It was most interesting, the other day when I posted about getting “spanked” by eBay, to see the numerous responses coming back mostly with the words “well if you don’t want to do it eBay’s way… don’t let the door hit your behind”. PSS… many also said “well, great..please leave..that will give the rest of us more customers to share”
And these were words of “advise” from “private” moderators. UMMMM… But I took it all with a grain of salt as I understand… these are just lots an lots of “private” enterprisers who are looking out for their own bottom dollar.
But I started musing about those posts… and the thought came to me… Are WE working for ourselves?? Or are WE working for EBAY??
Now . Keep in mind, over the years, in both court sessions and IRS sessions, Ebay continues to state “WE are only enabler’s.” “our PLATFORM is only a means to connect the seller with the buyer and thus eBay’s fees are just payment for such “enabling”.
However, many are beginning to wonder and question this attitude and statement. An “enabler” merely gives those who chose…. “pathways” or “gates” in which to travel from one place or another… taking part NOT in the transaction but only “allowing” the transaction to take place.
Is this what we see today ? Is this what eBay really does.? Are we working for ourselves or do we work for eBay?
Ebay’s claim of only being a “enabler” gives it protection and certain “business gifts”. They don’t have to provide paid holidays, or vacation/sick time pay for their “partners”… they don’t have to pay for unemployment benefits,…nor provide ½ of the social security tax. Supposedly, they are kept out of the courts when claims are made of misconduct or misrepresentation. They don’t have to comply with social or legal laws governing employee/employer conduct or hiring practices. And so on and so forth…
In other words it’s much better for eBay to be considered a “platform” rental than a “business partner”. Partners are liable for other partners mistakes or legal wrongs. Ummm…
And then we come to the days when eBay says to all it’s “self-employees” “well… we’re only gonna allow payment thru paypal” “”we’re only gonna allow you to work “indirectly” with your customers”… “we’re only gonna allow you to list “certain” items”… “ we’re only gonna allow “certain” words in your descriptions” etc etc etc… ummmm ? “and if you cannot comply…well… you are welcome to leave (or be kicked out)… ummmm ? Employer benefits without “being” your employer !!! Or paying employer dues ! Ummmm ?
This sorta reminds me of that grumpy old man in the back room of the store… you know… “the old man”… the guy who “I’m not part of this business… I just rent them the store”… Who’s constantly butting into the business to say “well you should do it this way..or this way…” “That’s not the way “I” would do it”… “ ya know, I would never allow you to do that if “I” was in charge”…
And then he says… “well, if you don’t want to listen to me…then just get your butt outta my building” “But don’t forget to pay this months rent first…”
So, again, as eBay tells us HOW to act, WHAT to say, WHO to say it to, etc. etc.. are we in fact “employee’s” of eBay …or not..?
I hope someone figures it out soon… so we ALL know where we stand in this business… and can therefore “adjust”
And hey… put my vacation time up on the board please… 2nd week of August… mark it down… “JUST in case”…
