There have been a few interesting developments lately out of the eBaysphere relating to the Antiques, Vintage and Collectibles categories. It looks like eBay might be realizing that in the last couple of years they have basically shoved this entire segment of their buyers and sellers to the sidelines, and it might be hurting the site. At least that's how it looks to me, I'll let you make your own judgment:50% off Auction Style Listing Fee Sale - through Nov. 22nd
This sale only applies to the following categories:
Art
Antiques
Dolls & Bears
Toys & Hobbies
Pottery & Glass
Collectibles
Stamps
I for one love this - anything that saves me money puts a smile on my face, and you better believe I'll be listing as many auctions as possible between now and the 22nd!
As reported on AuctionBytes, other things are being "discussed" to "reinvigorate" the collectibles categories:
A private forum where collectibles dealers can interact with eBay to give feedback - (Don't they already have this on the regular discussion boards?)
Regular promotions and quarterly Event Sales in certain collectibles categories that will be heavily promoted by eBay - (This would be nice!)
Implementing Item Specifics in certain collectibles categories - (This should be interesting, if they do it right it could help, if they do it wrong it will be a nightmare...)
Changes to Best Match - (Same as above!)
Integrating outside pricing catalogs such as Krause and Beckett's guides - (Integrating how? I don't like the idea of shoppers being shown values on items - I want the buyers to decide what something is worth, not a price guide! I guess we'll see if that is what they have in mind or not...)
Verifying authenticity of items by using community experts - (This sounds shady - like an in house VERO program?)
Also according to AuctionBytes, "eBay is also launching a program in which it asks users to help it create Community-Generated Catalogs, particularly relevant in antiques and collectibles categories where it is difficult for sites to create structured data around unique items." This could be interesting, I wonder how many sellers will be willing to help eBay in this project?
I think the next year or so is looking to be an interesting one for Vintage sellers on eBay - either they genuinely realize their mistake (pushing us to the sidelines) and want to help, or they are throwing us a few bones to get us to stick around and keep paying fees. Time will tell!
