In the previous posts in this series, I described how I have seen [tag]eBay[/tag] become bloated, and expensive. As a result of these factors, and turning a blind eye to the community the fourth problem has developed in the once vibrant and positive [tag]eBay community[/tag].
#4 - The fractured Community
One of the most unfortunate comparisons between eBay and the Government is in their respective communities. The U.S. has seen great fractures develop over the past years resulting from disagreements over illegal immigration, the Iraq war, Democrats and Republicans, gay marriage, religion, and the list goes on and on. The eBay community has also seen itself polarized and fractured between [tag]buyers[/tag] and [tag]sellers[/tag], sellers and eBay executives, sellers squabbling among themselves, and the reasons are myriad.
One reason for the divisions is common for both the [tag]Government and eBay[/tag]. [tag]Trust and safety[/tag]. I've always said that without trust, eBay could not exist. They may have tried valiantly to keep crime out of the community, just as the government does, but it's not enough. People are not only losing trust in each other, they are skeptical of eBay itself. For many people, it is simply becoming too hard to do business on eBay. Whether buying or selling. They have to constantly watch out for scammers and thieves.
As a buyer, lets say you wanted to buy some new bluejeans. There is a store to your left, and one to your right. If you go to the store to your left, you have to watch the alleyways and look over your shoulder as you walk. Then once you buy your bluejeans, you safely arrive home only to find out they're not genuine. If you go to your right, you walk down a well-lit street, feeling safe. You buy your new jeans and get home knowing that 1) they're the genuine article 2) if you have any problems and exchange will be simple. eBay cannot do enough to keep people safe, and buyers will take the easiest and safest route to their purchases.
As a new seller, lets say you want to sell some new bluejeans. In order to list your item you must answer literally dozens of questions. If your Feedback score is low, it's likely you won't get the best price because buyers have been taught not to trust you. If you make the mistake of comparing your jeans to another brand, you may find your auction ended for keyword spamming. It doesn't matter if it was an innocent mistake. While listing you're faced with the following questions:
- how do I get photos on my listing?
- how long should my listing be?
- should I choose an auction or fixed price listing?
- where should I set my price?
- what is a Private auction?
- do I need a Reserve price? and do I share it with bidders?
- who pays for shipping?
- how do I know how much to charge for shipping?
- how much is this going to cost me?
- what if my item doesn't sell?
There are more questions but you get the point. It's easy for eBay veterans, but as a new seller a garage sale sounds a lot easier.
The magic that held the eBay community together, making events like eBay Live! so popular, has faded for sure. People have gotten used to eBay. The thing that made the community special was people. Individual sellers and buyers selling interesting things. People with stories to tell. Now that eBay has pushed the big brands into the marketplace, it's just like every other site. If the new fees are announced as expected, the bigger sellers will get breaks, encouraging more of the cookie-cutter listings that anyone can pick up at the local stores. Do you think those big sellers are concerned about the community?
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