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Ebay vs Amazon.. In the words of Harry Hill.. "Which one is better?.....FIIIGHT!"
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.
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
Ebay vs Amazon
Monday, 27 October 2008
Alternatives To Paypal & Ebay + Paypal in The News
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More than one in 10 Canadians who shop online have fallen victim to identity theft, with Ontarians hit the hardest, a survey released yesterday suggests.
The survey, conducted by Ipsos Reid on behalf of PayPal Canada, found that 12 per cent of all online shoppers polled in Ontario claimed they had been victims of identity theft. Albertans were second-hardest hit, with nine per cent reporting their identities stolen.
"People are doing more and more transactions online and that predisposes them to more chances of a fraudulent transaction happening," said Darrell MacMullin, country manager for PayPal Canada. "Fraud continues to evolve. Don't share information online that you don't want everyone to know."
Only eight per cent of respondents from British Columbia and Quebec were hit, while fewer than six per cent of respondents in Atlantic Canada reported having their identities stolen.
According to data from Phone Busters and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre, which is operated by the RCMP, Canadians have reported 8,048 cases of identity theft so far this year, totalling $7.3 million in losses.
In 2007, there were 9,971 cases of identity theft reported, totalling only $6.4 million in losses.
Globally, English-speaking countries have been hardest hit by identity theft, according to the study. Around 10 per cent of online shoppers in Canada, the United States and Britain reported having their identities stolen, compared to only five percent of respondents in France, Germany and Spain.
Online banking, Internet-based payment systems and social networks containing vast amounts of personal details are proving to be the newest frontiers where criminals can commit identity theft.
According to the PayPal study, more than 85 per cent of respondents are aware of identity theft. Many actively try to minimize their chances of falling victim.
Bob Spence, a spokesman for the Privacy Commissioner of Ontario said consumers should take several measures to protect themselves from identity theft.
He said consumers should conduct an annual credit check on themselves, as well as immediately report any activity they deem to be suspicious. He also said that consumers should regularly change their online passwords and be stingy when it comes to giving out personal details online.
