Comments on: eBay deleting auctions with Jajah buttons http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/ Startup and Technology News Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:57:49 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Nick http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1672411 Nick Fri, 12 Oct 2007 18:34:20 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1672411 Did eBay learn nothing from their scuffle with PayPal before they purchased them? This is the exact same thing! eBay did not like others innovating around their app, and deleted auctions that allowed people to pay with PayPal. Eventually they gave up the fight, recognized the value, and purchased PayPal. But with the recent talk of the non-existent synergies between Skype and Ebay, a purchase of Jajah by eBay may not be likely. Jajah really seems like a solution looking for a problem. Dialing in a phone number (that you can read of the internet) on a regular phone is a pretty killer app. If you don't want people to know your real number, you are probably doing something shady. Did eBay learn nothing from their scuffle with PayPal before they purchased them? This is the exact same thing! eBay did not like others innovating around their app, and deleted auctions that allowed people to pay with PayPal. Eventually they gave up the fight, recognized the value, and purchased PayPal. But with the recent talk of the non-existent synergies between Skype and Ebay, a purchase of Jajah by eBay may not be likely. Jajah really seems like a solution looking for a problem. Dialing in a phone number (that you can read of the internet) on a regular phone is a pretty killer app. If you don’t want people to know your real number, you are probably doing something shady.

]]> By: simonk http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1666018 simonk Tue, 09 Oct 2007 07:22:25 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1666018 It's easy. If the users want the call me button they have to use the link on there entry's. Two things can happen: 1) ebay remove all entries with the call me button 2) ebay will allow the call me button. If 1 --> to less users want the button and there is no chance to change this If 2 --> a lot of users want the button and ebay can not remove the entry's So all ebay users can make the decision. I suggest : put in the Call me button :-) and show who make the music It’s easy.
If the users want the call me button they have to use the link on there entry’s.

Two things can happen:
1) ebay remove all entries with the call me button
2) ebay will allow the call me button.

If 1 –> to less users want the button and there is no chance to change this
If 2 –> a lot of users want the button and ebay can not remove the entry’s

So all ebay users can make the decision.

I suggest : put in the Call me button :-) and show who make the music

]]> By: Clayton Roche http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1664385 Clayton Roche Mon, 08 Oct 2007 08:29:27 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1664385 Hm. I am a bit disappointed with TC's readers' response to this post. It seems to me that when Mike says something is a bad idea it is advice, not moral or economic protest. The responses here seem to suggest that Ebay is simply acting as a business, which is perfectly true... but how I read this post, and the way I genuinely feel, is that for Ebay to be a founding father of net business, they aren't behaving like it. Decisions to delete these listings, just like the decision to forbid Google checkout, resemble traditional business strategy--and this works for now. Will it ever stop working? I'm not sure. I get angry with sites that do such things and stop visiting them, but I can make money on Ebay (I am an Ebay seller for a retail store), and at the moment, that comes first; hence the friction that allows Ebay to do this. Will the changes we have seen with the internet (i.e. free-content) be able to carry Ebay-type business? Or are they too heavy? That is not rhetorical, I honestly am not sure. Hm. I am a bit disappointed with TC’s readers’ response to this post.

It seems to me that when Mike says something is a bad idea it is advice, not moral or economic protest. The responses here seem to suggest that Ebay is simply acting as a business, which is perfectly true… but how I read this post, and the way I genuinely feel, is that for Ebay to be a founding father of net business, they aren’t behaving like it. Decisions to delete these listings, just like the decision to forbid Google checkout, resemble traditional business strategy–and this works for now. Will it ever stop working? I’m not sure. I get angry with sites that do such things and stop visiting them, but I can make money on Ebay (I am an Ebay seller for a retail store), and at the moment, that comes first; hence the friction that allows Ebay to do this.

Will the changes we have seen with the internet (i.e. free-content) be able to carry Ebay-type business? Or are they too heavy? That is not rhetorical, I honestly am not sure.

]]> By: luca http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1661883 luca Sat, 06 Oct 2007 19:32:50 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1661883 Nothing strange, here. It has always been an ebay's rule, since 2001. So, it's Jajah's fault, they had to CAREFULLY read their rules before stating that Jajah buttons could work on ebay. I commented it yesterday on my blog: http://www.lucafiligheddu.com/2007/10/jajah-buttons-on-ebay-not-really.html Nothing strange, here. It has always been an ebay’s rule, since 2001. So, it’s Jajah’s fault, they had to CAREFULLY read their rules before stating that Jajah buttons could work on ebay. I commented it yesterday on my blog: http://www.lucafiligheddu.com/.....eally.html

]]> By: Fabian Schonholz http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660896 Fabian Schonholz Sat, 06 Oct 2007 03:52:56 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660896 Not to play devils advocate. When MySpace did the same as eBay, loads here cried bloody murder. In a way, it is the same thing. Each one of these companies have the right to do what they feel protects their brand and equity. We can also disagree. And we can also not be consistent in the way we disagree across these companies. In this case I have to side with eBay, although, I am not so sure if full removal of auctions was too much. Not to play devils advocate. When MySpace did the same as eBay, loads here cried bloody murder. In a way, it is the same thing.

Each one of these companies have the right to do what they feel protects their brand and equity. We can also disagree. And we can also not be consistent in the way we disagree across these companies.

In this case I have to side with eBay, although, I am not so sure if full removal of auctions was too much.

]]> By: Used Golf Clubs http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660803 Used Golf Clubs Sat, 06 Oct 2007 02:27:09 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660803 Tried it...not that easy seeing I have to go to m y PC everytime I want to make a call.... Tried it…not that easy seeing I have to go to m y PC everytime I want to make a call….

]]> By: paul J http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660765 paul J Sat, 06 Oct 2007 01:46:41 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660765 @ 25: you try putting whatever you feel like into your Google Adwords ads . This is something which "you have to pay to get that space..." and see what Google does. Ignorant comment if I ever read one. @ 25: you try putting whatever you feel like into your Google Adwords ads . This is something which “you have to pay to get that space…” and see what Google does. Ignorant comment if I ever read one.

]]> By: Anthony http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660625 Anthony Fri, 05 Oct 2007 23:43:58 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660625 This is ridiculous. Remember its not as if Ebay are providing a free service - you have to pay to get that space on Ebay to list your product. Therefore, as a paying customer you should be able to put what you want on the page without having to worry if you are treading on a competitors toes. Another example of why Ebay is no Google This is ridiculous. Remember its not as if Ebay are providing a free service - you have to pay to get that space on Ebay to list your product. Therefore, as a paying customer you should be able to put what you want on the page without having to worry if you are treading on a competitors toes.

Another example of why Ebay is no Google

]]> By: paul J http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660615 paul J Fri, 05 Oct 2007 23:37:29 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660615 How often do you call an ecommerce site before you make a purchase? How often do you email an ecommerce site before you make a purchase? Comparing emailing and calling - how many more times do you email a website over calling a website to make prior to a purchase? If you step back and do a common sense 'litmus test' I'm 100% positive you haved emailed far more than phoned - that's if you have ever phoned (or emailed instead of looking for FAQs). The addition of these 3rd party phone call widgets is a Fraud/Trust and Safety issue. If you ever work for an ecommerce site you'll see that pretty clearly. As the eBay sellers have said in the comments above, if adding in Skype to the listings was moving the business you would have seen it added to the website already. Its just common sense. How often do you call an ecommerce site before you make a purchase? How often do you email an ecommerce site before you make a purchase? Comparing emailing and calling - how many more times do you email a website over calling a website to make prior to a purchase?

If you step back and do a common sense ‘litmus test’ I’m 100% positive you haved emailed far more than phoned - that’s if you have ever phoned (or emailed instead of looking for FAQs).

The addition of these 3rd party phone call widgets is a Fraud/Trust and Safety issue. If you ever work for an ecommerce site you’ll see that pretty clearly. As the eBay sellers have said in the comments above, if adding in Skype to the listings was moving the business you would have seen it added to the website already. Its just common sense.

]]> By: The Foo http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660362 The Foo Fri, 05 Oct 2007 20:28:32 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660362 #21 what exactly does "under the radar ... intentionally" mean. that can mean many things ... are you not wanting more customers? ... reorganizing? ... bankruptcy? ... no money for funding? ... seeking funding? ... preparing for new offerings? etc. #21
what exactly does “under the radar … intentionally” mean. that can mean many things … are you not wanting more customers? … reorganizing? … bankruptcy? … no money for funding? … seeking funding? … preparing for new offerings? etc.

]]> By: Darnell Clayton http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660349 Darnell Clayton Fri, 05 Oct 2007 20:05:46 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660349 I think ebay fears competition. It's something Google enjoys sensing. Note: I wonder if Google Product search (aka Froogle) will consider doing something similar with GrandCentral with what ebay did with skype? I think ebay fears competition. It’s something Google enjoys sensing.

Note: I wonder if Google Product search (aka Froogle) will consider doing something similar with GrandCentral with what ebay did with skype?

]]> By: DC http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660306 DC Fri, 05 Oct 2007 19:25:53 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660306 Yep, we have been under the radar... intentionally. Thanks Sig, Yep, we have been under the radar… intentionally. Thanks Sig,

]]> By: Sig http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660288 Sig Fri, 05 Oct 2007 19:08:51 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660288 Thinkingvoice is still in business? Thinkingvoice is still in business?

]]> By: Raj http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660283 Raj Fri, 05 Oct 2007 19:06:18 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660283 As a Platinum Powerseller, I can tell you first hand that sellers on eBay do not want an easy way to communicate with buyers via voice - buyers on eBay are the most time consuming customers in the world. We beta tested the skype buttons when they were first made available in private release, and I would get calls from people who would talk for half and hour about their cat's digestive problems (we sell clothing and jewelry). If you have a problem, email me and I'll get back to you. That works, and its easier. After our initial tests, eBay quickly changed their tune, saying skype was mainly for high value transactions. The logical mis-step is that If I'm buying a $20,000 diamond, I don't mind paying $0.10 to call the seller - the additional of skype does nothing to smooth the friction point. That being said, JaJah is smart in using this as a PR coup - but from experience, sellers - please do not add skype me or other voip buttons to your auctions - you will be on the phone all day and it won't increase your bids one iota. As a Platinum Powerseller, I can tell you first hand that sellers on eBay do not want an easy way to communicate with buyers via voice - buyers on eBay are the most time consuming customers in the world. We beta tested the skype buttons when they were first made available in private release, and I would get calls from people who would talk for half and hour about their cat’s digestive problems (we sell clothing and jewelry). If you have a problem, email me and I’ll get back to you. That works, and its easier.

After our initial tests, eBay quickly changed their tune, saying skype was mainly for high value transactions. The logical mis-step is that If I’m buying a $20,000 diamond, I don’t mind paying $0.10 to call the seller - the additional of skype does nothing to smooth the friction point.

That being said, JaJah is smart in using this as a PR coup - but from experience, sellers - please do not add skype me or other voip buttons to your auctions - you will be on the phone all day and it won’t increase your bids one iota.

]]> By: Darren Stuart http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660232 Darren Stuart Fri, 05 Oct 2007 18:05:49 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660232 surely as ebay have a good 99.999999% of the online auction market they are lining themselves up for anti trust issues with this anti competitive behavior. surely as ebay have a good 99.999999% of the online auction market they are lining themselves up for anti trust issues with this anti competitive behavior.

]]> By: Sam Daoud http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660215 Sam Daoud Fri, 05 Oct 2007 17:48:09 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660215 eBay blocks ALL non-secured communication methods. Even Skype is rarely used and in many cases blocked from listings. Most fraud is caused by people engaging in activity off eBay. It’s actually a good thing for the community at large. Sad, but true. eBay blocks ALL non-secured communication methods. Even Skype is rarely used and in many cases blocked from listings. Most fraud is caused by people engaging in activity off eBay. It’s actually a good thing for the community at large. Sad, but true.

]]> By: DC http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660200 DC Fri, 05 Oct 2007 17:40:07 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660200 We tried to penetrate the ebay market with click to call over 4 years ago, what we found was that ebay sellers really don't have time to talk. Exceptions in a few categories only. When you make 1-5% margin selling you just don't have time to talk, and the ones that do post their TF number in ebay for this. Jajah and Jaxtr are well funded late comers and are just trying to grow their business any way they can. If you visit our site, we have a flash demo we created over 3 years ago, post your click to call buttons and links in webpages, emails, ads, ebay listings, anywhere html is accepted. We even pitched some folks at LinkedIN (ceo of jaxtr from there). So, jajah and jaxtr are just trying to do with their technology what we said to do with thinkingVOICE Click to Call. We tried to penetrate the ebay market with click to call over 4 years ago, what we found was that ebay sellers really don’t have time to talk. Exceptions in a few categories only. When you make 1-5% margin selling you just don’t have time to talk, and the ones that do post their TF number in ebay for this. Jajah and Jaxtr are well funded late comers and are just trying to grow their business any way they can. If you visit our site, we have a flash demo we created over 3 years ago, post your click to call buttons and links in webpages, emails, ads, ebay listings, anywhere html is accepted. We even pitched some folks at LinkedIN (ceo of jaxtr from there). So, jajah and jaxtr are just trying to do with their technology what we said to do with thinkingVOICE Click to Call.

]]> By: Mark http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660165 Mark Fri, 05 Oct 2007 17:13:22 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660165 Run with the little guys, ClutterMe.com Run with the little guys, ClutterMe.com

]]> By: Avinash http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660151 Avinash Fri, 05 Oct 2007 17:03:49 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660151 Yeh. If ebay is going to limit itself to how it is going to use Skype, then there is not stopping companies like Jajah. ebay has got to blame noone, but them. Yeh. If ebay is going to limit itself to how it is going to use Skype, then there is not stopping companies like Jajah. ebay has got to blame noone, but them.

]]> By: randy http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660134 randy Fri, 05 Oct 2007 16:44:47 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660134 ebay is a disgrace. they company is going down the toilet every since the "Powersellers" took over years ago ebay is a disgrace. they company is going down the toilet every since the “Powersellers” took over years ago

]]> By: marcT http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660131 marcT Fri, 05 Oct 2007 16:43:06 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660131 ebay is weird these days. They are making something that is supposed to be simple too difficult. ebay is weird these days. They are making something that is supposed to be simple too difficult.

]]> By: Andrew http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660130 Andrew Fri, 05 Oct 2007 16:42:52 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660130 Stephen: Jajah is actually the Asian version of "Haha," many of my Korean friends have used it in IM conversations. Its actually not *that* bad of a name... Stephen: Jajah is actually the Asian version of “Haha,” many of my Korean friends have used it in IM conversations. Its actually not *that* bad of a name…

]]> By: Steve http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660116 Steve Fri, 05 Oct 2007 16:36:48 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660116 eBay is just odd. I recently registered an account, and posted a mesasge asking a question about an auction on the same day (if the buyer is willing to ship to Taiwan), then my account got banned the next day! Ebay wouldn't tell me why (only to say that I violated some policy which they cannot disclose) and ask me to fax them my credit card info. No big deal really, but I just don't want to. It feels like crap to be accused like that. I registered, post a question, and I became a criminal? I guess this was a sign that they are not doing too well. Becomeing beauracratic like that. And now this stupid stunt?! Darn, they are really NOT doing well, huh? eBay is just odd. I recently registered an account, and posted a mesasge asking a question about an auction on the same day (if the buyer is willing to ship to Taiwan), then my account got banned the next day! Ebay wouldn’t tell me why (only to say that I violated some policy which they cannot disclose) and ask me to fax them my credit card info. No big deal really, but I just don’t want to. It feels like crap to be accused like that. I registered, post a question, and I became a criminal? I guess this was a sign that they are not doing too well. Becomeing beauracratic like that. And now this stupid stunt?! Darn, they are really NOT doing well, huh?

]]> By: Stephen Lev http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660104 Stephen Lev Fri, 05 Oct 2007 16:30:36 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660104 Jajah has no distribution method and they tried to use the PayPal strategy... they were stupid to think eBay would allow it. PS: Jajah... what a HORRIBLE name and a HORRIBLE logo... Jajah has no distribution method and they tried to use the PayPal strategy… they were stupid to think eBay would allow it.

PS: Jajah… what a HORRIBLE name and a HORRIBLE logo…

]]> By: cybernetz.net http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660089 cybernetz.net Fri, 05 Oct 2007 16:21:22 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/05/ebay-deleting-auctions-with-jajah-buttons/#comment-1660089 <strong>eBay sperrt Auktionen mit VoIP-Buttons...</strong> Das Online-Auktionshaus eBay entfernt derzeit Auktionen, welche sogenannte ‘CallMe Buttons‘ beinhalten. Dazu gehört unter Buttons der Firma Jajah. Mit Jajah und anderer Konkurenzsoftware ist es möglich per Knopfdruck mit seinem Gespräch... eBay sperrt Auktionen mit VoIP-Buttons…

Das Online-Auktionshaus eBay entfernt derzeit Auktionen, welche sogenannte ‘CallMe Buttons‘ beinhalten. Dazu gehört unter Buttons der Firma Jajah.
Mit Jajah und anderer Konkurenzsoftware ist es möglich per Knopfdruck mit seinem Gespräch…

]]>