| happyman05 | 10-26-2008 06:03 PM |
eBay's next ridiculous anti-seller measures?
As we've seen by the implementation of anonymous DSRs, best match default searches, unprecedented commission hikes, the negative feedback ban, and other recent fundamental changes, eBay is really putting the screws to sellers in a cynical attempt to consolidate control, stabilize profits, and homogenize the online auction landscape. Judging from these unbalanced measures and from eBay's own public disclosures, it's obvious to most observers that this is part of a larger plan to squeeze out mid and small-scale sellers in favor of corporate and full-time PowerSellers who pose less of a risk to the almighty "consistent buyer experience" and relatively hassle-free revenue stream that the eBay execs now hold paramount. Ideally, eBay would only want mega-sellers who enter corporate contracts with them and deal in total transparency, or individual sellers who are so reliant on eBay as a "career" that they can somehow rationalize sacrificing more and more of their money, dignity, and financial autonomy to the out-of-control eBay machine.
That was a long intro (my hatred of eBay's sinister, disingenuous ways has been smoldering without release for some time). But basically I'm wondering what people's predictions are as to next steps eBay will take against sellers in furtherance of their not-so-hidden "online outlet store" agenda.
We know that eBay/PayPal will usually announce big changes about a month in advance (even though they've been in the works and known to insiders for months, if not years). For example, s&h limitations, forced return policy, and bans on checks and money orders have all been on deck for a few weeks now, just waiting to be "enforced" in a matter of days. Any ideas on what the next nail in the small-seller sarcophagus will be, and when we might expect it? I'd love to hear everyone's opinions... | 
