Charleston entrepreneur joins eBay boycott over policy changes

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A Charleston businessman has joined buyers and sellers worldwide in boycotting eBay.

Chuck Hamsher of the Purple Moon says he closed his online eBay store Feb. 18 because he doesn’t like the Internet auction site’s new policies.

The site recently lowered its listing fees, but increased its commission fees. It also changed its feedback and rating system so that sellers with higher ratings would receive more exposure.

Hamsher says the changes will cut into his profit and the new feedback system is unfair.

The changes came as eBay struggled with flattening growth in listings and the number of active users — and with a gradual loss of market share to Amazon.com, which does not charge listing fees.

Hamsher sells mid-century modern furnishings, accessories and art.