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Old 06-28-2013, 01:03 AM   #8
BWinmill
Nameless Being
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by crich70 View Post
I've heard that some people have had that experience buying things through ebay as well.
I don't use eBay, but my understanding is that feedback is a key indicator of how good or bad a seller is. Good feedback means that the seller is a sure bet, bad feedback means the opposite. As such, eBay is using its reputation to lend to the reputation of sellers who use their service. This is somewhat different from an independent bookstore, because that bookstore has to build a reputation first.

As for the bit about buying a Kindle on eBay below cost: that depends upon the circumstances. Low cost new in box item from a seller with low or negative feedback means that you're taking a risk. Low cost second hand item from a seller with lots of good feedback means that the risk is low.

It's all a reputation game. Amazon has built a reputation. Authors may as well take advantage of that reputation while selling their books.
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