| Every day, buyers and sellers log on to the world wide | | | | charge sellers a fee for poor seller performance. The |
| web in the hopes of finding a treasure or earning | | | | amount of this fee is not mentioned and, therefore, |
| some big bucks. In that spirit, this article attempts to | | | | sellers have no way to know how much this fee may |
| compare two of the largest, most well-known auction | | | | be. According to Amazon Auctions, reasons for this |
| sites in existence. They are both popular, offer | | | | fee may include excessive refunds, high rates of A-Z |
| excellent features for both buyers and sellers and are | | | | Guaranteed claims filed against the seller and/or credit |
| in constant competition with one another. Amazon and | | | | card chargebacks related to Amazon Auction |
| eBay are the auction sites of topic and while, in many | | | | payments. According to Amazon Auctions, they will |
| ways they are alike, there are an equal number of | | | | communicate any charges to the seller prior to |
| ways in which they differ. | | | | assessing them. On the other hand, eBay auctions has |
| Bay, the minimum fee is $0.25 for a starting bid of $.01 | | | | an entirely different approach to seller performance. |
| to $0.99. If an e | | | | Their 'Item Not Received' complaint process was |
| Beginning with similarities, both eBay and Amazon | | | | recently changed to a 'Fraud Alert' system, which |
| charge their sellers a listing and final value fee. The | | | | allows buyers to file a complaint with eBay if they do |
| listing fee, from both auction sites, is non-refundable | | | | not receive their merchandise or if it is not as |
| even if the item does not sell. However, an unsold item | | | | advertised. Much like the non paying bidder complaint |
| may be relisted for free at both Amazon and eBay | | | | process, the seller has an opportunity to respond to |
| auction sites. Amazon Auctions charge their sellers a | | | | any complaint and communicate with the buyer in |
| $.10 listing fee with the possibility of having all listing | | | | order to resolve the dispute. If an amicable resolution |
| fees waived if the seller signed up for a Pro Merchant | | | | cannot be reached, the buyer may close the complaint |
| Subscription. Where listing fees are concerned with | | | | and request a refund under eBay's Buyer Protection |
| eBay seller opens an eBay Store, listing fees may be | | | | plan. In order for an item to qualify, it must be priced at |
| as low as $.05 each. | | | | a minimum of $25.00 (excluding shipping & |
| An unfortunate aspect of internet auction commerce, | | | | handling). |
| but a presence nonetheless, is an uncompleted | | | | In recognition of it's most well-performing sellers, eBay |
| transaction. This usually occurs when a buyer fails to | | | | offers it's PowerSeller program. This membership is |
| send payment. In this instance, both eBay and Amazon | | | | restricted to sellers who earn a minimum of $1,000.00 |
| auctions will refund the final value fee for that particular | | | | in sales each month and maintain a 98% or greater |
| auction, which is based on the final bid amount. Both | | | | feedback rating. The PowerSeller program is exclusive |
| auction sites also provide seller tips and a bulk loader | | | | to eBay and it's members. Few other auction sites can |
| program, which allows the seller to upload a number of | | | | come close to the number of buyers, sellers and |
| auctions all at once. | | | | merchandise that is offered on eBay every day. |
| One of the greatest differences that stand out | | | | Regardless, entrepreneurs are grateful for the |
| amongst these internet auction powerhouses is their | | | | competition of other auction sites. It is this competition |
| policy on poor seller performance. According to | | | | that inspires greatness, which promotes more |
| Amazon's website, the company reserves the right to | | | | customer incentives and lower listing fees for sellers. |