eBay vs. Paypal – Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – Sunset for eBay.

That Magic Word

Most of my readers know that many months ago I wrote that eBay must change its ways in order to survive. It is now doing the things I suggested but it may be too late, “It's all about the sellers, stupid.” This company had it all but its greed might have been its undoing. It is forecast that Paypal may become larger than eBay and I don't doubt it. Remember my words, “If eBay doesn't start pampering its sellers then the sellers will go to where they are pampered.” This is happening and as other venues open up and gain traction, eBay will continue to lose its advantage.

There are other changes in the wind and I predict that “The Antique Trader” will be the next casualty of this new and exciting market re-figuration. The printed word is too slow when everything you need to know is on your computer. Publications like the Trader are yesterday's news and seldom worth reading. People in the Antique and Collectible business are looking for information that will increase the money they are making and as the pages continue to shrink in the Trader, there is less and less information provided that is of benefit to its readers.

All this being said, it only encourages me that the future is in groups like ours, “The Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Club.” Why do I say that? First, our Club isn't in competition with our readers and wishes only to help or partner with them. Second, there are no secrets that are kept from our readers or fees paid for the information and advice that readers receive. Third, we are building our own markets that will help in our success.

The last transformation in the re-alignment of the markets will be when auction houses start to compete with each other for business and the commission rates begin to adjust to lower levels so that you the seller will be able to receive more of the profit from items you sell. Don't be afraid to ask for the commission to be lowered if you sell items at auctions. To your surprise, you will find that the competition for inventory to sell by the auction houses will force the lowering without even a whimper. This business is near a turning point where it will be fun and profitable again for the ones who survived this downturn.

Now what do you suggest, I know you are asking. First, if you are still selling online take advantage of all the special offers from eBay and the other auctions because today there is one out there that is nearly giving their service away to get your business. Second, keep just one publication. I think the best is the “Maine Antique Digest”. With your savings, add to your library because this is where your knowledge can be advanced so that your money will be increased. Third, work with your Club to take advantage of the knowledge provided to you through our daily blog. WE WILL SURVIVE.

I hope that in the future we will be able to receive comments on the blog but that doesn't seem to be happening at the present time. I would appreciate if you would send all comment to www.31corp.com until I can solve this problem.


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