On 25/03/2016 09:20, Jim Lesurf wrote:
In article , Dave Plowman (News)
wrote:

Is it just lazyness, or a lack of thought, I wonder? Or do they find
it easier to dodge tax this way, maybe?

I dunno. You'd have to see some figures of Ebay sales versus the rest.
Ebay is simply such a convenient way to buy and sell these days.

I can see how it will *appear* so to sellers. But it then tends to lead to
them not being aware of how many customers they may *miss* if they fail to
provide and offer alternatives. If you are selling for a living you also
depend on being able to maximise how many people can buy from you, and
compete for what you offer. Relying on *just* one method - and one where
other (big tax-dodging ex-UK companies) take a cut and some control over
your market access and cashflow - seems unwise. Recipy for reducing your
income.

But of course, if they stay stuck in that box, they can't even hear when
someone says any of the above.

FWIW for some other companies who apparently only work via website and
'card' interface I *have* found they will also function happily via cheque,
emails, etc. The problem is the traders who provide no way to even talk to
them, or find out where/who they are.


It is a shame - I wish there was more opportunity for communication, and
it can be disconcerting.

But the ebay traders and the like can simply take the hit - some have
upwards of a million transactions with feedback - so probably many more
than that. To build in the capacity to deal with cheques, written
correspondence, technical assistance and a phone help line for example
would cut slender margins further.

There are many other downsides, but cost and ease of use seem to rule
the day. Maybe it'll start to slide back . . .


--
Cheers, Rob