I'm in shock.  Sticker shock.  eBay sticker shock.  Let me tell you why...
 
I have not personally used eBay for quite some time.  When you own your own auction site, it doesn't make much sense to use the competitor's service.  However, The Teddy Patch is a specialized auction site which focuses on collectibles, teddy bear, dolls, vintage toys and the like.  We don't accept listings for tools, mechanical or electrical equipment, motorcycles, cars or that kind of stuff. 

Anyway, to make a long story short - my husband asked me to list some electrical equipment for him on eBay that he wants to sell.  So I logged in to eBay and was immediately overcome with how complicated and overwhelming it had become since I was last there.  A few years ago as I recall, it seemed much simpler.  Anyway, I listed his stuff - some of the items with a reserve, and I didn't add any extras or include more than one extra picture per listing.  Guess what??  The bill (before any final value fee) was $16.40!!  You've got to be kidding me! $16.40?  For what?  I'm speechless!!

To make matters worse, the items didn't sell.  Now it hurts even worse to pay that $16.40.

So, just as a comparison, I took the same listings and priced what it would cost if I listed them at The Teddy Patch - the total bill came to $1.60!  I couldn't get the charge to come up to $16.40 even by applying a final-value fee to each item!  Granted, eBay is such a household name that the exposure is much greater than at the little guys' auction sites such as The Teddy Patch.  And, yes, The Teddy Patch doesn't specialize in anything other than collectibles, but there are other small sites out there that do.  The average joe trying to make a few dollars by cleaning out their closets or thinning their collections must being losing their shirts listing on eBay!  Unless sales are tremendous, I can see how you can end up owing them plenty of cash and not making enough to pay the fees! 

I firmly believe if folks would tear themselves away from the hype, they'd find that the other auction sites out there can be just as effective - for lots less money! 

The Teddy Patch is just one of those small, struggling auction sites that can offer unmatched value and a constantly growing customer base.  Why pay high fees when you can run more auctions for less? 

Why not list an item or two at The Teddy Patch and just give it a try.  You're not out much ... our basic listing fees are now just 10 cents per item.  Plus we offer lots of extras to enhance your listings for just a few pennies extra if you choose to use them.  You only pay a small final-value fee if your items sell.  Plus, you get free, worldwide advertising, free membership, no hassle, and less exposure to fraud.

What have you got to lose?