More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

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AuctionBytes Blog
News and insight focusing on
ecommerce and the online auction industry
by Ina Steiner, Editor of AuctionBytes.com

May 15, 2008

More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

By: Ina Steiner

Thu May 15 2008 23:22:06

Just got our hands on the April 08 data from Nielsen Online - it's extremely interesting. We wrote last week about declines in the first quarter compared to Q1-2007 for two key metrics: unique visitors and page views. They are down again in April 08 compared to April 07.

What's going on?

Comments (71) | Permalink

Readers Comments

More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

by: Ming the Merciless

Thu May 15 23:45:16 2008

The slide into e-commerce oblivion will continue as both buyers and sellers decide ebay is giving everyone the royal shaft so to speak.

What does ebay think is going to happen when members discover they can buy buy.com merchandise cheaper on the buy.com website than on ebay?

What does ebay think is going to happen when there are no more powersellers left because of this asinine new DSR/feedback system?

What does ebay think is going to happen when they're sued every week?

As has already been observed, ebay can always be counted on to make the wrong decisions at the wrong time. They raise seller fees and then call them a "decrease" just as a major recession s. They alienate many sellers with a new and completely unfair feedback.DSR system when consunmers have little left over to spend on ebay after paying for gas and food. They alienate sellers in tough times by pressuring sellers to offer "free" shipping so they can their grubby hands of more fees. They lie to sellers saying their "wanted" yet do every conceivable thing they can think of the "route sellers off the site."

Buy.com listings may artifically and temporarily raise listing numbers, but they're not going to change any trends. And it will be apparent to all if buy.com is held to a different set of powerseller and DSR standards than other businesses are.

Ebay is tanking. And I can't wait for it sink!

Word of mouth and a bad economy can kill ebay so keep on telling your friends and neighbors about all your wonderful ebay experiences.

More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

by: kw

Fri May 16 00:09:08 2008

Not at all suprised by the data. I quit buying on ebay months ago because of the constant tweaking of the searches and Best Match. What a pain! And now my favorite sellers have left because of increased fees and interference in how they run their businesses.

I still sell on ebay but have reduced the number of listings and am listing on other sites. Am working on bringing my regular buyers to other sites because I can list items at lower prices and still make a profit. It's a win-win for me and the buyer.

Ebay has taken the fun out of buying and selling. They've punished good sellers and left not-so-good sellers alone if they pay enough in fees. Ebay doesn't care about page views and unique visitors to the site anyway. All they want is more fees in any way they can get them. Just wait until they demand free shipping ... and it will come. Ebay is pricing itself out of online markets. It has been a downhill slide for over 2 years now, and they still haven't learned what buyers and sellers want.

More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

by: GazLanNaThai

Fri May 16 00:15:03 2008

Whilst Ming's post shows obvious anger at eBay, they make a few valid points.

However, the data supplied in the post and linked articles reveals unspoken information - the longer duration on site per user is easily explained by the increasing spread of broadband connections leading to people not closing browser sessions, and even when they do, hidden connections through the likes of Skype will be distorting the time-on-site connection data. Additionally, as sales GMV and item volume drop away, sellers will be spending increasingly more time logged in to check their listings minute-by-minute, which will expand the average logged-in times.

The above will also explain the drop in unique visitors and page views - sellers visits to their own pages are not counted, and if they're spending too much time in Selling Manager or on the forums fretting about sales, Best Match, Feedback 2.0, DSR's, Fees, Seller Performance criteria, FVF Discounts, and the myriad of other changes, then they're not out and about in the categories looking at other sellers' listings, nor are they bidding and buying.

Add to that mix the banning of digital delivery items and other smaller product groups, and a lot of dedicated buyers and sellers have no further reason to use the site.

And all of that is before factoring in the sellers and their loyal buyers who have partly or fully left the site.

Whereas 2 years ago, I would spend 12 hours a day logged into eBay, I now average about 3 - that's because the other 9 are now spent building my own websites and sales channels.

What you sow is what you reap eBay
Never forget that.

More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

by: bite me

Fri May 16 00:36:59 2008

reasons for tanking? The economy stinks and other places like Amazon have better deals. I've started selling quite a bit there although sometimes they have higher fees. I like the no listing fee though :)

More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

by: Furious

Fri May 16 00:38:05 2008

eBay Unveils Future Plans For 100% Buyer Protection
By: Mortie Jazz
Tue May 13 2008 15:33:07

eBay Unveils Future Plans For 100% Buyer Protection

eBay CEO, John Donahoe, has pledged further changes to the online auction
megasite that he confidently projects will implement a 100% guarantee that
buyers will not fall victim to unscrupulous sellers.

"We have had a few months of turmoil and disruption as our community grows
used to our recently implemented changes," Donahoe said in an interview late
yesterday afternoon.

"But this reaction is something we prepared for right from the beginning, as
the changes have been quite a shock to the system to many and we completely
understand their reaction."

Donahoe then went on to explain that recent changes were designed more as an
anaethsetic to numb members of more drastic changes to come;

"We are going to be phasing out sellers over the next 4-6 months." Donahoe
explained sternly.

"eBay is a fantastic place to shop but, more and more, we hear complaints
from buyers that they have been burned by shady sellers in the past, and
this made them less likely to shop on eBay in the future."

Donahoe proceeded to outline the Anti-Seller Policy in broad strokes, as he
did not want to get into specifics until the policy has been finalized.

"It took months of serious thought and consideration, because we love our
sellers. They made us who we are today." Donahoe added sincerely.

"But if we can't guarantee shoppers that they have a safe place to buy, then
eBay will not be viable in the long term. We have tried in the past to
eliminate the shady sellers, but they repeatedly turn up through loopholes
to take advantage of impressionable buyers."

Donahoe adds with a touch of sadness "The only logical thing to do is to
phase out sellers, as that will guarantee that we have eliminated the
potential for fraud perpetrated on our valued buyers."

When asked if the policy will affect existing sellers, or just potential new
sellers, Donahoe added:

"Oh, it will be all of them. We could eliminate the threat of potential new
shady sellers by prohibiting new seller accounts, but who is to say that old
sellers might not suddenly turn shady at some point?"

After a pause, Donahoe adds "We just can't take that chance. If we want to
guarantee the buyer a 100% fraud-free shopping experience, the sellers will
all have to go."

Donahoe went on to outline a metaphor he feels sums up his plan;

"I mean, if you hear a story in the paper that a Pit Bull Terrier has mauled
a baby to death -- what do you do? You go outside and you shoot your own Pit
Bull Terrier in the head. It's the smart thing to do. I mean, that's what I
did just last week. I don't have a baby, but who is to say that one wouldn't
have wandered into my yard at some point?"

When asked what will be on eBay to buy if sellers are prohibited from
trading, Donahoe responded;

"Look, we haven't sorted out all the finer points yet. Our primary focus is
eliminating sellers so that the byers feel more comfortable shopping on the
website. Once we do that, we are extremely confident that the rest will fall
into place."

When again pressed on the paradox of an eBay with no items for sale, Donahoe
added;

"Again; we can't go into the trivial aspects of this policy just yet, but we
do want to stress to buyers out there that by 2009, they will not have to
ever worry again about being ripped off by an unscrupulous seller."

Donahoe firmly and repeatedly points his index finger into the palm of his
hand.

"THAT is our pledge."

More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

by: Skip

Fri May 16 00:52:32 2008

Interesting. Time logged on has very little value. Unique clicks is a very telling story, and not a good one. The message should be clear to eBay - all of their recent changes are not working. Many sellers, including long time Power Sellers, are leaving eBay in part or in full, because of the many changes eBay has made recently.

DSRs are meaningless because at least tow are unfair to sellers - Shipping time and shipping cost. Two sellers sell the same item, same price, one ships standard mail the other ships priority mail. Who wins - one is faster, but costs more. The other is cheaper, but takes longer to arrive.

One other change is really confusing. Sellers can no longer leave negative or neutral feedback for buyers. Yet eBay eliminated the use of independent third party arbitrators such as Square Trade, to resolve negative feedback issues and have the wrong ones removed.

Did eBay even consult their top Power Sellers before implementing the changes - I doubt it.

Eliminating digital delivery will end up costing buyers more because eBay sellers will start shipping CDs or DVDs, at higher prices, for essentially the same products. By the way eBay, those CDs/DVDs will have all kinds of links to buy stuff off eBay - good move - for sellers - bad move for eBay and buyers. The move to PayPal only payments is a thinly disguised way to get more fees that buyers will ultimately pay.

It is, however, interesting to watch, listen and learn. Oh yeah, another good move - cancelling eBay live for 2009. Well guess what, I cancelled my plans to attend eBay live 2008 as I am sure other eBay sellers will do.

In fairness, not all the recent changes are bad. Lower listing fees for Store Inventory and free gallery pictures are both good changes.

More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

by: Laura

Fri May 16 01:34:07 2008

I used to buy a lot on ebay but when I search I want to see all the results not just the sellers ebay thinks I should see. Also if there is store inventory that matches what I'm searching for I want to see that too. There will always be unscrupulous sellers but I think the answer is not by adjusting everything else, it is to better educate the buyer. I got taken in a couple of times at first but then I learned to read the descriptions better, pay more attention to shipping charges and feedback comments. The new sellers often are where you find the best deals because they haven't quite learned the ropes yet, they tend to start prices lower w/no reserves and often list in an obscure category without any research where few people will find it. I love finding these deals! Spotting scammers is rarely a problem anymore and if I'm not sure about a seller after I read their feedback I buy a few inexpensive things to check them out. When new people sign up to buy, maybe a short intructional video with a little quiz on the end they need to pass before they can bid/buy might better educate buyers and help them make more informed choices. Do they really think the ring they're buying from China for a penny is solid gold? A little common sense is in order here, from buyers and more importantly, from eBay. And eBay, if you're listening, PLEASE bring back all the search results. If I have to spend twice as much time searching, I have less time to spend buying which is what really seems to be happening here. Thanks.

More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

by: Josh

Fri May 16 01:56:43 2008

yeah time on the site has increased because no one can find what they're looking for with best match as the default search.

More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

by: Henrietta

Fri May 16 03:16:08 2008

Oh MY GOODNESS! What a surprise.

All that badmouthing of sellers is finally paying off.

I may spend time on eBay but only price checking anymore. I HATE trying to find anything. A search for 'quilt' brings up guitars, go figure. I haven't bought or sold a thing (on eBay) since before the boycott.

Gaz put it nicely:

As ye sow, so shall ye reap.
I wish eBay joy of their harvest

More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

by: BeBopDeluxe

Fri May 16 06:21:42 2008

In days to come I wonder how Donahoe will spend his unemployment check?? eBaying???? or on Amazon??????!!!!!!

More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

by: DD

Fri May 16 06:26:18 2008

For those who sell on Ebay the awareness of slow sales is pretty evident. Even during the winter months, sales have come to a crawl.

Best match has really effected this site. Unless a buyer knows how to opt out of it, they are stuck with page after page of nonessential garbage.

See that Ebay is promoting stores again, why? Having store items in the searches, increased sales, which made Ebay money.

Learned a lot from Ebay, know how to do Ecommerce, so easy to move on with other sites. These sites will take off, just a matter of time.

One other thing that has effected page views, is buyers searching with Google, and they don't get all of the garbage that Ebay shovels their way.

Bad sellers have been on Ebay for years, and they failed to address that problem, along with bad buyers.

I have moved on, Ebay use to be the place to sell, but they have messed it up!

More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

by: GBC

Fri May 16 08:49:28 2008

It would appear that eBay (stockholders) is finally going to get the message that sellers and buyers aren't flocking to their site with their 'improved' changes. Perhaps if their stock declines with ongoing poor data, they'll re-evaluate their 'improvements'. Meanwhile, I'll continue to buy off any site but eBay and while I maintain a few items on eBay the majority of my sales are now from Amazon, Google and eCrater. What a refreshing change from all of eBay and PayPal's garbage!

More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

by: Mark

Fri May 16 08:50:44 2008

With all the recent changes, we are afraid some in the Community may not understand some of the nuances of the certain terms on eBay, so therefore we have put a small glossary below. Feel free to add your own ideas.

Neutral = Negative
Good = Bad (DSRs)
Level Playing Field = Special Deals For Some
100% = 99.2%% (FB pre/post May 2008)
Lowering Fees = Raising Fees
Community = Noise
Niche = Flea Market

Hard to believe after angering so many Sellers (who are also buyers) that traffic is so that far down.

If, as Lorrie said in the recent InkBlog post, smaller Sellers are such an important part of eBay’s continue success and business plan, then I suggest that eBay’s management and public relations team has had a monument failure since 1/29/08 in expressing this to their customers.

Even if all of the recent changes are for the benefit of the community as a whole, they have blundered their way through these announcements like a bull in a china shop, not able to get ahead of one of the stories.

The selling community may have a reputation as “cantankerous”: but for so many – thousands, not dozens or even hundreds, to feel so disenfranchised when eBay says that was not the intention, then that can only mean eBay has done a horrible job at releasing information to its customers.

Perhaps the changing so many executive positions at once was a bad idea in creating a coherent dissemination of information?

I understand that perhaps you do not need to know how to design a computer to sell a computer or bake a cake to sell a cake, but it seems to me that you have very little to no day-to-day retail (online or other) experience at the top of eBay’s management team. You have a lot of businesses consultants who deal in “metrics” and “chaos”, but never have had anything to do with dealing with satisfying their customers as they have always dealt in abstracts from a position of power and a contract of adhesion.

If the execs at eBay are so confident that what they are doing is right, I challenge them to put their stock options, bonuses and a chunk of their paychecks on hold until all of this shakes out. After all, they have asked us in blind faith to accept their decisions as being best for the overall marketplace as we deal in day-to-day cash flow crunches, pay-rolls, overhead, etc. Maybe they should have a horse in the race and if things don’t work out they way they say they will, there is some risk of losing their golden parachutes.

If Donahue wanted to work at Amazon, he should have gotten a job application. But the “community” has caught on and is moving on and unless eBay can stop this blunder, the exodus will just get worse.

More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

by: Blog Watcher

Fri May 16 09:41:28 2008

These boards are monitored for improprieties. Please note that impersonating a corporate officer is very ill advised and can result in severe civil penalties. While everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, the deliberate smearing of John Donohoe is highly improper and will not be tolerated. A retraction and apology for the above comments is highly suggested in order to diminish the prospect of legal action.

More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

by: Lisa

Fri May 16 09:43:06 2008

Ebay got so cocky about their position in the e-commerce market that they went ahead and made outrageous demands on their sellers (who are definitely also buyers) and alienated them with poor communication and deceptive practices.

Their timing is really poor. The recession, gas prices, food, etc. I sell used clothing which has been a pretty lucrative business. But now I'm selling off all my inventory-for pennies on the dollar if I have to-but not free shipping. I haven't bought new inventory in almost two months. After 8 years on Ebay and building a good reputation as an honest seller I am just not up for starting over on a new site. All this nonsense Ebay created burned me out. I sold my Ebay stock a month ago and I'm ready and looking forward to finding new opportunities.

I'm grateful to Ebay (the old Ebay). It was nice making a comfortable living doing what I loved. So sorry this had to end.

I wish everyone well, even Ebay.

''It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself'' Eleanor Roosevelt

More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

by: Peter Leeflang/CEO of Leeflang Archives Corporatio

Fri May 16 09:54:38 2008

These stats show that Ebay buyers (and sellers) are voting with their feet and money AGAINST Ebay's paternalism.

Of course Ebay management may rationalize thsi trend, by blaming it on others, like 'the recession', but that won't explain why sellers are doing much better on other venues, including their own.

Ebay, bring back your laissez-faire culture, which made your initial success, and I guarantee you yu'll be out of this mess within a few months. Oh and boot any staff member who concocted this disaster. They are all incompetents, who put you in a position where your company is losing the confidence of your customers in spades. And winning back that confidence will not be easy.

More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

by: Peter Leeflang/CEO of Leeflang Archives Corporatio

Fri May 16 10:00:03 2008

Another 'major impact tred' Ebay doe snot understand and probably never anticipated is that, when they antagonize sellers and force them out of business or to other sites, they not only antagonize their customers, but also antagonize many buyers within the circle of the seller.

A seller has many family, friends and acquaintances who deem that person important in their lives.

If Ebay's Donohoe and his buddies damage that seller, guess what the buyers related to that seller are going to be come? EX-BUYERS!

So for every seller Ebay loses, he loses at leats 5-6 buyers from the seller's circle.

More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

by: Peter Leeflang/CEO of Leeflang Archives Corporatio

Fri May 16 10:03:10 2008

Explanation of increase in time spent on site:

It is harder to find things thanks to Best Match, so buyers have to spend more time there to get the right results.

More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

by: Monster

Fri May 16 10:13:00 2008

Page views are down, but I’m sure that like that “Little Ol’ Ant”, eBay executives have “HIGH HOPES”…

If you do a Google Search for “Insider Trading eBay” the first entry is the Yahoo Finance Page:

http://finance.yahoo.com/q/it?s=EBAY

There, you can scroll back to see who was making all the money on Stock Options for 2007 and most of 2006. Pierre, Meg, Michael Jacobson, and Scott Cook. They took out MILLIONS & MILLIONS using their stock options. This year has gotten off to a MUCH slower start… With all the changes to management, I guess it would behoove them to take more of a wait and see attitude before they begin to take advantage of the “Stock Option” scam that surely has them salivating… They either can’t cash in yet, or they are playing it cool so as not to arouse suspicion about how excited they are about the prospects of them making MILLIONS for doing nothing…

And as long as eBay can buy back their own stock, they will continue to manipulate the market, as much as is possible…

The nepotism and inbreeding that has occurred with both Bane & Co. and Intuit personnel, leads me to believe that a few high level insiders have handed over the reins of a once thriving global, internet company to a bunch of inexperienced, nitwits.

More Nielsen Data, eBay Page Views Down in April

by: Steve

Fri May 16 10:21:09 2008

Donahue says: "The only logical thing to do is to
phase out sellers, as that will guarantee that we have eliminated the
potential for fraud perpetrated on our valued buyers."

This is where Donahoe has a disconnect. THEY ARE NOT YOUR BUYERS DONAHOE, THEY ARE THE SELLERS' BUYERS. EBAY IS A VENUE. YOU DON'T SELL ANYTHING. He never even mentions the buyers who perpetrate fraud and sully a good seller's reputation in the process.

I hope that Meg and the Board are proud and happy with their choice for CEO, someone with no e-commerce experience and obiviously lousy interpersonal and customer service skills. While I can appreciate his desire to make eBay safer, I think he will penalize a lot of good and innocent sellers along the way. Ebay will become a stale and uninteresting place to do business so watch the numbers continue to fall.

Necessity is the mother of invention, and there will be another choice for sellers and hopefully that venue will learn from eBay's mistakes and know how to communicate and value their customers (the sellers).

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