I agree too!!!
Now - I read that article last night and had to shut off the computer. In my opinion, it's written by yet another 'paid author' - who has made mention of paying sites.
I'm sorry - OnlineAuctions is such a 'pit'. It had awesome potential in the beginning but after x years, it still does not submit items to Google Products/Google Base. How in the world does anyone expect to sell anything and grow business over a period of time without this?
I don't know Fain, so have no opinion about him or his business sense, but what in the world are paying members paying for? Submitting to google should be a # 1 for anybody wanting to sell anything - on any platform!
I also didn't fully understand, nor get an 'aha' moment by his reference to the online Costco. I view Costco as a warehouse full of more-than-ya-need packaging that's over-priced. Therefore, his comparison made me very grateful that I do not SHOP on OnlineAuctions as well as do not SELL!
Loved that eCrater got exposure. Site owner works very hard to meet sellers needs, and it's all that it was designed to be.
Then...the mention of iOffer - I had 80% NPB there - and decided it was way too much work for the return. I'll freely suggest I did not give it enough time, but it's not one that I would put front and center.
And then of course, Overstock and Amazon are mentioned. I see these are 'targeting' the large sellers; those with extensive quantities of stock to sell.
I have yet to see in all the press anyone actually discuss an idea, solution or suggestion that fits best with the group that helped make ebaY famous. For all those smaller sellers who clean an attic or down-size a parent or ???, and they have unique off-the-wall items, collectibles, etc.
The best comment in the whole bunch is the last one (48) - by Robert from Atlanta, GA. Why? He's a buyer. And - if sites and sellers really want to 'change' this market, they have to find a balance between what works for both - buyers and sellers.
Off my soapbox! I think the dude that wrote this has been to Harold and Martha's home, and gotten into Martha's meds....
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