Hardly Using eBay Anymore

Joe Sixpack on 01/09/2020 - 12:04
Last edited 01/09/2020 - 12:06

I've bought several thousand items on eBay since 2000. But I hardly ever use it anymore. I usually find better deals on Amazon (local and US), local retailers, online stores, Kogan, Aldi etc.

Just today I was pricing a $1500 drone, $1499 on eBay and $1480 on Amazon. Bought the Amazon one.

I have not seen a decent discount code at eBay for a year or so now. I don't like their "eBay Plus" program (not an Amazon Prime fan either though). Tried eBay Plus just to get the discount, and straight out again.

I don't like the way they are hiding which items are discounted under their eBay Plus program. It's not clear. The same goes for the few non-eBay-Plus discount codes: it's not straightforward to find the discounted items, at least not for me, a 20-year user. And they allow price jacking during their sales, which is illegal. I hate that. You need to keep items in your watch list, and make a note of the usual price as a "note". Then watch how the prices bounce during the so-called "sales". It's sickening.

I don't like the way overseas eBay sellers can sell to Aussies and not declare the GST payable. Not all of them do this, but for example I was able to go all the way to checkout and cancelled at the final screen, on a $1000+ item, still no GST or import duties payable statement anywhere. Unwary people could get a nasty surprise from Customs.

Their software feels dated and clunky. I see that their US customers have a slightly slicker interface (I have Aus and US accounts).

Anyway, I'm drifting away from them, made only 2 purchases in the last 6 months, whereas I'd usually have made 50.

Anyone else?

General Discussion

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eBay Australia
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Comments

  • Mr Haj on 01/09/2020 - 14:34
    +3

    eBay used to be at the forefront of people's minds for international purchases. Now there is so much competition with companies like Amazon, Alibaba and even Wish. If I want cheap Chinese products I think I can get it elsewhere for less… I am in no way an advocate for Wish. The platform is terrible and the cost of shipping is not obvious until you go to check out.

    • Nickels n Dimes on 02/09/2020 - 13:40
      +10

      Ebay is now so bad now:

      • All the bait and switch tricks (listing shows price as $10, click on the link and checkout the option you want, comes up as $90, go back recheck to find $10 was just an accessory not what you searched for) — so frustrating for buyers — EBAY doesn't GAF.

      • Shipping from Australia, pay extra to make sure you have a reputable local seller that you can return to, listing states delivery typically takes 1 week, ends up taking 6-8 weeks or more, check tracking/packaging to find it was sent from HongKong/China — EBAY doesn't GAF.

      You might as well buy direct from overseas sites (e.g. Aliexpress, Banggood, Wish, 1688, Rakuten, Gearbest, Lightinthebox, Miniinthebox, Dropinthebox, Taobao, Tmall, Tmart, Dealextreme, Snapdeal, Flipkart, Geekbuying, Sammydress, Shein, Tomtop, Fasttech, etc).

      Even as a seller you get screwed on skyhigh listing fees, and then the buyer can return a broken item, then you will be out of pocket instead of getting paid.

      • Charity on 02/09/2020 - 14:50
        +2

        And both eBay and paypal still takes their fees now even if there is a return

      • gromit on 03/09/2020 - 10:47
        +1

        many of the sites you listed their are just drop shippers from aliexpress/alibaba, if you are going to go overseas go direct to the sources not drop shippers.

        • Nickels n Dimes on 03/09/2020 - 14:20

          Thanks for highlighting that, good to know.

        • SetsunaFSeiei on 09/09/2020 - 18:02

          I tend to find the drop shippers are still reasonably faster than alibaba direct…somehow. Alibaba feels like, Hey …I don't even remember ordering this item??? haha

  • whirlpool_guy on 01/09/2020 - 15:19
    +15

    My impression of Amazon marketplace full of dodgy sellers. I wouldn't touch anything not "Shipped and Sold by Amazon"

    OTOH, eBay sellers are much more reliable; I also found eBay a good way to support local Australian sellers. Stopped buying from overseas sellers after Covid.

    Amazon's checkout and websites have so much upselling and annoying buttons to click through. eBay is much cleaner in that regard.

    So yeah, eBay is still getting my money.

    • nubix on 01/09/2020 - 15:31
      +1

      Turn on 1-Click Checkout

    • buckerooni on 01/09/2020 - 16:45
      +1

      yeah, I typically start with 'Prime - ships from Australia' box checked. while reviews are a minefield in general, ebay doesn't do them at an item level. The amazon upsell/similar items might be annoying, but has saved me alot of random searches as sometimes I'm buying a series of things that are interrelated and amazon does a pretty good job of figuring this out.

      Most of my searches start with amazon now, and only switch to ebay/aliexpress if I'm not comfortable with the range or price.

      Time is also money too, and the occaisonal higher price on amazon isn't worth the hassle nor uncertainty chasing on other platforms.

    • smartazz104 on 03/09/2020 - 08:41
      +1

      I also found eBay a good way to support local Australian sellers.

      You mean the ones that are just dropshipping despite claiming their product is in "AU"…

      • whirlpool_guy on 03/09/2020 - 11:49

        Not hard to weed out the dropship ones from the genuine ones

  • life is suffering on 01/09/2020 - 15:35
    +1

    i have had sellers sell second hand used products marketed as new. My trust has dropped.

  • [Deactivated] on 01/09/2020 - 16:15

    eBay still king in Auslandia 🤷‍♂️

  • Michael1983 on 01/09/2020 - 16:41

    I've switched to Aliexpress for most of the things now, especially those on a weird side.

  • bert-lifts on 01/09/2020 - 17:10
    +2

    Yeah I've had ebay plus for a few years now. Probably going to switch to Amazon prime. Amazon has pretty good inventory nowadays compared to a few years ago.

    • macrocephalic on 01/09/2020 - 17:16
      +3

      I have Prime for the streaming, free shipping is just a bonus.

  • Herbse on 01/09/2020 - 17:35

    Could have used a dinosaur

  • Tee Rex Arms on 01/09/2020 - 17:38
    +1

    eBay is trash these days. I get most of the things I want off Facebook marketplace. Gumtree is definitely on a very steep decline too.

  • Ciderfizz44 on 01/09/2020 - 17:54
    -6

    okay boomer

  • Mosher on 01/09/2020 - 17:57
    +4

    Ebay plus is a joke and not worth the fee

    I buy a crap load more from amazon and being a prime member with free delivery it's a no brainer plus the video streaming is icing on the cake

  • SetsunaFSeiei on 01/09/2020 - 18:05
    +15

    Sick of ebay hiding the actual price of the item, then selecting it and its "out of stock" or the $3 item was the cable and your item gets jacked up in price upon selecting it….

    • knasty on 01/09/2020 - 18:11
      +1

      This. Search for a shoe and see a great price… for a size 9 3/4 Width EE. Anything normal is twice the price.

  • Aap Ke Papa on 01/09/2020 - 18:09
    +1

    Totally agree. I use ebay for some cheap worthless stuff I need.
    Amazon is fantastic.

  • Jiyujin on 01/09/2020 - 18:21
    +2

    Agreed, Amazon is a lot better than eBay in price and after sale service.

  • morebunnings on 01/09/2020 - 18:28
    +3

    Ebay is ok for getting cheap stuff a bit quicker than Aliexpress, for a little bit more.

    It has definitely gone downhill because almost every 'Aussie seller: local delivery' is just using Fastway couriers freight forwarding from china, which takes ~14 days, which while better than Aliexpress' ~30+ day delivery time, is still a joke.

    Ebay isn't doing anything about it either, rather promoting it by not having a standard post option of up to 7 days, which would exclude all the freight forwarding shops from your results.

    • capslock janitor on 02/09/2020 - 21:05
      -1

      oh and so many sellers selling things under a different store name

  • pogichinoy on 01/09/2020 - 18:52

    Agree. I return to eBay for their once a year sales. The previous June one was a good haul.

    Upcoming one is pretty sad.

    Amazon reigns supreme!

  • clintmo on 01/09/2020 - 19:33
    -2

    Someone help me out. I just bought 100x neodymium n50 round 20mm x 2mm magnets from eBay for $29.95. Where else can I get something like this? Aliexpress didn't seem to have them.

  • cashless on 01/09/2020 - 20:18
    -1

    Changed email address a few years back, but when listing a new item for sale eBay still uses old email address in “payment” section for PayPal checkout. I have to type in latest email address manually every time I list an item. If I forget, big problems with payment through PayPal.
    Don’t want to open new account as have 14 years history.
    Have spoken to eBay customer service about this many times, but they are unable to change default email address.
    They tell me that their “algorithm will switch it over eventually”.
    That was 2 years back.

  • Sally Cinnamon on 01/09/2020 - 20:18
    -2

    Whenever I use ebay, regardless of the browser, my laptop crashes.
    I took it as a sign to stop shopping there.

  • s313 on 01/09/2020 - 20:38
    +2

    Amazon started slowly in australia but now lot more deals than ebay.

    • The Value on 02/09/2020 - 22:40
      +1

      Remember when Amazon.com.au just went to the Amazon Kindle book store…the good ol' days.

  • jaffar on 01/09/2020 - 20:54

    I can agree with that. I've definitely used eBay a lot less since getting a prime membership (or maybe I'm just buying more things overall with a prime membership - e.g. would never have bought some hand soap online if not for prime.) I still find good value in eBay but not so much for 'larger' purchases where things seem to be inflated a little bit more than they were in the past. Good place to get used items (and no stress unlike gumtree) and the monthly 15% off sale still has some nice prices. Also adds some variety on items from sellers who haven't moved to Amazon as well.

  • DiscoJango on 01/09/2020 - 21:44
    +1

    Im in the same boat as op. Have been a heavy user since the early 2000's. The past 5 years its slowly dried up. I now default to amazon or facebook market place and then ebay.

    Its also partly ebays fault in that they charge so much in seller fees and favour the buyer in case anything goes wrong. You can really get burned being an honest seller

  • greatlamp on 01/09/2020 - 21:45

    Amazon is always going to have the best website. They are a technology company as well as an online retailer and leader in cloud computing. They have talent to tap into.

    Aliexpress has a shockingly bad website. Their search is bad and misses results, or gives irrelevant results.

    Ebay is in the middle, but their fees are too high.

  • dhnqt on 01/09/2020 - 23:07
    +2

    I still use ebay for cheap chinese knock off stuff that is either not available or unreasonably expensive on Amazon.

    Some examples of my recent purchases:
    - My printer's toner. $15 on ebay and freaking $68 on amazon
    - A knock off of Babyzen yoyo stroller. It's not available on Amazon, and other strollers on Amazon are a lot more expensive

  • pegasusx on 01/09/2020 - 23:25
    +6

    Its the natural order of things when there is a promotion period. The reason(s) I joined in the first place are now gone and I am an ex-Ebay Plus member.
    These include

    • Plus Members Flybuys $1 = x40 x60 Points and later $1:1
    • CR/SB consistent 5-10% off
    • Coupons for Plus members minimum 5% sitewide. Typical was 15-20% off.
    • Lets not forget the eBay UK/DE/ES Coles/eBay/WOL Giftcard loophole 18%/15%/10% + stacking.

    Now lets look at why I gladly paid $60/y for Amazon Prime

    • Prime Video
    • Prime Music
    • Free shipping (over $49) International - From any of the Amazon affiliates
    • FREE returns - e.g I shipped back item to UK due to change of mind. Postage cost more than the item but Amazon still refunded.
    • Actually has stock when purchasing - None of this 5 items available - back order 10000 orders.
    • Can use Trackers / Keepa/Camelx3 to alert to dramatic price drops instead of searching hours for eBay eligible items
    • Not dealing with 3rd sellers directly.
    • Customer service is top notch - No begging eBay bots and agents with scripts for refunds.
      e.g. Delivery guy stole a parcel that was "signed for". Refunded after Amazon CS called me 60 secs after logging a request ticket. Understood the situation and credited back to my card. No BS. This compared to eBay agents. "Computer says NO"
    • bert-lifts on 02/09/2020 - 00:07
      +3

      The free international shipping is the best part of it imo. Can get some seriously good deals by taking advantage of US pricing.

  • kyle on 01/09/2020 - 23:28

    Ah this post just reminds me why I cancelled my 2nd year of ebay plus right after I paid 99c for it.

  • Lexan on 02/09/2020 - 03:09
    +4

    eBay has MAKE OFFER button 👍

    • Whisper Quiet on 02/09/2020 - 10:50
      +7

      The seller has refused your offer and responded with 50c off the item.

    • Lexan on 02/09/2020 - 11:02

      Seller listed Citizen eco drive for $130. I made an offer for $100 just for fun, didn't think they would do it but they did it. I bought it 😂
      Watch is $250 RRP on Amazon

      • PeterSnoot on 02/09/2020 - 11:13

        Is it legit?

        • Lexan on 02/09/2020 - 11:15

          one-more-watch-store
          Feedback score (3350)
          99.6% positive Feedback

          • ankor on 02/09/2020 - 17:46
            +2

            @Lexan: That dosn't actually tell us if it's legit..

  • Cluster on 02/09/2020 - 03:09

    I buy items on eBay quite regularly, but they tend to be collectable items such as coins. Amazon has nothing to offer there. Some other items can be good value, but recently I tend to steer more towards Amazon Prime.

  • payless69 on 02/09/2020 - 05:19

    Agree, ebay gone down the dolldrums. Mainly dropshippers left either selling useless fakes or cancel if they lost the supplier. Robo responses such as send us a video of the faulty product. Found Wish to be worse.

  • batfastard on 02/09/2020 - 07:41
    +6

    I disagree.

    I've been after some parts for a Peugeot

    Aussie wrecker wanted $430, didn't even get around to the shipping costs.

    On ebay, i selected one of the 3 or 4 wreckers listing the same bits, cost me $130 landed.

    That's $300 more beer money I didn't have before.

    My local superbarn has kronenberg on special for $33 a slab - win win win as far as I can tell.

    So yeah, I still use ebay like a boss.

    • magic8ballgag on 02/09/2020 - 08:44
      +1

      As much as I love Amazon, eBay's automotive listings is one thing that they will probably never be able to compete with.

    • cannedhams on 02/09/2020 - 20:12
      +2

      I agree with this. It ended up being cheaper to buy a door for my Astra off eBay rather than replace the broken glass.

  • batfastard on 02/09/2020 - 07:42

    Oops soz, duplicate post.

  • Gnosh on 02/09/2020 - 07:56
    +8

    I'm tired of not being able to sort by price. The results are full of bait items where the seller has put something random in the selection for $1 or so.

  • birnie on 02/09/2020 - 08:05
    +1

    Been thinking the same for a while now.
    I used to eBay/Gumtree.
    Now I Amazon/Facebook-Marketplace

    ..and thanks for the reminder, i need to cancel my ebayPlus crap.

    Get Prime !

    edit
    And just went through the process, they offered me a $30 gift card to stay so i stayed :D

    • magic8ballgag on 02/09/2020 - 08:45

      edit
      And just went through the process, they offered me a $30 gift card to stay so i stayed :D

      Ah, the circle of life! One minute the service is 'crap', the next you're in $50 deep for another year.

  • Big Dog on 02/09/2020 - 08:15
    +1

    Ebay is where I buy all my high yield investments.

  • Myone888 on 02/09/2020 - 08:20

    In eBay, can one refund (without paying return shipping fees) an item like car mudflap if it does not fit, even though all due diligence have been done? Ta

    • Headless on 02/09/2020 - 10:37
      +1

      No, even if you try to do it you will get the runaround

    • Whisper Quiet on 02/09/2020 - 10:54

      If it was in the description that it will fit your car and doesn't. Get PayPal directly to deal with it if you can. They always take care of the buyer and issue full refund for any sort of error in fitment, design etc

  • Luckyalways on 02/09/2020 - 08:29

    I completely agree. For what I buy, ebay is the last place I look if I was really after something. I have been dissatisfied with it for some time.

  • Carmen Sandiego on 02/09/2020 - 09:46

    For what it's worth, I find eBay to be the global front of AliExpress.

    That said, I've had good purchases from eBay and I get stuff I want, including masks from Sydney.

    The only actual problems I've had with them is all because of Aus Post.

  • Trioboy on 02/09/2020 - 09:50
    +2

    Ebay is becoming the Yahoo of the 2000s

    • neonlight on 03/09/2020 - 12:02

      and slowly become like altavista search engine…..then taken over by Google (like Amazon)

  • Maglia Nera on 02/09/2020 - 09:55
    +1

    AND YET EBAY DEALS STILL MAKE FRONT PAGE OF OZBARGAIN FOR THESE 'NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK' DEALS

    • Whisper Quiet on 02/09/2020 - 10:55
      +1

      I'm convinced ebay has some worker moles with ozbargain accounts here

    • berger on 03/09/2020 - 07:28

      Exactly. eBay deals are all over Ozbargain, voted by actual Ozbargain members..

      So much hate but so much vote..

  • JuryWheel on 02/09/2020 - 09:58

    I find the delivery timeframes the worst part, and they fact that most of the deals require ebayplus. That being said, i find amazon everyday pricing pretty ordinary too….i still think amazon need go invest more in they own products/stocking and pricing quality products cheap.

  • OzHunterNSW on 02/09/2020 - 10:02

    I'm the same… they are trying to tempt me with Ebay Plus but I'm not paying $50.

    I am getting sick of missing, damaged, late deliveries.

    I am getting sick of the scams on eBay… people making out they have a particular item, you pay, only to realise weeks later that it is all a scam.

    It seems people have realised that they can access instant payments (your money) to tie them through for a few weeks till the system catches up with them.

    If it is not your personal information being compromised, its your money on eBay.

  • pippohippo on 02/09/2020 - 10:02
    +1

    Ebay use to be awesome with 20% off anything, no issues. But the retailer now just does it on their own site and free delivery too! Also hiding stock on sale is a bitch move too. Do you want the business and clear out some stock or not? Stop hoarding items you're selling!!!

    Ebay does have faster delivery and better packaging than amazon. Half time the amazon packaging arrives destroyed…items might be slightly damaged which is a waste of everyone's time getting a replacement and sending it back.

    But I am moving to amazon simply because the free videos and no minimum purchase for free delivery is a plus.

    • borrisz0r on 02/09/2020 - 10:22
      +3

      I have the reverse experiences. Amazon is super quick, eBay is slow as hell.

      Amazon > eBay in 99% of scenarios for me.

      I check both though :)

      • pippohippo on 02/09/2020 - 10:27

        Usually Ebay sellers post it the next 1-2 business day (exception of Covid where there are delays from either seller or postie). Amazon model of group delivery seems to be slowing things a lot.

        I do prefer amazon for household goods - cheaper soap,detergent, toothpaste etc than CWH and delivered. Some tech stuff on amazon is better as well.

        But looking at my purchase history I would say its about 10:1 amazon way. Only way ebay keeping my plus membership is if they give me a $50 voucher lol

  • brutus on 02/09/2020 - 10:23
    +1

    agree I make more purchases from 1.FB marketplace 2.Amazon 3.gumtree 4.eBay last

  • SupeNintendoChalmers on 02/09/2020 - 10:32
    +1

    I purchased a $700 hallway runner on eBay. The rug came from Ireland and was a totally different colour and material to what was advertised. The seller sheepishly told me he'll refund my money, but only if I courier back the rug at my expense. Cost to ship the rug back was almost $200, eBay plus covered me for this expense.

  • manbearpig on 02/09/2020 - 10:33
    +2

    Yep, it's cheaper to buy those little bits and pieces you need from AliExpress. Anything bigger is often cheaper on Amazon with better service.

    As a seller, it sucks. Fees, fees, fees. Scammers who screw you over. PayPal which sides with buyers.

    If I buy something, it's usually when I'm looking for something second hand.

  • Headless on 02/09/2020 - 10:35

    Customer Service:

    Amazon: Sure, let me help you with that now (resolved 60 seconds later)

    Ebay: It's all too hard - we agree with the seller - have to wait 6 years and let the process go through its paces…

    I only ever now buy off ebay if I don't need warranty or am happy knowing that I won't get refunded for a dodgy or "lost in the mail" item

  • Navanod66 on 02/09/2020 - 10:38

    Agreed that the price jacking during so-called sales, and the sometimes dodgy enforcement of returns policy made it hard to use eBay except for bidding of resale items (which was what eBay was originally about).
    Same goes for Gumtree. Horrible interface and no records (postings simply disappear after sales).

    Also, the discovery of how to order from Taobao, coupled with AliExpress, means that even cheapies from eBay are pointless, since they all come from Hong Kong or China dropshippers anyway.

  • MechEng on 02/09/2020 - 10:47

    I guess it all depends on what you buy and how long you're willing to wait. Recently I bought some coffee machine tablets, that were cheaper at Ebay than Amazon. I also recently bought a motorcycle battery that it was also cheaper from Ebay than other alternatives. I do not buy a lot online though, and mostly I spend low amounts, so perhaps I am not relevant in the population

  • Dreamcast on 02/09/2020 - 11:26
    +1

    Depends what you buy. I personally cannot stand Amazon. Their app is terrible.

    But then, I buy retro gaming items, which you don't find on Amazon as much. Also Amazon doesn't tell you what the postage carrier is. This was a hassle pre covid, as I wasn't home during the week.

    For new items, Amazon is better. So it depends on what you purchase online, I guess.

  • netsurfer on 02/09/2020 - 11:58

    I don't like the way overseas eBay sellers can sell to Aussies and not declare the GST payable

    eBay collects GST. Just hand the invoice/receipt to custom and tell custom don't rip you off twice. GST already paid. Blaming this on the sellers or feeBay is too convenient. This is the Harvey tax. Most overseas sellers don't know this and they DID NOT collect the GST. feeBay did on their behalf. In fact, that's part of the reason why overseas items are not as attractive as before.

    I usually find better deals on Amazon (local and US), local retailers, online stores, Kogan, Aldi etc.
    Just today I was pricing a $1500 drone, $1499 on eBay and $1480 on Amazon. Bought the Amazon one.

    Items which you would want local warranty tend to be more expensive on feeBay by default, unless a promotion takes place. However, that's not how we OZBers buy on feeBay normally. And, using > $1000 to illustrate your point to avoid overseas sellers isn't valid since eBay does collect the GST.

    Sure, if whenever you want an item, you want to buy it right away, then eBay probably won't have the best price at that moment. However, the fact that you still buy from eBay does indicate it still has some use, even for you.

    Also, not easy to be objective on an item that's $1500. Honestly, personally, I would want to find ways to justify buying from Amazon, knowing I would get better after sale service.

    Let's hope it is not a DJI Mavic Air 2 as it is now $1199 on feeBay after the 21% off feeBay Plus deal (was $1499).

  • magic8ballgag on 02/09/2020 - 12:37
    +1

    I feel like most people are just salty with eBay because once upon a time you could take advantage of their 20% off promotions, in which eBay eventually changed their mind and added an eligibility criteria.

    Where's Amazon's 5-20% off quarterly coupons?

    One service will never be a replacement for the other, they will continue to co-exist and offer their own incentives, which obviously comes down to the buyer's wants/needs.

  • Levathian on 02/09/2020 - 13:06

    I used to sell some stuff on ebay (only locally within Australia) but tbh with all the fees and risk of being screwed over by paypal I just can't be bothered. For the profit margin:time ratio, If I wanted some extra money I'd be better off just asking my boss for an extra shift.

  • Smol Cat on 02/09/2020 - 14:52
    +1

    I’ve purchased electronics off eBay before and when they have failed, trying to claim warranty off the original seller is basically impossible. They just disappear or ignore you entirely and don’t reply. Even if their original listing boasted X years warranty! It’s all a scam. eBay never again.

    • SnoozeAndLose on 02/09/2020 - 14:58
      +1

      luckily I found this out with an item cost $30, since then I will only buy from The good guys, Bing lee etc. on ebay with 20% off, at least they can't just ignore my email.

      • Smol Cat on 02/09/2020 - 15:28
        +1

        Damn see, that would have been the smart thing to do! Buy from a reputable store that also happens to have an eBay eshop. I will never buy any electronics off eBay again. The risk of counterfeit goods and no warranty is just not worth the little to no savings you get anyway.

  • CalmLemons on 02/09/2020 - 16:32
    +2

    Cool story.

    I use both still. eBay still has more range than amazon as many sellers don't like amazon as they treat sellers like trash and are pretty authoritarian with sellers. This is why there isn't that much range on Amazon Australia AND the prices aren't that good as in Australia amazon cannot dictate sellers what to sell for.

    A lot of smaller stuff is still cheaper on ebay.

    I'm not sure why you would risk buying $1000+ items unless there is a store locally just in case something goes wrong, especially if it is a physically large item.

    Amazon is a lot more detrimental to smaller businesses, and big alike, just see what has happened in the US.

    I guarantee you once they dominate the market, those GREAT prices you get now, are going to turn into, whatever price they feel like charging you once the competition is gone.

    Look at Bunnings, do you honestly think you're getting a discount because it's some random price like $18.57? That same item would have been much less if there was still competition around for that retail consumer.

    If a price is too true to believe, then it is. Heaps of fake shit on amazon and ebay alike. Ask yourself, how much tax does amazon pay in Australia?

    I actually buy a lot of international items off amazon as the service, for the record, is a lot better. ebay service is non-existent as they are part of the Paypal mafia. However, long term, we are causing our own demise by not supporting the smaller local businesses when we can, hope you can all keep that in mind. Jeff doesn't give a shit about you. Least the mum and dad shop pay at least some tax and spend their money here.

  • Sxio on 02/09/2020 - 16:51
    +2

    I always try to find products on ebay first because hopefully I'm supporting an Australian seller. Amazon is convenient but I don't want my dollars to go to a company like that. The way they do business is incredibly evil. They copy products, lower prices until the other company is bankrupt, then raise prices again. I'm not supporting that.

  • virhlpool on 02/09/2020 - 17:20
    +1

    It's not your fault, OP. eBay has almost stopped those 20% off sale events for some reasons; I used to shop on eBay a lot during those promotions. With increasing competition from Amazon, I would actually expect them to increase the frequency of the same but it went in the other direction for some reason.

  • Cheapsize on 02/09/2020 - 19:26

    eBay lost the community push when it moved to new prioritise items and automatic feedback. It's really great for niche and hard to find items. But there's definitely increased competition.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/09/2020 - 19:32
    +3

    I worked in eBay’s EMEA hq for a few years and saw the transition from a really innovative marketplace to what is essentially an inferior version of Amazon.

    Lost its way and it’s identity and the Gumtree acquisition really cannibalised a huge segment too

  • Rumbaar on 02/09/2020 - 21:04

    I want to use Amazon more, but I still find that eBay has more deals and items available. Amazon serves a small needed, but eBay still serves the biggest need for me at least.

    • [Deactivated] on 03/09/2020 - 17:20

      It seem like amazon good to find popular used item but some hobbies stuff you cannot find any on amazon any in local stock anyways, if im ordering stuff from overseas might as well get cheaper from aliexpress etc.

      A true ozbargainer would use whatever is cheapest and not stick with one platforms.

  • The Value on 02/09/2020 - 22:42
    +1

    eBay still the king for used items. I don't want to meet up with anyone on Scumtree or Fraudbook nor send money to someone without some protection.

  • nuttapillar on 03/09/2020 - 03:21

    eBay is a pain is to use, with all the Chinese spam. Hundreds of listings for the exact same items, completely false prices, due to them hiding an irrelevant cheap item in the drop-down list. Etc.
    And the site layout has changed for the worse IMO.
    Also the chinese sellers keep using brand names for their unbranded items…

  • bizarredeal on 03/09/2020 - 08:12

    No use for eBay from me. Been out of plus for 2 years now and havent bought anything on it for over a year. Received a text message few days back about the 21 percent l off and to join plus for $49 per year.

  • Tripnfelt on 03/09/2020 - 08:28

    Etsy has gone down the same path, loaded with crap from AliExpress/wish but priced higher.

  • neonlight on 03/09/2020 - 08:43
    +3

    Not using eBay any more because their plus membership is worthless.

    No more 15-20% off deals. There's a lot of junk offered by Chinese sellers. Like what they are saying with our barley and meat, I would avoid.

    Like many others I also got cheated with their clearly marked $1 plus membership, ended up paying full amount with hurdles wasting my time to get refund from PayPal.

    Amazon so much better with prime. Fast delivery and membership gives prime video. I experienced great customer service for new kindle bought with dead Pixel. It was exchanged with no questions asked. They even posted a new one before receiving the old.

    No chance eBay can do that

    The only thing left for eBay is 2nd hand market and phone cases. That's it.

  • kabammi on 03/09/2020 - 09:38

    Same. Ebay is always pushing ebay plus too, so I rarely use them these days. Plus there's heaps of dropshipping bs going on when pushing themselves as "au seller, shipped from au" yeah right.
    I just use amazon, ali express, gearbest, links from here.

  • cynicalmike on 03/09/2020 - 11:08

    ebay charged card for another year with no real notice. trying to get a refund. they're just spinning me around in circles. looks like i'll have to to a chargeback but i guess that means i'll be banned from ebay and paypal for life?

    • CalmLemons on 03/09/2020 - 16:49

      and they'll probably come to your house and break your legs.

  • Kamsi on 03/09/2020 - 11:09

    I cancelled ebay plus and they still try to charge me for it. It was tough to contact customer support as there wasn't a phone number to contact but only chat.

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