Angry and frustrated are the words I have heard most from sellers on eBay. As eBay users absorb the effects of the recently announced changes in pricing and policies at eBay, many say they are looking for other online marketing venues.

News from several sources are reporting that many of the alternative sites are seeing an influx of upset and disgruntled eBay users. This often happens when "the big dog on the block" of any business makes changes, especially when the changes are of the magnitude of those announced by eBay.

I sent questions out to several online marketplaces to get their take on what was happening in the real world, and Andrew Pittino, Director of Business Development at Wagglepop.com responded earlier today with the following:

Question: What is Wagglepop's target market?

A. Pittino: Our target market is the "disenfranchised" eBay seller and buyer body, particularly those for whom the latest eBay policy and fee changes will have profound impact on the ways in which they develop or support business plans or set budgets for buying. Our feeling is that the direction that eBay has chosen for their business model is at direct odds with the original eBay philosophy and in doing so they have "turned their backs" on many of the very people who built eBay over the past decade.

Question: Since changing your platform to a "stores" format, what has been the reaction from sellers and buyers on the site?

A. Pittino: The change to an exclusive SmartSell Pro Merchant Marketplace has been a complete success. Under SmartSell Pro (currently just $9.95 per month) we are able to offer unlimited free listings in all formats, free Gallery upgrades, and free Buy Now options to all merchants as well as provide the complete suite of advanced selling tools in BusinessBuilder. It is a powerful turnkey selling solution that we feel is unmatched anywhere else online.

Question: CNNMoney.com is reporting today that online marketplaces have seen an increase in registrations in the wake of the announced eBay changes. Has Wagglepop experienced an increase?

A. Pittino: Since the recent eBay announcements www.wagglepop.com has experienced an over 100% increase in the number of sellers entering the Wagglepop Marketplace. New registrations overall have increased over 450%. It is an explosive growth spurt and one that we welcome as we do our very best to offer a true and lasting alternative for those that would like to expand beyond convention and break the bonds that tie them to eBay's ever changing landscape.

Is it possible that eBay has finally angered users enough to cause an exodus to other venues? Some people think that in reality, this is precisely eBay's intent, an effort to move lower volume and or lower priced sellers away from the site and becoming more upscale and cater to larger corporate sellers.

I believe that this may be just the opportunity sites such as wagglepop.com, overstock.com and others may have been looking for. A chance to step up and meet the needs and wants of a growing internet marketplace in today's economic climate. 

Whether this is the case or not, many of those voicing their displeasure on discussion boards around the internet seem determined not to allow eBay to forget it's roots... The individual sellers and buyers that made the site what it is. Certainly CEO and President elect John Donahoe did not endear himself or eBay when he characterized complaints by eBay users as "noise" in a recent interview with Ina Steiner of AuctionBytes.com

eBay Inc. has refused to respond to our requests for comment or interviews.

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