Obviously the ebay commission fees are only payable by sellers, so this has no impact on collectors who buy using ebay. Presumably, you're trying to help the flippers (people who buy items they then wish to re-sell at a profit) and those wishing to enhance their collections by trading against other items. What's wrong with a bloody battle to the end during an ebay auction listing, anyway?!!? Hosting, functionality, feedback, reputation and consumer support are just a few priceless requisites to an ebay user, so I'd say it's a very reliable and trustworthy marketplace, overall.
I never had "flippers" in mind when I suggested this addition. IMO, if you're reselling memorabilia and that 10% margin is what gives you motivation as a seller, you should probably find another job. The whole point of this is to give people another option. It's not shoved down anyone's throat.
Speaking from my own personal experience, and to reference the "hosting, functionality, feedback, reputation and consumer support" you mention: I am getting more and more reluctant as a seller as final value fees (FVF) are reaching their current numbers. It was less in the past, and with eBay being the sizable marketplace it is, this wasn't really a concern as the exposure would offset the expense. Fast forward to 10/13/2014: I don't usually call for customer support, but on the days I have, I waste my time talking to someone who is literally reading from a support dialog response guide, a guide that seems to even include a protocol for interjections of customer empathy with apologies, shared frustration and appreciation for long-term business. If you are gullible enough to believe the script, chances are you're still frustrated anyway because you can't understand what's being said. Not dogging globalist companies who outsource, just pointing out the facts. In short I just don't always feel like eBay has earned that 10%.
Feedback and reputation are offset by Paypal Buyer Protection, which covers you for 45 days from the date of purchase. I encourage you to read
https://www.paypal.com/webapps/mpp/security/buyer-protection. Their recent brand split kind of illustrates this because Paypal's customer transactions are simply outgrowing what eBay supplies it. It is becoming its own entity without the association.
As far as "battling it out," that is going to depend on what is available as a module for this site. Even if it's just based on best offer, we don't know yet know the operational details. If best offers are posted as they are made, it's effectively an auction anyway. You may not see the last second sniping common in eBay auctions, but this having a slightly different format might encourage buyers to bid their best off the bat, benefiting sellers either way. A lot of collectors on this forum are not afraid to break the ice with reasonable offers. Another benefit to using a forum marketplace would potentially be an active discussion thread under the item for sale. I think it could encourage confidence in buying when you have hardcore collectors giving positive reinforcement regarding the item, or vice versa, which admittedly may cause some uproar, but it would undoubtedly lead to debate and resolution.
