posted on April 12, 2001 01:43:49 PM new
I've been a big supporter of YAHOO auctions, until recently, when they made it impossible for a time.
Not because I liked YAHOO so much but because I feel it is really important for there to be a viable alternative to eBay and I thought YAHOO could best fill that void.
Since things can't get much worse I'm going to focus on the positive potential.
1) YAHOO's Founder likes auctions. He buys on eBay all the time.
2) YAHOO just created a new position of auction management, over the present honch, and hired an outside executive while laying off other staff company wide.
3) YAHOO just purchased an International site - Dosen't seem they intend to give up on auctions and will need a strong US site to compete.
4) They have a huge user/customer base.
5) They have money in the bank.
6) They still make money. Just not as much as before.
7) They made a mistake with the structure of auction fees but they are not stupid. They built a large successfully company and can change to meet needs in the marketplace.
8) They are introducing FVF oriented fee structures on international sites. I expect, after time to get settled in, the new top manager will make changes in the US site that are realistic for everybody.
9)Maybe Porn isn't nice but it is legal and YAHOO is showing they want to make money.
Will they pass on the opportunity to have a million unhappy eBay users as potential customers?
Given a fair chance and a little respect as business people the selling community will work hard to again build a major site for the benefit of everybody.
I might be wrong but it could be a good year ahead if I'm right.
posted on April 12, 2001 02:04:21 PM new
You've brought up some good points and I sincerely hope you're right. We all benefit if there's an alternative.
