2. eBay.com.au: Bidding on success
Category
Auction
Overall impression and usability
eBay has improved its usability since we reviewed it last year. The homepage is simpler and has clear directions for people new to the site or online auctions.
The homepage has a clear link to the BigBrother auctions, so you don't have to look far. Overall, an excellent implementation of e-commerce.
Hits
- Funds can be held in escrow, until the product has arrived at the buyer.
- Product category listings have the number of items against them, so you know the activity levels within any group.
- Items in other currencies are listed with the current Australian exchange rate.
- Sellers can state their preferred price, and potential customers can elect to "buy it now".
- Buyers can provide sellers with feedback on items bought through the site.
- A bulk uploading tool helps sellers with a lot of stock.
- Free insurance for buyers (up to AU$300).
- You are notified by email when you have been outbid or have won the item.
- Photos of items are clear and relatively large.
Misses
- The list of items on auction is not sorted in any discernible order. There should be clickable column headers to toggle the sort order.
Purchasing procedure
- Placing a bid, or a "buy it now" is simple after registration. It's up to the bidder and the seller to negotiate how items will be delivered and paid for.
- Funds can be held in escrow, until the product has arrived at the buyer.
Security
- Registration can occur over SSL. Placing a bid is not in a secure environment, however, there is strictly no need.
ePharmacy currently has 3 staff members. It proves that you do not have to have a massive business structure to have a successful e-commerce business.