Yesterday, I mentioned some very interesting research that AuctionBytes recently completed with a survey of more than 1,000 eBay merchants.
The most interesting finding is that eBay sellers are leaving eBay's platform very quickly. The chart below details where merchants are currently selling their product, and where they plan to sell product 6 months from now. There is a massive 64% decrease in the number of sellers planning to sell on eBay 6 months from now versus today.
Consistent with the feedback I consistently get from merchants, sellers are primarily opening up their own website storefronts and leveraging search services to acquire new customers. The benefits to merchants are obvious. They own the customer. They are not dependent upon eBay's ability to build adequate buyer demand. They aren't at risk of falling victim to eBay's trust & safety policymakers. They have far greater opportunity to merchandise their products in an optimal fashion (again, this is limited by eBay's policies). In 2006, the profit margins appear to be much higher. There are obviously risks as well, but this trend is becoming undeniable.
Needless to say, this is alarming news for folks that have an interest in eBay's success (as I certainly do). I continue to believe that eBay is in the early stages of a developing "Market for Lemons" phenomenon, and bonding sellers is ultimately going to be a critical part of any successful solution to eBay's problem. Obviously, buySAFE's success on eBay is a pretty strong indication that sellers think the bonded certification is an important part of the solution.
I will continue to provide insights on eBay's challenges over the coming weeks, and on Monday evening, I will post a case study that is currently being taught at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. I believe you will find it to be a fascinating and insightful read on the eBay challenges.
