When store fees were cheaper, other fees were more expensive. Nothing has changed. I remember the time we had to pay a fee to transfer Paypal funds into our bank account, and actually thought we still had to until recently.
I wish I had started selling on eBay earlier. Not for the cheaper fees, that was never an issue. For the fact that the economy was once stronger and people who started some years ago stood a chance to establish themselves and broaden their business faster.
The fact that many fees have been restructured probably means they have been made fairer at some level and by some measure. I'm sure some would argue that they now sell less. However, if you've been selling for all these years and don't realise that fees are expenses (just like purchase costs and internet bills) that need to be factored into your sale price, then you are not in business. You are giving away your time and money to a higher cause (buyers getting goods for next to nothing).
My problem with eBay is not the higher fees. My issue is that eBay makes it easy for people who are not in business to go into business. These people are not making money, effectively selling their goods for less than they can afford, considering their costs. These people are also in direct competition with businesses that want to make money.
I have also seen, on these boards, the cultivation of a buyer who demands to see the seller's receipts for the goods they purchased. They regard having bought something for more than the seller's purchase price a rip-off. As if to say that the price I purchase my goods needs to also be the price I sell them for.
In accordance with these assumptions, sellers cannot make money. Not only that, but they are obliged to have another job to fund eBay/Paypal fees, postage costs and business expenses.
Those who think in this way do not have a viable business model. If they survive, it is only because they have few goods and another source of income to support their hobby. In the meantime, they are directly competing with businesses that are trying their hardest to survive.
eBay is also a business. They have a viable business model that includes making a profit after expenses. If we are to complain to bring about change, we should at least be complaining about the right things. I would like to see the day when there are no free listings for one-time sellers. Just like there are no free ads in newspapers when you want to sell your car.
Higher store fees and lower fees in parts of the fee structure are weeding out the wrong kind of competition for the serious businesses. I, for one, am happy that this change has happened. It has made the ones who are playing the eBay game close their stores and limit the amount of items they sell for next-to-nothing.
If you want to become a seller on eBay, do your homework. Find out how much you can buy for wholesale. Factor in all your costs, including all fees and expenses. Sell your items at a fair price with reasonable profit. Then start selling and giving buyers the greatest service they will ever find in any store.
Look out for the pit-holes on the way... you do not price your items cheaper than everybody else just to be competitive. This is what's putting people out of business. Not higher fees.
Sorry,back on topic-I have no comment
