The eBay sellers are up in arms again concerning the changes in fee structures and feedback changes in the system. In response, they launched a boycott today in an attempt to influence the changes eBay (EBAY) has made. It's probably a waste of time, as it hasn't done any good in the past.
With the usual bluster of communication on the Web that a large number of people were going to shut down their eBay shops, you'd think eBay would have suffered over the years, as every time some type of change is made by them there seems to be an inordinate amount of temporary rebellion; but not long after it settles down to business as usual.
In spite of the ranting, the listings during the first quarter for the entire company increased by 12 percent year-over-year. While the U.S. market was down by 6 percent, it was more than offset by global listings which surged by 27 percent.
Ebay sellers throughout the years always lament the changes the company makes, and seem to always yearn for the way things "used to be."
As my colleague at powersellerking.com, Suzanne Wells, said earlier this month concerning the uproar and whether she would participate in the boycott, "I will not. First of all, I am not that passionate about the changes. I'll adapt and move on.
"Secondly, I am a single parent and eBay is how I earn my living, pay my bills, buy groceries, and pay the mortgage. eBay isn't a game for me, it takes care of me and my two children. Sorry, guys, but some of us need the money. I don't remember joining a union when I became an eBay seller. I hope to sell more than usual during the strike week since perhaps supply will be lower than normal."
I like what Suzanne says because she is staying focused on her business rather than the embracing an "activist" mentality, which is a waste of time.
Her attitude that this is a business for her and not a hobby is important. Only those that are dabbling in eBay have the time to rant and write online about this. Those that are in the business to make a living are those that will adapt and adjust to the ongoing changes that being in any business entails.
To yearn for "yesterday," as far as being in business goes, is a mistake. Nobody likes change, and people resent it when it's imposed upon them. That's why changes to eBay over the years have been always temporarily resisted. But in the end, those serious about running an eBay business stick with them.
Rather than rant and rave, either stop working with them and go to another auctions site ... or simply adapt and go on. These changes will stick with the company, and you're only hurting your own business by wasting your time with a boycott.
Thanks for an interesting blog entry. I think you have many good points. However, I wonder why you choose to polarize this situation. Suzanne Wells have made a stance, one I respect as much as you. Others have made another stance. It really come down to where one stands.
You critizise people for ranting about eBay changes. Yet you rant about people ranting. Who is the fool here, really? I would say: none. People rant and spend their energy as they see fit.
Understanding where the 'others', that is the ranters, come from is important. Some of these ranters may just as well be seen as whiners, or they could be seen for revolutionary - the type of people who don't accept being pissed at.
Summary: Taking a stance (as you and Suzanne and the other ravers do) is great, but try to accnowledge, they have viable reasons for their stance just as you have viable reasons for your stance.
Posted by: Magnus | February 19, 2008 5:04 AM | Permalink to Comment