I prefer to think positive!

[momoftwingles2]

Hi Everyone,

I've only starting reading this message board regularly this past month or so and find it to be overwhelmingly negative.

I made a choice to work full time on eBay. No one is forcing me to stay here. It's the right place for me. My husband and I along with our three young daughters live quite rural. We have one vehicle. For me to work outside the home would involve purchasing another car, paying more insurance and daycare for our children to varying degrees which is not something we would ever consider. Our three daughters joined our family through the miracle of international adoption from China. And, placing them in daycare is equivalent to placing them back in an orphanage to be cared for by their nannies. Home is where our children belong.

eBay gives us this opportunity. I have an office in the loft or our home with plenty of room for our girls to play, watch tv or do things with me during the day if they are home from school.

Do I like paying fees? No. Who does? But, I equate the fees that I pay to be the equivalent to the owner of a business in town who has to pay rent. There's no difference.

Do I like fees to go up? No. Who does? But, I equate fees going up to be the equivalent to the owner of a busines in town who has rent that has just gone up. There's no difference.

Do I like that I can no longer have .99 items in my store. No. It means more work for me to have to change more than 300 of 3000 items that I carry in my eBay store. Not a biggie. I can do it.

Do I like the feedback changes that are coming down the line? I don't mind them one bit as I am not threatened by the changes one bit. I leave feedback for my buyers within minutes of them paying because I BELIEVE that feedback for a buyer should be based solely on their payment ability. Nothing else. Sure I have some buyers that drive me crazy....but I deal with them. And, I do have buyers who do not follow through on their sales and I DO LEAVE THEM NEGATIVES after trying to reach them by e-mail, phone or finally through the dispute avenue. However, my negatives ARE NOT nasty. They are factual. An example would be: Purchased 1/13/08. Dispute filed 1/25/08. Dispute closed 2/5/08. No communication. Nothing else.

Do some of my buyers think I'm crazy because I leave feedback right away? You bet they do! And, that's because there are sellers of all kinds who threaten in very blunt and or subliminal ways that they will leave tit for tat feedback. Believe me....tit for tat feedback irks me more than fees being raised. That's my opinion.

When a seller writes...I'll leave you feedback after you leave it for me.....buyers are put in a vulnerable position. I've been put there and I DON'T LIKE IT. I, for one, am glad that eBay is doing something about it.

I give 100% top notch customer service to my buyers and I'm proud of it. My DSR's as of this writing are 5.0, 5.0, 4.9 and 4.8...and that's from rural Saskatchewan where everything takes longer! If I can do it....you can to! To give the excuse that your DSR's are low because you have 30 or 40 or 50 packages going out each day...and that's the reason you don't give top notch polite customer service and the best shipping rates possible...not an excuse. I charge for my packaging materials and I charge for postage. And, I have on some days 30 packages going out and other days 10 or 20. No complaints! To me...the more the better! And, each buyer receives the same service, care in packaging and personal thank yous! My buyers even understand that when it's -40 I don't venture out. They understand that during a major snow storm that I don't venture out. they understand that during spring thaw their packages may be held up for a week or two because our home quarter becomes an island and we can't get out. They've never penalized me.

I send out newsletters to my buyers who have subscribed and I talk about shipping rates and DSR's and encourage them to look at the date that they paid vs. the date that their package was posted at the post office and to NOT penalize ANY SELLER for a lengthy delivery time if their package was posted the same/next day. I remind them that Customs holds things up and most importantly that TWO POSTAL SYSTEMS are involved..the Canadian one and the one in their home country. They get it. They are smart buyers!

Read some of the feedback that sellers leave for buyers. It is sad. And, what makes it sad is that if these deadbeat sellers had to say the feedback face to face to the buyer in a physical store....they wouldn't. But, people are very brave behind the screen on a keyboard.

I've been on eBay since September of 2000. My ebay sales in 2001 and 2002 helped to bring our youngest daughter home from China and we all lovingly refer to her as our eBay baby. eBay gave me the place to sell my items where I would not have been able to here. We live outside of a hamlet of 25 people. The economy here in northern Saskatchewan does not easily support scrapbooking stores as it is a hobby and not a necessity. However, through eBay I am able to reach worldwide to buyers. And, in the 7+ years that I've been on eBay...I recognize an eBay ID when a sale comes in right away because I've taken the time to get to know my buyers. And, I truly believe that it is the key...for a buyer to know that you care and that they are not just a sale.

And, I guess while I'm venting here I would like to say that I am an American who is a dual citizen of Canada. I realize that eBay is an American corporation. However, I personally would appreciate the negative comments about Americans to stop. But, then again, those comments are coming from the bitter Power Sellers who are threatened by the challenges ahead.

Perhaps if those Power Sellers who feel so threatened by the changes could look at themselves, at their businesses and ask themselves what they could do to improve their customer service, to improve their listings, to improve their shipping/handling.....then maybe they would not have so much time on their hands to belittle those of us who want to be on eBay. I'm sorry. I think it's a sad state of affairs for BIG power sellers to have 200 or 300 negatives within several months. What message does that send? Personally, I'm smart enough to know not to buy from you, but perhaps the newbie that comes along thinks they'll be okay. Not so, because you are the ones who rip them apart and drive buyers away due to bad experiences.

No one is forcing anyone to stay on eBay. No one is forcing anyone to be happy about fee increases. But the horse has been beaten to death and it's time to move on.

I prefer to think positive! I prefer to look on the bright side! I prefer the challenges that are ahead.

And, if those of you who are the negative power sellers prefer to lash out at me...so be it. I'm sure it would be the same way that you treat your customers and drive them away. But, I'm here to stay! I'm here to learn from those power sellers who have proven themselves to be the ones who have the ideas to forge ahead and make improvements and offer positive suggestions.

Power Sellers who are worthwhile are to be appreciated and it is through them that others are able to grow and groom their businesses.

eBay is home for me. eBay is my work. I'm not boycotting now, tomorrow or next week.

Thank you for letting me vent....
Susan
momoftwingles2
A very proud American and Canadian all in one!

[ciderantiques]

Well, . . . I have adopted children too, one is special needs and my ebay store helps to pay for tutoring and private school bills. Is my story better than yours? Do I feel all warm and fuzzy about the changes coming up ~ Not at all.

I have pretty much taken this week off reading about all the changes. I will let my few auctions run out that are already listed and then put my store on vacation settings until the strike is over on the 25th.

I think it will send a message to ebay that sellers are not happy with the changes. Zero consultation is even more annoying.

There are a lot of unhappy sellers. It doesn't mean we are bitter, bad or have something to hide. The new changes are very one-sided towards the buyer.

"Absolute power corrupts absolutely" quotation by John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, first Baron Acton (1834–1902), Historian and Moralist.

[cottonwoodindustries]

Thanks Susan, for the positive thinking.
I, myself, am not boycotting eBay. I have chosen to sell on eBay because there is no other place on earth like it. I also decided I would go back and reread the new proposals, and I am thrilled with the new ideas. Except for one - we should still have the options on leaving negative feedback, for buyers especially when they are of non-paying status. I have never felt negative feedback except in those instances.
And not until all avenues of communication had been explored.

Lore

[ciderantiques]

I hope you stay "tea" . . . you make me laugh.

[momoftwingles2]

Hi Everyone,

I would like to personally thank Xena, Monique and Bill for your kindness, for welcoming me to this board and for seeking out the positive in such a negative board.

To those of you who did feel it was necessary to attack me personally, I'm sure that it made you feel better. And, if that is what you feel is necessary to do....so be it.

We've had our share of ups and downs over the years. We've had to close down our family farm of 99 years which was a difficult decision to do. However, we know from personal experience that when one door closes, another opens and for good reasons.

Living rural makes me no more special than anyone else, nor do I claim to be. However I do say that MY BUYERS are very understanding when I have a delay in getting to the post office and they always say it is because of the communication that I have with them. I let them know up front what to expect with delivery time lines and also advise them that there are no guarantees in the world of today.

Making personal attacks on *my story* is not appreciated. I was giving my personal reasons for being on eBay. My children...all four...and my husband are the light of my life. We all have choices in life. We made ours and we enjoy and embrace the time we have together.

Making attacks on me because I am a dual citizen of the US and Canada...uncalled for...but expected considering the source. Please know that I am very proud of my home country and my new country of the past 16 years. I vote in all elections in both countries and am proud to do so. There is a political forum on the US Power Sellers group. If you feel the need to complain about the US...do it there. Not here.

My point is...when one becomes so disenchanted with one's work...then it is time to rethink one's options. Doors close and then doors open for a reason. However, if one's eyes don't open and find the good...they'll never be happy at whatever they do. And, one can only hope that those that are so negative here will find that open door with their eyes wide open so that they may have a fresh start either here or elsewhere.

You know the saying...misery loves company. And, many power sellers seem to being needing company right now. Many power sellers who are unhappy with the changes seem so angry with those of us who are willing to or need to deal with all that eBay has challenged us with.

I find it funny to that those Power Sellers who say they are going to leave and that *this is my last post* keep coming back and posting time and time again. It's a big world out there and changes are challenging. Changes are scary. But, once you find where you want to be...hopefully you'll have not only a smile on your face...but one in ernest in your heart. That's how your buyers will know that you are content in doing what you love to do.

I don't look at eBay as the enemy. Nor do I look at buyers as *out to get me* or that they will become negative happy on the date that changes go into place. Perhaps the unhappiness with the DSR's is because you know up front that you are not doing ALL that you could be doing to ensure higher scores. Customer service is the key as well is communication. And, if those of you who wrote negatively to me today write to your buyers with the tone that you've used....then you know why there are problems.

Gas prices go up...we compensate by less trips to town or by walking or riding bikes. Natural gas prices go up, we compensate by wearing a sweater. Electricity goes up, we make sure that every light/appliance not needed is turned off or unplugged. We most certainly don't sell the car, turn off the heat or all of the lights. We learn to work around it.

And, as I mentioned before. If it were not for eBay, our youngest daughter would not be in our lives. If it were not for eBay, my store would not be able to be supported by the hardworking people here in rural Saskatchewan. My products are not a necessity for anyone, they are for a hobby.

However, please know....that I find joy each day in the work that I do. And, because I do...I will continue to sell on eBay.

And as Xena mentioned...it is important for us, as Power Sellers, to find solutions to problems on eBay...but in a constructive way.

So, here I sit in rural Saskatchewan with my master's degree in education from an American University and loving the fact that I'm living where I live, with whom I want to be with and having the opportunity to do the work that is best for me.

To the positive sellers out there...thanks for the warm welcome. I hope to be a part of a much happier group!

Have a great week!
Susan
momoftwingles2...and so very proud of all of my children, my heritage and theirs.

[recped]

I hope to be a part of a much happier group!

Give it some time, the grumpy ones will eventually take their own advice.

[treasure-pot]

Actually Susan, you are not that far from where I used to live in Vonda, SK (about 175k apart). We lived there for two years and commuted into S'toon on a daily basis. While there I made several trips to Melfort and Carrot River but I can't say I recall your community.

Your story is a perfect illustration of one of the real benefits of eBay. You really don't have to be at the center of the universe to earn an income. Provided you have something to sell, an internet connection and access to a mail box, people can earn a full or part-time incomes selling on the site. People do not have to necessarily sacrifice lifestyle choices to put food on their tables. In fact, there are several ladies that frequent this board that are also great examples.

I'm betting you have had a pretty tough winter this year but, on a positive note, the sloughs should be all full in spring.:-D

[tea_past_times]

my master's degree in education from an American University.....

I see, yes I see it more clearly all the time. Tell us more....

[ciderantiques]

Once again Susan . . . you provide a full page of personal details with a holier-than-thow attitude to sum it up.

[tea_past_times]

I find it funny to that those Power Sellers who say they are going to leave and that *this is my last post* keep coming back and posting time and time again...

Let me clarify, I meant to write in that post that I was: posting for the last time as a seller. And good to my word, I pulled all my listings and haven't sold since. Hope that clears that up. I do plan to use the ID to buy on Ebay after May. Why wouldn't I? With the new changes my feedback will become 100% in May and stay that way forever, as sellers can't neg me for any reason after that.

I think a Salt lamp, a book about Ebay and some scrap booking materials will be first on my shopping list.]:)

[ciderantiques]

thou . . . too annoyed to use spell check.

[tea_past_times]

you provide a full page of personal details with a holier-than-thow attitude .....

I noticed that too. LOL

[tea_past_times]

I'm pretty sure he said he was making his last post more than a week ago.

Lets be positive and assume he meant to say "soon to be my last post".....

And now that that is cleared up, Bill will need an new witty line. Sorry Bill!!

[eureka9988]

Welcome, Susan. It's good to have you on board! I find the negative posts distasteful as well. EBay is a full time job for me and I love it. I am much older than you are - so, changes are not always welcome to me, but I accept them and plough along at my own pace. My husband & I lived in rural Ontario for 28 years while our children were growing up and it was a wonderful experience both for us and for our children. I love working out of the home. I can take time for golf & tennis and no one can tell me when to do that. Don't let Tea get to you. I find him quite amusing and I honestly think he has his tongue in his cheek most of the time!

Keep up the postive posts. Yours are enlightening!

Cheers,
Renee

[momoftwingles2]

Hi Bill,

You are 100% correct in your message. Fairy Glen is a tiny hamlet and if you blink your eye you miss it! It's on the way from Melfort to Gronlid. And, yes...we've had a very harsh winter getting hit twice with minus 50 and below weather. And, yes! There will be plenty of water to fill sloughs for those who use them around here. However, it will also mean that we'll be flooded in for about two weeks as we've been for the past several years. Mind you...the peace and quiet and all of the water reminds me of living in Virginia Beach by the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Just need the sand!

And, yes! eBay has provided a way for me to work full time and be here for my family. Can't ask for anything more.

A pleasure to hear from you!
Susan
momoftwingles2

[coxengines]

And Susan must also have watched

"The Secret";-)

Xena

[ciderantiques]

I like "The Secret" too . . .just putting a different spin on it. You get what you want in life.

Have you seen the post on the ebay.com board? Called ebay sales down . . . how far will it go? They are saying it has dropped 12% or 1.2 million listings so far. . . . on the first day ! Wow!

All arguments aside (truce) I really don't understand why you wouldn't want to try and stop a 66% increase in the final value fees on items under $25.00? That is 90% of what I sell, as do many others. Getting 15% back for having my star rating over 4.8 will not help me out very much.

~ Karen

[treasure-pot]

I don't want to burst your bubble but listing counts are dramatically higher this week over last. Even if the count has dropped in the last few hours, it pales will the total volume compared to the same time last week. Last Monday morning the count was at about 12.4 million and today it is at 14.4 million. It may fall back a little more to the norm which is at about 12.3 to 12.4 million but it appears (thusfar) that there has been zero impact. The real determination will be at the end of the week when all of the listings from the previous week have ended.

There are lots of people trying to spin their own agenda as is quite evident from this board. My suggestion is to do your own homework at:

http://www.medved.net/cgi-bin/cal.exe?EIND

[tea_past_times]

I don't want to burst your bubble but listing counts are dramatically higher this week over last....

I don't want to burst yours BUT, I'd like to point out that 3,300 000 of Ebay's current listings were listed on the 20 cent listing day. Ebay made the offer when they did to try and offset their losses. They artificially raised the number of listings by dramatically dropping their fees for one day, so people like you and the CEO of Ebay could claim the boycott wasn't working. But it is. If you take out those artificially low priced listings from the 13th of February, you will see a dramatic decrease in Ebay's numbers. Talk about spin!!

[coxengines]

Karen,

I did not major in math LOL, but...

Last weekend, I compiled the stats for my January sales and this is what I came up with:

Theoretically duplicating my listings and sales from last month after the new fees kick in result in a DECREASE of 2.5% in total fees, taking the 5% discount (on FVF only)into consideration.

If I get the 15% discount, the decease is a whopping 11% in fees!

I run a minimum of 100 auctions/month and the average closing price (in January) was 12.40 (90% of my sales fall into the $5 - $20 range).

Given, I start almost everything off @ 98 cents and do use gallery but, in my case, I have no complaints in regards to fee increases.

It is simplistic to simply divide 8.75 into 5.25 and not factor in the savings. I concur that "Gallery" is a big factor but, as far as my thoughts re. marketing are concerned, a listing without such is disadvantaged.

Xena

[tea_past_times]

The real determination will be at the end of the week when all of the listings from the previous week have ended....

I agree, let's see where the listings count is when all the 20 cent listings are done. Of course I don't put it past Ebay to offer another 20 cent or 10 cent or 5 cent day to boost numbers again artificially.