Startups tend to die (not go anywhere) after being acquired by eBay. I'm just hoping this isn't another one of those cases.
I don't think eBay can really outdo Amazon. The only thing that could happen is that Amazon could stop "killing it" allowing their service to degrade until it's at the level of everyone else. I always price compare when buying, and I usually end up going with Amazon. Usually because they are cheaper, but sometimes because of the convenience (long history, shipping speed) even when they aren't the cheapest option. eBay doesn't have that kinda hook. Also, every time I buy something on eBay there ends up being something wrong with it. Even these days.
There will never be another auction site like eBay. They completely trounced any chance of anyone getting into that business. And as for eBay, I think it's been made clear that they are trying to move toward buy it now items to be more like Amazon. That means the auction market (save small niches) dies with the auction arm of eBay.
Another example of eBay's shift in markets. They started out being about the small guy auctioning stuff online. Now as of late they've been all about the warehouse in China selling stuff in masses and being more like Amazon.
From ebay's perspective, large traders mean faster dispatching and better refunds/disputes.
With a guy selling out of his garage and a seller who says they didn't get the item, you don't know if the item was mailed (or even ever existed), and they'll probably kick up a stink if you make them eat the cost of items lost in the post.
Easier to have traders you can form trust relationships with, and who have deep enough pockets to provide a good return/refund experience.
One thing eBay seems to be doing better at than Amazon, is having well known retailers using them as an outlet. I also find it amazing how PayPal has morphed from a payment option that people may have used on suspect e-commerce websites, to something that is expected when customers check-out at a major retailer.
They have been taking active steps to partner with retailers, their relationships seem to sour quickly, at least in the case of Neiman Marcus. The partnership was abruptly shut down because Neiman Marcus said, "It did not meet all our expectations." Hope eBay can set appropriate expectations.
Amazon use Royal Mail and generally use 2nd class unless you pay extra for delivery ('Super Saver Delivery'). I'm not going to pay extra just for a day or so.
Unless you have Prime, which in the UK gets you next day delivery on almost everything at no extra charge. I frequently find myself ordering stuff at 6-7pm rather than going to a store after work because I know it'll arrive at the office the next day.
