Earlier this year, eBay (NASDAQ: EBAY) announced some changes to its fee structure and feedback system. Various fees would be higher with some features that were once offered at a cost now available for free, but overall, fees are higher for sellers then they were before the change. Also, while buyers can still leave negative feedback for sellers, sellers cannot leave negative feedback for buyers. In other words, buyers can hold sellers hostage with the threat of negative feedback. 
Sellers immediately complained. In fact, sellers complained so vigorously that today marked the first day of a week-long eBay boycott. Interestingly, American Technology Research reports that eBay listings are actually up 12% overall year-over-year. However, in the United States, listings are down 6% year-over-year. International listings, on the other hand, are up 27% year-over-year.
So while eBay sellers in the United States are not happy with recent changes, one is left to wonder whether the new fee structure and feedback system will really have any long-term affects on eBay sellers. Sure there are some competitive sites such as uBid, but those sites are not as popular or as comprehensive as eBay. Other sites are popping up with their own online classified sections akin to Craigslist such as Flugpo, but again, they're not the same as eBay.
Unfortunately, the increased eBay listing fees get passed onto customers through higher starting auction prices, and eBay wins by further lining their pockets. Truth be told, it sounds like eBay needs a strong, viable competitor.
What do you think? Will sellers really leave eBay or is there nowhere else for them to go?
» What Will eBay Corporate Leaders Do To End The Boycott? That Is, If They Can from LeaderNotes
"The strike, or boycott, is about all I am seeing in my groups, forums,
[Read More]Tracked on: February 19, 2008 9:44 AM | Permalink to Trackback