eBay -- the POV of a long-time user
Written: Jan 31 '01 (Updated Jan 31 '01)
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The Bottom Line
eBay is a very usable medium, but be prepared to deal with some annoyances along the way.
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| Full Review |
I have been a dedicated eBay-user for over three years, since I stumbled across the site by accident in search of an old childhood toy. In the beginning, eBay was a reliable and abundant source of unique or special items I found myself desiring. I also found that selling things on the site was simple, painless and had very pleasing results.
However as time has passed, the company has grown, making me doubt the site somewhat, but more importantly, causing me to grow frustrated with the numerous problems. The fees have gone up (and will be going up again, according to their announcements page). The navigation is more complicated, as are their rules, policies and functions.
Also, the way they go about doing things is absolutely ineffective.
Situation #1:
I won four Dutch auctions of various beads from a seller last year. I paid for the beads via cheque, but was dismayed to never receive them. But before I could attempt to resolve the problem with the seller, she submitted my user ID to eBay as a "deadbeat bidder" four times over, instantly getting me suspended! This was due to eBay’s recently implemented policy about deadbeat bidders: 3 strikes and your out, basically.
The fact that one user can render another’s account invalid so easily, greatly bothers me. Anyone can claim something is unpaid for, with no proof, and put a mark on someone’s record. It just doesn’t seem functional to me.
Situation #2:
My computer puked out on me a few months back, leaving me without access to my eBay e-mail account. Luckily, I had no outstanding transactions and I assumed I would be problem free.
However when I regained access o my e-mail, I was annoyed to find that eBay had been sending threatening letters over a negative $0.88 balance. When originally signing up, they claimed we were allowed a negative $10 balance, and would not be bothered with the issue until the red was greater than that. However here I was, receiving "pay or be suspended" notices.
This in itself was no big deal. It was 88 cents for crying out loud, so it was absolutely not a problem to pay this. I was, however, slightly miffed that until paid, my account was blocked from buying, as well as selling. But, as I said, I figured this to be no big deal. I would just pay the bill as instructed in the e-mail, with my credit card.
I logged in to the page they had given me in the bill, typed out my credit card number and other information and pressed enter...
...It wouldn’t go through! I received a message stating that my account was blocked until I resolved the outstanding issues. The issues in this case, was the -88 cents... which I could not resolve until paid. And I could not pay (as eBay had told me to), with my credit card.
They send me an e-mail, threatening me with permanent suspension (again, over only 88 cents), but have in the mean time blocked my account, preventing me from paying this measly little debt and getting my account un-blocked. And on top of that, they e-mail me regularly, telling me to pay with a method I can’t use, because of the blockage.
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Usability and Help: eBay is fairly easy to use and has an extensive help section on nearly every topic imaginable as well as a searchable database of help topics. There are also support forums, e-mail addresses and staff ready to help. The only problem I have found with the eBay-provided support, is slow response time.
Registering: It is easy to register. The only problem may be the fact that you must have a "real" e-mail account. eBay does not allow users from hotmail.com or other such free services to register with those addresses. You can, however, get by this if you place a credit card on file.
Buying: It is simple to buy on eBay: you register and place your bids. If you have difficulty, eBay prompts you along in the process with in-depth instructions.
Selling: Selling is a little more complicated than buying. To sell, you must have a valid credit card on file. Not only does this assure that eBay will get paid for their fees, but it also helps weed out the seedy people looking to rip you off. Actually placing an item for auction is a simple process. There is a format to fill out which guides you through it, asking all the questions about your item.
As the largest auction community in existence, your item gets a lot of exposure. It has the best chance for selling at the best price on eBay.
Selection: There is no lack of items for sale on eBay. In a word, the site is huge. I have found everything I have sought on the site, from old toys, to rare books and movies. If something you wish is not available, eBay can notify you when it is. (And unless it is a very bizarre or rare item, it will usually appear within a week or two).
Community: One thing I always got from eBay, was a good sense of community. Message and bulletin boards offer a forum for users to interact, share ideas, post wanted ads or seek information.
Fees: The only part about eBay I do not like – the massive fees they charge. First you have a "listing" fee, which is based upon how much you start your auction for. Then you have the "final value" fee, a percentage of what the item sells for, and then, if you want to put any bonus features on your auction (bold lettering, stickers, features, etceteras), you have to pay more. Where I can understand the need for fees in some areas, it sometimes seems eBay is more concerned with making money, than anything else.
Downtime: As a long-time computer user, I know that downtime is inevitable when it comes to internet sites. eBay has had it’s share of downtime: being a large site with many hits. Some of these outages have even made CNN. While these occasional happenings are frustrating, eBay does it’s best to compensate for the loss of time. They will either extend auctions or offer an occasional "free listing day" where all listing fees are waived.
In conclusion...
Over all, I do like eBay, despite the problems. I have found it very effective in selling items for decent prices, and also for finding gifts, unique jewelry, old toys, Halloween costumes and even a red rotary dial telephone that I call my "Bat Phone". eBay is home to many people who support themselves via this medium, and specialize in particular items.
Recommended:
Yes
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About the Author
Member: Kirsti Hanna
Location: Seattle (Lynnwood), WA
Reviews written: 63
Trusted by: 38 members
About Me: I am the kiwi flavored space mongrel!
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