To a non seller this is so confusing.   Reading lots of the threads lately they all seem to be about how expensive ebay has become with new changes and so many people claiming to be closing down their shops and moving on because they cant justify the fees.   Here is another thread where almost all of the replies have been in defence of all the fees and charges from ebay and paypal

It really is personal experience and opinion when it comes to eBay and Paypal.

I look at it as the cheapest way for me to sell my items to the world.

eBay do all the emails for me, they host and promote my listings.

Paypal enables me as a little itsy bitsy hobby seller to accept credit card payments from buyers all over the world.

I can put up lots of photos and write a very long description about the items for sale.

When the sale is done and the money paid then eBay/Paypal are there should there be any disputes over the sale.

I don't think eBay force sellers to have a store but that would need to be verified by the more experienced sellers here.

Also you are not forced to use eBay/Paypal, it is your choice and everyone wants certain criteria met for them to be happy.

Me, I am happy at the moment but that is not to say I will be happy here in 6 months or 18 months or whatever.

Clearly some are not happy now but really those posting here about closing their stores are a very small number and I am concerned that their negativity will affect the confidence of new sellers, which would be a terrible shame.

It really is best for you to look at your own situation and decide what is best for you. Just because I am happy and staying is not to say that everyone is happy and staying but being positive and ignoring those with the "doom and gloom" disposition is a good start.