The Doll Street Journal

A lot has happened since the first publication of DSJ and the Feb 18-25 eBay strike. Many PowerSellers decided to extend the strike to March 9, others extended their boycott indefinitely.  Many buyers and sellers went back to the auction giant in an attempt to conduct business as usual.  The most recent changes have a lot of buyers and sellers a bit confused about what is going to happen next.  The purpose of this issue is to inform. This update provides a chronological link list of the most recent news reports pertaining to eBay to date.

Feb 28 -- Ebay agrees to pay up for 'Buy It Now' -- Online auctioneer agrees to buy patents from MercExchange, settling a 7-year legal dispute.

March 4 -- eBay: User Boycott Never Materialized -- eBay denies listing drop during the strike.

March 4 -- EBay Accused of Padding Listing Numbers  -- A YouTube was made on this topic (link below).

March 4 -- eBay Rolls Out Best Match as Default -- "eBay sellers attending the IMA keynote asked Ambach many questions about Best Match and about how DSRs would affect their rankings."

March 5 -- eBay Battles Power Sellers

March 6 -- eBay Hires Blogger to Improve Communications and March 6 --  EBay's new in-house blogger sounds off

March 10 -- eBay Survey -- You can take the survey and see the results.

March 11 -- eBay Requires Enrollment for PayPal Extended Seller Protection

March 12 -- eBay Watch: May Day Strike Slated, Free Video Service

March 12 -- Scientology Given Direct Access To eBay Database

March 13 -- Watchdog Group Gives Live Demo of eBay Security Vulnerability -- Tired of the powers that be falling on deaf ears, a watchdog group in Germany finally gets down with how it is done.

March 14 -- Boycott Fever II: More eBay Alternatives

March 16 --  From the Editor  -- Delay extended with email invitation . . .

March 17 -- eBay Shakes Off ValueClick, Starts Its Own Affiliate Program -- eBay dismisses Commission Junction

March 17 -- EBay sets up affiliate network, hurting ValueClick -- Stock information on ValueClick and eBay following their announcement.

March 17 -- eBay Brings Affiliate Program In-House -- Information about the eBay in house program.

March 17 -- Sector Snap: Major Web Stocks Fall

March 17 -- eBay Opens Registration for Annual Conference -- eBay Live 2008 takes place in Chicago, Illinois from June 19-21, 2008.

March 17 -- Miffed eBayers Mobilize for May Break Up -- PowerSellers organize a May Day strike.

March 19 -- eBay cancels the Corn Flake auction --  Watch what you say . . .

So far,  eBay March is in like a lion. 

DSJ, USA - "My Dollie Is Not Happy -- Not Happy One Bit!"022608 According to Today In Tech (Yahoo), the eBay buyer/seller boycott is having some affect.    Also, according to The Business Shrink, eBay is in denial, and as of February 19, Mr. Bill Cobb announced he was leaving eBay with the new eBay policy being his last notice . 

Three days into the Sellers' Strike, PowerSellersUnite describe  eBay auction listings down.  While the internet is abuzz with news and statistical information to support this statement, the powers of eBay dismiss the issue stating their listings are 'up', and continue to advertise on television in an effort to counter bad press.  

Listings for eBay may be up as there are some sellers who see the strike as an opportunity  to market their wares with less competition.  Others are simply taking advantage of the situation by making their own statement.  (eBay Strike Listing)

Over the years, a whole lot of people fell in love with  eBay and its well organized fair trade community.    As of the first of the month, this environment changed.  According to PowerSellersUnite, some sellers are talking about extending their strike until March 3 and beyond.   Many sellers have closed their eBay stores entirely.  For the first time in eBay history, there are more people - both buyers and sellers believe they have been disenfranchised by the company they helped grow. 

The recent feedback issue seems to have the most impact on honest sellers.  If anyone has ever sold an item only to end up with a non responsive buyer, the event can be unsettling.

For example, a buyer makes a purchase, receives the item, pays for the item, then logs a complaint with PayPal and withdraws his payment without ever returning the item.    Sellers are faced with PayPal deductions, and payment withdrawals with no merchandise returned.

There are also unscrupulous buyers who pay for an item and once received,  contacts the seller with a bad feedback threat if they do not receive a credit for 'x' amount of dollars toward their purchase.

When new policies are implemented, sellers will not be able to leave a neutral or negative feedback against the buyer. At this point, the seller finds they are on a potential never ending adventure in search of justice.

If that is not enough, there are shipping stars to contend with.  In one of the more recent articles in  AuctionBytes, eBay UK made an announcement that they are introducing the changes in the way  buyers may now view a seller's auction page.  The seller's auction  view would include the 'star' ratings displayed for buyers,  and if the seller does not have a '5' star rating, the auction is 'red flagged' for buyers to proceed with caution.  You can find the rest of the article here: Update to eBay Testing New View Item Page.  

In reality, when dealing with the US Postal Service - or any other shipping service, things do not always go smoothly.  Once a package leaves a seller's hands, there is no way they can account for its whereabouts until the buyer acknowledges they've received it.  Under the current system, if the buyer's package does not arrive within a certain amount of time, the seller would be considered at fault, with increased potential for being penalized for the delay. 

One of the most informative articles on the eBay Boycott can be found on CNN's Fortune Online (EBay boycott winds down, but anger remains).  Although it is reported that eBay listing estimates remain down approximately 10% since February 18, many major eBay changes have yet to be implemented. According to the report, next month the company will introduce a revamp of its default search algorithm prioritizing volume sellers with high customer feedback ratings, with eBay holding what they deem as risky payments 21 days.

With little information available about what protection the seller will have after eBay policy changes are implemented, it is understandable why sellers are concerned.

Many of eBay's disenfranchised sellers are beginning to realize that they do not have to put all their eggs in one basket.  The best sellers who have developed a loyal following know their customer base will follow them.

While buyers will always enjoy their eBay experience, many will return to the sellers they trust most, regardless of whether they sell direct from their own personal web sites, or through a sales board, their forum, competing auction house, or network.

Many people who closed their stores on eBay are finding friends in other places. Social networking is now an important facet of internet commerce today, and many vendors are learning they can stand quite comfortably on their own.

In summary, regardless whether or not the online auction giant decides to address the buyer/seller issues, eBay's marketplace will never be the same again.

Many thanks to the creative artists who stepped up to the Strike Challenge, and bared their heart through their art.

Special Thanks to Elaine and Kat from VikisFinds, and the
DinkyDivas who publicly extended an open invitation to share their creative Flikr photos concerning the strike. Kudos to the brave sellers who were so passionate about their cause that they took the time to make YouTubes about it.

Special recognition to Elizabeth's Sewing Basket for designing the white suit modeled by The Doll Street Journal's mascot.