David Steiner from AuctionBytes comments today on an interesting saga that is unfolding between AuctionBytes and eBay. It's well worth watching, and it is the reason for the Walmart post I wrote yesterday.
eBay's Double Standards
Basically, eBay has one standard for small sellers - toe the line or else - and one standard for big sellers. They can deny the details, through the eBayInk Blog, but any difference in the treatment of big sellers and small sellers is going to make people mad.
eBay has spent a lot of capital on the changes of the past year. Those changes have wrecked some sellers' businesses, angered many others, and caused buyers to quietly shop elsewhere. Supposedly, the new policies are to bring the current sellers up to higher standards.
But what about eBay's standards? I know I've paid a lot to eBay for a place to sell my stuff. Have they raised their standards? I don't believe they have.
- They have been heavy-handed with small sellers, their customers. They take swipes at sellers on the site - while taking away the ability for those sellers to warn the community of nasty buyers.
- They have taken the old eBay principle that "everyone has something to contribute" quite literally - you don't get much back these days...
- They have made the site into a mine field of rules and restrictions, along with convoluted promotions. There is nothing simple about eBay anymore. It's nearly impossible to teach the (increasingly few) people that want to learn to sell.
Wise people will not sit and hope for change at eBay - it's time to take the training wheels off and strike out on your own. At least until eBay ups their own standards to the level they require small sellers to meet.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Best Match is still a mess. If I was CEO of a diamond-seller level corporation I would seriously reconsider my decision to pour too many resources into the ebay platform.
Up yours eBay.
Why reconsider? Ebay is giving significant fee discounts. If you have to get 4.8 DSR stars, they’re making at least 15% off on fees and if they offer free shipping on October 15th, they get double the FAV fees.
We’re close to Diamond status. 4 months and we should have it :)
That is fabulous Dustin Jones- now did you get to take the free elevator to the top or did you pay a toll to climb the stairs like a real eBay seller?