eBay's army of professional lobbyists and its increasing political power

[mandy]

What happens when an 800-pound gorilla comes under attack? If it's eBay, it counters with an army of professional lobbyists and amateur petitioners drawn from its member base. EBay's aggressive agenda of lobbying on a state and national level bodes well for all eBay sellers, and may actually make the difference as to whether the small and part-time seller can in the future continue to participate on the site.

EBay's business model has been under assault by state legislatures seeking to place the same regulations and licensing fees on eBay sellers as exist for auctioneers, live auction houses and pawnbrokers...

While eBay sellers, especially those who list part-time or have low volume sales, are likely thrilled with the legislative effort on its behalf, not everyone else is happy with the eBay's powerful, activist juggernaut. eBay's one-two punch of state lobbying and rallying its enormous member core to garner exemptions that protect the bottom line raises ethical questions beyond those posed by state lawmakers and officials. As noted by Katie Hafner in the New York Times, some are concerned that eBay's political power, "raises anew the perennial questions about the proper balance among public policy, consumer protection and business interests."

full article: http://www.ecommerce-guide.com/news/news...hp/3623801

[BellisimaJ.]

800-pound gorilla

Ha! More like an 800million ton BULLy.