Monday, October 13, 2008

Money & Business

Alpha Consumer by Kimberly Palmer

EBay’s Marital Problems

March 10, 2008 12:07 PM ET | Kimberly Palmer | Permanent Link | Print

Blogger Randy Smythe offers a fascinating take on the eBay fees debate: He argues the company's management and sellers need some old-fashioned marital advice. He writes:

Why do I bring up divorce in an ecommerce blog? Because, marital problems are exactly like what is happening between eBay management and eBay's sellers. They are in the middle of a bad marriage and looking at their options....

For many sellers, eBay was their first love, but they have taken so much crap, for so long they've lost any hope that the relationship can be saved....

eBay needs a marriage counselor that both sides can agree on. Someone who can tell sellers when they are out of line and someone who can hold management accountable, but you know that will never happen because this is business not a marriage.... Unfortunately, I fear that the damage has been done and nothing that eBay management can say will improve the situation.

Smythe even points out that many eBay sellers have had affairs with other marketplaces. So, sellers, do you just need a good "marriage" counselor to fix this situation?

Tags: online shopping | eBay

Tools: Share | | Comments (8) | Print

Reader Comments

Feedback Policy Change

If you are a seller check out http://www.AFTERTHEGAVEL.com. Protect your reputation!

ebay problems

The big problem with Ebay is no one in management has actually sold an item on Ebay so they don't realize what the process is except from a theoretical standpoint.this is somewhat like managing a war from south Florida.

ebay problems

The big problem with Ebay is no one in management has actually sold an item on Ebay so they don't realize what the process is except from a theoretical standpoint.this is somewhat like managing a war from south Florida.

Add your thoughts

Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

advertisement

About Alpha Consumer

Send an E-mail to alphaconsumer@usnews.com.

Kimberly Palmer, senior editor for U.S. News & World Report, writes about how to save money, avoid scams, manage debt, and be a savvy shopper. Share with her your own money issues by sending questions to alphaconsumer@usnews.com.

Alpha Consumer

advertisement

NEWSLETTER

Sign up today for the latest headlines from U.S. News & World Report delivered to you free.

RSS FEEDS

Personalize your U.S. News with our feeds of blogs and breaking news headlines.

U.S. NEWS MOBILE

U.S. News daily briefings are also available on your mobile device.

Alpha Consumer Video and Podcasts

Alpha Consumer on Facebook

Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.