In every issue, readers soundoff about issues important to them. From feedback to payment services, from increased fees to posting policies, AuctionBytes Soundoff gives you a chance to air your views.

Re: "Third High Profile PowerSeller in 2006 Ceases Listings on eBay"
http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y06/m05/i12/s01

Ina,
"What dismays eBay sellers is why such high-profile and seemingly wildly successful sellers have abruptly ceased their eBay operations."

It sort of makes me wonder if it has anything to do with eBay making records available to the IRS? Just speculating, of course. Even though the records have always been available technically, it does seem like the IRS is looking a lot harder at eBay/online auction sellers as of last year.

It could also be that with all the higher fees, they just don't make as much as they used to. Hard to believe that once the whole store has been set up, it wasn't worth just auto-relisting though.

Another thought is to see if there is a connection with the sellers' LOCATIONS. I know that the state of Illinois (where we are) has imposed very strict laws on online auction sellers, and make it is hard as possible to conduct business that way! I was going to be a trading assistant, until the state got the "brilliant" idea to require all online auction sellers to get an auctioneer's license (which, by coincidence, required taking classes at a high cost, and paying the licensing fee, at something like $250), just to list something for someone else on eBay. They are also doing their best to pass legislation requiring us to pay Illinois state sales tax on EVERY purchase we make on the internet, no matter what state it originates from! With the economy here as poor as it is, you would think they would be trying to HELP residents start small businesses and STAY in business. Should that legislation pass, I don't know if we'd be able to stay in business, since we deal in mostly "small ticket" items.

However, I also wonder if it is just the high-volume sellers who are leaving, or if others are as well, and we just don't notice the smaller guys who headed out.

It is worth watching, and seeing if there is a reason for the exodus, or they are actually smarter than the rest of us, and getting out while the getting is good! ; )
Beth

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Re: "Third High Profile PowerSeller in 2006 Ceases Listings on eBay"
http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y06/m05/i12/s01

Hello Ms. Steiner,
I have enjoyed your email newsletter and I have also used information contained in your emails to benefit my company. Thank you.

I do want to say that I don't think including articles speculating about the possible demise of ebay sellers are appropriate and degrade your other efforts in general.

Whatever the issue is with the powerseller you have mentioned in your last issue, I think it is his business. If the individual cares to comment publicly, that would possibly be a story for you. Otherwise, leave the poor guy alone. The whole article sounds to me like a bunch of gossip being bantered about by a bunch of cackling hens....

I have quit reading the ebay message boards all together because of this same issue. Why do individuals seem to feed upon the misfortune or failure of others? Why is this even a newsworthy story? Just when you think you are perfect yourself, things can all come tumbling down on your head too...

Stick to the positive. Of course, if there is a fraudulent situation taking place, that news is important to help others avoid being taken advantage of...

I just wanted to give you my 2 cents worth and please don't take offense at my comments. I think you are doing a great job.
Michael

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Re: "Third High Profile PowerSeller in 2006 Ceases Listings on eBay"
http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y06/m05/i12/s01

Ina,
With auctions becoming more and more expensive, and maintaining your own site becomes cheaper and cheaper, and auctions becoming more and more of a "item of chance" to get a high enough bid to sustain your margin (as well as the dwindling marketplace in general), it doesn't surprise me that these sellers elect to leave. It wouldn't surprise me either if these people elected to open up their own webstore. No relistings, no waiting for payments, and no deadbeats!

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Re: "Seller Battles eBay to Recover Store Name"
http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y06/m05/i10/s02

Ina,
I can't see why it's a shock that ebay is going to treat Powersellers different...they clearly make more money for the community than smaller sellers, and the fact of the matter is that ebay does its best to NOT get involved in ANYTHING regarding individual sellers. So, when they HAVE to, it really doesn't shock me that they will show a preference towards Powersellers. It may not be good customer service, or build better customer relations among smaller customers, but it makes sense from a pure business/fiscal standpoint.