eBay vs. InetBid and eBid

This will be a comparison of three online auction websites, eBay, InetBid, and eBid. A Google search led to a site that catalogued what they claimed were the best auction websites other than eBay. Listed were several other Internet auction sites, including liquidation and government auction websites and specialist auction websites. This is where and how InetBid and eBid were found.

To begin, we will examine each site. Afterwards, an allegory of InetBid and eBid will be related to the well known eBay.

eBay

eBay has a virtual pantheon of offerings, including a vast list of product categories. Attractions such as My eBay,  Community Stores, featured deals, and a daily deal were incorporated. One must be a registered user to fully access the site. State sales tax are assessed. Payment options constitute PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. The "About" feature is very informative. Policies (rules and guidelines) are informative and include tutorials. Shill bidding is prohibited. Minimum performance standards are pursued. DSR (detailed seller ratings) are employed and tracked, and low ratings can cause restrictions in listing. Violations of this policy by a seller may result in a range of actions, including:

·         Listing cancellation

·         Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings

·         Selling fee schedule adjustments

·         Requirements regarding payment options and potential holds on payments made through PayPal

·         Limits on account privileges

·         Loss of PowerSeller status

·         Decreased visibility in search results

·         Account suspension

·         Referral to law enforcement

The security center page gives erudition on buying and selling safely, with tutorials, customer support for problem reports, and Marketplace Safety Tips. A site map was included, along with a resolution center, and a toolbar available for the browser. A government relations page announced a headline stating "Public Policy for the E-commerce World". Product search and advanced search capabilities were additions as well (eBay-New used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods more at low price).

InetBid

Free listings for two divisions, with charges assessed only if an item sells or optional fee features are employed. Online auction feedback from eBay, Yahoo, Amazon, Overstock, and eBid can be imported and are listed in the site's feedback area. There are many auction groupings, but with limited offerings in each. A site map is included. Browse categories and advanced search options are presented. Although registration  was attempted ,the sites' endeavor was unable to be completed, perhaps secondary to server problems. This led to a restriction of access to certain features. Personally identifiable information is used only to contractualize the sale, and is not shared or sold to third parties. Shilling is prohibited. No policies were listed or could be found concerning the non-delivery of purchased goods. Several errors occurred during page loading, indicating poor site maintenance. There was a wanted ads feature, although none were listed. No indication of payment services could be found (Collectible auction listings: car auction website, free online auction site. Free auction, online auctions, jewelry).

eBid

eBid claims they will "Buy & Sell Just About Anything" on their home page. Allegations of 2,435,897 auctions, 9,549 categories, and no listing fees were made. PayPal and pppay.com (person to person payments) were listed as payment options. There were a total of 18 different country Websites. There were a large alternative of auction leagues, with numerous offerings in each. A forums section that includes chat blogs was included and seemed like a helpful feature. Although there was a help desk, it was essentially a series of FAQ's. Very informative fraud policies and advice, along with prevention and resolution policies were accommodated. Search functions for items, FAQ, and community forums were available. E-mail assistance was provided if no resolution could be found in the FAQ/forum sites (eBid Online Auction House-Deww List Internet Auctions site for the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. Buy and Sell everything and anything without posting or final value fees in our multi-currency lnline aution envioronment).

After an assay of these sites, it is quite clear that eBay is the front runner in the online auction competition. While both InetBid and eBid both had much to tender, the distance between them and eBay must be measured in parsecs. eBay is a well known and highly respected brand, while the other two merely nonce a web presence. Neither InetBid nor eBid present any level of competition to eBay, either now or in the foreseeable future.

Works Cited

Collectible auction listings: car auction website, free online auction site. Free auction, online auctions, jewelry. (n.d.). Retrieved May 3, 2009, from http://www.inetbid.com/

eBay-New used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods more at low price. (n.d.). Retrieved May 4, 2009, from http://www.ebay.com/

eBid Online Auction House-Deww List Internet Auctions site for the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. Buy and Sell everything and anything without posting or final value fees in our multi-currency lnline aution envioronment. (n.d.). Retrieved May 4, 2009, from http://www.ebid.net/?from=clixgalore_us

(Author's note: As is evident in all these posts, this was written some time ago - many things have changed in the interim. The information is presented purely as an academic exercise)