tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056474203732155833.post3254752791902707172..comments2020-07-13T21:23:18.093-07:00Comments on Red Ink Diary: GoneHenriettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00980100650453154588noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056474203732155833.post-22240975808356492292008-10-16T07:46:00.000-07:002008-10-16T07:46:00.000-07:00Large corporations have a tendancy to screw down t...Large corporations have a tendancy to screw down the prices of their sub-contractors and suppliers. Subject to Darlene and Susan actually talking to the same individual employee, I tend to wonder whether part of the attitude of the new company structure is that the buyer is the customer and the seller is a sub-contractor. Given that John Donahoe, in his disruptive innovation speech, almost seems to think that auctions and incremental bidding are a new concept (http://tinyurl.com/3t9gvk ), could it be possible that he does not understand that Ebay is ONLY an agent in the transaction, and simply paid a commission like any other agent or auction firm (FVF's are only a commission on the sale price, which Ebay legitimately earns).<BR/><BR/>However, if the prevailing attitude of the company is that sellers are simply sub-contractors, it explains much of what has happened this year. By dropping the status of the seller from paying customer to sub-contractor, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that sellers need to be viable for ongoing business. Instead, Ebay is looking to sellers as being sub-contractors to sell to Ebay's customers (the buyers) for the lowest possible price. Thus they are restricting the amount that the "sub-contractor" can charge for shipping (below cost inm many cases), and "incenting" and rewarding sellers to supply their goods cheaper, and to carry out Ebay's customer service. Since Ebay does not view the seller as their customer, only a means for Ebay to supply the cheapest goods on the internet (without buying any of the stock that they are attempting to discount), Ebay does not need to offer customer service, but will punish sellers who only offer the standard of customer service that Ebay itself supplies. As I have also said ad nauseum, this can not be a sustainable business model for those sellers who fall into line in this way (other than offering good customer service).<BR/><BR/>This is, of course, just a bizarre theory. Surely no high profile business would look at it's paying customers in this way (although individual staff may), but it is no more a bizarre theory than that of "disruptive innovation". However while current attitudes prevail, people's livelihoods and dignity suffer in varying amounts.<BR/><BR/>KevinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056474203732155833.post-26779033498241797352008-10-15T19:31:00.000-07:002008-10-15T19:31:00.000-07:00I have also been told that my buyers were Ebay cus...I have also been told that my buyers were Ebay customers not mine. Only difference I spoke with a gentleman in customer support. This took place shortly after the announcement in late August. When I asked him what he meant by that comment he explained that buyers were registered through Ebay, that made them Ebay's customers and I was a supplier. <BR/>Sorry, TomH I can't supply a link to the conversation, since it took place over the telephone. So I am inclined to believe what Susan stated. Also, if you go back to the discussion board and read the whole thread I think you will grasp what the conversation was about.<BR/>I closed my store in September after trying it for 6 months. My reason for closing was lack of sales since June and lack of merchandise. I have to admit I was not prepared to open a store. <BR/>I respect all you sellers who have 100's and 1000's of listings. It is hard work and you are to be admired. <BR/>Darlene J<BR/>North Bend, ORDarlenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06197398573501431216noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056474203732155833.post-1364650457816620242008-10-15T17:36:00.000-07:002008-10-15T17:36:00.000-07:00I'm sorry, but the link to the so called eBay rep ...I'm sorry, but the link to the so called eBay rep saying here customers are eBay's is not there. The link only shows her explanations of what she says what happened. eBay rep's replies are not there at all. <BR/><BR/>I tend to believe the article, but the evidence presented does not support any part of the article.<BR/><BR/>I have to past on this one,<BR/><BR/>TomHAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056474203732155833.post-29586686180349980622008-10-15T12:38:00.000-07:002008-10-15T12:38:00.000-07:00Grace-How are you doing at ECrater? I sell used cl...Grace-<BR/>How are you doing at ECrater? I sell used clothes too. It would be nice if a few big Ebay used clothing sellers would move to a new site (same site) because a lot of clothing sellers have repeat business (like you mentioned). I'm still at Ebay; sales are very down. The other sellers I watch in my category are definitely down.<BR/><BR/>It would nice to get a niche market going somewhere.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056474203732155833.post-11971447326344397782008-10-15T11:20:00.000-07:002008-10-15T11:20:00.000-07:00I am a Powerseller on ebaY. I was doing so well th...I am a Powerseller on ebaY. I was doing so well this time last year, I was all geared up to implement my new business plan in Feb 2008, when ebaY dropped the bombshell on us! I sell used Plus Size clothing and was gaining more and more customers, they loved bidding up the clothes and I was making good money...well now I am finished with ebaY I held on as long as I could, these past three months I have seen my auctions have no watchers, no bidders and no sales. My customers like to pay with MO or personal checks. I have closed up shop and left.Desert Grace Boutiquehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04518669731596935599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056474203732155833.post-82501933530550685342008-10-15T09:30:00.000-07:002008-10-15T09:30:00.000-07:00Scathing!!! :)Scathing!!! :)Billhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11199805319097221664noreply@blogger.com