AuctionCUT - Auction and eBay Forum

Mark · Site Admin Joined: 02 Aug 2005 Posts: 717

Every day, buyers and sellers log on to the world wide web in the hopes of finding a treasure or earning some big bucks. With the internet being as large as it is, there are plenty of auction sites to consider. In that spirit, this article attempts to compare two of the largest, most well-known auction sites in existence. They are both popular, offer excellent features for both buyers and sellers and are in constant competition with one another. Amazon and eBay are the auction sites of topic and while, in many ways they are alike, there are an equal number of ways in which they differ.

Beginning with similarities, both eBay and Amazon charge their sellers a listing and final value fee. The listing fee, from both auction sites, is non-refundable even if the item does not sell. However, an unsold item may be relisted for free at both Amazon and eBay auction sites. Amazon Auctions charge their sellers a $.10 listing fee with the possibility of having all listing fees waived if the seller signed up for a Pro Merchant Subscription. Where listing fees are concerned with eBay, the minimum fee is $0.25 for a starting bid of $.01 to $0.99. If an eBay seller opens an eBay Store, listing fees may be as low as $.05 each.

An unfortunate aspect of internet auction commerce, but a presence nonetheless, is an uncompleted transaction. This usually occurs when a buyer fails to send payment. In this instance, both eBay and Amazon auctions will refund the final value fee for that particular auction, which is based on the final bid amount. Both auction sites also provide seller tips and a bulk loader program, which allows the seller to upload a number of auctions all at once.

One of the greatest differences that stand out amongst these internet auction powerhouses is their policy on poor seller performance. According to Amazon's website, the company reserves the right to charge sellers a fee for poor seller performance. The amount of this fee is not mentioned and, therefore, sellers have no way to know how much this fee may be. According to Amazon Auctions, reasons for this fee may include excessive refunds, high rates of A-Z Guaranteed claims filed against the seller and/or credit card chargebacks related to Amazon Auction payments. According to Amazon Auctions, they will communicate any charges to the seller prior to assessing them. On the other hand, eBay auctions has an entirely different approach to seller performance. Their 'Item Not Received' complaint process was recently changed to a 'Fraud Alert' system, which allows buyers to file a complaint with eBay if they do not receive their merchandise or if it is not as advertised. Much like the non paying bidder complaint process, the seller has an opportunity to respond to any complaint and communicate with the buyer in order to resolve the dispute. If an amicable resolution cannot be reached, the buyer may close the complaint and request a refund under eBay's Buyer Protection plan. In order for an item to qualify, it must be priced at a minimum of $25.00 (excluding shipping & handling).

In recognition of it's most well-performing sellers, eBay offers it's PowerSeller program. This membership is restricted to sellers who earn a minimum of $1,000.00 in sales each month and maintain a 98% or greater feedback rating. The PowerSeller program is exclusive to eBay and it's members. Few other auction sites can come close to the number of buyers, sellers and merchandise that is offered on eBay every day. Regardless, entrepreneurs are grateful for the competition of other auction sites. It is this competition that inspires greatness, which promotes more customer incentives and lower listing fees for sellers.

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jane · Contributor Joined: 24 May 2006 Posts: 10

never used amazon auctions. in fact i didn't even know amazon ran auctions. i'll have to look at the site and see if there is an audience for my items

AuctionMan · Power Member Joined: 01 Sep 2005 Posts: 168

Personally I just stick to Ebay, have tried all the others but the sheer marketplace of Ebay is what makes it the best place. Its a little bit more work sourcing your products and adapting to the market but thats what makes it fun Cool

bad wolf · Contributor Joined: 17 Jun 2006 Posts: 5

can I sell on amazon in the uk?

mann3r · Just Registered Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 4

nice article above, very interesting for an individual like that is looking forward for such joining in a site that can bring extra income. So practically speaking and based on your experience what is the best of the two? Because Once i heard amazon, i am thinking of books.

peterk · Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2006 4:41 pm Post subject:

Ebay, theres just such a bigger market. Amazon, I don't think that it is really that good compared to ebay anyway.

sausage · Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 12:06 pm Post subject:

I've never used amazon before. It's ebay all the way for me.

Wink

ChrisHubbard · Contributor Joined: 14 Nov 2006 Posts: 9

eBay definitely has a larger base of buyers than Amazon. I think that if your item lends itself to both markets, there is no reason not to sell on both sites. If you are selling books, Amazon may even outperform eBay for certain titles.

As far as poor seller performance, the key to avoiding this is to learn a system for selling. First off, you must be smart with the keywords that you put in your titles. The more keywords that are related to your item that you put into your title - the better. But it must still make sense!

Good keyword selection is key to getting the most bidders to your auctions - on either site. Once you learn to use keywords effectively, research your market, and create good item descriptions, poor seller performance ceases to be an issue.

Chris

soulja90 · Just Registered Joined: 16 Jan 2007 Posts: 1

ebay is wher its at. No auction site incuding amazon or overstocks pull the crazy traffic that ebay does. Now that they have the 'classified' feature, you don't even need a website to get started or build your customer base. By selling products on ebay initially and at the same time using there 'classified' system to build leads. It has never been easier to build an ebay and even your own add-on online business. Stick with ebay. My only adivce would be try using other ebay sites, like international. I've had great success with ebay UK. And its nice to get paid in pounds Smile

Farrah · Contributor Joined: 21 Jan 2007 Posts: 12

demiurg · Contributor Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 6

Amazon auctions are pretty much dead, but there are other alternative auctions with much higher number of listings and users, such as Bidville and Yahoo.

Paula · Member Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 25

I've never used Amazon Auctions, but I have used Amazon Market Place (like a buy it now fixed price) and I love it. I used to sell books on eBay and I also put the same books on Amazon, it's free to list. I can honestly say that all the book I put on Amazon sold within 1-2 days and for more money than I could make on eBay. I would always use Amazon over eBay to sell books. The great thing is, it's free to list over and over and over................

digitalphotohut · Just Registered Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 4

amazon auctions might be easier to snipe seeing they get less traffic

thecountryowl · AuctionCUT Moderator Joined: 14 Mar 2007 Posts: 140

I use the Amazon marketplace exclusively for CD and DVD purchases. Never for big ticket items like Guitars, or Appliances.

I like their CD and DVD setup, because the shipping is fixed. No surprises. It might be high, but it is the same.

None of this, "shipping to U.S. is 5.00, to Canada, 35.00" crap.

jumble · Power Member Joined: 05 Mar 2007 Posts: 138

did you ever get dud CD's or DVD's from Amazon sellers? how can you tell if the stuff is pirated or not? Smile