posted on June 20, 2001 11:19:42 AM
First of all -- who really cares!
Today I received a wonderful email in ebay ever famous threatening tone that I have several months to "INCREASE" my sales or I will lose my Silver PowerSeller Status.
They then continue to tell me that they can improve the way I sell by using auction management software.
Well -- that is an insult! I have been selling for three years - have a rating of 7400 - wrote my own auction management software - when ebay's lister program was an infant and did not work!
Did they ever think - the reason my sales dropped from $15000 ($1200 commission to ebay) to less than $400 a month (less $40 commissions) was my idea!!
I took a serious look at the Ebay market place - increasing fees, billpoint charge backs from fradulent ebay buyers, almost weekly changes to rules, I could go on and on.
I spent 18 hours a day - seven days a week to build "My" business. When I looked into the cystal ball as every company should - I saw that I did not have to worry about competitors - I had to worry about what will Ebay do next. I really could not justify building "Ebays" business - as they nickel and dimed my business to death.
I went back to the 8 to 5 routine - 5 months ago - sold most of my invetory a public auciton (and actually made out better than on Ebay), sell 20 or so things a week of the yard sale junk merchandise - as that is all you can honestly be safe with any more, and save a few good things for the October, November - Holiday rush season.
If you are on the fence as to keep listing or jump ship -- my advice is JUMP SHIP -- Ebay can be an OK - part time money maker -- but the days of making a living are far gone.
posted on June 20, 2001 11:28:25 AM
Is there any way you can get your story to the Press??? As a former Power Seller it would make a great article! A human interest story about how eBay is failing even Power Sellers. The last time a negative eBay story hit the Press this week, eBay changed the policy mentioned. Bad eBay press can only mean good things for sellers IMHO!
posted on June 20, 2001 11:48:10 AM
An insightful and well-written viewpoint on eBay. I'll add a bit of my thoughts.
The Powerseller program, as it currently exists, is of very little benefit to its membership. It provides nothing more than logo to place in your auctions and the logo itself serves very little purpose. Most folks do not care if a seller is a Powerseller member. They're most likley more concerned that a users feedback is in good standing. As far as the customer service aspects of being a Powerseller, Silver & Gold membership entitles users to customer service by phone. Once again, of very little benefit, as the same regurgitated policy is provided by phone, instead of by email.
Regarding increased fees and changes at eBay, I tend to view these changes as an over good for the advancement of auction selling. As eBay grows their business and expands its reaches into new markets, it also provides us sellers with new avenues to sell our merchandise. In order for us to be successful on eBay, eBay itself must be a growing and successful business. This is a reality, as much as many folks would like to dispute the issue.
I recommend that sellers stay in the game if they are on the fence about leaving. Online auction selling is still in its infancy and I'm quite sure there will be many opportunites for those who choose to work hard, educate themselves and use the technologies available to help them grow. The auction venue is still the most affordable direct marketing method in existance and allows sellers access to customers worldwide for a small amount of investment.
The online selling business is as strong as it has ever been and it's only going to grow. Why quit now when there are some many new opportunities to be explored?
posted on June 20, 2001 11:54:34 AM
Got the same email today. O.k I admit it, It's my fault. I could no longer maintain my power seller status because I'm running out of items to give away on eBay. Guess I'll take down my powerseller badge of honor from my auction ads and return their secret decoder ring. Wonder if I can be a negative powerseller? You know, making 75% less per auction than 12 months ago. With that I'd qualify for gold negative powerloser status I think.
Tim
posted on June 20, 2001 12:04:40 PM
eis98: My heartfelt and sincere congratulations to you.
computerboy: You bring up a lot of good points. The online auction scene IS still in its infancy, and sellers do need to grow and change with the new developments that take place as the industry evolves.
I don't quarrel about increased prices if they are justified. There is always a cost of doing business, and if there is increased revenue to be generated because of the cost increases, then this is a good thing.
When a company high hands its employees for abandoning a program that has few, if any benefits, then I do have a problem with this.
I think eis98 has seen the writing on the wall and has responded accordingly. Each seller must do what is best given their particular needs and circumstances. However, I cannot abide anyone putting up with abusive policies, treatment or behavior for any amount of money. When they do, it becomes just another form of prostitution.
posted on June 20, 2001 12:07:26 PM
I lost my Powerseller status also. A few months ago I got "the warning" and then just a few weeks ago I got "the boot".
It was all my fault. I don't miss it. Life goes on.
posted on June 20, 2001 12:27:07 PM
Ditto- Life goes on. Who cares? It doesn't change your ability to sell or buy. Just a slight perception. You're better than a stupid little symbol. Sounds like ebay is losing money so they hoodwink you into this pressure tactic of the mouse in the cage mentality. Run faster!!!! Spend more, make more.
posted on June 20, 2001 12:53:45 PM
Yup - I got my notice just today. Don't mean a thing to me. I used to sell about 80% of what I listed - now it is about 30%.
Used to get better money and no deadbeats.
Now I have people bidding my auctions with zero and minus feedback ID's to take them off the board while theirs are running. That and shill bidding are ignored. New sellers like the discover channel allowed to post links when I am not. It is undeclared class warfare. I won't beat my head against the wall to sell at cost to help eBay.
posted on June 20, 2001 07:40:24 PM
I am honored to amongst those of you who recently received a Power Seller Alert notifying you That "your sales have been below the monthly sales minimum for the last three months".
Of course they don’t seem to understand that it really didn’t matter to me at all. Sales are down on the items I used to sell so well on ebay. Fortunately for me I had the foresight to see what was coming down the road so to speak and made a lot of changes to keep my sales brisk and income at the level I have grown accustomed to. With all the new changes ebay has been making and fees they have been charging I started selling other items but not on ebay. I am doing very well and sales are extremely good.
The other thing ebay doesn’t seem to understand is the lack of sales is just as much their loss, as it is mine. They are losing what used to be a fair amount of money every month in listing fees and final value fees from me.
Their letter tried pointing out the benefits of being or continuing to be a Power Seller.
1. . eBay members have come to recognize the PowerSeller Logo and the exceptional service and products
Well ebay – bidders can recognize this just as easy by a sellers feedback and how that seller deals with his or her potential bidders before the auction ends and how they treat them after the sales is made.
2. ebay states "In order to qualify and participate in the PowerSeller program, the following requirements must be met
Keep your account in good standing – My account is in good standing. Always has been.
Maintain 98% Positive Feedback – I do and am proud of it.
Consistently sell a minimum of $2000 per month – well this is where the problem lies and why I am no longer welcome as a Power Seller. Because my monthly sales volume has gone elsewhere. Doesn't matter that I don't cheat people out of their money, Don't sell things I don't have, Sell fakes, I don't over charge on shipping, add "credit card fees, or any of the other negative things you hear sellers doing to people.
The real Power Seller is a seller who is honest, fair, treats people the way they would like to be treated and gives the best darn customer service they can even if it hurts. Remembering the old saying the customer is always right (even when they aren't). That's a true Power Seller. And the person who really deserves the title and the use of the logo.
eBay goes on to say "These standards also assist eBay in recognizing outstanding members of our community so we may offer elevated service to PowerSellers. For example, we provide the PowerSeller specific email address with a prompt response time."
Wow my own e-mail address to send to…Big deal……
I really don’t feel bad at all. I still sell quality products at reasonable starting bids, I give great customer service and try my best to keep my customers happy. All I have lost is the use of their Power Seller logo which from reading AW a lot of buyers don’t seem to trust anyway and a PowerSeller specific email address.
Yes Virginia there is other places to sell other than ebay.. There is life after the loss of the coveted Power Seller status.
Not believe in other places to sell other than ebay! Or not being a Power Seller is no big deal... why you might as well not believe in fairies….
Health & Happiness to all
"The Colonel"
[ edited by kolonel22 on Jun 20, 2001 07:41 PM ]
[ edited by kolonel22 on Jun 20, 2001 07:43 PM ]
[ edited by kolonel22 on Jun 20, 2001 07:44 PM ]
posted on June 20, 2001 08:00:19 PM
My email reply to the eBay message below was:
I am totally devastated! Not!
The only benefit that I ever received as a powerseller was quicker canned answers when I sent an email to [email protected].
I never displayed the powerseller logo in my auctions, so, my customers never knew that I was a powerseller unless they added up my closed auctions.
Dear XXXX,
In January, We sent you a letter about your PowerSeller status. As we informed you, we would review your account within the stated time frame. We noticed that your account still doesn't meet the minimum program requirements. As a result, unfortunately, we must end your PowerSeller membership.
We would love to invite you back into the program as soon as your account meets the PowerSeller standards. The program requirements are as follows:
Keep your account in good standing (To check your account balance, please click here)Maintain 98% Positive Feedback
(To calculate it: % Positive Feedback = Total Positive/(Positive + Negative Feedback))
Consistently sell a minimum of $2000 per month (To figure out your monthly sales, add the final sales price of all your successful listings for the month.)
We are sorry to be losing you as one of our valued Power Sellers. We hope that this is not a permanent change. We hope to welcome you back when your account meets our minimum requirements. We review accounts monthly and will let you know when you may join the Power
Seller program again.
posted on June 21, 2001 01:18:32 AM
Wow, this thread makes it look like they are losing a lot of powersellers! Business is bad for everybody, at least comparatively speaking.
Not to worry, when I saw the logo I always wondered if it meant slower shipping cause they would be so busy!
posted on June 21, 2001 03:25:44 AM
I've been a power seller for 2 years.
Yesterday, I also received notice that if I don't meet the minimum sales required to be a power seller over the next few months, that I will no longer be a power seller.
Bummer??? - NOT!
I've NEVER used the logo in my listings... and I've never used the Power Seller support telephone number etc.
I have not made major changes in the type of items being offered at auction... (except that I have gone through periods where I've included a larger variety)... I have not changed the starting bid amounts or switched to using reserves. (If anything... I've actually lowered the opening bid amounts on some items in an effort to attract some early bids).
The Bids are DOWN at eBay. The ending values are DOWN at eBay... and as a result, eBay is getting less money in fees from me.
I've said for 2 years that the Power Seller program is a JOKE... and I still think it's a joke. They've indicated that the Power Seller program was going to be upgraded somehow... like a dangling carrot... and it never has been improved. I couldn't care less if I qualify for the power seller 'program' by meeting the criteria for sales on EBAYS (marketplace?) venue.... that extra time and effort will be better spent increasing my OWN sales as I DIVERSIFY via Other Venues (including MY OWN website).
Anybody who has been wondering whether eBay has a clue regarding their worthless Power Seller Program can rest assured to know that eBay really IS CLUELESS when it comes to the needs of their SELLERS, especially the Mom & Pop sellers.
They're CLUELESS... so much, that they don't even recognize it as such, enough to CARE!!
Folks need to seriously begin to DIVERSIFY by placing some listings on other venues. Much better REWARDS will come from those efforts than any gratification received for treading water in eBays NO PERKS joke of a Power Seller "Program".
posted on June 21, 2001 05:53:38 AM
i am still a powerseller,i never display my powerseller logo and i dont recall any special benefits or advantages of being a powerseller.
may be they are making some changes in their sales policy to reward the powersellers??
with all that frauds and non sense going on,good sellers power or not should get something for his/her hardwork.
posted on June 21, 2001 05:59:56 AM
Don't worry about it. I still am a POWER SELLER, but probably won't be for long. Never used the Logo. Too onstentacious! A tiny symbol by your ID name would have been fine. LOTS of people resent your status. No
benefits. Only for eBay.
posted on June 21, 2001 08:40:58 AMdeco100 [i]Wow, this thread makes it look like they are losing a lot of powersellers! Business is bad for everybody, at least comparatively speaking.
Not to worry, when I saw the logo I always wondered if it meant slower shipping cause they would be so busy![/i]
You too?!! I know, me too!
Mom, paranoid, suspicious, and a little odd, and that's the best side
HELP MY " i'S " ARE BROKE!
[ edited by immykidsmom on Jun 21, 2001 08:42 AM ]
posted on June 21, 2001 09:55:26 AM
Frankly speaking, when I look at auctions and see that big power seller logo, I am a bit leary. Almost all of the time, I don't bid and cruise on to other auctions. The times that I have been taken advantage of were by those sellers with that big logo. I didn't think the logo meant "ebay thinks I am the best so take it or leave it", I thought it meant that one person just sold a tremendous amount. Sooooo, losing your status could be on the upside.
posted on June 21, 2001 11:43:34 AM
The way Powersellers are dropping I would think the business model ebay uses now has a bit of a problem. Time to rethink your direction ebay.
posted on June 21, 2001 12:45:17 PM
a few years ago ebay has 13000 powersellers,i would imagine the number grows leaps and bounds as it only takes 2000 a month sales to be a bronze seller.
so even if some drop out,there will still be many.
powersellers seem to have better merchandise until it becomes common for dealers to use bulk loading to sell repetitively the same items over and over again,usually lower priced items.
dont cry for ebay,there will be plenty of new sellers stepping up to the plate
I was surprised to hear your comments, I am one of your competitors in the model train business, if I was E-bay I would be worried, you run a top rate operation and are the type of quality seller E-bay really needs, you always had an interesting variety of product that was hard to find elsewhere, I know a lot of sellers are giving up on E-bay, the fees are too high, everyone is taking a larger cut of the profits, and the links policy was the final straw for most people, I hope E-bay wakes up before its too late. I'm glad Yahoo Auctions are making a comeback....Their competion and venue is definitely needed.
posted on June 21, 2001 11:28:21 PM
Yo yo yo .....eis98
“First of all -- who really cares!”
I care.....The more Power Sellers we lose the less
respect eBay has as a safe and relegable place for the buyer
to purchase top quality goods from sellers like yourself.
I have seen you around and you auctions are factor
to the big picture... If someone wins one of your auctions
and you complete your end of the deal ....Worry and hassle free
...The buyer will return to the venue again and again...hopefully
to end up the lucky winner on one of my auctions...
I hope you and all the other seller in thread will have a think about
this one and try as hard as they can to retain their power seller status..
.
ONE LOVE.......
EBAY ID
JUMPIN*JACK
[ edited by jumpinjacko on Jun 21, 2001 11:30 PM ]
