money buying and listing on Amazon, and then we hear ONLY THRU THE GRAPEVINE that Amazon wants input as to where our Auction Link will go.
Our primary gripe about this survey is that Amazon should have surveyed us, the sellers at least along with customers.
I agree that too many tabs can be distracting, but with as many different sellers as pay their way on auctions, auctions should be a link and showcased on the first page, along with Books.
Maybe have 4 tabs, Books, Auctions, Zshops, and Amazon Shops. That will help let folks know that Auctions/Z-shops are separate from the many Amazon Shops. I agree that books should have their own tab - I buy Amazon books and want to get to them directly too!
That is my suggestion for remedying the situation. However, I don't think it is necessary to do anything yet.
Right now, I think the number of tabs are OK for auctions & Amazon Shops.
posted on August 21, 2000 04:52:05 PM new
Hi, harkabeepalolyn - just got back and saw your message - you didn't anger us - we are just "battle weary" from so many skirmishes with Amazon and their constant changes - most of which do not help the sellers at all.
The big battle was when they quit listing as to closing first, etc. - so, our nerves are still on edge from that one - which we lost, of course!
Bid For Featured Placement is a hassle, but it helps - now they throw a new one at us and it is seemingly endless.
Thanks for your input - suggestions and alternatives to Amazon go unheeded, as all of us found out in the past.
