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Amazon vs. EBay: Who's the Online Sales King?

A Tale of the Tape

by Abbey Klaassen
Published: February 09, 2009

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It's a tale of two online sellers -- and two fourth-quarter earnings reports.

When Amazon reported earnings at the end of last month, it showed why it's about the only recession bright spot in retail, as its investments in the buying experience, customer service and smart fourth-quarter promotions have paid off.

The week prior, eBay told a different story, even though a recession should arguably be its time to shine. It's lost affiliates and failed to build out a unified experience and direct e-commerce platform. Now, fear some analysts, it may be too late.


2 Comments
Subscribe to comments on: Amazon vs. EBay: Who's the Online Sales King?
  By e-DUDS | Oxford February 9, 2009 07:36:51 am:
eBay's lamentable 'woe-is-me' line was believable in light of the credit crunch and current economic climate *until* we received Amazon's triumphant figures. It is precisely *because* of the credit crunch that these e-tailers should be thriving. Even our UK retail sector produced better than expected results. Come on eBay! Get with the programme!
  By okids | CLEVELAND HEIGH, OH February 9, 2009 10:56:46 am:
Unfortunately, to a lot of people, eBay has become a place to go to when you really can't afford to buy elsewhere. Amazon, on the other hand, is a pleasant shopping experience to all, poor and wealthy alike.
It's unfortunate because eBay has the potential of succeeding as much as Amazon does.

Daniel Faintuch
www.AMarketersView.com
:

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