I'd like to suggest that Amazon and Ebay manifest a doctrine, and it's a variation on the Protestant doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. I call this Amazon- and Ebay-based doctrine the "priesthood of all consumers."There was a day when bookstore dealers sold books,
Clothing stores sold clothes,
Jewelers sold jewelry,
and sports stores sold sporting goods.
But not now. Everyone can sell everything with a little ingenuity, a little work, and sometimes with little more than no risk. You can sell books through Amazon, you can find good prices on jewelry at the local box store and sell it at a profit on Ebay, you can buy something, use it, and then turn around and sell it used on the internet ... and it doesn't cost as much.
There used to be two options: buy from the specialist store or go to a garage sale. The "virtual shopping store" has made all of us consumer and all of us salespersons, and we've got less need for the "priest" of consumer goods.
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Sorry Scot,
I wasn't criticizing you, just being sarcastic, didn't come through properly online. My Bad. It actually is an interesting phenomenon. It allows consumers who get bored with things to get better dollar than conventional resale allowed, however it has tied others up to constantly checking prices and the next thing they want to purchase.
For the retailer, especially the Mom and Pop store, for some it's been difficult, for others its been a blessing. I've primarily ebayed for musical instruments and associated things. Some of the local stores complain, but the small one I deal with most has quite the online business with niche markets on ebay, now they aren't geographically confined.
It's just a part of the present world, can be used for good and bad, it requires the discernment on the part of all to not let it take over your life.
Phil
This is an amazing world. I wonder what the implications of this are for the many, many specialty stores who are just trying to stay in business. I wonder how many people (like myself) still rely on these stores to actually see the product (especially expensive electronic products) and yet so often actually purchase the product online. I am not criticizing this but just wondering what kind of retail situation we will end up with.
So... should ebay and amazon find their vocation now?
Interesting point, I find myself addicted to the New Zealand version (Trademe.co.nz). However my searches are pretty generic - bible commentaries and books on theology. I check the site most days to see whats on at bargain prices. It's how I've built up most of my commentary library.
I can't help but think in terms of BOTH "bricks-and-mortar" shops AND online shops. It depends on the purpose of the exchange, right? Few people buy homes or cars on eBay (relative to numbers of other goods) because we need the physical real presence to discern their value. And though I may buy some groceries from Amazon, I'm never going to share a meal with good friends there; I want the full face-to-face experience.
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