posted on February 24, 2001 05:14:47 PM new
Each of us that sell online experience needs and problems.
These needs and problems are being responded to by an array of product and services from, mostly, for profit companies.
My goal, as it applies to this discussion, is to be effective with online selling.
My definition of "effective" is a combination of personal choices that equate to work satisfaction. Probably not exactly the same as anyone else but with many similar components (exchange time/effort for money and non-tangible benefits).
To reach this goal I use eBay, other online venues and various services (web hosting, listing programs, payment services, AW, etc.).
All commercial businesses have some profit based restrictions on the use of their products and services.
While I may be frustrated by some of these restrictions I fully understand and accept that companies act in what they see to be their own best interests.
What common problems/needs do I think I share with other sellers that are not being spoken to by service providers?
1) I would like to promote ALL of my online selling efforts in unison with other like-minded sellers to the greatest possible audience.
2) I would like to participate in discussions, with the largest possible number of sellers, that are free of commercial restrictions from the host.
For example, I can enter into discussions on the eBay boards but participants are not welcome to discuss their methods/success in using other venues. We, of course, are also not allowed to promote our use of non-eBay venues in auction listings.
Perfectly understandable from eBays point of view but still leaving me with unfulfilled needs.
3) No large vehicle exists for the unified voice of sellers to be expressed on issues of widespread interest. No vehicle exists with sufficient membership to negotiate for benefits or concessions.
Without endorsing any of their positions, I would like to refer to the AARP, NRA and Chambers of Commerce as groups that effectively speak for a like minded group of constituents. I do want to acknowledge OAUA and believe they will be part of the solution to this concern.
I think these concerns suggest a need for a marketing focused, seller orientated non-profit.
These thoughts are a WIP (work in progress).
What do you feel are universal or common problems/needs of online sellers (beyond specific issues when using eBay)?
How do you feel existing or new commercial or non-profit organizations can meet these needs?
posted on February 24, 2001 05:54:29 PM new
Communication between sellers is the basic
problem. As it is now, Sellers have no forum in which
they may communicate and solve problems. Ebay, Auction Watch and many
other auction sites that provide disscussion groups such as this one
are restrictive. I can understand their policy but this is not in the
best interest of sellers with problems that may span more than one site.
There are so many conflicting interests, even within Ebay itself.
I generally sell books on ebay. Now there is half.com, a sort of
scab site, surprisingly set up by Ebay. On this site books are sold
so cheaply that it is becoming more difficult to sell books on ebay.
I want to wish you well in your effort to organize sellers!
posted on February 24, 2001 06:30:37 PM new
Not being a seller, I am not sure how my comments will be taken, but I will offer them anyway.
One thing I have noticed here on AW, when some sellers ask for advice, they either ignore the advice or lash out at advice that does not agree with what they want to hear. These sellers do NOT want advice or a discussion, they want confirmation of what ever they are doing. This is fine if all you want is support, but if there is a problem they are not going to solve it.
If you have a site strickly for sellers, I can see this problem becoming worse. Without the input from the other side of the fence many sellers will learn nothing and their problems will continue until they decide to either leave the auction venue or they start taking out their problems on buyers.
I am not saying buyers are always right, I know I have learned many things from the sellers comments here at AW, But with out input from buyers how can you find out if what you are doing is working? If it is not working how can you find out how to change it?
That is a very good point. The viewpoint
of buyers is most important! So, if a
neutral site could be used, I believe that
both sellers and buyers should be welcome!
Maybe I'm getting ahead of the intentions of
reston ray. This was just an idea that
I thought might be helpful.
