It’s no secret, I like eBay.  I could go on about how I have enjoyed it for years.  However, if you go on any Automotive blog, forum, or facebook group, you likely see it disparaged in a number of different ways.  Despite other people’s complaints and its allegedly negative effects on car shows, I have loyally defended eBay.

A few months ago, I penned a letter to the CEO of eBay, half knowing it would never be read.  It was an actual letter, ink on fine paper swaddled in a self-adhesive envelope donning a single antique truck themed stamp.  While I expected no reply, I extended a few thoughts on the current state of eBay Motors as it has been abused by certain sellers.

If you are reading this, you likely appreciate Bantams and are well aware that the parts for these cars are very difficult to find on eBay.  Typing in “American Bantam” as your search query will result in thousands of hits.  You may see something like this:

You read that right, 4,943 parts!  The deluge of matches may make you think you can buy every part for your car.  However, this is unfortunately not the case.  Most of these items include a plethora of things including seat belt retainers that go between a bucket seat and a console, bilge pumps, cigarette lighter phone chargers, and OBD II scanners.  Each of these items alleges that it fits American Bantam cars.  This is the result of the eBay listing system allowing a seller to indicate the part fits every make, model, and year.  The result is confounding, actual Bantam parts are buried among this unrelated merchandise.

I have suggested a means where users can easily report unrelated items or the installation of eBay moderators who can make sure people are not abusing the interchange option provided by the website.  Today, I found something so you can also tell eBay that you are fed up with unrelated merchandise hiding the parts you need.

In the circled area of the screenshot above, you can tell eBay what you think.  If you are unhappy with the way in which sellers of buffing pads are abusing the system, let eBay know.  If you are unhappy that the bilge pump will not properly fit your Bantam, let eBay know.

Once you click on the link above, it will take you to this screen:

Let’s work together to make eBay a better marketplace for classic car enthusiasts.  In the mean time, check back here frequently and I will share the items I find with you.  I may not catch them all, but I will try.  Enjoy your Sunday!