posted on December 5, 2000 12:20:07 AM
Sounds like half.com could do to eBay what Wal-Mart did to independent stores. OR Blockbuster and Hollywood Video is doing to independent video stores.
I, for one, can tell you how painful it is to watch your business and livelihood be destroyed before your very eyes. Take it from someone who has been there (AND bought the tee shirt) DO NOT take this all lying down - don't think it won't destroy your livelihood - it WILL. Thanks to BB and HW last year video stores closed at the alarming rate of 400 per MONTH. Kinda the same thing happened there. Let me compare:
Independent Video Owner & Independent eBay Seller happily doing business.
Blockbuster signs sweetheart deals with studios - major advertising campaign, seen everywhere, moves very close to independents,(across the street, right next door) advertising cheaper prices to sneak away their customers.
Half.com owned by eBay - major banner advertisements, shows up on individual sellers auctions,advertising cheaper prices to sneak away their customers.
One by one, customers and families move to Blockbuster because they are the "brand" rental store.
One by one, sellers move to half.com because they are the "brand" online site.
Video stores struggle to survive, some believe they can beat Blockbuster, some hope to compete. Owners go back to full time (and then some) in their stores, no longer able to afford the luxury of employees.
Sellers struggle to survive, some return to work full time, making eBay part time. They can no longer afford the luxury of just working eBay.
Independent stores die, first one by one, then in masses, no longer able to make money in the industry they built with their blood, sweat and tears.
Independent sellers die, first one by one, then in masses, no longer able to make money in the industry they helped build with their blood, sweat and tears.
Of course, I could be totally wrong. BUT I have read some pretty sad postings over the last few days. Sad thing is, not too long ago I was making the same posts - on a different site.
Anyone who doesn't believe me go to VSDA.org and check the boards. Sign up (it's free) and ask what they think.
I never thought it could happen. But it did.
To quote Smokey the Bear, "Only you can prevent forest fires."
posted on December 5, 2000 12:35:47 AM
I need to add a happy note to this -
Thanks to some very wonderful people I have met online I am now working on a major project.
I have been fortunate in that I am able to correct many areas in the store and use new survival techniques developed by those that are still here to make the store lean and mean. BUT things will never be the same again. Those days are gone forever.
Or are they? As Paul Harvey would say, "Page Two ..."
To be continued in 6 months ........
By the way,
Please don't think I am against eBay at all - I absolutely love it, and am thrilled there is such a venue available to all. I am merely expressing a legitimate concern.
