The Growing Frustration of eBay Sellers - BusinessWeek

The Growing Frustration of eBay Sellers - BusinessWeek: "The Growing Frustration of eBay Sellers
Changes at eBay, especially its new ratings feedback policy, have many longtime sellers angry. Some are even leaving for upstart sites like Shopify

By Karen E. Klein
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The idea for 'The Growing Frustration of eBay Sellers' came from longtime BusinessWeek subscriber Rafael Rodarte Jr. He runs an eBay business with his wife, Julie, featured in the story. Rafael also works for oil and gas producer Aera Energy.

When Julie Rodarte and her husband started selling on eBay (EBAY) six years ago, they stored their meager inventory in the family garage. As sales grew, and Rodarte carved out a niche in party and wedding favors, the operation expanded and she created JDR Supply. Now, the Bakersfield, Calif., company leases a 2,000-square-foot warehouse and has three employees. Rodarte, a mother of two with a third child due any day, says her 2008 sales revenue has averaged $23,000 a month, providing her with profits to invest in operations and a salary of about $25,000 annually."