Grandma's House

I've often thought of selling some stuff I have around here on eBay to raise a little extra money, but I haven't gotten around to doing it yet. But some people use eBay as a store, selling all their wares online through the auction service. These people are upset that eBay is planning to raise their rates.

Starting Feb. 18, eBay said the monthly subscription fee for people who operate "Basic eBay Stores" will increase from $9.95 to $15.95.

The fee for a standard listing of 10 days will double, from 20 cents to 40 cents.

My goodness, you'd think it was the end of the world.

"It seems as though the larger eBay becomes, the more greedy they become," said Lynette McDonald of Alton, Ill., who has sold Barbie and baby clothes on eBay since 2001. She says she may close her eBay store entirely because of the fee hikes or raise prices she changes buyers.

"This site used to be a place where one could get a good deal," McDonald said. "Now that the starting prices on goods are higher to accommodate the growing fees incurred, there are no more deals to be had."

If they can't afford 16 bucks a month, they shouldn't be in business. Fine, stop using eBay. Open a real store and pay rent. See how fast you come back.