Ebay Initiates a "Buy Your Own" Policy

SAN JOSE CA - Ebay Corporation (ticker:Ebay) announced new policies directed at increasing their sellers sell through rate, (STR), which has been slipping dramatically since Best Match default search was initiated last quarter. The new policies will also increase Ebay's diminishing Gross Merchandise Value, better known as GMV.

"These new policies will increase our sellers successful listings percentage, which will in turn increase Ebay's profits from our flagship revenue stream. It's a great way to maintain our already lowest fees on the internet title," John Donahoe, Ebay CEO stated.


"Improvement of Ebay other than by mere repairs"

Effective January 1st, 2009, Ebay will mandate all sellers, with the exception of Diamond level retailers, to purchase a minimum of 6% of their own listings every 30 days. Donahoe stated that sellers may purchase more than 6% of their own listings per month, although the excess percentage will not be applied towards the next months total.

Ebay seller Wilma Ledbetter, User ID "Breezykidswithnofolks" was thrilled to hear the news. "I've had my eye on my own 100% polyester pink chiffon sheer and drapeable fabric that I have listed in my Ebay store. I can't wait for the thrill of winning my own items!"

Donahue stated that Ebay will be flexible with the 6% Buy Your Own, (BYO), policy. "We'll give the seller/buyer the option of buying their own items from core, core BIN, 30 day FP, or out of their own store.
For Ebay sellers who do not have any of their own listings that they wish to purchase, we highly recommend that those sellers purchase an item from a Diamond retailer, then list and repurchase said item from their own store." Donahoe also added that all BYO purchases must be paid through Paypal. "We want to protect the seller/buyer from themselves, so paper payment is a not an option."

When asked why Diamond level sellers, Ebay's largest volume sellers, were exempt from the new BYO policy, Donahoe stated, "Ebay Diamond level retailers are real businesses, all of our other sellers are expendable, they shouldn't expect, nor will they receive, preferential treatment that we afford to Ebay Diamond level retailers."

Other changes hinted at, with few details given, are Ebay's proposed new Seller Help line, 1-900-Ebay-hel, which will be staffed with, "The most knowledgeable customer support staff in the world, all for the low price of $3.99 a minute." Donahoe said. "and also payable through Paypal only," Donahoe added.

"We're also working on a program where it will be mandatory for Ebay sellers to purchase one item per month from a Diamond retailer." Donahoe said.
"We feel that Diamond retailers enhance other sellers listings, bringing in a much needed traffic infusion that Ebay can then divert via revenue driven Yahoo sponsored ads. It's just a way for Ebay sellers to show their appreciation, albeit mandatory, to our Diamond retailers for their major contributions to our community. It's our great community giving back to a select few from our great community." Donahoe added.

Disclosure - Fabricated