eBay isn’t the fun it used to be

Once upon a not-so-long-ago time, eBay was an exciting place for your average punter to make a few pounds (and clear out the house a bit). You could list your daughter’s once-worn, well-kept dress bought from a reputable retailer and get a pretty decent return for it.

Then a couple of things happened that put paid (all puns intended) to that.

Firstly along came another reputable (but low-price) retailer – let’s call it P***ark.

Ahhh, thought browsers. Now why pay a small price for a secondhand dress they couldn’t touch, let alone try on (or send back in the majority of cases)? Here was an opportunity to buy new, at fantastically low prices, having tried on for size and bought with a guarantee for return.

P***ark undercuts charity shops, never mind eBay with all its postage costs. OK, the fabric may not be quite the same quality but at pocket-money prices that’s overlookable

So your outgrown, unwanted clothes are now best off back at the charity shop where you used to take them because you’re less and less likely to find customers on eBay.

And then there are eBay stores. I could be very wrong but the owners are what we used to call market traders, aren’t they? Didn’t they used to huddle under awnings in the street (close by the fruit and veg) flogging end-of-line wares that they buy up from I-don’t-know-where.

Don’t start thinking: I see, she’s against these people making a living from the Internet. I’m not. I’m just pointing out that it makes it a damn sight more difficult for you or I to sell a faultless beanbag (albeit sat on once or twice) that’s been stored in a cupboard for a few years if we’re competing against traders who have brand new versions in all sizes, shapes and colours.

The only time ‘used’ beats ‘new’ is in the antique category – and what is new stuff doing in there anyway?

No moan is complete without a suggested solution and this is mine: eBay is so huge now there needs to be a distinct line between your regular punter’s stuff and trader’s gear.

In short: eBay needs to level the playing the field and create two separate sites so sellers are pitching like against like and we all feel enthused again. Sorted?

Facebook – what’s the ****** point?

If you can catch me out, I’ve got a page on Facebook – but only because I was invited and I didn’t want to deny those people as friends.

Then what to we do….send accept ‘fish’ for our ‘aquarium’ or ‘flowers’ for our ‘garden’. I don’t take part in that. What’s the point – and I really want to know the answer?

The very worst I’ve experienced was the ‘friends’ comparison’ application. I was asked to rate who was the best company, who I’d had the best laugh with (actually I don’t remember all the questions because I thought the concept was so evil I didn’t read much before ignoring it.)

On the one hand, you don’t want to seem like a social outcast – so reply to the invitations. On the other, you know these people well and don’t need to be registered with them on a virtual friendship mechanism.

I know what you’re thinking – what about the new friends. But who are they??? Why do they need a computer to make friends?

I hsve no probem with dateing agencies, they serve a purpose.

Business networking sites – although not astoundingly recommended – also have a purpose and those in them get to know the strengths and weaknesses.

But Facebook- I just don’t get it. Politely I reply to requests I receive – but I don’t know why I bother. Nobody – including Facebook – has made it clear. Perhaps this is just one network too many or one that’s unecessary.

If you have an anwer, let me know.