Why does eBay push auctions so hard?

[Anonymous]

I hate auctions - always have, always will. The worst thing is when you click on something on your feed that's $4.99 only to find out that's the starting price. WHO wants to auction watch for 7 freaking days? Dealing with a sniper site is just as much a pita because you're still having to check on the item. I mean, I'm a housewife that doesn't exactly have an active lifestyle. This is literally all I have to do, and I still miss out on auction items because they get lost on my watched list. eBay sends reminders, but it's 24 hours behorehand.

I feel like this is a failed format, yet eBay is pushing it on us more than ever. Do they really think they're going to make more money? I guess I get it if it's something that you're not that familiar with and don't really care what it sells for. But, I see auctions for stuff all the time that I know no one is ever going to bid up. It's so annoying now that we have to de-select "auction" on every new listing now. That is the only reason people even do auctions any more. I regularly offer sellers more $ on an item to let me buy it now. Especially if it's a seller who's in the midwest, they usually agree to it because of how bad shipping has gotten. I feel like it's time for eBay to ditch this failed format. Begin your counter-commenting now: 

[titipeo]

Auction is an applicable format for lots of sellers and buyers as well. I do not necessarily say its a failed format. It is up to the buyer and seller to use it. I get it you don't like it, so do I, but it doesn't mean that it needs to be removed. 

[froggyjump]

They may feel it's the only thing that differentiates it from other sites like Mercari & Poshmark and it's true. Ebay's always a bit behind the times.  They should just quit the auctions, bring back the media section in which you could have a seperate account for books, movies, etc. I forgot the name of that, does anyone remember? It was easy regarding organization and it looked simple, less cluttered.  It would do so good now!! After COVID

[luckythewinner]

Why does eBay push auctions so hard?

How does eBay "push" auctions? It is the seller's choice. 

It's so annoying now that we have to de-select "auction" on every new listing now. 

I have never had to de-select auction. I simply pick a fixed price template, or locate an existing fixed price listing and "Sell Similar".  

I still miss out on auction items because they get lost on my watched list. 

Then you should bid your maximum when you find it, rather than just watching. Don't blame the format for  your failure to place a bid. 

[Anonymous]

You always have to de-select "auction." It's pre-selected, dude.

[alcoforever]

If you are selling hard-to-find or one of a kind items and you don't have a good feeling for the worth, auctions are the only way to go.    Collectors generally have the patience to wait out an auction.

[Anonymous]

I still miss out on auction items because they get lost on my watched list. 

Then you should bid your maximum when you find it, rather than just watching. Don't blame the format for  your failure to place a bid. 

Are you **bleep** for real? 😅 What a lame troll... If you place a max bid, you still have to auction watch. Also, that is always a very bad choice; it draws attention to the item. 

[alcoforever]

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@Anonymous wrote:

I still miss out on auction items because they get lost on my watched list. 

Then you should bid your maximum when you find it, rather than just watching. Don't blame the format for  your failure to place a bid. 

Are you **bleep** for real? 😅 What a lame troll... If you place a max bid, you still have to auction watch. Also, that is always a very bad choice; it draws attention to the item. 

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@luckythewinner  knows what he is talking about.   Place your max and you don't have to watch.   Just wait for either the 'you won, pay now' message or the sorry you lost message.   If you lost, no big deal because the winner obviously overpaid.   As for drawing attention to the item,  I doubt bids have any effect whatsoever.

[itscalledapostingid]

I just went to the "Create your listing" form and "Fixed Price Buy it Now" is the default. That is the first time I have ever used that form. (I usually just use Sell Similar.) Maybe it's different if you have used auctions in the past? I always use Buy It Now myself.

[redmodelt]

I doubt bids have any effect whatsoever. I don't think that is true. If there is a bid and depending on what you are selling, that one bid can show interest and might pay off in the end when bidders go into a frenzy. Well not all the time but does happen. Run of the mill "STUFF/JUNK" is better on buy it now, maybe less so with one of a kind type items, unless priced at or just below market.

[wastingtime101]

Auction is the default on the app, probably because eBay figures it's mostly casual sellers using the app. On the web version I'm never forced into auction as the default format.

As for the buying end of things:

• Set an alarm reminder on your phone.
• Place your max bid upfront - no babysitting required. If you lose, it was to a price higher than you were willing to spend so it doesn't matter.
• Use a 3rd party sniping program. That also requires knowing your max bid upfront.

[oldcoin007]

I also get frustrated with auctions. At least I do with bidding on them. Sometimes I will just decide the max I am willing to pay & bid that. If I don't get the item, I figure it is meant to be.  PS Try not to let the meanies get to you. They seem to be out in force.  L

[ckimodog]

No counter comment here...I quit doing auctions because I was tired of waiting for payment at the customers leisure and tired of being stiffed. Buy it now has always worked out great for me.  Even the seller offers in the past, I've had several who simply didn't pay. I put a lot of work into my site for the last 20+ years. I want serious buyers.  Not someone who decided it wasn't in their budget and cancels. I think ebay is just trying to move merchandise at what ever they can get, so they can make money by volumes, not quality.  What can I say? Ebay has been a very disappointing venue in the last year or so. Good luck to you and happy sales. 

[zero29zero]

There are many sellers with a thriving auction business so I think "ditch the failed format" aint gonna happen. 

As an example, a couple coin dealers on my watch list I buy from occasionally; one has hundreds of auctions going at any given time, not just chump change, gold, slabbed coins & high value items selling for hundreds & some times thousands of dollars

he gets strong prices, 100% sell through rate, all start at 99 cents (true auction)

one dealer out of europe has 600-800 auctions at any time with the same results

The "dud" auctions you see are caused by sellers trying to auction common stuff. nobody wants to wait for an auction of a toaster, car part, garden tool, etc, etc,etc. some items aren't suitable for the auction format

[Anonymous]

As for drawing attention to the item,  I doubt bids have any effect whatsoever.

You must be very new here.