kristie
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posted on September 22, 2001 12:58:05 PM
Like many of you, I am unhappy about some of the recent policy decisions at Ebay that can affect our potential competitiveness in the auction marketplace. I have read numerous postings about dissatisfaction with the way AFA was handled.
I have one simple question.
Where are our teeth?
What are we doing to show our unhappiness with this situation to Ebay? If we allow this to happen, Ebay will continue to take advantage of the small time seller to meet their own needs. They though we may complain, we are going to accept WHATEVER they may choose to do. This bothers me.
Maybe it's time to take some steps to make Ebay reconsider. I have started reducing my auction listings by 75%. I have also removed all Billpoint logos from my auctions. I have written a letter to Ebay expressing my unhappiness with some of their recent changes. I'd like to do more! I'd also like to be a part of more organized effort. There are strength in numbers. Does anyone else feel this way?
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REAMOND
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posted on September 22, 2001 01:05:36 PM
As the economy continues to deteriorate, an organized effort to reduce listing won't be necessary.
The listings have actually begun to rise. However, sales in the coming weeks will determin if the listing numbers will hold.
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kolonel22
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posted on September 22, 2001 01:06:38 PM
eBay recently reported 5 BILLION DOLLARS in sales for 2,000. They are getting all kinds of FREE coverage in print, TV, and on radio regarding their Auctions for America program. Do you reall think they care about us small sellers or even losing a few big fish. I doubt it...
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GreedBay
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posted on September 22, 2001 01:14:36 PM
One place our teeth are is with the Press. There is more than idle complaining on this board, I assure you.
Another place our teeth are is with eBay itself. The AFA program has some very serious problems that ebay spin or PR will not make disappear, and I think you will see the results of those problems in relatively short order.
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kristie
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posted on September 22, 2001 01:17:47 PM
Greedbay, your words are music to my ears.  I'm glad to see that some action is being taken rather than just accepting what Ebay thrusts upon us. Any suggestions on what I as well as others can do to help?
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CAgrrl
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posted on September 22, 2001 01:20:09 PM
You can always support other auction sites...
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GreedBay
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posted on September 22, 2001 01:33:18 PM
Kristie-
What all sellers can do, especially in this economy, is to take care of themselves and their own business-wise so that they make it through these difficult times intact, to express their position and viewpoints in public forums, and sometimes let the chips fall where they may as far as people listening. There ARE people listening. eBay (through the self-destruction of both Amazon and Yahoo as much as through their own business plan) is a virtual monopoly. They're a very tough nut to crack, and direct pressure from sellers has been getting less and less effective the bigger they grow...
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kristie
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posted on September 22, 2001 01:43:14 PM
Greedbay, your points are well taken. It's a shame that Ebay now disregards the small sellers that have made them the corporate giant that they now are. I would agree that the best way to make ourselves heard is through the media.
It's a shame that we can't have a sort
of organized union or co-op that focuses on protecting seller interests. I'm not sure of the feasibility of such a project, but certainly a larger group would have more impact with Ebay than the disorganized complaints of a few individuals.
Any thoughts?
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ok4leather
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posted on September 22, 2001 02:40:27 PM
Kristi: Excellent ideal ! If one could focus the interests of say several thousand sellers and use their combined listing power to acheive basic protections on ebay and other sites- You may have something there. It is a bit socialist but Much better than being subject to the constant changes in policy weve been forced to swallow. Ill bet it'd be easy to set up - Yahoogroups could host a discussion board/group.
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genxmike
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posted on September 22, 2001 04:05:14 PM
Small sellers have no teeth. Unless you're in the 20% of sellers making EBAY 80% of their money, they will not listen to you.
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sadie999
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posted on September 23, 2001 07:11:15 AM
I'm not going to say/write a word to eBay about A4A, even though I think it stinks (for all the reasons stated in other threads).
I purchased all summer with plans to sell on eBay, another online venue, and a b&m. I need to make money this coming holiday season.
When I first started on eBay, I put 100% of my inventory there. Now it's at about 33%. I'm only a small seller, but I'm sure I'm not alone.
eBay's lack of respect for its sellers is the primary reason for diversification on my part, but rising shipping costs and not wanting all my eggs in one basket are factors also.
eBay gave us a cheap way to learn how to be in business for ourselves. I'm really grateful for that as I didn't have the money when I started to pay rent at a b&m. And for now anyway, eBay's still the best place for some things. But I've taken the lessons I learned and moved some of my business elsewhere.
Perhaps our teeth will show as we move on.
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bidsbids
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posted on September 23, 2001 07:21:31 AM
My teeth are in a glass on a nightstand by my bed. I'm too old and tired to fight eBay and the frustration of trying to make a buck there. Time to turn me out to stud.
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kristie
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posted on September 23, 2001 08:34:24 AM
Bidsbids, LOL! I loved your response about your teeth being beside the bed. Don't
worry, though, you're never too old to fight. Otherwise you wouldn't be on this forum.
Kristie
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naru
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posted on September 23, 2001 09:15:22 AM
I am concerned that the new/old call for organization of eBay sellers is too little too late:
1) AFA is full steam ahead and eBay doesn't care AT ALL (as usual) if small sellers are upset. They know that the general public, without having an intimate knowledege of the competing on line payment systems will view this as very petty
(not helping with a charity drive)
2) If the rumours about AW are true our ability to discuss our unhappiness and plan for some solution will be extremely comprimised.
Note to AW: I think this board is invaluable and hope that as a company you will weather the storm and remain my first stop to find out whats happening on the monolith. That said: Someone has to set up a place for us to meet on line if for financial reasons AW is forced to close the message boards.
I believe it is possible to create a sizable lobby, representing enough dollars that eBay will be forced to recognize, it just takes the will. I hate the idea of calling it a union, because I DON"T work for eBay, I purchase their services. I DON"T want to list on other auction sites, eBay wouldn't feel it and as a whole I think eBAy is number one for a reason: They have a well thought out site with buyers. All I want as a seller is to be treated fairly by a company I am paying to promote my merchandise.
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rayneman
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posted on September 23, 2001 09:37:23 AM
What is going on with AW?. Have noticed that hits not just bids are dropping on my items. The "recession? that everyone is talking about has not had time to take hold yet, so it must be A4A.
How long will people be able to give away merchandise and cover shipping?. I beleive that support for this noble, yet mis-directed cause will wane as the pocket books of the sellers start to shrink. We are moving toward nitty-gritty time. My utilities company wants cold hard cash, not good intentions. I have donated, wept, been angered and am now trying to get my life and that of my families back in order.
As for teeth, chomp-chomp is what I say
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bidsbids
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posted on September 23, 2001 10:44:11 AM
Recession has not had time to take hold yet? It only takes a moment for recessionary fear to sweep the nation. "Better not buy stuff you don't really need" is a little voice heard in a lot of people's heads.
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