posted on September 30, 2003 04:40:55 PM
Now, now, ya gotta love dem ole big BRASS cajones!
Why do we list items with an opening bid of one penny?
We have been forced into listing auctions this way (starting at $0.01) to remain competitive, as Ebay refuses to take action against this practice. This practice is clearly contrary to Ebay rules and we have spent countless hours attempting to get Ebay to do something about it – namely act against those sellers trying to avoid paying high listing fees to Ebay. Please be aware that Ebay charges a fee for all items, even if they do not sell, based on the listing price. The lower the listing price the lower the fee. Putting a reserve price does not solve the problem as Ebay charges extra for that service - again regardless of whether the item sells or not!
In addition, when you look for items in Ebay, oftentimes the default display sort order is by price. Therefore items with the lowest price appear first on the list. Sellers following Ebay rules to the letter, are placed at a listing disadvantage as their items are buried down in the depths. This becomes particularly important in Ebay categories where your items are up against fifty thousand others!
We asked Ebay if they could enforce their own rule regarding this matter. They asked us for specific sellers and items. We sent Ebay a very detailed listing of some thirty plus sellers, along with details of the penny items they had listed on Ebay. After several days Ebay told us that they would take no action against these sellers. We requested from Ebay a written statement that if we were to join the crowd to remain competitive with other sellers, they would also take no action against us. They duly complied with a written statement that said that “even though they do not condone the practice, they (Ebay) would take no action against those doing so.”
We have not raised our prices, simply changed the mix. For example, when items are listed opening at $0.01 the shipping and handling is $24.95 for a total opening price of $24.96. When listed at there regular opening bid price of $17.99 plus s&h of 6.95 the total opening cost is $24.94. Same difference?
Sorry if all of this is confusing. Hopefully at some time in the near future our friends at Ebay will start enforcing their own rules and regulations, so that all sellers have a level playing field and a unified set of enforced rules and regulations. Until then we have to play the game to the same set of rules being used by others, it is the only way we can survive.
posted on September 30, 2003 05:55:00 PM
I could, but I'd get a negative 'cause I wouldn't pay.
HEY! I've got it!
I will ask if I can pick up the tile!!!!!
hahahaha!
YEAH!
posted on September 30, 2003 05:57:47 PM
Report a dozen of these types of obvious ebay rule breakers and see how many get shut down. I really believe that ebay no longer even reads the emails from people that report the violators yet alone acts on them. Good, if your a violator though I suppose.
-------------- sig file ----------- *There is no conclusive evidence that life is serious*
posted on September 30, 2003 06:10:16 PM
I understand his frustrations, but to use the lame excuse "others are doing it" is BS... if others started to commit suicide would he too?
Have some integrity and play by the rules or if you do get shut down... then you know why...
posted on September 30, 2003 06:15:02 PM
I'll write him through Ebay.
Tell him I am interested in bidding.
Then, I'll tell him/her that I live nearby and could pick up the tile if I win.
Therefore, eliminating the shipping charge??
(I know what that answer will be!)
haha....want me to "test" this??
posted on September 30, 2003 06:19:30 PM
liveinjeans, that could be auction interference... the question might be ok but the answer will be the price is $24.95... LOL
posted on September 30, 2003 06:22:24 PM
He will shill if I bid.
haha!
I can at least ASK, not really bid of course.
I'll let you know what the response is...
