June 10, 2008 http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=128951&highlight=ebay "Shorting EBAY -- big winner"
This is correct. 5-10 years ago profit my profit /my small company/ from ebay selling was near 500k yearly. This year I am in RED NUMBERS /Ok, practically breakeven/. And problem is that if ebay fees will be just half I will be nicely in green - enough to continue business. But simple 14% to ebay and Paypal I can not afford. Plain and simple. I think no one responsible seller is trying fool buyer with shipping fees. Just traderzone like specialist for everything thinks it Years ago it was possible but now - no way. Not by shooting star sellers those try survive. . What we try like mentioned bellow is escape a bit of fees those are simple too high for vast majority. I did not stopped my selling on ebay until now because it means kick out few employee - those are friends and destroy system that I build more than decade. But if ebay fees will stay same and the global situation as bad as is or even worse /I am selling collectible items so food first etc.../ than I will end period in my life connected with ebay. I can not continue business that is not profitable. And in my branch of business I am the LAST professional seller on ebay. All my competitors ended during past or this year. We simple can not get enough for our products by that high fees in current economical situation. I believe Ebay choosed very unhappy business model. Every change those they are making during few years make situation worse and worse. I think from ebay is uneffective monster now. I loved you Ebay. But my divorce with you looks unavoidable. /it must be strong turn in your direction - but I am stopping hope in miracle/ Enough is enough. You will die old and ugly left by all your former lovers.