posted on January 5, 2011 07:51:48 AM new
It seems Amazon has done everything RIGHT from the consumer's perspective, while eBay is still fumbling around in the dark with disruptive innovation. I ordered most of my Christmas presents this year from Amazon. I got "prime" free shipping because I am a mother. I ordered in the evening and sometimes the items would be delivered the very next day!
I preordered a movie for a January birthday and today got this message (the DVD was released and delivered yesterday):
"Greetings from Amazon.com.
You saved $3.00 with Amazon.com's Pre-order Price Guarantee!
The price of the item(s) decreased after you ordered them, and we gave you the lowest price.
The following title(s) decreased in price:
Yellow Handkerchief
Price on order date: $17.99
Price charged at shipping: $17.99
Lowest price before release date: $14.99
Amount to be refunded: $3.00
Quantity: 1
Total Savings: $3.00
You will receive an additional e-mail when this refund is processed."
Just checked and the movie is BIN on eBay at $15.49 + 2.99 s/h, $14.99 Best Buy + 2.49 s/h and $14.99 Amazon free ship.I am an Amazon convert!
-------------------------------------
posted on January 5, 2011 10:21:22 AM new
It appears that the Amazon purchases you made were from AMAZON, not individual buyers.It is a large company. I has a warehouse, it is not just a venue. The 2 are like comparing apples and oranges. I love Amazon, too and always buy my book there, but from AMAZON, not individual sellers and I do NOT pay for prime. I spend $25 and have free shipping without paying a dime. I also have a Amazon CC so I get rewards after spending a certain amount.
posted on January 5, 2011 10:40:58 AM new
"it is not just a venue" - I know that merrie, and you know that, but it appears that eBay doesn't know that. Why spin wheels to BECOME Amazon? You'd think some of that creative innovation could be spent trying to figure out another ecommerce angle. It would be different if Amazon weren't so amazing and had dissatisfied customers.
-------------------------------------
posted on January 5, 2011 10:50:46 AM new
Years ago,Wall Street analysts claim every time AMZN stuffed a book into mailing envelope,it lost a few dollars because it is subsidising so much .
That was then,now AMZN bragged making money from individual sellers,that 15% commission it earns from small sellers sure adds up.
I know some discount booksellers have left,one good example is E.R.Hamilton.
*
There is no 'Global savings glut',only wild horses and loose bankers.
posted on January 5, 2011 11:22:31 AM newWhy spin wheels to BECOME Amazon? You'd think some of that creative innovation could be spent trying to figure out another ecommerce angle.
Because of eBay's long history of putting Bain & Co. management consultants in charge. They can't innovate, they can only imitate. And they do that poorly because in true management consultant style they insist on making it all about the stock. Hwahwa is correct that for the first couple of years Amazon lost money. No one at eBay has the courage to do that. "But the stock price will drop! Oh, the horror!"
There's a gulf about a mile wide between a management consultant and a hungry entrepreneur. The latter are the people who come up with game-changing ideas.
Don't look to eBay to improve. It never will. Here's a novel idea: Take eBay private and put an innovator in charge.
posted on January 5, 2011 01:59:46 PM new
Yeah if you just think of some of the stupid stuff that ebay has tried in the past and failed, it's easy to see they have lost that magic touch.
But as a seller - is anyone doing well on Amazon?
posted on January 5, 2011 03:04:24 PM new
Love Amazon as a buyer, mostly books occasionally electronics from big sellers that have their own websites and Toys R Us many times goes through Amazon.
As a seller, I have NEVER sold an item even though my price was well below my only competitor, Macys.
But, doesn't cost anything to list, so nothing ventured....
posted on January 5, 2011 05:38:24 PM new
I sell books and movies (mostly VHS tapes) on AMZN,book sales have improved.
*
There is no 'Global savings glut',only wild horses and loose bankers.
posted on January 5, 2011 07:40:52 PM new
I have only bought on Amazon, but I may be expanding my new items over. I see some of the same issues on Amazon as there are on eBay, but as a buyer I have purchased more on Amazon than on eBay.
Not sure why you won't buy from an individual, I have had great experiences doing so. I check for the better deal and sometimes I find many independent sellers are cheaper even with shipping than amazon is.
I purchased several items from Amazon this holiday season including a new cable modem, a book as a gift, AppleCare warranty, and more. Everything but the book was either from Amazon or was a fulfillment by Amazon order. The book arrived and was brand new. Earlier this year I bought 5 cds for less than $30 on Amazon. All 5 were from independent sellers. All came in perfect condition, and no complaints. The prices were 1/2 what I would have paid elsewhere.
I always compare between eBay and amazon. Ironically, as a buyer I prefer amazon. I should follow my own lead and start selling there too.
posted on January 6, 2011 06:53:41 AM new
Yeah, buying from an individual seller on Amazon is nothing like having to deal with sellers on eBay.
If you don't get what you were promised on Amazon, there are hassle-free returns. Amazon will lean heavily on the seller to make it right with the customer. A seller who fails to do so no longer sells on Amazon.
But best of all from the seller's perspective: If you do FBA, you never have to touch a return. Amazon does it for you. No more wingnuts pestering you in email, trying to wangle partial refunds or demanding more than they deserve.
Do I make a lot of money on Amazon? No, but I've only got about 700 books listed. When it gets to 50,000 I expect to have a great passive income -- without being tied to home or office.
posted on January 6, 2011 10:08:19 AM new
See,you are NOT making money on AMZN,is that because your expenses are too high ?
AMZN fees -15%,promerchant account fee $39.95,fullfillment fee,storage fee?
And how did you move your inventory to AMZN warehouse?
Many AMZN sellers are brick and mortar retail stores so they have good merchandise and staff to provide customer service.
But Ebay sellers are like the guerilla fighters or Spartacus soldiers,they scout garage sales,estate auctions to bring you items you dont easily find in store.
Or if you do find them in stores,the prices are higher and then there is sales tax!
Think of that Ebay bidder as a pig using its nose to find truflles,that diamond in the rough!
*
There is no 'Global savings glut',only wild horses and loose bankers.
posted on January 6, 2011 10:13:28 AM new
Having said that,I have been asking myself do I still want to sell books once my existing inventory of books is gone ?
Many publishers will sell remainder books in large volume if you have the facility to receive,unload and store these books,and AMZN fullfillment may just be the answer for some of us who dont have the resources to do so.
*
There is no 'Global savings glut',only wild horses and loose bankers.
posted on January 6, 2011 04:42:15 PM new
Barnes and Noble wil be gearing up their internet presence.
If you have more than 200 books and agree to 30 days return policy,then you can list on Barnes and Noble,but dont expect too many sales.
You can sell movies too !
*
There is no 'Global savings glut',only wild horses and loose bankers.
