Ebay

[Alan Roehrich]

Yep, evil bay bought pay pal and now the two of them are the biggest racket outside of insurance companies and banks.

[HandOverFist]

So...is it the price of the fee's or the fact that there is a fee at all that makes it evil?

[Chad Rhodes]

Originally Posted by HandOverFist

So...is it the price of the fee's or the fact that there is a fee at all that makes it evil?

It's the price of the fees. If you're a business, and don't put much on ebay, 10% could be a significant portion of your profit. Especially if you are in a tight margin business. Not to mention that my credit card processor charges over a percent less than PayPal, which they almost force you to take.

My personal example; the racing parts business is pretty competitive, with tight margins. We don't generally list anything but old inventory on eBay, as there isn't any money to be made. Their "service" is not worth over 50% of my profit in some cases.

[HandOverFist]

I can understand that reasoning. What I don't understand is the "evil" portion. They are a business and/or provide services for which a fee is logical and expected. The fact that these fees may be a bit higher than you or I may deem appropriate does not make them shady...the fees are well explained up front. We can make our own decision pertaining to the use of their services without any pressure. Ebay and Paypal both have some built-in protections for buyers and sellers alike...you won't find anything like that on Craigslist.

[Alan Roehrich]

Originally Posted by HandOverFist

I can understand that reasoning. What I don't understand is the "evil" portion. They are a business and/or provide services for which a fee is logical and expected. The fact that these fees may be a bit higher than you or I may deem appropriate does not make them shady...the fees are well explained up front. We can make our own decision pertaining to the use of their services without any pressure. Ebay and Paypal both have some built-in protections for buyers and sellers alike...you won't find anything like that on Craigslist.

Actually, ebay has shifted to almost exclusively "protect" the "buyer", who pretty much has only to claim some sort of slight on the part of the seller, who really has no recourse. And they use pay pal to enforce their penalty on the seller.

Their fees are not always so "upfront", either, and they change their "user agreement" on a regular basis. Their commissions are also rather high, considering the service they offer.

No one is claiming that they were forced to use ebay. They are merely stating their opinions and experiences as to what ebay has become, as opposed to what it once was.

[HandOverFist]

Originally Posted by Alan Roehrich

Actually, ebay has shifted to almost exclusively "protect" the "buyer", who pretty much has only to claim some sort of slight on the part of the seller, who really has no recourse. And they use pay pal to enforce their penalty on the seller.

Their fees are not always so "upfront", either, and they change their "user agreement" on a regular basis. Their commissions are also rather high, considering the service they offer.

No one is claiming that they were forced to use ebay. They are merely stating their opinions and experiences as to what ebay has become, as opposed to what it once was.

Understood - I use ebay at times to both sell and buy. Usually when selling it is vehicles in my case...the greater audience of that site is my main reason. User agreements change on a regular basis for all businesses...we all get the letters in the mail from credit card issuers, banks, ect. We all make choices on a daily basis on just what we are willing to tolerate/accept when it comes to business dealings. If one is trying to conduct a business thru Ebay there has to be some motivation...profit at the forefront, if none is to be had they will soon abandon the venture. I personally would not want to operate/conduct any business dealings thru Ebay.

Just out of curiosity because selling for me is rather sporadic...what were the fees/policies that were acceptable prior?

[Alan Roehrich]

Originally Posted by HandOverFist

So...is it the price of the fee's or the fact that there is a fee at all that makes it evil?

I have no problem with reasonable fees. I do have a problem with being forced to use a service I do not like or trust, because I use another service I was already using and subscribed to.

Profit is not a dirty word. I do not have the slightest problem with a man making a living. However, I have no use for a bunch of executives making a killing.

[HandOverFist]

Originally Posted by Alan Roehrich

I have no problem with reasonable fees. I do have a problem with being forced to use a service I do not like or trust, because I use another service I was already using and subscribed to.

Profit is not a dirty word. I do not have the slightest problem with a man making a living. However, I have no use for a bunch of executives making a killing.

Alan - Is it just me? That reminds me an awful lot of the Affordable Healthcare Act.

[Alan Roehrich]

Originally Posted by HandOverFist

Alan - Is it just me? That reminds me an awful lot of the Affordable Healthcare Act.

It shouldn't. Obamacare is forced upon us by law.

[Ken Kopecky]

Keep in mind that the fee that ebay charges is based not only on the final selling price of the item, but they also charge a fee based on the cost of the shipping. Triple fee for them. Fee for the final selling price, fee for the shipping cost and the paypal fee.

Ken Kopecky
1454 E/SA