posted on October 28, 2000 02:12:12 PM
Let's assume for the sake of discussion that sellers had their own site.
May not be possible but then again maybe something could be worked out that it was hosted by an existing identity. It might include listings, links to web pages and links to our auctions at sites like eBay, YAHOO and Amazon.
So we could establish our own policies, goals and support structure while limiting use to sellers that were members of a Guild or co-op and had agreed to some standards.
Forget all the "Why it won't work" for awhile. There will be plenty of time for that later.
What would you want? What would be better for sellers? What would also make it attractive to buyers?
posted on October 28, 2000 04:31:45 PM
KerryAnn: I hear what your saying about used stuff only, but let's add new collectibles......yikes, I know we're sick of beanie babies but that was a mainstay of Ebay and also drew, IMHO, the little moms and pops and little collectors. Also sports collectibles might be new, but it is still person to person.
I agree, Ebay has become way to overloaded with mass produced crapola that you can get at the local drug store.
[[[[[ however, i believe sincerely that the great success of eBay was 100% contingent upon the libertarian ideals of Pierre Omidyar ... so I am NOT meaning to suggest that the above would lead to a successful site, notta chance... ]]]]]
posted on October 28, 2000 06:14:04 PM
I think a good model would be a flat listing fee and no closing costs. A seller then could build the listing cost right into the starting price. A listing fee also puts some limits on massive identical listings.
Sellers must register with a credit card and accurate banking and contact information.
Make it a non-profit co-op owned by the sellers.
I think having a low cost credit card payment system for the sellers is important.
In fact, one way to cut down on NPBs is to have the whole site credit card only. The buyer/bidder submits credit card purchase agreement with the bid. In this vain, we need to educate buyers that a credit card purchase is the safest way to buy on the Net.
posted on October 31, 2000 09:13:00 AM
Maybe a site of our own is not a realistic goal within the near future but a group of like minded sellers might form a co-op.
It might, for example, require membership in OAUA, provide a guarantee of arbitration and combine functions of the Chamber of Commerce and Professional Assoc.
A marketing effort with auction links to a central web site with members listed and even product display areas for each seller. I know eBay has a two click rule so we would have to tailor the marketing to existing rules.
I believe both drug stores and food markets formed some identity to offset large chains. Co-op also exist among farmers.
I tend to be inclined towards inclusion. I would rather have every product available but divided into more specific clearly identified categories rather than exclude something.
It may well be that an existing site would host a section for such an endevor and even feature its existance.
Independent sellers are losing visability as large corporations move into the auction field. Anything that extended our presence as a group and created a stronger unified voice might be worth exploring.
I don't see it as duplicating existing efforts but rather building on them and extending into marketing.
I'm reminded of a friend who would often say "While much can be accomplished by a positive attitude, never underestimate the power of a good resentment".
posted on October 31, 2000 09:39:56 AM
Your last question is the key one: "what would make it better for buyers". How are you going to (positively) differentiate this from yahoo, amazon, and ebay? Without that hook, buyers won't change their current habits, and sellers won't leave.
Once you answer that question, then you've answered the question before: "What would make this better for sellers"!
Until you come up with some clear distinction that makes this better than ebay, you'll have another tiny "me too" site that will survive for a short while on the founder's enthusiasm and cash, and then disappear.
posted on October 31, 2000 05:06:17 PM
Why don't you try an Auctiva Showcase?
It's this incredible aplicattion that allows you to put into a web page all your ebay, yahoo and amazon auction, making everyone believe taht it's you own page... It's great and it's free... You also get a welcome, about us and contact us page... i really cool... It has improve my selling and my buyers can contact me easier... really great app.... Take a look at it... www.auctiva.com/showcase, my showcase is:
http://showcase.auctiva.com/rcovo
My guess is that the buyers would soon follow....