Going going gone Ebay reveals change to auction model

Julian Sharpe | 9:05 am | August 21, 2008 | Affiliate Marketing, News, Social Media

Ebay’s is looking at revising its auction model after the No 1 auction site revealed it was looking at making significant changes to its business model.

Ebay said that it was likely to place more emphasis on its fixed-price listings, claiming sellers will see listing fees fall. Changes are due to come in to effect in the UK on 24 September; this will include an overhaul of its site search, making it easier to find fixed-price items, and the dropping of image upload fees.

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Lorrie Norrington, presidentof Ebay marketplace operations in the US, said, “I’d say this is the most fundamental change we’ve made, ever, to the marketplace. It’s a huge shift from where we’ve been.”

Likewise, Clare Gilmartin, director of marketplaces for Ebay in the UK, said, “Today’s improvements will remove barriers for sellers so they can make the most of this opportunity and offer even more goods for sale on Ebay. That means even greater choice for buyers and in turn greater success for sellers.”

Current Ebay figures show that as many as 178,000 people earn their primary or a secondary income from running an Ebay-based business.