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@am*3 wrote:

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I was replying to a specific comment, which is often made here.. eBay is trying to get rid of the small sellers. Taking away the 40 free listings would go far to achieve that. But they still encourage members to sell things from around their house using the 40 free listings.

 

The push for free shipping, change of mind returns etc.. I see that as eBay trying to conform to other online sellers terms & conditions (The competition).

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All the while trying to move casual sellers into subbing to stores (see the new fees and what their intentions were for introducing them in the US, plus the removal of certain fees).

I knew what you were commenting on, I was just trying to point out that the 40 free listings, as a standalone action, is not a clear indication that the sellers who believe eBay is trying to get rid of smaller sellers are obviously wrong. 

I personally don't think eBay are trying to get rid of small sellers, I just think they don't have very much respect for them, or appreciate exactly what it is they bring to the site, nor think it would be a great loss if they culled many of them. Actually, my personal opinion is that eBay wants (or at least doesn't care if their decisions result in) a high turnover of small sellers. Long term, low-level casual sellers are likely the ones eBay feels are a thorn in their side -  I believe they recognise in some ways that the kind of variety the casual sellers bring is good for maintaining buyer interest, but I also believe that eBay thinks these kinds of sellers are disposable, so all they need to do is maintain attraction rather than loyalty.