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Another sign eBay wants rid of the small fish
 

eBay is finished with the Live Auction format soon, another sign that eBay only wants big corporations and a select few sellers not the "small fish". The smaller sellers are being slowly phased out.

A Message from Jim Ambach – Live Auction Format Being Retired End of 2008

Hi everyone...As of December 31, 2008, eBay will no longer offer eBay Live Auctions. As we work to improve the buying and selling experiences which you've heard our leaders talk about – including significant investments in Trust & Safety and customer support – we need to make sure our resources are aligned with our priorities. In the case of Live Auctions, maintaining and improving this platform falls outside our immediate focus, and will, therefore, be retired at the end of the year.

Many members may not be aware of Live Auctions – these are differentiated listings linked to physical or virtual auction houses, and moderated by a live auctioneer. Furthermore, these listings are not subject to a specific end time; Live Auctions conclude when there are no further bids.

Before I continue, let's be clear: eBay will continue to offer auction-style listings which constitute the majority of items on eBay.com.

Over the years, eBay partnered with a very small number of service providers who in turn worked directly with the live auction houses to supply merchandise and auctioneers for eBay Live Auctions. In addition, several hundred sellers list their items directly using the Live Auction format.

This announcement will represent a significant change for the small number of partners, buyers, and sellers involved with Live Auctions, which is why we're giving eight months notice. We've been in touch with each of our service provider partners, and between now and the end of this year, we'll continue to work with our Live Auction partners and sellers to ensure a smooth and seamless termination of this aspect of our business.

Sincerely,

Jim Ambach
Vice President, Seller Experience

Is Live Auctions a small fish type of feature of eBay? I've never used it before.

yeah ive never heard of it

I thought Live Auctions was only for the big fish.

Not Just Big Fish
 

Live Auction is rather strange. It is for items like art,antiques, vintage toys,
trains and the like. Items are OK but in some categories very pricey. ;)
Seemed to me to be geared to the older crowd.

Live Auction is just like a live auction, over the internet. Bidding takes place in "real time".

Frankly, I think its geared to pricey stuff - sothebys, Tiffanys wateva.

eBay is alienating the little guy, but I dont see this particular situation as proof of it.