I can make more money per hour using eBay than any other alternative available to me.
Being completely dependent on ebay, in light of what I consider abusive treatment of their customers, is not acceptable to me.
So I work harder for less money and live with the consequences.
I would never suggest anyone else should do what I've chosen for myself but I'll certainly encourage and support everyone who feels a need to explore alternatives.
Other venues don't seem to offer a great deal of opportunity at the present time but they never will if some seller don't give them a try.
I'm not comfortable continuing within a situation where there is no hope for improvement so I try to do what little I can.
I am discouraged with the short term options and like others have looked for choices.
I recently made up a flyer and circulated it within my community. "VanMan", help with errands and light moving.
Spent a good part of the past weekend packing and moving boxes from a cellar. It was no fun for this old man.
Sitting in A/C working at a computer sure seems a better idea but not with only eBay at the other end.
So I keep trying to find a compromise between the reality of an eBay dominated marketplace, my own needs and keeping hope alive.
Somehow not being completely dependent on eBay allows me to use the venue without feeling I've given up.
It's not much of a solution but it's the best I can do right now.
posted on July 30, 2001 10:10:20 AM
I think you are asking for alternatives to working on eBay. Can you work in a regular job? That is to say, can you drive somewhere and work a 9 to 5, or do you have some disability, or ...
Around here we have a bunch of call centers that are desperately hurting for people. These are for companies like Capital One where you answer calls from people who want to know what their balance is, etc.
These companies offer a living wage and benefits, and best of all it meets your criteria of working on the computer in A/C. You could also do it part time which would reduce your dependence on eBay but still let you work there as well.
I don't know what you may have around you but in today's market, there should be plenty of jobs for a willing & able person such as yourself.
posted on July 30, 2001 10:41:30 AM
I think I am missing something here. Are you sure you can't "live with" whatever it is that is bothering you about ebay? I am in somewhat the same situation. But in the last 2 weeks in my little business I had about 20 things to sell. Had 1200 people stop in to see my stuff, and 12% of them left a bid to buy. Grossed $1,000 and paid expenses of about $85 (to Ebay, paypal and auctionwatch) . To me it has been a dream come true. I am a tired escapee from doing fleas, shows and malls; and twice owning a store. My stuff got damaged, wet, stolen, lowballed and insulted. Expenses were always at least 25% of gross. Couldn't take it anymore. Of all the things I disagree with ebay on, I can't think of any that would make me leave them. Dave
posted on July 30, 2001 07:48:45 PM
I think having some alternative source of income is both reasonable and recommended. eBay has put the pinch on the small seller. I really can't recommend it unless you have enough volume to make up for the lean margins on some things.
I think if you use eBay and some other sites as well as a part-time gig, you should be able to do ok. I'm getting to the point where climate control and a computer is a very nice way to do biz.
