Mutiny At EBay - Sites Biggest Sellers Air Their Gripes

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Last week, in an event that was perhaps the first of its kind, about 100 big eBay Inc. sellers -- many of whom tote up annual sales of more than $1 million using the auction site -- gathered for an independent meeting at a Manhattan loft.

The vendors, whose wares are as diverse as Ferragamo shoes and Ducati motorcycles, had called the meeting to air their mounting gripes against eBay and discuss ways to gain bigger influence over its policies.

"The relationships we forge here will be our strength," said Joe Cortese, founder of the group, which calls itself the "eBay Elite."

EBay sellers have been known to balk when the auction site raises fees, amends its rules or makes other changes that affect vendors' businesses. Now, with yesterday's tiny sellers exploding in size, some of them are determined to organize. For months, more than 500 of eBay's most prolific sellers have joined an invitation-only online discussion group to vent about eBay's fee increases and listing procedures, as well as fraud protections and other concerns.

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