eBay: Big changes in pricing, PayPal and shipping cost limits

[Guest]

[Kindli]

I assume you were being facetious, but if there is someone here that is interested in actually doing it, and has a clue how to go about setting up something like this, I'd be willing to help out.  I'm currently unemployed, so I've got the time.  :'( 

Is there anyone truly interested in this? Like I said, I can devote quite a bit of time to starting it out, but I've no idea what to do. 

[grecopa]

Oh, I wasn't kidding.  But I have no real knowlege about computers or how in the world one would go about setting that up.  It could potentially be a money maker for someone as long as they charged a lot less than ebay. 
But-if money was to be made, the owner of the site would probably need to get a business license or whatever and do it all legaly.

[kbmum]

You'd need people who know programming and e-commerce.  There are a lot of intracasies in running an auction site.  I never realized all of the conveniences offered by eBay in the listing process until I started selling on another site.  It would be a big undertaking, never mind the cost.

[Kindli]

I already have a business license for selling, so if I needed another license, or to make changes adding on the auction e-business or whatnot, I could do that.  I know some people who could help with what I can't do on that front, and they could help me with the legalities. 

I don't know what it costs to run a site, but I have a feeling that competing, cost-wise, with Ebay wouldn't be too difficult.  Pay to list the item, and pay for space if using a long-term store - it's the final value fees that I don't think are fair.  Honest fees - rather than inflated, let's make sure our CEOs get a luxury cruise this holiday, would help us compete quite easy, I believe.

It's the programming and e-commerce I know nothing about.  I'm actually set up to take computer courses this coming year for html coding & graphics.  I'm not sure what the prerequisites are for programming, though... I could find out but it could take me about 2-3 years before I have the education necessary to even try something like this. 

The other thing is liability.  Ebay has made sure they are protected so they aren't responsible for dishonesty from seller or buyer in individual sales.  This is something that would have to be addressed, if this idea ever gets off the ground.  (Not to mention advertising)

Though, if there is anyone else out there that is willing to actually help out, we could make this work.  Ebay started small, and look at them now.  It would be a big undertaking, yes, but possibly worth it.  If the site caters to a specific subject for collectors, (much like those that sell specifically media or books) and trusted sellers are willing to list there, that would help it get a good start.  There are business loans to help with the initial costs - but it would only be worth it, if we know we have people willing to sell and buy from it.   

[kbmum]

Sometime this week, eBay will make winning bidder IDs anonymous to help eliminate fake checkout offers and spam.

http://www2.ebay.com/aw/core/200810.shtml#2008-10-28114722