07-13-2006, 05:03 PM
Discussion on "the level playing field" at Overstock. The verdict: the playing field is tilted.
Quote is from Overstock.
http://forums.auctions.overstock.com/vie...hp?t=13926
Quote is from Overstock.
Quote:The rule has not recently changed. There was some confusion in the early days of the site as to whether it was a bug or whether we were bending the rules for some.
When we began, MIM was available to all. We decided early on to restrict MIM's to those with 10 or more ratings, in an attempt to divert fraudsters who were committing 'hit and run' auctions. However, we had several sellers who had long established relationships with Channel Advisor, who was the first PSP to integrate with us at that time. We decided to exempt them from the rule. The confusion was further fueled by O-Lister, which was not restricting new users from using MIM and was an open bug for awhile.
It was strictly a business decision without intent to be unfair, though that's undoubtedly how such a decision is perceived by some. I do understand that point of view, as there are plenty of sellers who have proven themselves worthy elsewhere but do not have the luxury of being "pre-screened" by a company such as Channel Advisor. But I also believe that the MIM restriction is not unreasonable to meet and is a necessary fraud deterrent.
http://forums.auctions.overstock.com/vie...hp?t=13926