eBay has quietly begun stocking its site with inventory from Buy.com as part of its aim to offer a more retail-like experience.
eBay leaked its plans over the weekend via its in-house blog, eBay Ink. The blog characterized the move as a strategic partnership that includes listing all of Buy's new and in-season inventory in an eBay Store, called Buy's Internet Superstore. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but were described as "economically feasible for both parties."
According to Richard Brewer-Hay, eBay Ink's editor, Buy's merchandise will be limited to one listing per stock keeping unit (SKU) to avoid crowding other sellers out of search results.
What's more, Buy will be subject to the same four-star performance rating system as all eBay sellers, notes eBay spokesman Usher Lieberman.
Still, many eBayers were skeptical, having endured a number of other recent changes at the online auction site—many of them perceived as unfavorable to low and medium-volume sellers. Read some reactions here.
Auctiva staff writers constantly monitor trends and best practices of those selling on eBay and elsewhere online. They attend relevant training seminars and trade shows and regularly discuss the market with PowerSellers and other market experts.
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