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{{Short description|American multinational e-commerce corporation}} | |||
{{lowercase}} | |||
{{Lowercase title}} | |||
{{otheruses4|the online auction center|the parody of "]"|eBay (song)}} | |||
{{For|the song by "Weird Al" Yankovic|eBay (song)}} | |||
{{Infobox Dotcom company<!-- infobox source: http://www.hoovers.com/ebay/--ID__56307--/free-co-factsheet.xhtml --> | |||
{{Pp-move-indef}} | |||
| company_name = eBay Inc. | |||
{{Use American English|date=August 2015}} | |||
| company_logo = ] | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}} | |||
| company_type = ] ({{NASDAQ|EBAY}}) | |||
{{Infobox company | |||
| company_slogan = '''''What ever it is, you can get it on eBay.''''', and '''''Shop victoriously!''''' | |||
| name = eBay Inc. | |||
| foundation = {{flagicon|USA}} ], ] (], ]) | |||
| logo = EBay logo.svg | |||
| location_city = San Jose, California | |||
| |
| logo_caption = | ||
| image = EBay Silicon Valley Headquarters in Willow Glen, San Jose, California 1938.jpg | |||
| key_people = ], ] & ] <br /> ], Founder and Chairman <br /> ], Chief of eBay Marketplace | |||
| image_size = 250px | |||
| num_employees = 11,600 (Q1 2006) | |||
| image_caption = Headquarters in the ] district<br />of ] | |||
| industry = ]s | |||
| location = ], U.S. | |||
| revenue = {{profit}}$7.67 billion ] (2007) | |||
| area_served = Worldwide | |||
| products = ], ], ]<br />], ], ], ] | |||
| founder = ] | |||
| url = <br/>] | |||
| key_people = {{unbulleted list|] (])|] (]{{wbr}} and ])}} | |||
| screenshot = ] | |||
| industry = ] | |||
| caption = The ] homepage. | |||
| services = ] | |||
| website_type = ] | |||
| homepage = {{official URL}} | |||
| language = ] | |||
| former_name = AuctionWeb (1995–1997) | |||
| registration = required to buy and sell | |||
| |
| type = ] | ||
| traded_as = {{ubl|{{NASDAQ|EBAY}}|] component}} | |||
| founded = {{start date and age|1995|9|3}} | |||
| subsid = ], ] | |||
| revenue = {{increase}} {{US$|10.11 billion|link=yes}} (2023) | |||
| operating_income = {{decrease}} {{US$|1.941 billion}} (2023) | |||
| net_income = {{increase}} {{US$|2.767 billion}} (2023) | |||
| assets = {{increase}} {{US$|21.62 billion}} (2023) | |||
| equity = {{increase}} {{US$|6.396 billion}} (2023) | |||
| num_employees = {{circa|12,300}} (2023) | |||
| footnotes = <ref name=10K>{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1065088/000106508824000036/ebay-20231231.htm |title=eBay, Inc. 2023 Annual Report (Form 10-K) |date=February 28, 2024 |publisher=] |access-date=February 29, 2024 }}</ref> | |||
}} | }} | ||
] | ], Canada]] | ||
'''eBay Inc.''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|iː|b|eɪ}} {{respell|EE|bay}}, often stylized as '''ebay''' or '''Ebay''') is an American ] ] company based in ], that allows users to buy or view items via ] sales through ]s and websites in 190 markets worldwide. Sales occur either via ]s or "buy it now" instant sales, and the company charges ] to sellers upon sales. eBay was founded by ] in September 1995. It has 132 million yearly active buyers worldwide and handled $73 billion in transactions in 2023, 48% of which was in the United States. In 2023, the company had a take rate (revenue as a percentage of volume) of 13.81%.<ref name=10K/> | |||
])]] | |||
] | |||
'''''eBay Inc.''''' ({{NASDAQ|EBAY}}) is an ] ] company that manages eBay.com, an ] and shopping ] in which people and businesses buy and sell goods and services worldwide. In addition to its original U.S. website, eBay has established ] in several other countries. eBay Inc also owns ], ], and other businesses. | |||
eBay can be used by individuals, companies and governments to purchase and sell almost any legal, non-controversial item. eBay's auctions use a ] (sealed-bid) ] system. Buyers and sellers may rate and review each other after each transaction, resulting in a ] system. The eBay service is accessible via websites and ]s. Software developers can create applications that integrate with eBay through the eBay API. Merchants can also earn commissions from ] programs by eBay. | |||
==Origins and early history== | |||
==History== | |||
The ] web site was founded in ] on ], ] by ]-born ] computer programmer ] as AuctionWeb,<ref></ref> part of a larger personal site that included, among other things, Omidyar's own tongue-in-cheek tribute to the ] virus.<ref name="cohen">{{cite book | title=The Perfect Store | first=Adam | last=Cohen | publishdate=2002 | id=ISBN 0-316-16493-3}}</ref> | |||
], founder and chairman of eBay]] | |||
===1990s=== | |||
The very first item sold on eBay was a broken ] for $14.83. Astonished, Omidyar contacted the winning bidder and asked if he understood that the laser pointer was broken. In his responding email, the buyer explained: "I'm a ] of broken laser pointers."<ref name="el_history">, About.com. Retrieved on 2007-].</ref> The frequently repeated story that eBay was founded to help Omidyar's fiancée trade ] Candy dispensers was fabricated by a public relations manager in 1997 to interest the media. This was revealed in Adam Cohen's 2002 book<ref name="cohen" /> and confirmed by eBay. | |||
eBay was founded as AuctionWeb in ] on September 3, 1995, by French-born ] computer programmer ] as a hobby to make some extra money.<ref name=scale>{{cite magazine |url=https://time.com/4013672/ebay-founded-story/ |title=The Small-Scale Story Behind eBay's Big Bucks |first=LILY |last=ROTHMAN |magazine=] |date=September 3, 2015 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221023945/https://time.com/4013672/ebay-founded-story/ |url-status=live }}</ref> One of the first items sold on AuctionWeb was a broken ] for $14.83. Astonished, Omidyar contacted the winning bidder to ask if he understood that the laser pointer was broken; the buyer explained: "I'm a collector of broken laser pointers."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidseideman/2014/05/20/part-2-how-to-hit-a-home-run-selling-on-ebay/ |title=Eight Tips From The Pros For Selling On eBay |first=David |last=Seideman |work=] |date=May 20, 2014 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208072301/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidseideman/2014/05/20/part-2-how-to-hit-a-home-run-selling-on-ebay/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
In February 1996, Omidyar's ] informed him that he would need to upgrade to a business account due to the high ] of his website. The monthly price increase from $30 to $250 prompted Omidyar to start charging eBay users. The website made $1,000 in its first month, which was more than it cost to run, and $2,500 in its second month.<ref name=scale/> Chris Agarpao was eBay's first employee; he processed mailed check payments.<ref name=streethistory>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thestreet.com/markets/history-of-ebay |title=History of eBay: Facts and Timeline |first=Brian |last=O'Connell |work=] |date=July 16, 2021 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114145228/https://www.thestreet.com/markets/history-of-ebay |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Chris Agarpao was hired as eBay's first employee and ] was hired as the first president of the company in 1996. In November 1996, eBay entered into its first third-party licensing deal, with a company called Electronic Travel Auction to use SmartMarket Technology to sell plane tickets and other travel products. The company officially changed the name of its service from AuctionWeb to eBay in September 1997. Originally, the site belonged to Echo Bay Technology Group, Omidyar's consulting firm. Omidyar had tried to register the domain name (the domain has recently been put up for sale) but found it already taken by the ], a gold mining company, so he shortened it to his second choice, ''eBay.com''.<ref>http://www.happynews.com/living/online/history-ebay.htm</ref> | |||
] was hired as the first president of the company in early 1996.<ref name=streethistory/> In November 1996, the company launched online auctions for airline seats, hotel rooms, cruise berths and other travel-related products in partnership with Electronic Travel Auctions. By that time, the company had hosted more than 200,000 auctions since its founding 14 months earlier.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/airline-tickets-sold-in-net-auction/ |title=Airline tickets sold in Net auction |first=Jeff |last=Pelline |work=] |date=November 4, 1996 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208120530/https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/airline-tickets-sold-in-net-auction/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
eBay went public on ]<ref>http://moneycentral.hoovers.com/global/msn/factsheet.xhtml?COID=56307</ref>, ], and both Omidyar and Skoll became instant billionaires.<ref name="el_history"/> The company purchased ] on ] ]. | |||
The company changed the name of its service from AuctionWeb to eBay in September 1997, after Echo Bay Technology Group, Omidyar's consulting firm. The echobay.com ] was already registered by ], a gold mining company, so Omidyar shortened it to eBay.com. In 1997, the company received $6.7 million in ] funding from ].<ref name=history/> | |||
==International== | |||
In addition to its original U.S. website, eBay has established localized websites in several other countries: | |||
{| class="wikitable sortable" | |||
! Country/region | |||
! Website | |||
! Language | |||
! Launch date | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Argentina}} | |||
| http://www.mercadolibre.com.ar/ | |||
| ] | |||
| ] ] | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Australia}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.com.au/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{dts||October|1999}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pics.ebaystatic.com/aw/pics/au/new/eBayFactSheetApr06.pdf |title=eBay Fact Sheet |date=] |accessdate=2007-11-09 |format=PDF |work=eBay |publisher=eBay Inc.}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Austria}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.at/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{dts|18|December|2000}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://investor.ebay.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=29434 |title=eBay Launches Service for Austria |date=] |accessdate=2007-11-09 |format= |work=eBay Inc. - Investor Relations |publisher=eBay Inc.}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Belgium}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.be/ | |||
| ], ] | |||
| {{?}} | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Brazil}} | |||
| http://www.mercadolivre.com.br/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{?}} | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Canada}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.ca/ | |||
| ], ] | |||
| {{dts||April|2000}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pages.ebay.ca/aboutebay/thecompany/2004-04.html |title=Gary Briggs Appointed Vice President and Country Manager of eBay Canada |date=] |accessdate=2007-11-09 |work=eBay Canada |publisher=eBay Inc.}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|China}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.com.cn/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{?}} | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|France}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.fr/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{dts|5|October|2000}}<ref></ref><ref>{{fr icon}} </ref> | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Germany}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.de/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{dts||June|1999}} | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Hong Kong}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.com.hk/ | |||
| ], ] | |||
| {{dts|21|December|2003}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://investor.ebay.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=124995 |title=eBay Launches Service For Hong Kong |date=] |accessdate=2007-11-09 |format= |work=eBay Inc. - Investor Relations |publisher=eBay Inc.}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|India}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.in/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{?}} | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Ireland}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.ie/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{dts|29|March|2001}}<ref name="ebay-pr-ie-nz-ch-2001-03-29">{{cite web |url=http://investor.ebay.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=35400 |title=eBay Launches Service For Ireland, New Zealand And Switzerland |accessdate=2007-11-09 |date=] |format= |work=eBay Inc. - Investor Relations |publisher=eBay Inc.}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Israel}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.co.il/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{?}} | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Italy}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.it/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{dts|15|January|2001}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://investor.ebay.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=30820 |title=eBay Launches in Italy |date=] |accessdate=2007-11-09 |format= |work=eBay Inc. - Investor Relations |publisher=eBay Inc.}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Malaysia}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.com.my/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{dts|1|December|2004}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://investor.ebay.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=149589 |title=eBay Launches Service for Malaysia |date=] |accessdate=2007-11-09 |format= |work=eBay Inc. - Investor Relations |publisher=eBay Inc.}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Mexico}} | |||
| http://www.mercadolibre.com.mx/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{?}} | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Netherlands}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.nl/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{?}} | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|New Zealand}} | |||
| http://pages.ebay.com/nz | |||
| ] | |||
| {{dts|29|March|2001}}<ref name="ebay-pr-ie-nz-ch-2001-03-29"/> | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Philippines}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.ph/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{dts|16|November|2004}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://investor.ebay.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=148474 |title=eBay Launches Service for the Philippines |date=] |accessdate=2007-11-09 |format= |work=eBay Inc. - Investor Relations |publisher=eBay Inc.}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Poland}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.pl/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{dts|22|April|2005}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://investor.ebay.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=161003 |title=eBay Launches Service for Poland |date=] |accessdate=2007-11-09 |format= |work=eBay Inc. - Investor Relations |publisher=eBay Inc.}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Singapore}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.com.sg/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{dts|24|October|2001}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://investor.ebay.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=62937 |title=eBay Launches Service for Singapore |date=] |accessdate=2007-11-09 |format= |work=eBay Inc. - Investor Relations |publisher=eBay Inc.}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|South Korea}} | |||
| http://www.auction.co.kr/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{dts|15|February|2001}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.hani.co.kr/section-004000000/2001/004000000200101080924185.html |title=<nowiki></nowiki> Auction "eBay will start Korean service next month" |date=] |accessdate=2007-11-29 |format= |work= |publisher=Hangyore News (Yonhab News).}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Spain}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.es/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{dts|8|January|2002}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pages.ebay.es/portada/pdf/Dossier_eBay.pdf |title=eBay.es Dossier de Prensa |date=] |accessdate=2007-11-09 |format=PDF |work=eBay.es |publisher=eBay Inc.}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Sweden}} | |||
| http://www.tradera.com/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{?}} | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Switzerland}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.ch/ | |||
| ], ] | |||
| {{dts|29|March|2001}}<ref name="ebay-pr-ie-nz-ch-2001-03-29"/> | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Taiwan}} | |||
| http://www.ruten.com.tw/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{?}} | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Turkey}} | |||
| http://www.gittigidiyor.com/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{dts|3|May|2007}} | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|United Kingdom}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.co.uk/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{dts||October|1999}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pages.ebay.co.uk/aboutebay/thecompany/companyoverview.html |title=eBay Worldwide |accessdate=2007-11-09 |format= |work=eBay.co.uk |publisher=eBay Inc.}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|United States}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.com/ | |||
| ] | |||
| {{dts|3|September|1995}} | |||
|- | |||
| {{flag|Vietnam}} | |||
| http://www.ebay.vn/ | |||
| ], ] | |||
| {{dts|27|June|2007}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tuoitre.com.vn/Tianyon/Index.aspx?ChannelID=16&ArticleID=207697 |title=Nhịp sống số }}</ref> | |||
|} | |||
The frequently repeated story that eBay was founded to help Omidyar's fiancée trade ] candy dispensers was fabricated in 1997 by ] manager ] to give the media a ] and to generate publicity with toy collectors.<ref name=streethistory/> The most purchased and sold items on the website were ], the most difficult toys to find in retail stores, accounting for 10% of all listings in 1997. ], the manufacturer, had set up a website whereby people could trade used Beanie Babies. However, it was overwhelmed with unsortable listings. With a user-friendly interface, eBay became popular with collectors.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lessons from the Great Beanie Babies Crash |url=https://fortune.com/2015/03/11/beanie-babies-failure-lessons/ |work=] |first=Anne |last=Vandermey |date=March 11, 2015 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=February 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213003204/http://fortune.com/2015/03/11/beanie-babies-failure-lessons/ |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==Items and services== | |||
Millions of ]s, ], ]s, ], ], ]s, and other miscellaneous items are listed, bought, and sold daily. In 2005, eBay launched its Business & Industrial category, breaking into the industrial surplus business. Some items are rare and valuable, while many others are dusty gizmos that would have been discarded if not for the thousands of eager bidders worldwide. Anything can be sold as long as it is not illegal or does not violate the eBay Prohibited and Restricted Items policy.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/items-ov.html | title=Prohibited and Restricted Items - Overview | publisher=eBay | accessdate=2006-06-28}}</ref> Services and intangibles can be sold, too. Large international companies, such as ], sell their newest products and offer services on eBay using competitive auctions and fixed-priced storefronts. Regional searches of the database make shipping slightly faster and cheaper. Separate eBay sites such as eBay US and eBay UK allow the users to trade using the local currency as an additional option to ]. Software developers can create applications that integrate with eBay through the eBay API by joining the eBay Developers Program.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://developer.ebay.com | title=eBay Developers Program | publisher=eBay | accessdate=2006-06-28}}</ref> As of June 2005, there were over 15,000 members in the eBay Developers Program, comprising a broad range of companies creating software applications to support eBay buyers and sellers as well as eBay Affiliates. | |||
] was appointed president and ] in March 1998. At the time, the company had 30 employees, 500,000 users, and revenues of $4.7 million in the United States.<ref name="history">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/8451898/The-history-of-eBay.html |title=The history of eBay: How the internet auctioneer rose to the top |work=] |date=April 15, 2011 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=November 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122162050/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/8451898/The-history-of-eBay.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In July 1998, eBay acquired Jump, the developer and operator of ], an advertising-supported auction website which at the time had 27,000 separate auctions and 50,000 registered members.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/ebay-acquires-jump/ |title=eBay acquires Jump |work=] |date=July 16, 1998 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208151905/https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/ebay-acquires-jump/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Controversy has arisen over certain items put up for bid. For instance, in late 1999 a man offered one of his ]s for auction on eBay, attempting to profit from the potentially lucrative (and, in the United States, illegal) market for ]. On other occasions, people and even entire towns have been listed, often as a joke or to garner free publicity. In general, the company removes auctions that violate its ] agreement within a short time after hearing of the auction from an outsider; the company's policy is to not pre-approve transactions. eBay is also an easy place for unscrupulous sellers to market ] merchandise, which can be difficult for novice buyers to distinguish without careful studying of the auction description. | |||
In September 1998, during the ], eBay became a ] via an ] led by CFO ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB905983883227629000 |title=On-Line Auctions Help Keep eBay's IPO Outlook Strong |first=George |last=Anders |work=] |date=September 17, 1998 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209001552/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB905983883227629000 |url-status=live }}</ref> Upon the initial public offering, which was priced at $18 per share and closed for trading on its first day at $53 per share, both Omidyar and Skoll became billionaires.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/ebay-roars-into-public-trading/ |title=eBay roars into public trading |first=Dawn |last=Kawamoto |work=] |archive-date=January 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110091731/http://news.cnet.com/eBay-roars-into-public-trading/2100-1001_3-215908.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In the risk factors section of the ] filed with the ] in 1998, Omidyar noted eBay's dependence on the continued strength of the Beanie Babies market.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2004-12-05/pierre-m-dot-omidyar-the-web-for-the-people |title=Pierre M. Omidyar: The Web For The People |work=] |date=December 5, 2004 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=August 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827205957/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2004-12-05/pierre-m-dot-omidyar-the-web-for-the-people |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
eBay's ]n partner is ]. | |||
===2000s=== | |||
eBay's rivals include ] Marketplace. | |||
In June 2000, eBay acquired ] for $312 million in stock.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/14/business/company-news-ebay-to-acquire-halfcom-a-trading-site-for-used-items.html |title=COMPANY NEWS; EBAY TO ACQUIRE HALF.COM, A TRADING SITE FOR USED ITEMS |agency=] |work=] |date=June 14, 2000 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208103724/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/14/business/company-news-ebay-to-acquire-halfcom-a-trading-site-for-used-items.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/ebay-buys-halfcom |title=EBay acquires Half.com |first=Tim |last=Eaton |work=] |date=June 13, 2000 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208113411/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/ebay-buys-halfcom |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2000, eBay partnered with ] to handle ] for purchases and sales of motor vehicles, later expanded to other transaction types.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/ebay-brings-escrow-aboard/ |title=eBay brings escrow aboard |work=] |date=May 2, 2002 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208061554/https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/ebay-brings-escrow-aboard/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By year-end, it had 22.5 million registered users and 79.4 million auctions per quarter.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/19/business/ebay-s-4th-quarter-earnings-exceed-analysts-predictions.html |title=EBay's 4th-Quarter Earnings Exceed Analysts' Predictions |first=John |last=Schwartz |work=] |date=January 19, 2001 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209034611/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/19/business/ebay-s-4th-quarter-earnings-exceed-analysts-predictions.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
In January 2001, eBay acquired a majority stake in Internet Auction Co. Ltd, operator of the largest ] website in South Korea.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/ebay-gets-koreas-largest-auction-site/ |title=eBay gets Korea's largest auction site |work=] |date=January 7, 2001 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208103724/https://www.zdnet.com/article/ebay-gets-koreas-largest-auction-site/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2002, eBay acquired iBazar, a French ] site founded in 1998, for approximately $112 million in stock.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/ebay-says-oui-to-purchase-of-french-auction-site/ |title=eBay says "oui" to purchase of French auction site |work=] |date=January 12, 2002 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208092624/https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/ebay-says-oui-to-purchase-of-french-auction-site/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="history" /> eBay entered the Chinese market in 2002 and shut down its Chinese site in 2007 due to competition from local rival ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/52670084-6c2c-11e1-b00f-00144feab49a |title=How Taobao bested Ebay in China |work=] |date=March 12, 2012 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/52670084-6c2c-11e1-b00f-00144feab49a.html |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2006-12-19/tom-online-ebays-last-china-cardbusinessweek-business-news-stock-market-and-financial-advice |title=Tom Online: eBay's Last China Card |first=Frederik |last=Balfour |work=] |date=December 19, 2006 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810231406/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2006-12-19/tom-online-ebays-last-china-cardbusinessweek-business-news-stock-market-and-financial-advice |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
===PayPal-only categories=== | |||
Beginning in August, 2007, eBay required listing in "Video Games" and "Health & Beauty" to accept its payment system ] and sellers could only accept PayPal for payments in the category "Video Games: Consoles". <ref></ref> Starting ] ], eBay says sellers can only accept PayPal as payment for the categories "Computing > Software", "Consumer Electronics > MP3 Players", "Wholesale & Job Lots > Mobile & Home Phones", and "Business, Office & Industrial > Industrial Supply / MRO".<ref></ref> | |||
In February 2002, eBay exited Japan due to competition from ] and began operations in Taiwan with the acquisition of NeoCom Technology for $9.5 million.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/27/business/technology-briefing-internet-ebay-exits-japan-for-taiwan.html |title=Internet: Ebay Exits Japan For Taiwan |first=Chris |last=Gaither |work=] |date=February 27, 2002 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208072259/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/27/business/technology-briefing-internet-ebay-exits-japan-for-taiwan.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/2002/03/01/0228ebay.html |title=EBay Collects Taiwan Site |work=] |date=March 1, 2002 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208070804/https://www.forbes.com/2002/03/01/0228ebay.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2006, eBay turned over its operations in Taiwan to a joint venture partner.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.infoworld.com/article/2656030/ebay-retreats-from-taiwan.html |title=EBay retreats from Taiwan |first=Dan |last=Nystedt |work=] |date=June 26, 2006 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208092622/https://www.infoworld.com/article/2656030/ebay-retreats-from-taiwan.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
===eBay Express=== | |||
]In April of 2006, eBay opened its new eBay Express site, which is designed to work like a standard Internet shopping site to consumers with United States addresses . Selected eBay items are mirrored on eBay Express where buyers shop using a shopping cart to purchase from multiple sellers. The UK version was launched to eBay members in mid October 2006 but on ] ] eBay announced their intention to close the site<ref>http://www2.ebay.com/aw/uk/200801.shtml#2008-01-28172536</ref>. The German version was also opened in 2006 . | |||
] | |||
===eBay Specialty Sites=== | |||
eBay acquired ] on October 3, 2002 for $1.4 billion.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/its-official-ebay-weds-paypal/ |title=It's Official: eBay Wed PayPal |work=] |date=October 3, 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612164750/https://www.cnet.com/news/its-official-ebay-weds-paypal/ |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/2579106/ebay-completes-paypal-acquisition.html |title=EBay completes PayPal acquisition |first=Joris |last=Evers |work=] |date=October 4, 2002 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207212520/https://www.computerworld.com/article/2579106/ebay-completes-paypal-acquisition.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1033689729137345113 |title=EBay Completes PayPal Deal, Gaining Web-Payments Heft |first=Nick |last=Wingfield |work=] |date=October 4, 2002 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207211934/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1033689729137345113 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/blog/2012/10/paypal-lays-off-325-in-effort-to-speed.html |first=Diana |last=Samuels |date=October 29, 2012 |title=PayPal lays off 325 in effort to speed innovation |work=] |archive-date=September 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910230723/https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/blog/2012/10/paypal-lays-off-325-in-effort-to-speed.html |url-status=live}}</ref> It phased out its ] payment service in January 2003.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2002-12-16 |title=eBay phasing out Billpoint |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/ebay-phasing-out-billpoint/article25698243/ |access-date=2024-07-20 |work=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA}}</ref> | |||
In June of 2006, eBay added an and to its Community Content which also includes the Discussion Boards, Groups, Answer Center, Chat Rooms, and Reviews & Guides. Ebay has a robust mobile offering, including ] alerts, a ] site, and ] clients, available in certain markets. | |||
On May 28, 2003, in the case of '']'', which had implications for the treatment of ]s, a ] jury found eBay guilty of willful patent infringement and ordered the company to pay $35 million in damages after ] accused eBay of infringing on three patents, one of which is used in eBay's "Buy It Now" feature. The decision was appealed to the ] (CAFC). The CAFC affirmed the judgment of willful infringement, and reversed the lower court and granted a permanent ]. eBay appealed the permanent injunction to the ], which on May 15, 2006 found an injunction is not required nor automatic in this or any patent case where guilt has been established. The case was sent back to the Virginia district court for consideration of the injunction and a trial on another MercExchange patent.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/05pdf/05-130.pdf |title=EBAY INC. ET AL. v. MERCEXCHANGE, L. L. C. |publisher=] |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116192007/https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/05pdf/05-130.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
is a fun website created that allows users to put two items head-to-head and allow visitors to vote on their favorite item. | |||
In 2003, eBay sought to develop its ], acquiring the country's leading online auction platform (EachNet) and reaching an 85% market share.<ref name=":Liu">{{Cite book |last=Liu |first=Lizhi |title=From Click to Boom: The Political Economy of E-Commerce in China |publisher=] |year=2024 |isbn=9780691254104}}</ref>{{Rp|page=51}} Within four years, the development of Alibaba's ] resulted in eBay's market share in China decreasing to 7.7%.<ref name=":Liu" />{{Rp|pages=51-52}} | |||
is a new specialty site to find the most unusual and unique items on the eBay site. Users can also vote on and nominate listings that they find. | |||
In August 2004, eBay acquired 25% of the ] website ] for $32 million.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/14/business/ebay-buys-25-stake-in-craigslist-an-online-bulletin-board.html |title=EBay Buys 25% Stake in Craigslist, an Online Bulletin Board |first=Matt |last=Richtel |work=] |date=August 14, 2004 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207214100/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/14/business/ebay-buys-25-stake-in-craigslist-an-online-bulletin-board.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/ebay-buys-into-craigslist/ |title=eBay buys into Craigslist |work=] |date=August 16, 2004 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207204544/https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/ebay-buys-into-craigslist/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Former disgruntled Craigslist executive Phillip Knowlton was the seller.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/EBay-buys-25-stake-in-Craigslist-Ex-employee-2701651.php |title=EBay buys 25% stake in Craigslist / Ex-employee sells equity to online auctioneer, but founder says deal won't change site |first=Carolyn |last=Said |work=] |date=August 14, 2004 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207205258/https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/EBay-buys-25-stake-in-Craigslist-Ex-employee-2701651.php |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2004, eBay acquired Rent.com for $415 million.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/2567341/brief--ebay-snaps-up-rent-com-for--415m.html |title=Brief: eBay snaps up Rent.com for $415M |first=James |last=Niccolai |work=] |date=December 17, 2004 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208113408/https://www.computerworld.com/article/2567341/brief--ebay-snaps-up-rent-com-for--415m.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
provides information about popular search terms, trends and most watched items. | |||
In March 2005, eBay launched ], a ] website, in international markets.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/ebay-launches-kijiji-classifieds |title=EBay launches Kijiji classifieds |work=] |date=March 9, 2005 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207204047/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/ebay-launches-kijiji-classifieds |url-status=live }}</ref> It launched in the United States in July 2007.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2007/07/ebay-launches-kijiji-classifieds-in-u-s/ |title=eBay launches Kijiji classifieds in US |first=TODD |last=HASELTON |work=] |date=July 5, 2007 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207213049/https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2007/07/ebay-launches-kijiji-classifieds-in-u-s/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.infoworld.com/article/2663606/ebay-launches-kijiji-classifieds-in-u-s-.html |title=eBay launches Kijiji classifieds in U.S. |first=Steven |last=Schwankert |work=] |date=July 5, 2007 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207211530/https://www.infoworld.com/article/2663606/ebay-launches-kijiji-classifieds-in-u-s-.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2007/07/ebay-launches-k/ |title=EBay Launches Kijiji In The United States |first=ADARIO |last=STRANGE |magazine=] |date=July 5, 2007 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207220057/https://www.wired.com/2007/07/ebay-launches-k/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2005, eBay acquired ], a ] website in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/may/19/business.newmedia |title=eBay buys London ads website Gumtree |first=Stephen |last=Brook |work=] |date=May 19, 2005 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325113312/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/may/19/business.newmedia |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2005, eBay Inc. acquired ] for $2.6 billion.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/13/technology/ebay-to-buy-skype-internet-phone-service-for-26-billion.html |title=EBay to Buy Skype, Internet Phone Service, for $2.6 Billion |first=Ken |last=Belson |work=] |date=September 13, 2005 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114040721/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/13/technology/ebay-to-buy-skype-internet-phone-service-for-26-billion.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB112651960619337861 |title=EBay to Buy Skype for $2.6 Billion |first1=Mylene |last1=Mangalindan |first2=Christopher |last2=Rhoads |work=] |date=September 13, 2005 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207215659/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB112651960619337861 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/ebay-buys-skype-in-us2-6-billion-deal/ |title=eBay buys Skype in US$2.6 billion deal |work=] |date=September 12, 2005 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207210748/https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/networking/ebay-buys-skype-in-us2-6-billion-deal/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
is a comprehensive list of products that are in demand for the Christmas season. | |||
<span class="anchor" id="ProStores">ProStores</span> was an e-commerce website hosting company owned by eBay. Formerly known as ] StoreSense, ProStores was acquired by eBay Inc. by the end of 2005 changing the name to ProStores by eBay.<ref name="RussellPeragine2010">{{cite book| author1 = Cheryl Lynn Russell| author2 = John N. Peragine| title= EBay Income: How Anyone of Any Age, Location, And/or Background Can Build a Highly Profitable Online Business with EBay| url= https://books.google.com/books?id=Zwl66YpFAIwC&pg=PA25| year= 2010| publisher = Atlantic Publishing Company| isbn= 978-1-60138-441-6| pages= 25–| quote= Looking for a new ... Another company eBay has acquired and put to work servicing its own users is Kurant, a leading-edge company that specializes in software for e-commerce on small business Web sites. eBay used its products to create a new service for sellers that debuted in summer of 2005: ProStores. This extra-fee service ...}}</ref> ProStores' feature set included simple wizard-driven website, e-commerce capabilities, site design tools and e-business management. Smaller merchants could also manage the entire process of posting and selling products on eBay using the ProStores interface. It also offered inventory management, supplier communication and integration with ] and ]. eBay announced on July 1, 2014 that support for the platform would end February 1, 2015.<ref name="szpXh">{{cite web |url=http://info.magento.com/rs/magentocommerce/images/partner-guide-go-prostores.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2014-07-02 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712033935/http://info.magento.com/rs/magentocommerce/images/partner-guide-go-prostores.pdf |archivedate=2014-07-12 }}</ref> In February 2006, ] launched a web-based version of ItsDeductible, a donation tracking service, using data from eBay to help users assign a ] to the items they donate.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://nymag.com/shopping/bestbets/thursday/15867/ |title=Tax Break |first=S. |last=Dumenco |work=] |date=February 8, 2006 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207210749/https://nymag.com/shopping/bestbets/thursday/15867/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
==Auction types== | |||
eBay offers several types of auctions. | |||
] | |||
*'''Auction-style listings''' allow the seller to offer one or more items for sale for a specified number of days. The seller can establish a reserve price. | |||
In April 2006, eBay launched eBay Express, a site that was designed to work like a standard Internet shopping site, with fixed prices and no bidding involved. The website had 10 million items listed upon its launch.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/ebay-launches-online-store-20060424-gdnfb8.html |title=eBay launches online store |work=] |date=April 24, 2006 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207232742/https://www.smh.com.au/national/ebay-launches-online-store-20060424-gdnfb8.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna10913773 |title=EBay plans instant-buying service |work=] |date=January 18, 2006 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207223303/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna10913773 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/2006/04/25/whitman-ebay-express-cx_cn_0425autofacescan08.html |title=Whitman's eBay Launches 'Express' Service |work=] |date=April 25, 2006 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207210751/https://www.forbes.com/2006/04/25/whitman-ebay-express-cx_cn_0425autofacescan08.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/ebay-launches-online-store-for-new-no-bidding-1201848.php |title=EBay launches online store for new, no-bidding items |agency=] |work=] |date=April 24, 2006 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207232742/https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/ebay-launches-online-store-for-new-no-bidding-1201848.php |url-status=live }}</ref> The site was shut down in October 2008.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/business/12giants.html |title=Amid the Gloom, an E-Commerce War |last=Stone |first=Brad |work=] |date=October 11, 2008 |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014062432/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/business/12giants.html |archive-date=October 14, 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2007, eBay acquired ], an ] for ], for $310 million.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ebay-buys-stubhub-ticket-broker-for-310m/ |title=eBay Buys StubHub Ticket Broker For $310M |work=] |date=January 11, 2007 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119203403/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ebay-buys-stubhub-ticket-broker-for-310m/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2007-01/11/content_781145.htm |title=EBay buying StubHub for $310M in cash |agency=] |work=] |date=January 11, 2007 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=February 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207213959/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2007-01/11/content_781145.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2007/01/11/Finance/Thats-The-Ticket-Ebay-To-Acquire-Stubhub-For-$310M.aspx |title=That's The Ticket: eBay To Acquire StubHub For $310M |work=] |date=January 11, 2007 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207204928/https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2007/01/11/Finance/Thats-The-Ticket-Ebay-To-Acquire-Stubhub-For-$310M.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/eastbay/stories/2007/01/08/daily34.html |title=EBay to buy StubHub for $310M |work=] |date=January 11, 2007 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226065017/https://www.bizjournals.com/eastbay/stories/2007/01/08/daily34.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2008, ] resigned as president and CEO of eBay to enter politics, and was replaced with ]. Whitman remained on the board of directors and continued to advise Donahoe through 2008.<ref>{{cite news |last=Goldman |first=David |title=eBay's Whitman out; guidance hurts |url=https://money.cnn.com/2008/01/23/technology/ebay_earnings/index.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413070709/https://money.cnn.com/2008/01/23/technology/ebay_earnings/index.htm |archive-date=April 13, 2023 |work=]}}</ref> | |||
*'''Fixed Price format''' allows the seller to offer one or more items for sale at a ''Buy It Now'' price. Buyers who agree to pay that price win the auction immediately without submitting a bid. | |||
*''']s''' allow the seller to offer two or more identical items in the same auction. Bidders can bid for any number from one item up to the total number offered. | |||
In April 2008, eBay sued Craigslist, claiming that in January 2008, Craigslist took actions that "unfairly diluted eBay's economic interest by more than 10%", making eBay lose its seat on the ] of Craigslist.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7362221.stm |title=EBay sues Craigslist ad website |work=] |date=April 23, 2008 |archive-date=August 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100812172840/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7362221.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> Craigslist countersued in May 2008 alleging that eBay used its board seat to gain insider information about Craigslist that was used to compete against the company.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7399720.stm |title=Craigslist strikes back at eBay |work=] |date=May 13, 2008 |archive-date=September 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090916224915/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7399720.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2010, Delaware Judge ] ruled that the actions of Craigslist were unlawful and that the actions were taken by Craigslist founders ] and ] had "breached their fiduciary duty of loyalty", and restored eBay's stake in the company to 28.4% from a diluted level of 24.85%.<ref name=ruling/> However, the judge dismissed eBay's objection to a staggered board provision, citing that Craigslist has the right to protect its own trade secrets.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.yahoo.com/2010-09-10-ebay-craigslist-poison-pill-lawsuit.html |title=eBay Gets Partial Win in Craigslist Poison Pill Lawsuit |first=Dawn |last=Kawamoto |work=] |via=] |date=September 10, 2010 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207212228/https://news.yahoo.com/2010-09-10-ebay-craigslist-poison-pill-lawsuit.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thestreet.com/technology/ruling-restores-ebays-stake-in-craigslist-10857157 |title=Ruling Restores Ebay's Stake in Craigslist |first=Michael |last=Baron |work=] |date=September 9, 2010 |archive-date=September 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100912125040/http://www.thestreet.com/story/10857157/1/ruling-restores-ebays-stake-in-craigslist.html?cm_ven%3DGOOGLEFI |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=ruling>{{cite news |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/ebay-wins-legal-ruling-against-craigslist-2010-09-09-184200 |title=EBay wins legal ruling against Craigslist |first=John |last=Letzing |work=] |date=September 9, 2010 |url-access=limited |archive-date=September 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100913041529/http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ebay-wins-legal-ruling-against-craigslist-2010-09-09-184200 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==Bidding== | |||
In May 2008, eBay announced the opening of a building on the company's North Campus in ], the first ground-up structure in the city to be built to ] Gold standards. The building, the first the company had built in its 13-year existence, uses an array of 3,248 solar panels, spanning {{convert|60000|sqft|m2}}, and providing 650 kilo]s of power, 15–18% of the company's total energy requirements, reducing carbon dioxide usage by 37 million pounds over 30 years. The building also has energy-efficient lighting and water system and most waste is recycled.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2008/05/07/ebay-opens-building-with-largest-solar-roof-in-san-jose/ |title=EBay opens building with largest solar roof in San Jose |work=] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130128165432/http://origin.mercurynews.com/healthandscience/ci_9191170?nclick_check=1 |archive-date=January 28, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
For Auction-style listings, the first bid must be at least the amount of the minimum bid set by the seller. Regardless of the amount the first bidder actually bids, until a second bid is made, eBay will then display the auction's minimum bid as the current high bid. After the first bid is made, each subsequent bid must be equal to at least the current highest bid displayed plus one bidding increment. The bidding increment is established by eBay based on the size of the current highest displayed bid. For example, when the current highest bid is less than or equal to $0.99, the bidding increment is $0.05; when the current highest bid is at least $1.00 but less than or equal to $4.99, the bidding increment is $0.25. Regardless of the amount each subsequent bidder bids, eBay will display the lesser of the bidder's actual bid and the amount equal to the previous highest bidder's actual bid plus one bidding increment. For example, suppose the current second-highest bid is $2.05 and the highest bid is $2.40. eBay will display the highest bid as $2.30, which equals the second-highest bid ($2.05) plus the bidding increment ($0.25). In this case, eBay will require the next bid to be at least $2.55, which equals the highest displayed bid ($2.30) plus one bidding increment ($0.25). The next bid will display as the actual amount bid or $2.65, whichever is less. The figure of $2.65 in this case comes from the then-second-highest actual bid of $2.40 plus the bidding increment of $0.25. The winning bidder pays the bid that eBay displays, not the amount actually bid. Following this example, if the next bidder is the final bidder, and bids $2.55, the winner pays $2.55, even though it is less than the second-highest bid ($2.40) plus one bidding increment ($0.25). However, if the next bidder is the final bidder and bids an arbitrarily large amount, for example $10.00 or even more, the winner pays $2.65, which equals the second-highest bid plus one bidding increment. | |||
In April 2009, eBay agreed to acquire a controlling stake in ], a South Korean online retailer, for $413 million.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/ebay-gmarket/ebay-buys-korean-rivals-stake-for-413-mln-report-idINSEO37043120090413/ |title=EBay buys Korean rival's stake for $413 mln-report |first=Rhee |last=So-eui |work=] |date=April 12, 2009 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208103725/https://www.reuters.com/article/ebay-gmarket/ebay-buys-korean-rivals-stake-for-413-mln-report-idINSEO37043120090413/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/1bff4c3a-2a45-11de-8415-00144feabdc0 |title=Ebay to take over Korean auction website |work=] |date=April 16, 2009 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208113410/https://www.ft.com/content/1bff4c3a-2a45-11de-8415-00144feabdc0 |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2009, eBay launched the Selling Manager Applications program (SM Apps). The program allows approved developers to integrate their applications directly into the eBay.com interface.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ebay-launches-selling-man_n_181768 |title=Ebay Launches Selling Manager Applications Beta |work=] |date=May 2, 2009 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208072301/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ebay-launches-selling-man_n_181768 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
For Dutch Auctions, which are auctions of two or more identical items sold in one auction, each bidder enters both a bid and the number of items desired. Until the total number of items desired by all bidders equals the total number of items offered, bidders can bid any amount greater than or equal to the minimum bid. Once the total numbers of items desired by all bidders is greater than or equal to the total number offered, each bidder is required to bid one full bidding increment above the currently-displayed winning bid. All winning bidders pay the same lowest winning bid. | |||
In November 2009, eBay sold a 70% stake in Skype to a consortium led by ] and ] at a $2.75 billion valuation, while retaining a 30% minority ownership interest in Skype, after failing to integrate Skype into the company's online marketplace.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2009/09/andreessen-among-buyers-of-skype-new-york-times/ |title=Ebay Sells 65% of Skype For $1.9 Billion; Andreessen Among Investors |first=JOHN C. |last=ABELL |magazine=] |date=September 1, 2009 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208014818/https://www.wired.com/2009/09/andreessen-among-buyers-of-skype-new-york-times/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2009/11/19/ebay-skype-sale/ |title=Breaking: eBay Completes Skype Sale At $2.75 Billion Valuation |last=Wauters |first=Robin |work=] |date=November 19, 2009 |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026051603/https://techcrunch.com/2009/11/19/ebay-skype-sale/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2009/09/why-did-ebay-sell-skype/24337/ |title=Why Did eBay Sell Skype? |first=Derek |last=Thompson |work=] |date=September 1, 2009 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207233344/https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2009/09/why-did-ebay-sell-skype/24337/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ] acquired the entire company for $8.5 billion in May 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wired.com/2011/05/microsoft-buys-skype-2/ |title=Microsoft Buy Skype for $8.5 Billion. Why, Exactly? |first=Peter |last=Bright |magazine=] |date=May 10, 2011 |url-access=limited |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118214757/https://www.wired.com/2011/05/microsoft-buys-skype-2/ |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
eBay has established detailed rules about bidding, retraction of bids, shill bidding (collusion to drive up the price), and other aspects of bidding. These rules can be viewed on the help pages. | |||
===2010s=== | |||
==Profit and transactions== | |||
In June 2011, eBay acquired GSI Commerce for $2.4 billion.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/06/20/ebay-closes-2-4-billion-acquisition-of-gsi-commerce/ |title=eBay Closes $2.4 Billion Acquisition of GSI Commerce |last=Rao |first=Leena |work=] |date=June 20, 2011 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=August 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818190731/https://techcrunch.com/2011/06/20/ebay-closes-2-4-billion-acquisition-of-gsi-commerce/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2013, it was renamed ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://thenextweb.com/news/two-years-after-the-acquisition-ebay-rebrands-gsi-commerce-as-ebay-enterprise |last=Protalinski |first=Emil |title=Two years after the acquisition, eBay rebrands GSI Commerce as eBay Enterprise |work=] |date=June 20, 2013 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208043343/https://thenextweb.com/news/two-years-after-the-acquisition-ebay-rebrands-gsi-commerce-as-ebay-enterprise |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2012, ], then known as Primedia, acquired ] from eBay for approximately $415 million.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120322006615/en/PRIMEDIA-Acquire-Rent.com-eBay |title=PRIMEDIA to Acquire Rent.com from eBay Inc. |publisher=] |date=March 22, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107233707/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120322006615/en/PRIMEDIA-Acquire-Rent.com-eBay |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/03/22/ebay-sells-off-real-estate-listings-site-rent-com-to-primedia/ |title=eBay Sells Off Real Estate Listings Site Rent.com To Primedia |first=Leena |last=Rao |work=] |date=March 22, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206155835/https://techcrunch.com/2012/03/22/ebay-sells-off-real-estate-listings-site-rent-com-to-primedia/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2012, eBay introduced a new logo using a thinner variation of the ] typeface. It replaced the thicker Univers logo.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/9/13/3326716/ebay-logo-redesign |title=eBay redesigns its logo after a decade and a half of overlapping colors |first=Vlad |last=Savov |work=] |date=September 13, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207233344/https://www.theverge.com/2012/9/13/3326716/ebay-logo-redesign |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2012-sep-14-la-fi-tn-ebay-logo-20120914-story.html |title=Ebay reveals its first new logo since 1995 |first=SALVADOR |last=RODRIGUEZ |work=] |date=September 14, 2012 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207224142/https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2012-sep-14-la-fi-tn-ebay-logo-20120914-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/09/13/after-17-years-ebay-debuts-a-new-sleeker-logo/ |title=After 17 Years, eBay Debuts A New, Sleeker Logo |first=Leena |last=Rao |work=] |date=September 13, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207191215/https://techcrunch.com/2012/09/13/after-17-years-ebay-debuts-a-new-sleeker-logo/ |url-status=live }}</ref><gallery heights="40" mode="packed"> | |||
{{Original research|section|date=November 2007}} | |||
File:EBay former logo.svg|1999–2012 | |||
eBay generates revenue from a number of fees. The eBay fee system is quite complex; there are fees to list a product and fees when the product sells, plus several optional fees, all based on various factors and scales. The U.S.-based ebay.com takes $0.20 to $80 per listing and 5.25% or less of the final price (as of 2007). The Mexican ebay "mercado libre" takes 1% (price of the article * number of articles to be sold), and 4.99% of the final price if there is a successful trade. The ] based ebay.co.uk takes from ] £0.15 to a maximum rate of ] £3 per 100 for an ordinary listing and from 0.75% to 5.25% of the final price. In addition, eBay now owns the ] payment system which has fees of its own. | |||
File:EBay logo.svg|2012–present | |||
</gallery> | |||
In October 2012, eBay launched an international shipping partnership with ] whereby a seller of an item to be shipped internationally can send the item to a Pitney Bowes facility in their home country, which then forwards it to the international buyer, taking care of all international shipping requirements.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501005345/en/Pitney-Bowes-and-eBay-Renew-Partnership-to-Help-Millions-of-eBay-Sellers-Reach-Buyers-Internationally |title=Pitney Bowes and eBay Renew Partnership to Help Millions of eBay Sellers Reach Buyers Internationally |publisher=] |date=May 1, 2018 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207211140/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501005345/en/Pitney-Bowes-and-eBay-Renew-Partnership-to-Help-Millions-of-eBay-Sellers-Reach-Buyers-Internationally |url-status=live }}</ref> The company also launched a partnership with ] to offer discounted shipping options to sellers.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-10-23/ebay-joins-with-fedex-on-shipping-to-compete-with-amazon |title=EBay Teams Up With FedEx on Shipping to Compete With Amazon |first=Danielle |last=Kucera |work=] |date=October 23, 2012 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505172441/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-10-23/ebay-joins-with-fedex-on-shipping-to-compete-with-amazon |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Under current U.S. law, a state cannot require sellers located outside the state to collect a ], making deals more attractive to buyers. Although state laws require purchasers to pay sales tax to their own states on out-of-state purchases, most non-professional sellers ignore this requirement. However, most sellers that operate as a full time business do follow state tax regulations on their eBay transactions.{{Fact|date=July 2007}} | |||
In November 2012, eBay was charged in the ], accused by the ] of entering into non-solicitation agreements with other technology companies involving highly skilled employees.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/billsinger/2012/11/19/after-apple-google-adobe-pixar-google-and-intuit-antitrust-employment-charges-hit-ebay/ |title=After Apple, Google, Adobe, Intel, Pixar, and Intuit, Antitrust Employment Charges Hit eBay |first=Bill |last=Singer |work=] |date=November 19, 2012 |url-access=limited |archive-date=July 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730221427/https://www.forbes.com/sites/billsinger/2012/11/19/after-apple-google-adobe-pixar-google-and-intuit-antitrust-employment-charges-hit-ebay/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The litigation was settled in May 2014, with eBay required to end anti-competitive practices.<ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-requires-ebay-end-anticompetitive-no-poach-hiring-agreements |title=Justice Department Requires eBay to End Anticompetitive "No Poach" Hiring Agreements |publisher=] |date=May 1, 2014 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207210753/https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-requires-ebay-end-anticompetitive-no-poach-hiring-agreements |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
The company's current business strategy includes increasing revenue by increasing ] trade within the eBay system. eBay has already expanded to over ] including China and India. The only places where expansion failed were Taiwan and Japan, where ] had a head start and also New Zealand where ], owned by the ] media group is the dominant online auction website. | |||
On September 30, 2014, eBay announced it would spin off PayPal into a separate publicly traded company, a demand made nine months prior by activist hedge fund magnate ].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thestreet.com/story/13222445/1/paypal-spinoff-day-is-here--what-does-it-mean-for-investors.html |title=PayPal Spinoff Day Has Arrived -- What Does It Mean for Investors? |last=Borison |first=Rebecca |date=July 20, 2015 |work=] |archive-date=October 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024194955/https://www.thestreet.com/story/13222445/1/paypal-spinoff-day-is-here--what-does-it-mean-for-investors.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.techtimes.com/articles/64212/20150629/ebay-and-paypal-formally-splits-on-july-20.htm |title=EBay And PayPal Formally Split On July 20 |website=techtimes.com |date=June 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702074414/http://www.techtimes.com/articles/64212/20150629/ebay-and-paypal-formally-splits-on-july-20.htm |archive-date=July 2, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> The spinoff was completed on July 18, 2015. eBay's then chief executive, John Donahoe, stepped down from that role.<ref>{{cite news |last1=De La Merced |first1=Michael |last2=Sorkin |first2=Andrew Ross |authorlink2=Andrew Ross Sorkin |title=EBay to Spin Off PayPal, Adopting Strategy Backed by Icahn |url=https://archive.nytimes.com/dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/09/30/ebay-to-spin-off-paypal-adopting-strategy-backed-by-icahn/ |work=] |date=September 30, 2014 |url-access=limited |archive-date=November 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114204227/https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/09/30/ebay-to-spin-off-paypal-adopting-strategy-backed-by-icahn/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=EBay follows Icahn's advice, plans PayPal spinoff in 2015 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ebay-divestiture-idUSKCN0HP13D20140930/ |first1=Deepa |last1=Seetharaman |first2=Supantha |last2=Mukherjee |work=] |date=September 30, 2014 |archive-date=January 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102221610/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-ebay-divestiture-idUSKCN0HP13D20140930 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/ebay-to-split-paypal-into-separate-company-in-2015/ |last=Cheng |first=Roger |title=eBay, PayPal to split into separate companies in 2015 |work=] |date=September 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612164755/https://www.cnet.com/news/ebay-to-split-paypal-into-separate-company-in-2015/ |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==Acquisitions and investments== | |||
* In July 1998, eBay acquired ] based online auction site Up4Sale.com.<ref name='Business Wire 1998-07-16'>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Business Wire July 16, 1998 | date=] | publisher= | url =http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_1998_July_16/ai_20909153 | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2007-07-08 | language = }}</ref> | |||
* In May 1999, eBay acquired the online payment service Billpoint<ref>{{cite news | first=Tim | last=Clark | coauthors= | title=eBay Acquires Two Firms | date= | publisher= | url =http://news.com.com/2100-1017-226031.html | work =CNET News | pages = | accessdate = 2007-07-08 | language = }}</ref>, an unsuccessful competitor to ], which they closed following the 2002 acquisition of the latter.<ref>{{cite news | first=Troy | last=Wolverton | coauthors= | title=Billpoint Failure a Lesson for eBay? | date=] | publisher= | url =http://news.com.com/2100-1017-942231.html | work =CNET News | pages = | accessdate = 2007-07-08 | language = }}</ref> | |||
* In 1999 eBay acquired the auction house ]<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=eBay Buys Butterfield & Butterfield Auction House | date=] | publisher= | url =http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0CGN/is_1999_April_27/ai_54496651 | work =Computergram International | pages = | accessdate = 2007-07-08 | language = }}</ref>, which it sold in 2002 to ].<ref>{{cite news | first=Troy | last=Wolverton | coauthors= | title=eBay Sells Traditional Auction Arm | date=] | publisher= | url =http://news.com.com/2100-1017-947609.html | work =CNET News | pages = | accessdate = 2007-07-08 | language = }}</ref> | |||
* In 1999 eBay acquired the auction house Alando for $43 million, which changed then to eBay Germany.<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=eBay wins German Bid | date=] | publisher= | url =http://money.cnn.com/1999/06/22/technology/ebay/ | work =CNN Money | pages = | accessdate = 2007-07-08 | language = }}</ref> | |||
* In June 2000 eBay acquired ] for $318 million, which was later integrated with the eBay Marketplace.<ref>{{cite news | first=Noel | last=Wilson | coauthors= | title=eBay Buying Half.com in Stock Deal | date=] | publisher= | url =http://news.com.com/2100-1017-241859.html | work =CNET News | pages = | accessdate = 2007-07-08 | language = }}</ref> | |||
* In December 2000 eBay acquired the Precision Buying Service portion of ].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.internetnews.com/bus-news/article.php/8471_532941 | title= eBay Acquires Deja.com's Technology | publisher=www.internetnews.com | accessdate=2007-01-05}}</ref> | |||
* In August, 2001, eBay acquired ]<ref> {{cite web|url=http://investor.ebay.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=60309 |title=eBay and MercadoLibre Join Forces in Latin America |accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> and Lokau, ]n auction sites. eBay also acquired iBazar,<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=eBay Acquires iBazar | date=] | publisher= | url =http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FNP/is_5_40/ai_71561001 | work =DSN Retailing Today | pages = | accessdate = 2007-07-08 | language = }}</ref> a French auction site. | |||
* In July, 2002 eBay acquired ], for $1.5 billion in stock.<ref>{{cite news | first=Margaret | last=Kane | coauthors= | title=eBay Picks up Paypal for $1.5 Billion | date=] | publisher= | url =http://news.com.com/2100-1017-941964.html | work =CNET News | pages = | accessdate = 2007-07-08 | language = }}</ref> | |||
* On ] ], eBay acquired CARad.com, an auction management service for car dealers.<ref> {{cite web|url=http://investor.ebay.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=100770 |title=eBay Motors Announces Acquisition Agreement and New Strategic Relationship |accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> | |||
* On ] ] eBay Inc. acquired EachNet, a leading ecommerce company in China, paying approximately $150 million in cash.<ref>{{cite news | first=Mark | last=Berniker | coauthors= | title=eBay Acquires Chinese Shopping Site EachNet | date=] | publisher= | url =http://www.internetnews.com/ec-news/article.php/2220991 | work =InternetNews.com | pages = | accessdate = 2007-07-08 | language = }}</ref> | |||
* On ] ], eBay acquired all outstanding shares of ], an ]n auction site for approximately $50 million in US cash, plus acquisition costs. Baazee.com subsequently became eBay India.<ref> {{cite web|url=http://investor.ebay.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=137656 |title=eBay to Acquire India's Baazee.com |accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> | |||
* On ] ], eBay took a 25% stake in ] by buying out an existing shareholder who was once a Craigslist employee. | |||
* In September 2004, eBay moved forward on its acquisition of ]n rival Internet Auction Co. (IAC), buying nearly 3 million shares of the Korean online trading company for 125,000 Korean won (about US$125) per share. | |||
* In November 2004, eBay acquired Marktplaats.nl for €225 million. This was a Dutch competitor which had an 80% market share in the ], by concentrating more on small ads than actual auctions. Marktplaats is the Dutch word for ]. | |||
* On ] ], eBay acquired ] for $415 million in cash (original deal was for $385 million of the amount in eBay stock plus $30 million in cash). | |||
* In May 2005, eBay acquired ], a network of UK local city classifieds sites. | |||
* On ] ], eBay acquired the Spanish classifieds site ]. | |||
* In June 2005, eBay acquired ], an online comparison site for $635 million. | |||
* At the end of June 2005, eBay acquired the German language classifieds site Opus Forum. | |||
* In September 2005, eBay bought ], a ] company, for $2.6 billion in stock and cash. | |||
* In April 2006, eBay invested $2 million in the ] social networking site.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://techtaxi.blogspot.com/2006/04/ebay-ventures-into-social-networking.html | title= Ebay ventures into social networking | publisher=blogspot.com | accessdate=2006-06-17}}</ref> | |||
* In April 2006, eBay acquired ], Sweden's leading online auction-style marketplace for $48 Million. | |||
* In August 2006, eBay announced international cooperation with ]. Financial details have not been disclosed by either party.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/09/03/business/webads.php | title= Search Ads: Spreading the Word | publisher=iht.com | accessdate=2006-06-26}}</ref> | |||
* In February 2007, eBay acquired online ticket marketplace ] for $307 million. | |||
* In May 2007, eBay acquired a minority stake in ]. | |||
* In May 2007, eBay acquired the website ] for approximately $75 million. <ref>{{cite web | url=http://investor.ebay.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=246467 | title= eBay Investor Message | publisher=ebay.com | accessdate=2007-09-10}}</ref> | |||
* In October 2007 eBay wrote off $1.43 billion of its investment in Skype, admitting that it "drastically overpaid" for the company.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/18/technology/18ebay.html?_r=1&n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/People/S/Stone,%20Brad&oref=slogin | title= EBay Reports 3rd-Quarter Growth, With Some Blemishes | accessdate=2007-11-17}}</ref> | |||
In January 2015, eBay acquired Vivanuncios, a ] website in Mexico.<ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.ebayinc.com/stories/news/ebay-classifieds-expands-mexico-acquires-vivanuncios/ |title=eBay Classifieds Expands in Mexico, Acquires Vivanuncios |publisher=eBay |date=January 28, 2015 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208150720/https://www.ebayinc.com/stories/news/ebay-classifieds-expands-mexico-acquires-vivanuncios/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2015, eBay sold its stake in Craigslist back to the company, ending the litigation.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanmac/2015/06/19/ebay-ends-ties-with-craigslist-sells-minority-stake-back-to-craigslist/ |title=EBay Ends Ties With Craigslist, Sells Minority Stake Back To Craigslist |first=Ryan |last=Mac |work=] |date=June 19, 2015 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207232131/https://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanmac/2015/06/19/ebay-ends-ties-with-craigslist-sells-minority-stake-back-to-craigslist/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.inc.com/associated-press/ebay-sells-stake-back-to-craigslist.html |title=EBay Sells Stake Back to Craigslist |agency=] |work=] |date=June 19, 2015 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207205258/https://www.inc.com/associated-press/ebay-sells-stake-back-to-craigslist.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://fortune.com/2015/06/19/ebay-craigslist-stake-buy/ |title=eBay sells a coveted prize back to Craigslist, ending long legal tussle |first=LEENA |last=RAO |work=] |date=June 19, 2015 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180528/https://fortune.com/2015/06/19/ebay-craigslist-stake-buy/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ebay-sells-craigslist-stake-back-to-craigslist-1434730678 |title=EBay Divests Craigslist Stake, Ends Litigation |first=Greg |last=Bensinger |work=] |date=June 19, 2015 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=June 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620022758/http://www.wsj.com/articles/ebay-sells-craigslist-stake-back-to-craigslist-1434730678 |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2015, eBay sold a portion of its stake in ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.vox.com/2015/8/18/11617770/ebay-sells-part-of-its-stake-in-snapdeal-the-alibaba-of-india |title=eBay Sells Part of Its Stake in Snapdeal, the Alibaba of India |first=Jason |last=Del Rey |work=] |date=August 18, 2015 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180640/https://www.vox.com/2015/8/18/11617770/ebay-sells-part-of-its-stake-in-snapdeal-the-alibaba-of-india |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/ebay-foxconn-snapdeal-idUKL3N10T3LK20150818/ |title=eBay cuts stake in India's Snapdeal; Foxconn unit invests $200 mln |first1=Nivedita |last1=Bhattacharjee |first2=J.R. |last2=Wu |work=] |date=August 18, 2015 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207210953/https://www.reuters.com/article/ebay-foxconn-snapdeal-idUKL3N10T3LK20150818/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2015, Propay and ] were eliminated as payment methods on the eBay website, citing low usage.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.retaildive.com/news/update-ebay-bans-paypal-payment-rivals/404915/ |title=UPDATE: eBay bans PayPal payment rivals |first=Daphne |last=Howland |work=] |date=September 1, 2015 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207224142/https://www.retaildive.com/news/update-ebay-bans-paypal-payment-rivals/404915/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
==Controversy and criticisms== | |||
eBay has its share of controversy, ranging from its ] policy (eBay typically turns over user information to law enforcement without a ]){{Fact|date=February 2007}} to well-publicized seller ]. eBay claims that their data shows that less than .01% of all transactions result in a confirmed case of fraud. However, eBay states that their stated fraud statistic both undercounts and overcounts fraud.<ref> </ref> | |||
] and eBay entered into a strategic partnership in July 2017 under which eBay acquired a 5.44% stake in Flipkart in exchange for the contribution of its India business unit valued at $211 million and a $514 million cash investment in Flipkart. Flipkart launched a program to allow its sellers to sell to customers globally in partnership with eBay. eBay reported a gain of $167 million on the sale of its India operations.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.livemint.com/Companies/RjjyJUShEtiZ2DjgzUBczM/Flipkart-to-buy-eBay-India-as-part-of-14-billion-fundrais.html |title=Flipkart to buy eBay India as part of $1.4 billion fund-raising deal |last1=Dalal |first1=Mihir |first2=Anirban |last2=Sen |work=] |date=April 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163616/https://www.livemint.com/Companies/RjjyJUShEtiZ2DjgzUBczM/Flipkart-to-buy-eBay-India-as-part-of-14-billion-fundrais.html |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/10/flipkart-1-4-billion/ |title=Flipkart raises $1.4 billion from eBay, Microsoft and Tencent at an $11.6 billion valuation |last=Russell |first=Jon |work=] |date=April 10, 2017 |archive-date=September 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908185910/https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/10/flipkart-1-4-billion/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/flipkarts-products-now-available-to-global-customers/articleshow/60156163.cms |title=Flipkart's products now available to global customers |work=] |date=August 21, 2017 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207210753/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/flipkarts-products-now-available-to-global-customers/articleshow/60156163.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/ebay-secures-5-4-stake-in-flipkart/articleshow/61214571.cms |title=eBay secures 5.4% stake in Flipkart |first=Varsha |last=Bansal |work=] |date=October 25, 2017 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207215700/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/ebay-secures-5-4-stake-in-flipkart/articleshow/61214571.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2018, eBay sold its stake in Flipkart to ] and relaunched its operations in India.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Companies/eBay-to-relaunch-India-operations-after-earning-1.1-billion-from-Flipkart-stake |title=eBay to relaunch India operations after earning $1.1 billion from Flipkart stake |work=] |date=May 10, 2018 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207215702/https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Companies/eBay-to-relaunch-India-operations-after-earning-1.1-billion-from-Flipkart-stake |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2017, eBay shut ].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://wrrv.com/half-com-shutting-down-where-to-buy-used-cds-dvds-books/ |title=Half.com Shutting Down, Where to Buy Used CD's, DVD's & Books? |author=Brandi |work=] |date=August 8, 2017 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208103726/https://wrrv.com/half-com-shutting-down-where-to-buy-used-cds-dvds-books/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2017, eBay released ] capability allowing users to find listings on the site that match an item depicted in a photo, using ] and ] technologies.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/10/26/ebay-launches-visual-search-tools-that-let-you-shop-using-photos-from-your-phone-or-web/ |title=eBay launches visual search tools that let you shop using photos from your phone or web |first=Sarah |last=Perez |work=] |date=October 26, 2017 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207233351/https://techcrunch.com/2017/10/26/ebay-launches-visual-search-tools-that-let-you-shop-using-photos-from-your-phone-or-web/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/07/26/ebay-to-launch-visual-search-tools-for-finding-products-using-photos-from-your-phone-or-web/ |title=Ebay to launch visual search tools for finding products using photos from your phone or web |first=Sarah |last=Perez |work=] |date=July 26, 2017 |archive-date=August 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817195326/https://techcrunch.com/2017/07/26/ebay-to-launch-visual-search-tools-for-finding-products-using-photos-from-your-phone-or-web/ |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==Fraud== | |||
On January 31, 2018, eBay announced that it would replace PayPal as its primary payments provider with Netherlands-based start-up ], resulting in lower costs and more control of merchants.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/01/why-ebay-abandoned-paypal-for-a-smaller-european-competitor.html |title=Why eBay abandoned PayPal for a smaller European competitor |last=Browne |first=Ryan |work=] |date=February 1, 2018 |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109022838/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/01/why-ebay-abandoned-paypal-for-a-smaller-european-competitor.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2018, eBay acquired the Japanese e-commerce platform ] for $573 million.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/20/ebay-qoo10/ |title=EBay paid $573M to buy Japanese e-commerce platform Qoo10, filing reveals |first1=Ingrid |last1=Lunden |first2=Jon |last2=Russell |work=] |date=July 20, 2018 |archive-date=August 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817200935/https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/20/ebay-qoo10/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.ebayinc.com/stories/news/ebay-completes-acquisition-of-giosis-japan-business/ |title=eBay Completes Acquisition of Giosis' Japan Business |website=ebayinc.com |date=May 2, 2018 |archive-date=September 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927180932/https://www.ebayinc.com/stories/news/ebay-completes-acquisition-of-giosis-japan-business/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2018, eBay announced support for ] as well as a partnership with ] for seller financing loans of up to $100,000.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/24/ebay-to-add-support-for-apple-pay-partners-with-square-capital-on-seller-financing/ |title=Ebay to add support for Apple Pay, partners with Square Capital on seller financing |first=Sarah |last=Perez |work=] |date=July 24, 2018 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207215659/https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/24/ebay-to-add-support-for-apple-pay-partners-with-square-capital-on-seller-financing/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-24/ebay-to-accept-apple-pay-and-offer-merchant-loans-with-square |title=EBay to Accept Apple Pay and Offer Merchant Loans With Square |first=Spencer |last=Soper |work=] |date=July 24, 2018 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130151530/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-24/ebay-to-accept-apple-pay-and-offer-merchant-loans-with-square |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2018, in response to the ], eBay announced plans to install a security fence around the perimeter of its San Jose headquarters to protect employees.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/09/21/ebay-to-install-fencing-at-san-jose-hq-to-protect-employees/ |last1=Depuy |first1=Emily |title=eBay to install fencing at San Jose HQ to protect employees |work=] |date=September 21, 2018 |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414152924/https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/09/21/ebay-to-install-fencing-at-san-jose-hq-to-protect-employees/ |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
One mechanism eBay uses to combat ] is its feedback system. Before eBay's January 29th, 2008 policy change announcement, at the end of every transaction, both the buyer and seller had the option of rating each other. Both parties had the ability to rate each other and the experience as a "positive", "negative", or "neutral" rating and leave a comment no longer than 80 characters. As of incoming CEO's John Donahoe's announcement however, the option for sellers to leave anything other than positive feedback to buyers was removed.<ref>http://blog.auctionbytes.com/cgi-bin/blog/blog.pl?/comments/2008/1/1201611437.html</ref> | |||
In March 2019, the company paid its first ] following investor pressure to improve shareholder return.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thomas |first=Patrick |date=January 29, 2019 |title=EBay to Pay Its First-Ever Dividend |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ebay-to-pay-its-first-ever-dividend-11548800151 |work=] |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124064924/https://www.wsj.com/articles/ebay-to-pay-its-first-ever-dividend-11548800151 |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 31, 2019, the company acquired a 5.59% stake in Paytm Mall.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/internet/ettech-top-5-ebay-buys-stake-in-paytm-mall-e-comm-sales-boom-despite-lower-discounts-more/articleshow/70269780.cms |title=Tech Top 5: EBay buys stake in Paytm Mall, E-comm sales boom despite lower discounts & more |newspaper=] |date=July 18, 2019 |archive-date=August 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811014419/https://tech.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/internet/ettech-top-5-ebay-buys-stake-in-paytm-mall-e-comm-sales-boom-despite-lower-discounts-more/70269780 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/ebay-logs-into-paytm-mall-with-5-5-stake-eyes-pie-of-online-retail-1563420493902.html |title=eBay logs into Paytm Mall with 5.5% stake, eyes pie of online retail |first=Deepti |last=Chaudhary |work=] |date=July 18, 2019 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117173406/https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/ebay-logs-into-paytm-mall-with-5-5-stake-eyes-pie-of-online-retail-1563420493902.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2019, facing pressure from ] ], ] resigned as CEO. ], senior vice president and chief financial officer since 2015, was appointed as the interim CEO.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/ebay-ceo-idINKBN1WA1S8/ |title=EBay CEO steps down, cites differences with board |first1=Amal |last1=S |first2=Vibhuti |last2=Sharma |work=] |date=September 25, 2019 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207211303/https://www.reuters.com/article/ebay-ceo-idINKBN1WA1S8/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/25/ebay-ceo-devin-wenig-is-stepping-down-as-the-company-continues-review-of-potential-sale-of-assets.html |title=eBay CEO Devin Wenig is stepping down as the company continues review of potential sale of assets |last=Kim |first=Jasmine |work=] |date=September 25, 2019 |archive-date=November 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104120726/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/25/ebay-ceo-devin-wenig-is-stepping-down-as-the-company-continues-review-of-potential-sale-of-assets.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2019, eBay agreed to sell StubHub to ] for $4.05 billion in cash; the sale was completed in February 2020.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rubin |first=Ben Fox |title=eBay is selling StubHub tickets marketplace to Viagogo for $4 billion |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/ebay-is-selling-stubhub-tickets-marketplace-to-viagogo-for-4-billion/ |work=] |date=November 25, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223131310/https://www.cnet.com/news/ebay-is-selling-stubhub-tickets-marketplace-to-viagogo-for-4-billion/ |archive-date=December 23, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-completes-sale-of-stubhub-301004896.html |title=eBay Completes Sale of StubHub |publisher=] |date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207213618/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-completes-sale-of-stubhub-301004896.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/noahkirsch/2020/05/27/worst-deal-ever/ |title=The Worst Deal Ever: The Inside Story Of The Epically Bad |first=Noah |last=Kirsch |work=] |date=May 27, 2020 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=February 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213211719/https://www.forbes.com/sites/noahkirsch/2020/05/27/worst-deal-ever/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Weaknesses of the feedback system include:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.smallbizresource.com/document.asp?doc_id=112917 |title=eBay Feedback: Fatally Flawed?}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sfbayguardian.com/printable_entry.php?entry_id=2720 |title=San Francisco Bay Guardian - Bias on eBay}}</ref> | |||
* Small and large transactions carry the same weight in the feedback summary. It is therefore easy for a dishonest user to initially build up a deceptive positive rating by buying or selling a number of very low value items, such as ]s, recipes, etc., then subsequently switching to fraud. | |||
* A user may be reluctant to leave honest feedback out of fear of negative retaliatory feedback (including "negative" in retaliation for "neutral"). | |||
* Users and generators of feedback may have different ideas about what it means. eBay offers virtually no guidelines. | |||
* Feedback and responses to feedback are allotted only 80 characters each. This can prevent users from being able to fully list valid complaints. | |||
* Although eBay protects sellers from getting a negative feedback from a deadbeat buyer when the deadbeat buyer/bidder did not respond to Unpaid Item dispute, they do not offer the same protection for a buyer who gets a deadbeat seller. | |||
===2020s=== | |||
eBay acknowledges weaknesses in its feedback system on its own policy pages, noting several of the above points.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/feedback-ov.html |title=eBay.com Feedback Policies - Overview}}</ref> | |||
In April 2020, ] became the CEO of the company.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/13/walmart-executive-jamie-iannone-picked-as-ebays-new-ceo.html |last=Repko |first=Melissa |title=Walmart executive picked as eBay's new CEO |work=] |date=April 13, 2020 |archive-date=July 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730220004/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/13/walmart-executive-jamie-iannone-picked-as-ebays-new-ceo.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2020, ] and ] resigned from the ] of the company; both had been directors since 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1065088/000120677420001664/ebay3755791-def14a.htm |title=Ebay Inc. Schedule 14A Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. ) |publisher=] |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207204845/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1065088/000120677420001664/ebay3755791-def14a.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2020, eBay sold its ] business to Adevinta for $2.5 billion in cash and 540 million shares of Adevinta. To gain regulatory approval, ] was further divested. eBay sold its shares in Adevinta in 2023, when that company was acquired by ]s.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/21/ebay-to-gain-2-2b-from-sales-of-its-shares-in-classified-biz-adevinta/ |title=eBay to gain $2.2B from sales of its shares in classified biz Adevinta |first=Sarah |last=Perez |work=] |date=November 21, 2023 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=February 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202113153/https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/21/ebay-to-gain-2-2b-from-sales-of-its-shares-in-classified-biz-adevinta/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ebay-classifieds-m-a/adevinta-wins-auction-to-buy-ebays-classified-ads-unit-for-nearly-9-billion-idUKKCN24L0ID |title=Adevinta wins auction to buy eBay's classified ads unit for nearly $9 billion |last1=Barbaglia |first1=Pamela |first2=Greg |last2=Roumeliotis |date=July 20, 2020 |work=] |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408063746/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ebay-classifieds-m-a/adevinta-wins-auction-to-buy-ebays-classified-ads-unit-for-nearly-9-billion-idUKKCN24L0ID |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/adevinta-ebay-clear-final-hurdle-13-bln-advertising-tie-up-2021-06-18/ |title=Adevinta, eBay clear final hurdle in $13 bln advertising tie-up |last=Solsvik |first=Terje |work=] |date=June 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618092406/https://www.reuters.com/business/adevinta-ebay-clear-final-hurdle-13-bln-advertising-tie-up-2021-06-18/ |archive-date=June 18, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In September 2020, ] resigned from the board of directors, after resigning as chairman in 2015.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ebay-founder-pierre-omidyar-steps-down-from-board-11599781715 |title=EBay Founder Pierre Omidyar Steps Down From Board |work=] |last=Armental |first=Maria |date=September 10, 2020 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=December 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219120221/https://www.wsj.com/articles/ebay-founder-pierre-omidyar-steps-down-from-board-11599781715?mod=business_major_pos7 |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2021, eBay sold its South Korean business to ] for $3 billion.<ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-completes-transfer-of-its-businesses-in-korea-to-emart-301423649.html |title=eBay Completes Transfer of its Businesses in Korea to Emart |publisher=] |date=November 14, 2021 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208103724/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-completes-transfer-of-its-businesses-in-korea-to-emart-301423649.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.techinasia.com/report-emart-buy-ebays-south-korean-business-3b |title=Report: E-Mart to buy majority of Ebay's South Korean business for $3b |first=Deepti |last=Sri |work=] |date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207205618/https://www.techinasia.com/report-emart-buy-ebays-south-korean-business-3b |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
When a user feels that a seller or buyer has been dishonest, a dispute can be filed with eBay. An eBay account (whether seller, buyer or both) may be suspended if there are too many complaints against the account holder. | |||
In May 2022, eBay acquired a stake in ] and became the preferred secondary marketplace for Funko.<ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-chernin-group-led-consortium-to-acquire-263-million-in-funko-a-leading-pop-culture-lifestyle-brand-301541298.html |title=The Chernin Group-Led Consortium to Acquire $263 Million in Funko, a Leading Pop Culture Lifestyle Brand |publisher=] |date=May 5, 2022 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=February 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203200058/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-chernin-group-led-consortium-to-acquire-263-million-in-funko-a-leading-pop-culture-lifestyle-brand-301541298.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2022, the company acquired KnownOrigin, a marketplace for ]s.<ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-acquires-leading-nft-marketplace-knownorigin-301573028.html |title=eBay Acquires Leading NFT Marketplace, KnownOrigin |publisher=] |date=June 22, 2022 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207213618/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-acquires-leading-nft-marketplace-knownorigin-301573028.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/06/22/ebay-acquires-nft-marketplace-knownorigin/ |title=eBay acquires NFT marketplace KnownOrigin for an undisclosed sum |first=Aisha |last=Malik |work=] |date=June 22, 2022 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207213914/https://techcrunch.com/2022/06/22/ebay-acquires-nft-marketplace-knownorigin/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2022, the company acquired the myFitment group of companies, specializing in online sales of automotive and powersports parts and accessories.<ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-acquires-the-myfitment-group-of-companies-to-enhance-part-and-accessories-listing-experience-301611024.html |title=eBay Acquires the myFitment Group of Companies to Enhance Part and Accessories Listing Experience |publisher=] |date=August 23, 2022 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116133257/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-acquires-the-myfitment-group-of-companies-to-enhance-part-and-accessories-listing-experience-301611024.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2022, the company acquired ], a marketplace for collectible card games, for up to $295 million.<ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-acquires-tcgplayer-301663370.html |title=eBay Acquires TCGplayer |publisher=] |date=October 31, 2022 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207205658/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-acquires-tcgplayer-301663370.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/22/ebay-acquiring-trading-card-marketplace-tcgplayer-295m/ |title=eBay is acquiring trading card marketplace TCGplayer for up to $295M |first=Aisha |last=Malik |work=] |date=August 22, 2022 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207220822/https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/22/ebay-acquiring-trading-card-marketplace-tcgplayer-295m/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Originally, feedback could be left for a seller or buyer whether or not it involved a transaction and could be left multiple times by the same person. While one upside is it allowed people to offset feedback in case of fortune reversals (as feedback can never be edited or retracted once it is left) and has even allowed people to leave feedback for a seller or buyer simply for answering a question, the downside of this more than offset it as it allowed people to flame others or try to ruin credibility (as every feedback also counted towards one's rating, no matter what). Eventually, one could only leave feedback if they won an auction, and only one feedback message could be left per transaction. | |||
In July 2023, the company acquired Certiligo, a provider of ]-powered digital IDs and authentication for apparel and fashion goods.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-acquires-certilogo-301874120.html |title=eBay Acquires Certilogo |publisher=] |date=July 11, 2023 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118131026/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-acquires-certilogo-301874120.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/07/11/ebay-acquires-product-authentication-company-certilogo/ |title=eBay acquires AI-powered product authentication company Certilogo |first=Aisha |last=Malik |work=] |date=July 11, 2023 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=February 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202113157/https://techcrunch.com/2023/07/11/ebay-acquires-product-authentication-company-certilogo/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2024, the company announced plans to lay off 9% of its workforce after hiring outpaced growth projections.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vanian |first=Jonathan |date=2024-01-24 |title=EBay to eliminate about 1,000 jobs, or 9% of full-time workforce |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/23/ebay-to-slash-about-1000-roles-or-approximately-9percent-of-full-time-employees.html |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=February 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224064100/https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/23/ebay-to-slash-about-1000-roles-or-approximately-9percent-of-full-time-employees.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
EBay allows Mystery Box and Mystery Envelope auctions, however these are almost all fraudulent auctions because the seller can manipulate the box contents to make sure it is never a good deal for the buyer.<ref>Scams And Scoundrels Book ISBN-13: 978-0-9774760-2-2</ref> Mystery Envelope auctions offer cash prizes of an undisclosed amount to auction winners. The auction winner usually receives from 10% to 30% of the money they paid for the auction back in 'winnings'.<ref>Scams And Scoundrels Book ISBN-13: 978-0-9774760-2-2 Chapter 8</ref> Mystery Envelope auctions are considered by many to be illegal lotteries.{{Fact|date=February 2008}} This was also the case with auctions for "repackaging" of ] cards (such as ] or ]) with the promise that one of the repackages has an expensive rare card.{{Fact|date=February 2008}} | |||
===Financial history=== | |||
Professional scammers target new members to take advantage of their unfamiliarity with how eBay or PayPal work.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.paypal-scam.com.com/ |title=PayPal-Scam.com}}</ref> New members can be easily tricked into thinking there is a special website they should make payments through(which is in fact a fake site setup by a scammer) or they may be tricked more easily into using a fake escrow company. | |||
{| class="wikitable float-left" style="text-align: right;" | |||
!Year | |||
!Revenue<br />in mil. USD$ | |||
!Net income<br />in mil. USD$ | |||
!Total Assets<br />in mil. USD$ | |||
!Price per Share<br />in USD$ | |||
!Employees | |||
|- | |||
|2005<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2005.pdf |title=2005 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804111509/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2005.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|4,552 | |||
|1,082 | |||
|11,789 | |||
|15.65 | |||
|11,600 | |||
|- | |||
|2006<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2006.pdf |title=2006 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=October 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011055917/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2006.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|5,970 | |||
|1,126 | |||
|13,494 | |||
|13.00 | |||
|13,200 | |||
|- | |||
|2007<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2007.pdf |title=2007 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805024553/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2007.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|7,672 | |||
|348 | |||
|15,366 | |||
|13.25 | |||
|15,500 | |||
|- | |||
|2008<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2008.pdf |title=2008 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804085943/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2008.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|8,541 | |||
|1,779 | |||
|15,592 | |||
|9.58 | |||
|16,200 | |||
|- | |||
|2009<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2009.pdf |title=2009 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021212559/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2009.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|8,727 | |||
| 2,389 | |||
|18,408 | |||
|7.29 | |||
|16,400 | |||
|- | |||
|2010<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2010.pdf |title=2010 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805081243/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2010.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|9,156 | |||
| 1,801 | |||
|22,004 | |||
|9.68 | |||
|17,700 | |||
|- | |||
|2011<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2011.pdf |title=2011 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804120716/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2011.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|11,652 | |||
|3,229 | |||
|27,320 | |||
|12.28 | |||
|27,770 | |||
|- | |||
|2012<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2012.pdf |title=2012 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805080416/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2012.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|14,072 | |||
|2,609 | |||
|37,074 | |||
|16.61 | |||
|31,500 | |||
|- | |||
|2013<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2013.pdf |title=2013 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804125552/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2013.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|16,047 | |||
|2,856 | |||
|41,488 | |||
|21.03 | |||
|33,500 | |||
|- | |||
|2014<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2014.pdf |title=2014 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805020814/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2014.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|8,790 | |||
|46 | |||
|45,132 | |||
|21.01 | |||
|34,600 | |||
|- | |||
|2015<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2015.pdf |title=2015 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026042555/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2015.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|8,592 | |||
| 1,725 | |||
|17,755 | |||
|25.00 | |||
|11,600 | |||
|- | |||
|2016<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2016.pdf |title=2016 Annual Report |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026043650/https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/e/NASDAQ_EBAY_2016.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|8,979 | |||
|7,266 | |||
|23,847 | |||
|27.08 | |||
|12,600 | |||
|- | |||
|2017<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://investors.ebayinc.com/financial-information/annual-reports/default.aspx |title=eBay Inc. - Financial Information - Annual Reports |publisher=eBay |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020200301/https://investors.ebayinc.com/financial-information/annual-reports/default.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|9,567 | |||
|(1,016) | |||
|25,981 | |||
|35.06 | |||
|14,100 | |||
|- | |||
|2018<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1065088/000106508819000006/ebay201810-k.htm |title=eBay Inc. 2018 Annual Report (Form 10-K) |publisher=] |archive-date=August 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820112046/https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1065088/000106508819000006/ebay201810-k.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|10,746 | |||
|2,530 | |||
|22,819 | |||
|34.31 | |||
|14,000 | |||
|- | |||
|2019<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ebay.q4cdn.com/610426115/files/doc_financials/2019/ar/2019-Annual-Report-(3).pdf |title=eBay, Inc. 2019 Annual Report (Form 10-K) |date=January 2020 |publisher=eBay |access-date=June 11, 2023 |archive-date=September 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926064713/https://ebay.q4cdn.com/610426115/files/doc_financials/2019/ar/2019-Annual-Report-(3).pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|10,800 | |||
|1,792 | |||
|18,174 | |||
|35.50 | |||
|13,300 | |||
|- | |||
|2020<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001065088/000106508821000006/ebay-20201231.htm |title=eBay Inc. 2020 Annual Report (Form 10-K) |website=sec.gov |language=en-US |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-date=April 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428063751/https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001065088/000106508821000006/ebay-20201231.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
|8,894 | |||
|5,667 | |||
|19,310 | |||
| | |||
|12,700 | |||
|- | |||
|2021<ref name=10K/> | |||
|10,420 | |||
|13,608 | |||
|26,626 | |||
| | |||
|10,800 | |||
|- | |||
|2022<ref name=10K/> | |||
|9,790 | |||
|(1,270) | |||
|20,850 | |||
| | |||
|11,600 | |||
|} | |||
==Philanthropy and charity auctions== | |||
Many complaints have been made about eBay's system of dealing with fraud, leading to its being featured on the British consumer rights television program '']''. It is also regularly featured in '']'''s Consumer Awareness page. The complaints are generally that eBay sometimes fails to respond when a claim is made. Since eBay makes its money on commissions from listings and sales, it may not be in eBay's interest to take action against large sellers. {{Fact|date=March 2007}} | |||
Using ] as an arbiter, eBay allows sellers to donate a portion of their auction proceeds to a charity of the seller's choice and charges discounted fees for charity auctions.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://thenextweb.com/apps/2015/06/09/ebay-update-adds-a-sell-for-charity-option-for-us-and-uk-markets/ |title=eBay update adds a Sell for Charity option for US and UK markets |work=] |first=Jackie |last=Dove |date=June 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924051045/https://thenextweb.com/apps/2015/06/09/ebay-update-adds-a-sell-for-charity-option-for-us-and-uk-markets/ |archive-date=September 24, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
High-profile charity auctions facilitated via eBay include the "Power Lunch" with investor ] for 8 people at the ] restaurant in New York City, with all of the proceeds going to the ]. Auctions were held annually in 21 years between 2000 and 2022, with no auctions in 2020 and 2021 due to the ]. In total, auctions on eBay for lunch with Buffett raised $53.2 million for the Glide Foundation, with winning bids ranging from $2 million to as high as $19 million for the final auction in 2022.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/buffett-lunch-auction-idUSN1115876120100612/ |title=UPDATE 1-Warren Buffett lunch sells for $2.63 mln on eBay |first1=Elinor |last1=Comlay |first2=Jonathan |last2=Stempel |work=] |date=June 11, 2010 |archive-date=January 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102221610/http://www.reuters.com/article/buffett-lunch-auction-idUSN1115876120100612 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna47771586 |title=Cost to lunch with Warren Buffett: $3.5 million |agency=] |work=] |date=June 9, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208090946/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna47771586 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/bidding-tops-123-mln-warren-buffett-charity-lunch-2022-06-17/ |title=Warren Buffett charity lunch fetches winning bid of $19 million |first=Jonathan |last=Stempel |work=] |date=June 18, 2022 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=November 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103120834/https://www.reuters.com/business/bidding-tops-123-mln-warren-buffett-charity-lunch-2022-06-17/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2022/06/20/warren-buffett-ebay-auction-lunch/7681611001/ |title=How much does lunch with Warren Buffett cost? Just $19 million. |first=Natalie Neysa |last=Alund |work=] |date=June 20, 2022 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208061552/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2022/06/20/warren-buffett-ebay-auction-lunch/7681611001/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2024, a charity auction for lunch with ], CEO of ], raised $200,000 plus an additional donation of $1.5 million for the Glide Foundation.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/beyond-buffett-marc-benioff-lunch-auction-sf-glide-foundation/ | title=Beyond Buffett: Marc Benioff lunch auction raises $1.5M for S.F. Glide Foundation | work=] | date=May 11, 2024}}</ref> | |||
Frauds that can be committed by sellers include: | |||
* Receiving payment and not shipping merchandise | |||
* Shipping items other than those described | |||
* Giving a deliberately misleading description | |||
* Knowingly and deliberately shipping faulty merchandise | |||
* ] or ] merchandise | |||
* Knowingly selling stolen goods | |||
* Inflating total bid amounts by bidding on their own auction with "]" account(s), either the seller under an alternate account or another person in collusion with the seller. Shill bidding is prohibited by eBay and, in at least one high-profile case involving ] (and his accomplices ] and Scott Beach) has been prosecuted by the ] as criminal fraud. | |||
* Misrepresenting the cost of shipping, or shipping at a slower service than that paid for.<ref>"", Daniel Rutter, retrieved 3rd December 2007.</ref> | |||
Also benefitting charity, a letter sent to Mark P. Mays, CEO of ] by Senator ] and forty other ] senators, complaining about comments made by conservative talk show host ], sold for $2,100,100, with all of the proceeds going to the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation, benefiting the education of children of men and women who have died serving in the armed forces. The winning bid was matched by Limbaugh.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/20/washington/20letter.html |title=Critical Letter to Limbaugh Fetches $2 Million |work=] |first=Stephanie |last=Strom |date=October 20, 2007 |url-access=limited |archive-date=November 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124174941/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/20/washington/20letter.html?em&ex=1193025600&en=044964c8f9169d02&ei=5087 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Frauds committed by buyers include: | |||
* ] fraud: Filing false shipping damage claim with the shipping company and with PayPal. | |||
* ] fraud, in the form of both stolen credit cards and fraudulent chargebacks. | |||
* Receiving merchandise and claiming otherwise | |||
* Returning items other than received | |||
* The buyer sends a forged payment-service e-mail which states that the buyer has made a payment to the seller's account. An unsuspecting seller may ship the item before realizing the e-mail was forged. | |||
In 2022, more than $163 million was raised for charities via the platform.<ref name=10K/> | |||
Combatting fraud: | |||
* Third party businesses, such as CheckMEND, are compiling lists of stolen goods from local authorities and businesses so eBay consumers can check to see whether the goods they are buying are stolen. | |||
* Third party software is available which will alert users if they are tricked into going to a spoof website such as the MyLittleMole Toolbar which is free.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mylittlemole.com/ |title=MyLittleMole Toolbar}}</ref> Use of such software could potentially eliminate eBay account hijacking. | |||
==Stalking scandal== | |||
===Other controversial practices of users=== | |||
{{main|eBay stalking scandal}} | |||
*Sellers of inexpensive items may benefit from inflating the shipping cost while lowering the starting price for their auctions,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bepress.com/bejeap/advances/vol6/iss2/art3 | title=...Plus Shipping and Handling: Revenue (Non) Equivalence in Field Experiments on eBay | publisher=Berkeley Electronic Press | accessdate=2006-06-26}}</ref> because some buyers overlook the shipping cost when calculating the amount they are willing to spend. Since eBay charges their fees based on final sales price without including shipping, this allows sellers to reduce the amount they pay eBay in fees (and also allows buyers to reduce or avoid import fees and sales taxes). This is called "fee avoidance", and is prohibited by eBay policy,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/listing-circumventing.html | title=Circumventing Fees | publisher=eBay | accessdate=2006-06-11}}</ref> as are excessive shipping and handling charges.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/listing-shipping.html | title=Excessive Shipping & Handling | publisher=eBay | accessdate=2006-06-11}}</ref> A danger to the buyer in such cases is that in the event of defective merchandise, the seller may claim to have met his refund obligations by returning only the minimal purchase price and not the shipping costs. | |||
In June 2020, five employees were terminated and were subject to charges of ] after they were accused of targeting Ina and David Steiner, the editors and publishers of EcommerceBytes, a newsletter that eBay executives viewed as critical of the company. In addition to sending harassing messages and ], the defendants "ordered anonymous and disturbing deliveries to the victims’ home, including a preserved fetal pig, a bloody pig Halloween mask, a funeral wreath, a book on surviving the loss of a spouse, and pornography". The defendants also vandalized the couple's home in ].<ref>{{cite press release |title=eBay Inc. Issues Statement Regarding Indictments of Previously Terminated Employees |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ebay-inc-issues-statement-regarding-indictments-of-previously-terminated-employees-301076948.html |publisher=] |date=June 15, 2020 |archive-date=December 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206155643/https://www.ebayinc.com/stories/news/ebay-inc-issues-statement-regarding-indictments-of-previously-terminated-employees/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/15/21291666/ebay-employees-arrested-journalist-harassment |title=Former eBay security director arrested for harassing journalist with live cockroaches |last=Robertson |first=Adi |work=] |date=June 15, 2020 |archive-date=November 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106092350/https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/15/21291666/ebay-employees-arrested-journalist-harassment |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/06/15/metro/six-former-ebay-employees-charged-federal-cyberstalking-case-targeting-natick-couple/ |title='We are going to crush this lady': Six former eBay employees charged in federal cyberstalking case targeting Natick couple |work=] |date=June 15, 2020 |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027154507/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/06/15/metro/six-former-ebay-employees-charged-federal-cyberstalking-case-targeting-natick-couple/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=6 eBay Employees Charged With Sending Bloody Pig Mask To Natick Couple |url=https://boston.cbslocal.com/2020/06/15/ebay-employees-arrested-u-s-attorney-andrew-lelling-cyberstalking/ |work=] |date=June 15, 2020 |archive-date=December 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215233616/https://boston.cbslocal.com/2020/06/15/ebay-employees-arrested-u-s-attorney-andrew-lelling-cyberstalking/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=Six Former eBay Employees Charged with Aggressive Cyberstalking Campaign Targeting Natick Couple |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/six-former-ebay-employees-charged-aggressive-cyberstalking-campaign-targeting-natick |publisher=] |date=June 15, 2020 |archive-date=December 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213022326/https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/six-former-ebay-employees-charged-aggressive-cyberstalking-campaign-targeting-natick |url-status=live}}</ref> The conspirators pleaded guilty and most were sentenced to prison terms.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/former-ebay-employee-sentenced-aggressive-cyberstalking-campaign |title=Former eBay Employee Sentenced for Aggressive Cyberstalking Campaign |publisher=] |date=November 3, 2022 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130050032/https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/former-ebay-employee-sentenced-aggressive-cyberstalking-campaign |url-status=live }}</ref> Wenig, the company's CEO at the time of the harassment campaign, who was frequently targeted by the newsletter, was found by investigators to not have any knowledge about the harassment activities and was not charged. He left the company in September 2019 with a $57 million ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Feds: eBay staff sent spiders, roaches to harass couple |url=https://apnews.com/786117108cdfefb40e691b1b3420c689 |last=Durkin Richer |first=Alanna |work=] |date=June 15, 2020 |archive-date=December 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215233614/https://apnews.com/786117108cdfefb40e691b1b3420c689 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=US attorney details eBay employees' harassment campaign, including live roaches and a pig fetus |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/06/15/us-attorney-details-ebay-employees-harassment-campaign-including-live-roaches-and-a-pig-fetus/ |last=Heater |first=Brian |work=] |date=June 15, 2020 |archive-date=December 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218180231/https://techcrunch.com/2020/06/15/us-attorney-details-ebay-employees-harassment-campaign-including-live-roaches-and-a-pig-fetus/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Inside eBay's Cockroach Cult: The Ghastly Story of a Stalking Scandal |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/26/technology/ebay-cockroaches-stalking-scandal.html |last=Streitfeld |first=David |work=] |date=September 26, 2020 |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926093048/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/26/technology/ebay-cockroaches-stalking-scandal.html |archive-date=September 26, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/four-former-ebay-employees-set-to-plead-guilty-to-cyberstalking-charges-in-us/ |title=Four former eBay employees set to plead guilty to cyberstalking charges in US |last=Kwan |first=Campbell |work=] |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020130146/https://www.zdnet.com/article/four-former-ebay-employees-set-to-plead-guilty-to-cyberstalking-charges-in-us/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Steve Wymer, chief communication officer, who had ties with local politicians, was fired "for cause" for alleged involvement but was not charged and was hired by the local chapter of the ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/investigation-ebay-employees-stalk-harass-couple-60-minutes-transcript-2023-03-26/ |title=Investigation continues after couple became the target of harassment, stalking by eBay employees |work=] |date=March 26, 2023 |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416143248/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/investigation-ebay-employees-stalk-harass-couple-60-minutes-transcript-2023-03-26/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://sanjosespotlight.com/disgraced-ebay-exec-wielded-power-at-san-jose-city-hall/ |title=Disgraced eBay exec wielded power at San Jose City Hall |first1=Brian |last1=Howeyand |first2=Tran |last2=Nguyen |work=San Jose Spotlight |date=January 4, 2023 |archive-date=April 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411201206/https://sanjosespotlight.com/disgraced-ebay-exec-wielded-power-at-san-jose-city-hall/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/16/technology/ebay-cyberstalking-crimes.html |title=At eBay, Lurid Crimes and the Search for Punishment |last=Streitfeld |first=David |work=] |date=September 16, 2022 |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328010250/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/16/technology/ebay-cyberstalking-crimes.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.bgclub.org/news/boys-girls-clubs-of-silicon-valley-names-steve-wymer-president-and-chief-executive-officer/ |title=Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley Names Steve Wymer President and Chief Executive Officer |date=September 10, 2020 |archive-date=March 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328010645/https://www.bgclub.org/news/boys-girls-clubs-of-silicon-valley-names-steve-wymer-president-and-chief-executive-officer/ |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==Criticisms and controversies== | |||
*Sellers sometimes charge fees for use of PayPal as well to cover the fees that PayPal charges them. Although this is officially banned by eBay and PayPal (except in the ]) and is against some local laws as well as violating merchant agreements with ], ], and ] (again, except in the UK), eBay does sometimes police for this and will suspend auctions where the seller requests an additional fee for taking ]. This could lead inexperienced users to pay these illegal and unenforceable fees. | |||
===Fraud=== | |||
Fraud committed by sellers includes selling ] merchandise / ]s, ] bidding (undisclosed vendor bidding that is used to artificially inflate the price of a certain item by either the seller under an alternate account or another person in collusion with the seller), receiving payment and not shipping merchandise, shipping items other than those described, giving a deliberately misleading description or photo, knowingly and deliberately shipping faulty merchandise, denying warranty exchange after pre-agreeing to ] of ] merchandise, knowingly ] (selling stolen goods), misrepresenting the cost of shipping, using bulk shipping prices to knowingly mask much higher costing, individual return shipping, and using pseudo-accounts to make high nonpaying bids on similar items that competitors are selling. eBay has been criticized for not doing enough to combat shill bidding. There are techniques such as ], which let buyers avoid shill bidders.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/10/ebay_and_shill_bidding/ |title=Net sleuth calls eBay on carpet over shill bidding |first=Cade |last=Metz |work=] |date=10 July 2009 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214204235/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/10/ebay_and_shill_bidding/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.rd.com/list/most-common-ebay-scams-to-look-out-for/ |title=10 Most Common eBay Scams to Look Out For |first=Johanna |last=Neeson |work=] |date=September 1, 2023 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209001834/https://www.rd.com/list/most-common-ebay-scams-to-look-out-for/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Fraud committed by buyers includes filing a false shipping damage claim with the shipping company, ] (receiving merchandise and claiming otherwise), returning items other than received, removing parts from an item and returning it for a refund, sending a forged payment-service e-mail that states that he or she has made a payment to the seller's account as proof of payment, making a low bid then using pseudo-accounts to make high nonpaying bids in an attempt at gaining a low second chance offer price, damaging a non-refundable item to get a refund by claiming that the seller sent the item already damaged (in cases of ]), and a ], in which the return package is filled with garbage and sent to the wrong address.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://nordvpn.com/blog/ebay-scams/ |title=Exposing the top 10 eBay scams and how to detect them |first=Saulius |last=Griškėnas |work=] |date=August 16, 2023 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226065038/https://nordvpn.com/blog/ebay-scams/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://us.norton.com/blog/online-scams/ebay-scams |title=17 common eBay scams and how to spot them |first=Clare |last=Stouffer |work=] |date=July 20, 2023 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209015312/https://us.norton.com/blog/online-scams/ebay-scams |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
*] is the process of watching a timed online auction, and placing a winning bid at the last possible moment (often literally seconds before the end of the auction), giving the other bidders no time to outbid the sniper. Some bidders do this manually, and others use online services and software designed for the purpose. While disliked by many eBay users, sniping is not against eBay rules as users are expected to put in their maximum bid from the start and the system will automatically bid up on their behalf. | |||
In 2004, ] filed a lawsuit against eBay claiming that over 70% of the Tiffany silver jewelry offered for sale on eBay was fake and that eBay profited from the sales of ] Tiffany items that infringed on its trademark.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/27/technology/27ebay.html |title=Tiffany and eBay in Fight Over Fakes |last=Hafner |first=Katie |work=] |date=November 27, 2007 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=January 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125163445/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/27/technology/27ebay.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 14, 2008, a ] judge ruled that eBay does not have a legal responsibility to monitor users selling counterfeit items.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/15/technology/15ebay.html?hp |title=Court Clears eBay in Sale of Counterfeit Items |last=Stone |first=Brad |work=] |date=July 14, 2008 |url-access=limited |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=April 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421153742/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/15/technology/15ebay.html?hp |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2010, the Second Circuit affirmed this decision in '']''<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.finnegan.com/en/insights/articles/the-second-circuit-s-decision-in-tiffany-v-ebay.html |title=The Second Circuit's Decision in Tiffany v. eBay |first1=Mark |last1=Sommers |first2=Naresh |last2=Kilaru |work=] |date=May 2010 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207215242/https://www.finnegan.com/en/insights/articles/the-second-circuit-s-decision-in-tiffany-v-ebay.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
*Burying shipping charges or undesirable terms in a large amount of text.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} | |||
In June 2008, a court in Paris awarded damages of €40 million to ] over eBay auctions of counterfeit bags, perfumes, and other items sold by non-authorized retailers and entered a permanent injunction against eBay auctions of LVMH perfumes, whether counterfeit or not. eBay banned such items from its site.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7481241.stm |title=Business | Court fines eBay over fake goods |work=] |date=June 30, 2008 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=April 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425151832/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7481241.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://fortune.com/2008/07/11/ebay-denied-stay-in-lvmh-case/ |title=eBay denied stay in LVMH case |first=ROGER |last=PARLOFF |work=] |date=July 11, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215021429/http://legalpad.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/07/11/ebay-denied-stay-in-lvmh-case/ |archive-date=February 15, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> Also that month, a court in Troyes, France awarded eBay to pay luxury goods maker ] €20,000 due to the sale of two counterfeit bags on eBay in 2006. The court also ordered eBay to post the ruling on the home page of eBay's French website for three months.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theregister.com/2008/06/05/ebay_counterfeit_ruling/ |first=Dan |last=Goodin |title=French court fines eBay for sale of counterfeit handbags |work=] |date=June 5, 2008 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=June 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618050839/https://www.theregister.com/2008/06/05/ebay_counterfeit_ruling/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
===Stealing ebay accounts=== | |||
According to Ofer Elzam from Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd., there is a botnet which steals e-bay accounts. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9034138 |title=Custom-built botnet steals eBay accounts.}}</ref> The attacks use such techniques as compromising genuine websites with ], inserting ] code which redirects visitors to other sites which host a Trojan. Trojan-infected computers are used to provide a brute search for login/password pairs, using XML-formatted code to communicate with ebay servers directly. | |||
====Items stolen from the British Museum==== | |||
===Forgeries=== | |||
Items stolen from the ] in 2013 were auctioned on eBay in 2016. The museum reported that several items of jewelry made of gold, semi-precious stones, and glass, dating from between 1,500 BC and the 19th century{{nbsp}}AD, were among those missing. One piece of ancient Roman jewelry made from onyx – valued between £25,000 and £50,000, or US$32,000 and US$63,000 – was listed on eBay with a minimum price of £40 (US$50) in 2016. There were no bids made for the treasure. The police are investigating this case.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3231651/stolen-british-museum-jewellery-worth-us63000-sold-ebay-little-us50 |work=] |date=August 19, 2023 |title=Stolen British Museum jewelry worth US$63,000 sold on eBay for US$50 |access-date=August 21, 2023 |archive-date=August 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821070636/https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3231651/stolen-british-museum-jewellery-worth-us63000-sold-ebay-little-us50 |url-status=live }}</ref> The company said that it is supports local police in investigations and removes listings containing stolen property.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2023/08/18/media-reports-identify-objects-stolen-from-the-british-museum-posted-on-ebay |title=Media reports identify objects allegedly stolen from British Museum and posted on eBay |first=Gareth |last=Harris |work=] |date=August 18, 2023 |access-date=August 21, 2023 |archive-date=August 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821070638/https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2023/08/18/media-reports-identify-objects-stolen-from-the-british-museum-posted-on-ebay |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
It is estimated that about a quarter of all ancient coins and about two-thirds of all antiquities sold on eBay are modern forgeries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rg.ancients.info/guide/counterfeits.html |title=Counterfeit Coin Detection |accessdate=2008-01-21}}</ref> | |||
=== |
====Dr. Seuss books==== | ||
In 2021, the estate of ] requested from eBay, and the company complied, to ban the sale of six ] books due to concerns that some images contained therein were racially insensitive. This led to backlash from followers of ] and ignited a surge of interest in the discontinued books.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/dr-seuss-books-deemed-offensive-will-be-delisted-from-ebay-11614884201 |title=Dr. Seuss books deemed offensive will be delisted from eBay |first=Jeffrey |last=Trachtenberg |work=] |date=March 4, 2021 |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224082425/https://www.wsj.com/articles/dr-seuss-books-deemed-offensive-will-be-delisted-from-ebay-11614884201 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newsweek.com/ebay-removes-discontinued-dr-seuss-books-1573824 |title=eBay is removing listings for discontinued Dr. Seuss books citing 'offensive materials policy' |first=James |last=Crowley |work=] |date=March 4, 2021 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=February 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220213800/https://www.newsweek.com/ebay-removes-discontinued-dr-seuss-books-1573824 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/discontinued-dr-seuss-books-with-racist-imagery-removed-by-ebay-2021-3 |title=eBay is removing listings for the Dr. Seuss books that the author's estate pulled due to their racist imagery |first=Steven |last=Tweedie |work=] |date=March 5, 2021 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=April 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425151824/https://www.businessinsider.com/discontinued-dr-seuss-books-with-racist-imagery-removed-by-ebay-2021-3 |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
Holders of ] rights, have claimed that eBay profits from the infringement of intellectual property rights. eBay has responded by creating the Verified Rights Owner (VeRO) program, which provides to rightsholders expedited auction takedowns and private information on eBay users, but has likewise been criticized. | |||
===Sale of illegal items=== | |||
* In June 2004, the jeweler ] sued eBay claiming that eBay profits from the sale of counterfeit Tiffany products.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2004-06-22-tiffany-ebay_x.htm | title=Tiffany sues eBay, says fake items sold on Web site | publisher=USA Today | date=March 22, 2004}}</ref> As of July 2006, a trial date has not been set.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.couriermail.news.com.au/story/0,20797,19230520-5003418,00.html | title=Sure you bagged a bargain? | publisher=News Limited | work=Courier Mail | date=May 24, 2006}}</ref> | |||
In September 2023, the ] sued eBay, accusing it of violating the ] and other environmental laws by allowing the sale of several illegal products, including devices that defeat automobile pollution controls, restricted-use pesticides, and paint and coating removal products containing ].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/us-sues-ebay-over-sale-aftermarket-motor-vehicle-products-2023-09-27/ |title=U.S. sues eBay over sale of harmful products |first=Jonathan |last=Stempel |work=] |date=September 27, 2023 |access-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209015438/https://www.reuters.com/legal/us-sues-ebay-over-sale-aftermarket-motor-vehicle-products-2023-09-27/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
* In September 2005, eBay's privacy practices relating to its VeRO program came under scrutiny when ] reported that the ] was accusing United States buyers, identified by eBay, of ], and demanding monetary settlements. eBay's privacy policy warns that eBay may disclose personal information on the request of any VeRO rightsholder investigating illegal activity;<ref>{{cite web|title=eBay Privacy Policy|url=http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/privacy-policy.html|accessdate=2007-01-10}}</ref>. Although, according to a ] law professor, there is no legal basis, in the United States, for copyright infringement claims against buyers,<ref>{{cite news|title=Contact 16: Embroidery software buyer under investigation|publisher=]|date=]}}</ref> eBay's VeRO program may have allowed the ESPC to obtain private information without judicial oversight. | |||
* Some manufacturers have abused eBay's VeRo program, through which copyright and trademark owners can quickly protect their rights, by seeking to prevent all sales of their products on eBay.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} | |||
* In November 2006, a U.K. High Court ruled that a VeRO rightsholder's takedown request to eBay constituted a legal threat under ] law. Since groundless legal threats under design patent law are unlawful, the ruling holds that groundless VeRO takedown requests based on design patents are also unlawful. Further, the text of the ruling appears critical of the VeRO program in general: "It is entirely wrong for owners of intellectual property rights to attempt to assert them without litigation, or without the threat of litigation, in reply."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.out-law.com/page-7472|title=Design right threat fails to stop eBay sales|date=]}}</ref> | |||
===Other eBay controversies=== | |||
Other notable controversies involving eBay include: | |||
* In May 2000, eBay seller ] auctioned an oil painting on eBay for $135,805, due to speculation that it might be the work of California modernist ]. Walton pretended to know nothing about art and claimed to be surprised by the price the painting fetched, and the auction attracted international media attention. In several investigative reports by '']'', it was revealed that Walton was in fact an experienced eBay art dealer with several unhappy customers, and that he had colluded with two other eBay sellers to bid up each other's auctions. ''The Times'' described this as a "shill bidding ring".<ref></ref> Walton and his cohorts were banned from eBay and eventually convicted of fraud by the federal government in the first ever prosecution for ] on eBay. | |||
* On ] ], a ] jury found eBay guilty of willful patent infringement and ordered the company to pay $35 million in damages. The ] was ], which had accused eBay in 2000 of infringing on three patents (one of which is used in eBay's "Buy It Now" feature for fixed-price sales, 30 percent of eBay's business and growing). The decision was appealed to the ] (CAFC). The CAFC affirmed the judgment of willful infringement, and reversed the lower court and granted a permanent ]. eBay appealed the permanent injunction to the ], which on ], ] found an injunction is not required nor automatic in this or any patent case where guilt has been established. The case was sent back to the Virginia district court for consideration of the injunction and a trial on another MercExchange patent the inventor claims covers the remaining 70 percent of eBay's business model (see ''] ''<ref>{{cite web | | |||
url=http://supremecourtus.gov/opinions/05pdf/05-130.pdf | title=EBAY INC. ET AL. v. MERCEXCHANGE, L. L. C. | publisher=US Supreme Court | accessdate=2006-06-17 | format=PDF}}</ref>). This case has been particularly controversial since the patents involved are considered to be ]s (see '']''). | |||
* On ] ], eBay and its subsidiary PayPal agreed to pay a $10 million fine to settle allegations that they aided illegal offshore and online ]. According to the settlement, between mid-2000 and November 2002, PayPal transmitted money in violation of various U.S. federal and state online gambling laws.<ref>http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2003-07-25-paypal-gambling_x.htm</ref> eBay's announcement of its acquisition of PayPal in early July said that PayPal would begin the process of exiting this market, and was already doing so when the ruling occurred.<ref>http://news.com.com/2100-1017-941964.html</ref> These offenses occurred prior to eBay's purchase of PayPal. | |||
* In late 2006 eBay effected a policy change which showed less information about bidders once auctions reached a certain value. This policy has been criticized for making ] much harder to detect, to the potential disadvantage of buyers and significant advantage to unethical sellers who may artificially inflate the price of an auction. An investigation by The Sunday Times in January 2007 uncovered substantial evidence of shill bidding on eBay.<ref></ref> | |||
* April 2007 lawsuit in California over monopoly practices. <ref>http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/04/26/ebay_lawsuits/</ref> | |||
*August 2007 a class action lawsuit. Attorney John Fabry stated, "eBay has been deceiving millions of consumers over the years by claiming their auctions start when submitted, when in reality they do not begin for at least several hours, and up to 24 hours. However, the clock starts running on your selected auction time even though eBay hasn't posted it yet." <ref>http://www.itnews.com.au/News/59641,ebay-deceiving-millions-of-users.aspx</ref> | |||
* On January 29th, 2008, a series of new policy changes were announced including an increase in the final value fee and a decrease in the listing fee (when averaged out the fees actually cost sellers more).<ref>http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y08/m01/i29/s05</ref> Among the more controversial moves was the announcement that sellers would soon only be able to leave positive feedback to buyers, and would no longer have the ability to provide negative or neutral ratings regardless of the experience.<ref>http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/29/sellers-give-negative-feedback-on-ebay-changes/?ref=technology</ref> | |||
==Prohibited or restricted Items== | |||
eBay in its earliest days was essentially unregulated, but as eBay grew, it found it necessary to restrict or forbid auctions for various items. Note that some of the restrictions relate to eBay.com (the US site), while other restrictions apply to specific European sites (such as Nazi paraphernalia). Regional laws and regulations may apply to the seller or the buyer. Among the hundred or so banned or restricted categories: | |||
*] (tobacco-related items and collectibles are accepted.)<ref></ref> | |||
*] (alcohol-related collectibles, including sealed containers, as well as some wine sales by licensed sellers are allowed)<ref></ref> | |||
*] and drug paraphernalia<ref></ref> | |||
*] paraphernalia<ref></ref> | |||
*]s<ref></ref> | |||
*]s and ]<ref></ref>, including any parts that could be used to assemble a firearm as well as (as of July 30, 2007) any firearm part that is required for the firing of a gun, including bullet tips, brass casings and shells, barrels, slides, cylinders, magazines, firing pins, trigger assemblies, etc. ]s and various types of knives are also forbidden | |||
*Used ] (see ]) and dirty used clothing<ref></ref> | |||
*Teachers' editions of ]s including homeschool teacher's editions.<ref></ref><ref></ref> | |||
*Human parts and remains<ref></ref> | |||
*Live animals (with certain exceptions)<ref></ref> | |||
*Certain copyrighted works or trademarked items.<ref></ref> | |||
*Lock-picking tools, accessories, and practice locks fall into the category or burglar tools. | |||
*Lottery tickets, sweepstakes tickets, or any other gambling items. | |||
*Military hardware such as working weapons or explosives. | |||
*Virtual items from ]s.<ref></ref><ref></ref> | |||
*Many other items are either wholly prohibited or restricted in some manner.<ref></ref> One major example includes several eBay members auctioning debris from the ] following its February 1, 2003 breakup over Texas and Louisiana on re-entry from space. These auctions were removed immediately by eBay.{{Fact|date=June 2007}} In addition, there are some items that can be temporarily prohibited or restricted following a notable current event, such as ] memorabilia, whose auctions were temporarily suspended following the ]. {{Fact|date=October 2007}} | |||
==Unusual sale items== | |||
<!-- PLEASE NOTE -- all additions to here must be documented as unusual -- and not just by their eBay item listings, since anyone can put up something odd just to get listed here (see ] and ]. --> | |||
*In June 2005, the wife of ], a British radio DJ on ], sold Tim's ] sports car with a Buy It Now price of 50 pence after she heard him flirting with model ] on air. The car was sold within 5 minutes, and it was requested that the buyer pick it up the same day.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/showbiz/articles/19429823?source=Metro | title=£25,000 revenge of DJ's wife | publisher=This Is London | date=June 21, 2005}}</ref> | |||
* In May 2005, a ] that had previously been registered to Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (who had been elected ]) was sold on eBay's German site for €188,938.88 ($277,171.12 USD). The winning bid was made by the ] online ], known for their outrageous eBay purchases.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.goldenpalaceevents.com/ebay_archives/popemobile02.html | title=Golf IV von Josef Kardinal Ratzinger | publisher=Golden Palace | accessdate=2006-06-28}}</ref> | |||
* A seaworthy 16,000 ton aircraft carrier, formerly the British ], was listed early in 2004. The auction was removed when eBay determined that the vessel qualified as ordnance, even though all weapons systems had been removed.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/01/10/webay10.xml&sSheet=/news/2004/01/10/ixnewstop.html | title= For internet sale: aircraft carrier, only three owners | publisher=Telegraph.co.uk | accessdate=2007-07-28}}</ref> | |||
* Water that was said to have been left in a cup ] once drank from was sold for $455. The few tablespoons came from a plastic cup Presley sipped at a concert in ] in 1977.<ref></ref> | |||
* A Coventry University student got £1.20 for a single cornflake.<ref></ref> | |||
* A man from ], ] attempted to sell ] at a starting price of $.01]. The price had risen to $3,000 before eBay closed the auction.<ref></ref> | |||
*One of the ]s involved in the construction of the ] was auctioned on eBay in 2004.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3599191.stm | title=Eurotunnel drill bids reach £5m | publisher=BBC |date=April 5, 2004}}</ref> | |||
* A group of four men from Australia auctioned themselves to spend the weekend with the promise of "beers, snacks, good conversation and a hell of a lot of laughs" for AU$1,300<ref> | |||
{{cite web | |||
|url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/technology/blokey-weekend-bids-reach-2450/2006/01/27/1138319426355.html | |||
|title = Blokes pull in the bids on eBay | |||
|author = Hearn, Louisa | |||
|date = 2006-01-17}}</ref> | |||
*] sold a retired ] Red (Mark IV Monorail) for $20,000<ref></ref> | |||
*The German Language Association sold the German language to call attention for the growing influence of Pidgin-English in modern German.<ref> | |||
{{Cite web | |||
|url = http://www.wdr.de/themen/kultur/1/versteigerung_deutsche_sprache/index.jhtml | |||
|title = 10 Millionen Euro für die deutsche Sprache {{De icon}}}}</ref> | |||
*In late November 2005, the original ] was sold on eBay for $450,400.<ref> | |||
{{cite web | |||
|url = http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/12/07/entertainment/main1103557.shtml | |||
|title = Hollywood Sign Sold For $450K}}</ref><ref> | |||
{{cite web | |||
|url = http://money.cnn.com/2005/11/17/news/newsmakers/hollywood_sign/ | |||
|title = Buy a piece of HOLLYWOOD}}</ref> | |||
*In February 2007, after ] shaved all of her hair off in a Los Angeles salon, it was listed on eBay for $1million USD before it was taken down after some considerable controversy.<ref> | |||
{{Cite web | |||
|url = http://hollywood.outsidethebeltway.com/2007/02/britney-spears-shaved-hair-on-sale-on-ebay/ |title = Britney Spears' Shaved Hair on Sale on Ebay!}}</ref> | |||
*] was the first city to be sold on eBay in 2002, and has been up for sale 3 times since.<ref></ref> | |||
*Boston Red Sox left fielder ] attempted to sell his neighbor's JENN-AIR Gas Grill on eBay. The auction started at $3,000 and the price escalated to an astounding $99,999,999, the maximum amount allowed by eBay. The auction was later closed by eBay because of the promise of an autographed baseball going to the winner as well as the grill; it is a violation of eBay policy to include items other than those advertised.<ref> | |||
{{cite web | |||
|url = http://www.topix.net/content/cbs/1113319673096549042127422966730442627778 | |||
|title = Manny Ramirez's Grill Auction Taken Off eBay}}</ref> | |||
*In April 2004, American entrepreneur Matt Rouse sold the right to choose a new middle name for him. After receiving an $8,000 "Buy It Now" bid, the Utah courts refused to allow the name change. He currently still has his original middle name "Jean".<ref> | |||
{{cite web | |||
|url = http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/04/05/national/main685791.shtml | title = Matthew Sells The Middle}}</ref> | |||
*In 2004, a partially eaten, 10-year-old grilled cheese sandwich said to bear the image of the Virgin Mary sold on eBay for $28,000.<ref> | |||
{{cite web | |||
|url = http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/WolfFiles/story?id=307227&page=1 | title = ABC News: Hungry for Miracles?}}</ref> | |||
<!-- if you want to add items here, please include URLs for an article about the item. eBay listings themselves are insufficient, as we need ] that the article is "unusual". --> | |||
==Charity auctions== | |||
Using ] as an arbiter, eBay allows sellers to donate a portion of their auction proceeds to a charity of the seller's choice. Some high profile charity auctions have been advertised on the eBay home page, and have raised large amounts of money in a short time. For example, a furniture manufacturer raised over $35,000 for ] by auctioning off beds that had been signed by celebrities.{{Fact|date=July 2007}} | |||
To date, the highest successful bid for a single item for charity was a letter sent to the owner of ] by ] and forty other Democratic senators to have a talk with conservative talk show host ]. The winning bid was $2,100,100, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation, benefiting the education of children of men and women who have died serving in the armed forces. | |||
==Customer support== | |||
eBay offers various online help features, including a library of self-help resources, e-mail contact forms and "Live Help," which lets users chat with customer service representatives via ]. Although this is not available to users on international sites such as eBay.co.uk, members of international eBay websites are welcome to utilize eBay.com's Live Help service. Excepting Live Help, eBay does not offer phone support to its customers except to sellers of the rank "Bronze PowerSeller" and above, the company's term for members who sell at least an average of $1,000 worth of goods per month on the site, as well as to eBay Store owners. | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* ] | * '']'' | ||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
{{Portal bar|San Francisco Bay Area |Companies|Internet|Business and Economics}} | |||
==Notes and references== | |||
{{Reflist|2}} | |||
== |
==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | |||
* {{cite book|author=Belbin, David|year=2004|title=The eBay Book: Essential tips for buying and selling on eBay.co.uk|publisher=Harriman House Publishing|id=ISBN 1-897597-43-6}} | |||
* {{cite book|author=Pugh, Robert|year=2006|title=The eBay Business Handbook|publisher=Harriman House|id=ISBN 9781897597682}} | |||
* {{cite book|author=Wharton, Wiz|year=2007|title=How to Have a Baby on eBay|publisher=Harriman House|id=ISBN 9781905641161}} | |||
* {{cite book |author=Cihlar, Christopher|year=2006| title=The Grilled Cheese Madonna and 99 Other of the Weirdest, Wackiest, Most Famous eBay Auctions Ever|publisher = Random House|id=ISBN 0-7679-2374-X}} | |||
* {{cite book|author=Cohen, Adam|year=2002|title=The Perfect Store: Inside eBay|publisher=Little, Brown & Company|id=ISBN 0-316-15048-7}} | |||
* {{cite book|author=Collier, Marsha|year=2004|title=eBay For Dummies|publisher=John Wiley|id=ISBN 0-7645-5654-1}} | |||
* {{cite book |author=Hillis, Ken and Michael Petit with Nathan Epley|year=2006|title=Everyday eBay: Culture, Collecting and Desire|publisher=Routledge|id=ISBN 0-415-97436-4}} | |||
* {{cite book|title=The PayPal Wars: Battles with eBay, the Media, the Mafia, and the Rest of Planet Earth|author=Jackson, Eric M.|year=2004|publisher=World Ahead Publishing|id=ISBN 0-9746701-0-3}} | |||
* {{cite book|author=Kent, Peter & Finlayson, Jill|year=2005|title=Fundraising on eBay|publisher=McGraw-Hill|id=ISBN 0-07-226248-6}} | |||
* {{cite book|author=Klink, Edward & Klink, Stephen|year=2005|title=Dawn of the eBay Deadbeats: True Tales of Treachery, Lies, and Fraud from the Dark Recesses of the World's Largest Online Auction Marketplace|publisher=Mooncusser Media|id=ISBN 0-9768372-1-8}} | |||
* {{cite book|author=Nissanoff, Daniel|year=2006|title=FutureShop: How the New Auction Culture Will Revolutionize the Way We Buy, Sell and Get the Things We Really Want|publisher=The Penguin Press|id=ISBN 1-59420-077-7 }} | |||
* {{cite book|author=Spencer, Christopher Matthew|year=2006|title=The eBay Entrepreneur|publisher=Kaplan Publishing|id=ISBN 1-4195-8328-X}} | |||
* {{cite book|author=Walton, Kenneth|year=2006|title=FAKE: Forgery, Lies, & eBay|publisher=Simon Spotlight Entertainment|id=ISBN 1-4169-0711-4}} | |||
* {{cite book|author=Ford, Michael|year=2007|title=Scams & Scoundrels: Protect yourself from the dark side of eBay|publisher=Elite Minds Inc|id=ISBN 978-0-9774760-2-2}} | |||
* {{cite book|author=Ford, Michael|year=2007|title=Dont Bid On It: Until I Tell You How eBay Really Works|publisher=Elite Minds Inc|id=ISBN 978-0-9774760-1-5}} | |||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Commons category|lcfirst=yes}} | |||
* | |||
* {{Official website}} | |||
* | |||
* | * | ||
{{Finance links | |||
* Editorial publication that covers eBay and the online auction industry since 1999 | |||
| name = eBay Inc | |||
* , independent German magazine about eBay, published by ] | |||
| reuters = EBAY.O | |||
* , independent Israeli site about eBay, published by ] | |||
| bloomberg = EBAY:US | |||
<!-- Please do not add the list of every international eBay site here. See talk. They are all available, as will be every future international site, on the main eBay portal. --> | |||
| sec_cik = 1065088 | |||
| yahoo = EBAY | |||
| google = EBAY:NASDAQ | |||
}} | |||
{{Ebaysites}} | |||
{{Open Handset Alliance Members}} | |||
{{Major Internet companies}} | |||
{{Dot-com Bubble}} | |||
{{Authority control|state=expanded}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 17:20, 23 December 2024
American multinational e-commerce corporation For the song by "Weird Al" Yankovic, see eBay (song).
Headquarters in the Willow Glen district of San Jose, California | |
Formerly | AuctionWeb (1995–1997) |
---|---|
Company type | Public |
Traded as | |
Industry | E-commerce |
Founded | September 3, 1995; 29 years ago (1995-09-03) |
Founder | Pierre Omidyar |
Headquarters | San Jose, California, U.S. |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | |
Services | Online shopping |
Revenue | US$10.11 billion (2023) |
Operating income | US$1.941 billion (2023) |
Net income | US$2.767 billion (2023) |
Total assets | US$21.62 billion (2023) |
Total equity | US$6.396 billion (2023) |
Number of employees | c. 12,300 (2023) |
Subsidiaries | Qoo10, TCGPlayer |
Website | www |
Footnotes / references |
eBay Inc. (/ˈiːbeɪ/ EE-bay, often stylized as ebay or Ebay) is an American multinational e-commerce company based in San Jose, California, that allows users to buy or view items via retail sales through online marketplaces and websites in 190 markets worldwide. Sales occur either via online auctions or "buy it now" instant sales, and the company charges commissions to sellers upon sales. eBay was founded by Pierre Omidyar in September 1995. It has 132 million yearly active buyers worldwide and handled $73 billion in transactions in 2023, 48% of which was in the United States. In 2023, the company had a take rate (revenue as a percentage of volume) of 13.81%.
eBay can be used by individuals, companies and governments to purchase and sell almost any legal, non-controversial item. eBay's auctions use a Vickrey auction (sealed-bid) proxy bid system. Buyers and sellers may rate and review each other after each transaction, resulting in a reputation system. The eBay service is accessible via websites and mobile apps. Software developers can create applications that integrate with eBay through the eBay API. Merchants can also earn commissions from affiliate marketing programs by eBay.
History
1990s
eBay was founded as AuctionWeb in California on September 3, 1995, by French-born Iranian-American computer programmer Pierre Omidyar as a hobby to make some extra money. One of the first items sold on AuctionWeb was a broken laser pointer for $14.83. Astonished, Omidyar contacted the winning bidder to ask if he understood that the laser pointer was broken; the buyer explained: "I'm a collector of broken laser pointers."
In February 1996, Omidyar's internet service provider informed him that he would need to upgrade to a business account due to the high web traffic of his website. The monthly price increase from $30 to $250 prompted Omidyar to start charging eBay users. The website made $1,000 in its first month, which was more than it cost to run, and $2,500 in its second month. Chris Agarpao was eBay's first employee; he processed mailed check payments.
Jeffrey Skoll was hired as the first president of the company in early 1996. In November 1996, the company launched online auctions for airline seats, hotel rooms, cruise berths and other travel-related products in partnership with Electronic Travel Auctions. By that time, the company had hosted more than 200,000 auctions since its founding 14 months earlier.
The company changed the name of its service from AuctionWeb to eBay in September 1997, after Echo Bay Technology Group, Omidyar's consulting firm. The echobay.com domain name was already registered by Echo Bay Mines, a gold mining company, so Omidyar shortened it to eBay.com. In 1997, the company received $6.7 million in venture capital funding from Benchmark.
The frequently repeated story that eBay was founded to help Omidyar's fiancée trade Pez candy dispensers was fabricated in 1997 by public relations manager Mary Lou Song to give the media a human-interest story and to generate publicity with toy collectors. The most purchased and sold items on the website were Beanie Babies, the most difficult toys to find in retail stores, accounting for 10% of all listings in 1997. Ty, the manufacturer, had set up a website whereby people could trade used Beanie Babies. However, it was overwhelmed with unsortable listings. With a user-friendly interface, eBay became popular with collectors.
Meg Whitman was appointed president and CEO in March 1998. At the time, the company had 30 employees, 500,000 users, and revenues of $4.7 million in the United States. In July 1998, eBay acquired Jump, the developer and operator of Up4Sale, an advertising-supported auction website which at the time had 27,000 separate auctions and 50,000 registered members.
In September 1998, during the dot-com bubble, eBay became a public company via an initial public offering led by CFO Gary F. Bengier. Upon the initial public offering, which was priced at $18 per share and closed for trading on its first day at $53 per share, both Omidyar and Skoll became billionaires. In the risk factors section of the annual report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 1998, Omidyar noted eBay's dependence on the continued strength of the Beanie Babies market.
2000s
In June 2000, eBay acquired Half.com for $312 million in stock. In 2000, eBay partnered with Escrow.com to handle escrow for purchases and sales of motor vehicles, later expanded to other transaction types. By year-end, it had 22.5 million registered users and 79.4 million auctions per quarter.
In January 2001, eBay acquired a majority stake in Internet Auction Co. Ltd, operator of the largest internet auction website in South Korea. In February 2002, eBay acquired iBazar, a French online auction site founded in 1998, for approximately $112 million in stock. eBay entered the Chinese market in 2002 and shut down its Chinese site in 2007 due to competition from local rival Taobao.
In February 2002, eBay exited Japan due to competition from Yahoo! Japan and began operations in Taiwan with the acquisition of NeoCom Technology for $9.5 million. In June 2006, eBay turned over its operations in Taiwan to a joint venture partner.
eBay acquired PayPal on October 3, 2002 for $1.4 billion. It phased out its Billpoint payment service in January 2003.
On May 28, 2003, in the case of eBay Inc. v. MercExchange, L.L.C., which had implications for the treatment of business method patents, a United States district court jury found eBay guilty of willful patent infringement and ordered the company to pay $35 million in damages after MercExchange accused eBay of infringing on three patents, one of which is used in eBay's "Buy It Now" feature. The decision was appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC). The CAFC affirmed the judgment of willful infringement, and reversed the lower court and granted a permanent injunction. eBay appealed the permanent injunction to the Supreme Court of the United States, which on May 15, 2006 found an injunction is not required nor automatic in this or any patent case where guilt has been established. The case was sent back to the Virginia district court for consideration of the injunction and a trial on another MercExchange patent.
In 2003, eBay sought to develop its e-commerce business in China, acquiring the country's leading online auction platform (EachNet) and reaching an 85% market share. Within four years, the development of Alibaba's Taobao resulted in eBay's market share in China decreasing to 7.7%.
In August 2004, eBay acquired 25% of the classified advertising website Craigslist for $32 million. Former disgruntled Craigslist executive Phillip Knowlton was the seller. In December 2004, eBay acquired Rent.com for $415 million.
In March 2005, eBay launched Kijiji, a classified advertising website, in international markets. It launched in the United States in July 2007. In May 2005, eBay acquired Gumtree, a classified advertising website in the United Kingdom. In October 2005, eBay Inc. acquired Skype Technologies for $2.6 billion.
ProStores was an e-commerce website hosting company owned by eBay. Formerly known as Kurant StoreSense, ProStores was acquired by eBay Inc. by the end of 2005 changing the name to ProStores by eBay. ProStores' feature set included simple wizard-driven website, e-commerce capabilities, site design tools and e-business management. Smaller merchants could also manage the entire process of posting and selling products on eBay using the ProStores interface. It also offered inventory management, supplier communication and integration with Quickbooks and Dreamweaver. eBay announced on July 1, 2014 that support for the platform would end February 1, 2015. In February 2006, Intuit launched a web-based version of ItsDeductible, a donation tracking service, using data from eBay to help users assign a market value to the items they donate.
In April 2006, eBay launched eBay Express, a site that was designed to work like a standard Internet shopping site, with fixed prices and no bidding involved. The website had 10 million items listed upon its launch. The site was shut down in October 2008. In January 2007, eBay acquired StubHub, an online marketplace for ticket resale, for $310 million. In January 2008, Meg Whitman resigned as president and CEO of eBay to enter politics, and was replaced with John Donahoe. Whitman remained on the board of directors and continued to advise Donahoe through 2008.
In April 2008, eBay sued Craigslist, claiming that in January 2008, Craigslist took actions that "unfairly diluted eBay's economic interest by more than 10%", making eBay lose its seat on the board of directors of Craigslist. Craigslist countersued in May 2008 alleging that eBay used its board seat to gain insider information about Craigslist that was used to compete against the company. In September 2010, Delaware Judge William B. Chandler III ruled that the actions of Craigslist were unlawful and that the actions were taken by Craigslist founders Jim Buckmaster and Craig Newmark had "breached their fiduciary duty of loyalty", and restored eBay's stake in the company to 28.4% from a diluted level of 24.85%. However, the judge dismissed eBay's objection to a staggered board provision, citing that Craigslist has the right to protect its own trade secrets.
In May 2008, eBay announced the opening of a building on the company's North Campus in San Jose, California, the first ground-up structure in the city to be built to LEED Gold standards. The building, the first the company had built in its 13-year existence, uses an array of 3,248 solar panels, spanning 60,000 square feet (5,600 m), and providing 650 kilowatts of power, 15–18% of the company's total energy requirements, reducing carbon dioxide usage by 37 million pounds over 30 years. The building also has energy-efficient lighting and water system and most waste is recycled.
In April 2009, eBay agreed to acquire a controlling stake in G-Market, a South Korean online retailer, for $413 million. In May 2009, eBay launched the Selling Manager Applications program (SM Apps). The program allows approved developers to integrate their applications directly into the eBay.com interface.
In November 2009, eBay sold a 70% stake in Skype to a consortium led by Silver Lake Partners and Marc Andreessen at a $2.75 billion valuation, while retaining a 30% minority ownership interest in Skype, after failing to integrate Skype into the company's online marketplace. Microsoft acquired the entire company for $8.5 billion in May 2011.
2010s
In June 2011, eBay acquired GSI Commerce for $2.4 billion. In June 2013, it was renamed eBay Enterprise. In May 2012, RentPath, then known as Primedia, acquired Rent.com from eBay for approximately $415 million. In September 2012, eBay introduced a new logo using a thinner variation of the Univers typeface. It replaced the thicker Univers logo.
In October 2012, eBay launched an international shipping partnership with Pitney Bowes whereby a seller of an item to be shipped internationally can send the item to a Pitney Bowes facility in their home country, which then forwards it to the international buyer, taking care of all international shipping requirements. The company also launched a partnership with FedEx to offer discounted shipping options to sellers.
In November 2012, eBay was charged in the High-Tech Employee Antitrust Litigation, accused by the United States Department of Justice of entering into non-solicitation agreements with other technology companies involving highly skilled employees. The litigation was settled in May 2014, with eBay required to end anti-competitive practices.
On September 30, 2014, eBay announced it would spin off PayPal into a separate publicly traded company, a demand made nine months prior by activist hedge fund magnate Carl Icahn. The spinoff was completed on July 18, 2015. eBay's then chief executive, John Donahoe, stepped down from that role.
In January 2015, eBay acquired Vivanuncios, a classified advertising website in Mexico. In June 2015, eBay sold its stake in Craigslist back to the company, ending the litigation. In August 2015, eBay sold a portion of its stake in Snapdeal. In September 2015, Propay and Skrill were eliminated as payment methods on the eBay website, citing low usage.
Flipkart and eBay entered into a strategic partnership in July 2017 under which eBay acquired a 5.44% stake in Flipkart in exchange for the contribution of its India business unit valued at $211 million and a $514 million cash investment in Flipkart. Flipkart launched a program to allow its sellers to sell to customers globally in partnership with eBay. eBay reported a gain of $167 million on the sale of its India operations. In May 2018, eBay sold its stake in Flipkart to Walmart and relaunched its operations in India. In August 2017, eBay shut Half.com. In October 2017, eBay released image retrieval capability allowing users to find listings on the site that match an item depicted in a photo, using artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies.
On January 31, 2018, eBay announced that it would replace PayPal as its primary payments provider with Netherlands-based start-up Adyen, resulting in lower costs and more control of merchants. In May 2018, eBay acquired the Japanese e-commerce platform Qoo10 for $573 million. In July 2018, eBay announced support for Apple Pay as well as a partnership with Square for seller financing loans of up to $100,000. In September 2018, in response to the YouTube headquarters shooting, eBay announced plans to install a security fence around the perimeter of its San Jose headquarters to protect employees.
In March 2019, the company paid its first dividend following investor pressure to improve shareholder return. On July 31, 2019, the company acquired a 5.59% stake in Paytm Mall. In September 2019, facing pressure from activist shareholder Elliott Investment Management, Devin Wenig resigned as CEO. Scott Schenkel, senior vice president and chief financial officer since 2015, was appointed as the interim CEO. In November 2019, eBay agreed to sell StubHub to Viagogo for $4.05 billion in cash; the sale was completed in February 2020.
2020s
In April 2020, Jamie Iannone became the CEO of the company. In June 2020, Fred D. Anderson and Thomas J. Tierney resigned from the board of directors of the company; both had been directors since 2003. In July 2020, eBay sold its classifieds business to Adevinta for $2.5 billion in cash and 540 million shares of Adevinta. To gain regulatory approval, Gumtree was further divested. eBay sold its shares in Adevinta in 2023, when that company was acquired by private equity firms.
In September 2020, Pierre Omidyar resigned from the board of directors, after resigning as chairman in 2015. In November 2021, eBay sold its South Korean business to Emart for $3 billion.
In May 2022, eBay acquired a stake in Funko and became the preferred secondary marketplace for Funko. In June 2022, the company acquired KnownOrigin, a marketplace for non-fungible tokens. In August 2022, the company acquired the myFitment group of companies, specializing in online sales of automotive and powersports parts and accessories. In October 2022, the company acquired TCGPlayer, a marketplace for collectible card games, for up to $295 million.
In July 2023, the company acquired Certiligo, a provider of artificial intelligence-powered digital IDs and authentication for apparel and fashion goods. In January 2024, the company announced plans to lay off 9% of its workforce after hiring outpaced growth projections.
Financial history
Year | Revenue in mil. USD$ |
Net income in mil. USD$ |
Total Assets in mil. USD$ |
Price per Share in USD$ |
Employees |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2005 | 4,552 | 1,082 | 11,789 | 15.65 | 11,600 |
2006 | 5,970 | 1,126 | 13,494 | 13.00 | 13,200 |
2007 | 7,672 | 348 | 15,366 | 13.25 | 15,500 |
2008 | 8,541 | 1,779 | 15,592 | 9.58 | 16,200 |
2009 | 8,727 | 2,389 | 18,408 | 7.29 | 16,400 |
2010 | 9,156 | 1,801 | 22,004 | 9.68 | 17,700 |
2011 | 11,652 | 3,229 | 27,320 | 12.28 | 27,770 |
2012 | 14,072 | 2,609 | 37,074 | 16.61 | 31,500 |
2013 | 16,047 | 2,856 | 41,488 | 21.03 | 33,500 |
2014 | 8,790 | 46 | 45,132 | 21.01 | 34,600 |
2015 | 8,592 | 1,725 | 17,755 | 25.00 | 11,600 |
2016 | 8,979 | 7,266 | 23,847 | 27.08 | 12,600 |
2017 | 9,567 | (1,016) | 25,981 | 35.06 | 14,100 |
2018 | 10,746 | 2,530 | 22,819 | 34.31 | 14,000 |
2019 | 10,800 | 1,792 | 18,174 | 35.50 | 13,300 |
2020 | 8,894 | 5,667 | 19,310 | 12,700 | |
2021 | 10,420 | 13,608 | 26,626 | 10,800 | |
2022 | 9,790 | (1,270) | 20,850 | 11,600 |
Philanthropy and charity auctions
Using MissionFish as an arbiter, eBay allows sellers to donate a portion of their auction proceeds to a charity of the seller's choice and charges discounted fees for charity auctions.
High-profile charity auctions facilitated via eBay include the "Power Lunch" with investor Warren Buffett for 8 people at the Smith & Wollensky restaurant in New York City, with all of the proceeds going to the Glide Foundation. Auctions were held annually in 21 years between 2000 and 2022, with no auctions in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, auctions on eBay for lunch with Buffett raised $53.2 million for the Glide Foundation, with winning bids ranging from $2 million to as high as $19 million for the final auction in 2022. In May 2024, a charity auction for lunch with Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, raised $200,000 plus an additional donation of $1.5 million for the Glide Foundation.
Also benefitting charity, a letter sent to Mark P. Mays, CEO of Clear Channel Communications by Senator Harry Reid and forty other Democratic senators, complaining about comments made by conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh, sold for $2,100,100, with all of the proceeds going to the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation, benefiting the education of children of men and women who have died serving in the armed forces. The winning bid was matched by Limbaugh.
In 2022, more than $163 million was raised for charities via the platform.
Stalking scandal
Main article: eBay stalking scandalIn June 2020, five employees were terminated and were subject to charges of cyberstalking after they were accused of targeting Ina and David Steiner, the editors and publishers of EcommerceBytes, a newsletter that eBay executives viewed as critical of the company. In addition to sending harassing messages and doxing, the defendants "ordered anonymous and disturbing deliveries to the victims’ home, including a preserved fetal pig, a bloody pig Halloween mask, a funeral wreath, a book on surviving the loss of a spouse, and pornography". The defendants also vandalized the couple's home in Natick, Massachusetts. The conspirators pleaded guilty and most were sentenced to prison terms. Wenig, the company's CEO at the time of the harassment campaign, who was frequently targeted by the newsletter, was found by investigators to not have any knowledge about the harassment activities and was not charged. He left the company in September 2019 with a $57 million severance package. Steve Wymer, chief communication officer, who had ties with local politicians, was fired "for cause" for alleged involvement but was not charged and was hired by the local chapter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Criticisms and controversies
Fraud
Fraud committed by sellers includes selling counterfeit merchandise / bootleg recordings, shill bidding (undisclosed vendor bidding that is used to artificially inflate the price of a certain item by either the seller under an alternate account or another person in collusion with the seller), receiving payment and not shipping merchandise, shipping items other than those described, giving a deliberately misleading description or photo, knowingly and deliberately shipping faulty merchandise, denying warranty exchange after pre-agreeing to return merchandise authorization of defective on arrival merchandise, knowingly fencing (selling stolen goods), misrepresenting the cost of shipping, using bulk shipping prices to knowingly mask much higher costing, individual return shipping, and using pseudo-accounts to make high nonpaying bids on similar items that competitors are selling. eBay has been criticized for not doing enough to combat shill bidding. There are techniques such as auction sniping, which let buyers avoid shill bidders.
Fraud committed by buyers includes filing a false shipping damage claim with the shipping company, friendly fraud (receiving merchandise and claiming otherwise), returning items other than received, removing parts from an item and returning it for a refund, sending a forged payment-service e-mail that states that he or she has made a payment to the seller's account as proof of payment, making a low bid then using pseudo-accounts to make high nonpaying bids in an attempt at gaining a low second chance offer price, damaging a non-refundable item to get a refund by claiming that the seller sent the item already damaged (in cases of buyer's remorse), and a package redirection scam, in which the return package is filled with garbage and sent to the wrong address.
In 2004, Tiffany & Co. filed a lawsuit against eBay claiming that over 70% of the Tiffany silver jewelry offered for sale on eBay was fake and that eBay profited from the sales of counterfeit Tiffany items that infringed on its trademark. On July 14, 2008, a Federal District Court judge ruled that eBay does not have a legal responsibility to monitor users selling counterfeit items. In 2010, the Second Circuit affirmed this decision in Tiffany (NJ) Inc. v. eBay Inc.
In June 2008, a court in Paris awarded damages of €40 million to LVMH over eBay auctions of counterfeit bags, perfumes, and other items sold by non-authorized retailers and entered a permanent injunction against eBay auctions of LVMH perfumes, whether counterfeit or not. eBay banned such items from its site. Also that month, a court in Troyes, France awarded eBay to pay luxury goods maker Hermès €20,000 due to the sale of two counterfeit bags on eBay in 2006. The court also ordered eBay to post the ruling on the home page of eBay's French website for three months.
Items stolen from the British Museum
Items stolen from the British Museum in 2013 were auctioned on eBay in 2016. The museum reported that several items of jewelry made of gold, semi-precious stones, and glass, dating from between 1,500 BC and the 19th century AD, were among those missing. One piece of ancient Roman jewelry made from onyx – valued between £25,000 and £50,000, or US$32,000 and US$63,000 – was listed on eBay with a minimum price of £40 (US$50) in 2016. There were no bids made for the treasure. The police are investigating this case. The company said that it is supports local police in investigations and removes listings containing stolen property.
Dr. Seuss books
In 2021, the estate of Dr. Seuss requested from eBay, and the company complied, to ban the sale of six Dr. Seuss books due to concerns that some images contained therein were racially insensitive. This led to backlash from followers of right-wing politics and ignited a surge of interest in the discontinued books.
Sale of illegal items
In September 2023, the United States Department of Justice sued eBay, accusing it of violating the Clean Air Act and other environmental laws by allowing the sale of several illegal products, including devices that defeat automobile pollution controls, restricted-use pesticides, and paint and coating removal products containing methylene chloride.
See also
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Looking for a new ... Another company eBay has acquired and put to work servicing its own users is Kurant, a leading-edge company that specializes in software for e-commerce on small business Web sites. eBay used its products to create a new service for sellers that debuted in summer of 2005: ProStores. This extra-fee service ...
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External links
- Official website
- ebay - YouTube
- Business data for eBay Inc:
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37°17′43″N 121°55′34″W / 37.29528°N 121.92611°W / 37.29528; -121.92611
Categories:- EBay
- 1995 establishments in California
- 1998 initial public offerings
- American companies established in 1995
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- Companies based in San Jose, California
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- Internet properties established in 1995
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