Re: Leaving eBay

In article <p7sj54p07n6qh8tndhnrjdd6opfv3gaeg1@xxxxxxx>, tony_cooper213
@earthlink.net says...

<snip>

Just to complicate the argument, there's nothing inherently wrong with
having a monopoly. If you are the sole supplier of a product, and no
similar product exists, you have a monopoly. What is illegal is
attempting to maintain that monopoly by trade practices that prevent
other companies from entering that market or obtaining market share.

eBay cannot be prosecuted for having a monopoly. They can only be
prosecuted for unfair trade practices in maintaining their position in
the market.



It is not against the law to have a monopoly. But rather is is a
violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 to perpetuate a monopoly
by the use of monopoly power. Thus if there are no good alternatives to
Paypal that is just fine. But if you allow no other alternatives to
PayPal that is a clear violation of US law. Blather about the buyer
experience will not serve as a defense.

EBay is in effect, one product. PayPal is a second product. EBay inc.
can't force PayPal directly on the customer. They can force the
customer to jump through several hoops to use the competitive product,
if there is one. EBay does not have to play fair. They only have to
play by the rules. Everybody knows the rules.

If I go to Burger King and order a soft drink they can't prohibit me
from drinking it while eating a Big Mac from the McDonald's down the
street. No not even while pointing out that the Big Mac is loaded with
fat and thus a health hazard.

--
James E. Morrow
Email to: jamesemorrow@xxxxxxxxx
.

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