edited

[SMPEP]

The * change was a collosally stupid idea for Ebay.

For example if I want to search for the 1952 high numbers (not using the word Hi or High, because some listers might not put it in the title) I used to be able to use the * feature to craft 10 searches (1952 Topps 32*, for example). Now I need 97 searches because I can no longer do this.

And what does this mean? It means I've stopped searching for 1952 Topps high numbers (unless they have High or Hi in them).

So sellers get screwed because I don't bid. (Better for my wallet though!)

But Ebay doesn't really care if I don't bid because like real estate agents, they don't really care what the sales price is. The commission difference between a $50 sale and a $40 sale isn't a big deal. They want a fast sale, and more sales. Getting the highest $ sale is essentially meaningless to them.

Of course following the business model of real estate agents isn't real smart because one day in the not too distant future we'll wake up in a world where real estate agents no longer exist (the computer can completely replace their "service"). Ebay is in danger of a similar fate.

Cheers,
Patrick

[EvilKing00]

Originally Posted by SMPEP

The * change was a collosally stupid idea for Ebay.

For example if I want to search for the 1952 high numbers (not using the word Hi or High, because some listers might not put it in the title) I used to be able to use the * feature to craft 10 searches (1952 Topps 32*, for example). Now I need 97 searches because I can no longer do this.

And what does this mean? It means I've stopped searching for 1952 Topps high numbers (unless they have High or Hi in them).

So sellers get screwed because I don't bid. (Better for my wallet though!)

But Ebay doesn't really care if I don't bid because like real estate agents, they don't really care what the sales price is. The commission difference between a $50 sale and a $40 sale isn't a big deal. They want a fast sale, and more sales. Getting the highest $ sale is essentially meaningless to them.

Of course following the business model of real estate agents isn't real smart because one day in the not too distant future we'll wake up in a world where real estate agents no longer exist (the computer can completely replace their "service"). Ebay is in danger of a similar fate.

Cheers,
Patrick

I would disagree just on the real estate agent part of what your saying.

If an agent dosnt care about prices #1 yes their commission is lower, #2 as homes continue to sell for less the comps drop across the board, and in the long run, it will kill their salary as well as destroy the area they work in. Im a real estate Broker, and I can tell you getting the top dollar is very important, in keeping the comps high as well as my commission checks. A home can only sell for what your neighbors sell for comparatively, unless its a cash deal, a bank will not give you a mortgage otherwise. Higher the price the better for everyone in the long run.

[Exhibitman]

I've all but stopped selling via eBay because I can send the items to sterling and not mess with the eBay BS.

[slidekellyslide]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

I've all but stopped selling via eBay because I can send the items to sterling and not mess with the eBay BS.

Selling on ebay is unfortunately more than 50% of my business...I have no choice. It makes me mad every time they tinker with what was once a great website.

[thecatspajamas]

Originally Posted by slidekellyslide

Selling on ebay is unfortunately more than 50% of my business...I have no choice. It makes me mad every time they tinker with what was once a great website.

Amen, brutha, and I'm way above that 50% mark. If it weren't for repeat customers checking out my auctions every week, these search engine changes probably would have affected me more. May was actually very good for me, but not because of anything eBay did. As it is, it's hard to tell what effect any one change has for me, but it makes me sick thinking how much time I spend "adjusting" things after each eBay tweak, and then look at the total fees I pay to them over the course of a year.

[conor912]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

I've all but stopped selling via eBay because I can send the items to sterling and not mess with the eBay BS.

Agreed. There are just too many other avenues to sell through to deal with the hassle.

[pawpawdiv9]

I never tried a auction house or consigned before..maybe just scared because its something new to me.
Its where i try to sell here B/S/T and give a fair price, generally asking around and talking to others. I try and use paypal gift. I just dont know the advantages of elsewhere.

[smtjoy]

I know im in the minority but the last 3 months my store sales have been very solid, much better than the first three months of this year. Granted, the stuff I sell is not real common stuff so it can be streaky. I just upgraded my store to the middle one too so I can increase my listings.

I do think any card will sell on ebay, it just gets down to price and the vast majority of cards listed on ebay are too high to sell without some waiting involved. I also have to shake my head when I see a common card like a 1958 topps in PSA 8 and there are 3+ listed, unless you are the lowest one can you really expect to sell anytime soon?

[auggiedoggy]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

I've all but stopped selling via eBay because I can send the items to sterling and not mess with the eBay BS.

I hate the BS as much as the next guy but auction houses are a great option if you are NOT a business and/or only sell things on an occasional basis. How many auctions per year do these AHs have? On eBay at least you have the ability to sell every day of the year to a huge target audience.