Is it still worth it to have an eBay store?
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Is it still worth it to have an eBay Store?
Is it still worth it to have an eBay store?
I am an eBay shopkeeper or store owner. I sell mostly digital goods or electronically downloadable products such as eBooks, web templates, or other information. Everything I sell is original or I have resell rights. I have been very happy with eBay throughout my years of eBaying, that is until about February of this year (2008). I still feel eBay is the easiest way for anyone to begin making money online with very little out of pocket expense, but so much has changed that I don't know if it's worth all the hassles anymore.
eBay - The Changes
In February 2008, eBay announced many changes to their policies and have continued with more changes every month since and in my opinion are for the worst.eBay raised their final value fees from about 4.5% to 8.75% and then raised their minimum buy it now from 1 cent (an exclusive for store owners) to $1.00, so eBay effectively killed the 1 cent buy it now auction all together. They changed the digital goods policy to one that reads
"all goods that can be digitally downloaded or transferred electronically must be listed using the Classified Ads format",
which incidentally cost $9.99 to run for thirty days, this format does not enable buyers and sellers to transact online through eBay nor is eBay Feedback available, and there are a slew of other headaches with listing items as classified ads. This is not all the changes as there are more pending such as Sellers will no longer be able to leave negative or neutral Feedback for buyers as of May 2008. That was always a last line of defense for sellers against buyers, especially eBay Newcomers who might abuse the feedback system or not know how it works.
My eBay store is basically bare now. There are a few items left that are evidentially violating eBay's terms as they are digital downloads. What's left were items listed as "Good till Cancelled", so those listings automatically relist for the time being. I could always offer the same products, just burn them to a CD, and charge shipping, but that kind of defeats the purpose of Digital Product, especially a 1 cent buy it now, digital delivery, with free shipping item.
So is it worth it to keep an eBay store that made its bread and butter from selling digital goods? Keep in mind money can still be made, just not as easily or conveniently as before.
I am thinking it's time to move on and find other alternatives
I am thinking it's time to move on and find other alternatives to eBay
If you agree, add links (proof!) that help me make my case
Add a link that makes my case.
Sellers Give Negative Feedback on eBay Changes - Bits - Technology - New York Times Blog
Bits is a blog about technology, innovation and so more...0 points
eBay Changes Feedback System - Some Sellers Fuming | The Home-Based Business Blog
eBay has changed their once simple feedback system more...0 points
EBay's Feedback Changes Are Bad News For Buyers - Wolfe's Den Blog - InformationWeek
InformationWeek writers blog on a range of busines more...0 points
YOUR TURN!
Is it worth it to have an eBay Store?

Yes, it is definatly worth it.
karl says:
Its worth it...but ebay are charging too much and theyre killing there own market.Ebay isnt what it was 10 years ago and it's near impossible to make a living from the website now.It's good for extra pocket money though.
Nathan says:
I think its still worth having a ebay store as it will make your business alot more professional to any potentail customers visting your store, Also i would have a custom desinged store, template and software to enable you to have a sucsessful online auction business, Check out http://www.ebeezy.com these offer great ebay listing templates and ebay store designs.
Proimpulse says:
Even though there are many changes with eBay it's still worth having an eBay store even if the sole reason is to market your website. eBay is by far some of the most cost effective marketing you can do and if done in the proper way it can greatly increase your cash flow.
No way, too many changes for the worse.
Josh says:
I actually had an ebay store before switching to www.pricefalls.com and now comparing the 2 there is no reason to have a store on eBay. If you're looking to expand your online footprint and make your store more credible pricefalls.com is the newest and most up and coming site out there.
Gigi says:
it sucks
tom123jones says:
eBay is just too costly. they raise their fees and you cannot make a profit anymore a new ebay alternative is called shoprink. follow them at their blog http://blog.shoprink.com they will be launching soon.
amy1980 says:
Nah, I've never found it to be worth doing.
assads says:
I was paying £6 a month before, have not seen the promised benefits for the new fee of £15.
Convince me why its worth it to keep an eBay store
Put your money where your mouth is and post your proof here
Post links that point out why you think anyone should keep their eBay stores.
Ebay Cares - Ebay Feedback Extortion
At least this one time, it seems Ebay prevented a more...0 points
Ebay reverts their decision on neutral feedback!
Check out this official Ebay announcement about ho more...0 points
Related News About eBay Changes: FODDER FOR ARGUING MORE
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