Some months ago I wrote a couple of articles about Amazon vs. eBay focused on the seller’s perspective. Now, here’s my view on both marketplaces fron the other point of view: the end consumer; the buyer.
On a feature by feature analysis, this would be a very concise summary of the buying experience in both eBay and Amazon from my standpoint.
BUYERS Perspective
Amazon
eBay
Fees
WORSE
Higher average fees translate to higher average prices
BETTER
Lower average fees prices means lower prices for the end consumer
Format
FIXED Price Format
FIXED price + AUCTION
Average sale Price
HIGHER
Amazon buyers tend to focus more on product condition than price.
LOWER
eBay, by its nature, is competitive and draws buyers looking for the lowest possible prices.
Payment Methods
WORSE
Only Credit / Debit cards or AMAZON payments
BETTER,
MORE PAYMENT OPTIONS
Besides credit and debit cards, eBay sellers can accept PayPal, money orders, cashier’s checks or cash (in person)
Return Policy
BETTER
“A-Z Guarantee” favors the Buyers
WORSE
NO Buyer Guarantee, only a “Resolution Center” that works sometimes
Shipping
BETTER
Buyer always knows the shipping cost
(Amazon sets the shipping cost)
SLIGHTLY WORSE
Variable shipping costs, dependant on sellers.
Web experience – Personalization tools
BETTER
No doubt, Amazon is probably the best online store available
WORSE
Doesn’t have as many personalization tools, cross selling, A/B testing methods, etc as Amazon. The buying experience is
Summing it up, Amazon is a better online experience for the buyer… but at higher average prices than eBay. Both are perfectly valid options for online shopping and just as in “brick and mortar” retail stores some prefer to buy at WalMart and some at Target, on Internet the different mix of service/price also gives consumers more options to choose from.
My personal favorite… Amazon. I don’t care if they’re cents more expensive on average. .. so far, no other online retailer has been able to create a better experience than Amazon.
Pedro Neira is an MBA Internet Marketing Manager. Freelance Consultant and Online Entrepreneur with experience in Strategic Consulting, Start-Up fundraising and general management. Online Marketing expert with special abilities in SEO, SEM and Viral Marketing.
Visit my blog MBA Internet Marketing Manager
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