The demise of Sears makes me a bit sad. Growing up in the country, the Sears catalogue was the lifeline to every man, woman and child in rural North America. Sears held all the cards. Even when there were some other online options, I still stuck fast to Sears. But I think Sears was arrogant in their place of comfort: the merchandise was often not wonderful, the prices were not great, the workers were disgruntled, and the shipping was sloppy. Once there were alternatives, my loyalty wavered.
Sears had me, and they lost me. And I am more loyal than most online shoppers, I will stick to a merchant for their reliability and customer service even if they aren't the least expensive.
As to the ebay Valet program, I have no direct experience with it. It was never available in Canada.
I do think, however, there needs to be something to replace them. People still come to the Boards looking for Trading Assistants. If not paid helpers, then mentors of something.
Unless that's the purpose we serve here on the board: new seller support.
