Comparing platforms is a little like comparing apples and pears. They're different - pluses and minuses.
When I was first on Amazon, around 5 years ago fees were 25%+VAT and ebay had been around 10% no VAT but then paypal fees. Now eBay is nominally 12.9 but I average about 20% and Amazon (for my jewellery items) I average just over 20% pay per click on top of both is equivalent.
Amazon shop £25/ month unlimited listings with no listing fees or listing upgrade fees and a much better shop with more flexibility in design and opportunity to promote brand awareness, eBay shops ever increasing in price with very limited functionality.
Amazon requires free returns in many categories, Amazon returns are much higher. If you get over a certain percentage of no fault returns for an item Amazon end it. I had some small bracelets, listed as small, details of size in photos, bullets and description. I had them at a hefty rrp discount. With free returns people thought they'd see if they could squeeze into them - they were 50% cost of the next size up. Amazon ended the listing as out of something like 50 sales I had 5 returns for too small. That wouldn't happen on eBay.
Amazon has more compulsory features and legislation hoops to jump through. They have no qualms about freezing your account whilst they check out your details at their leisure.
The biggest thing is if you hit a wall on Amazon it hurts, really painfully end of business hurts. It makes you really appreciate the customer service and forums on eBay. The Amazon boards read like an advertorial for solicitors and claims companies.
I don't see it as either or. I like being multi platform as it creates a more even income and when something odd happens, like this current scenario, I can keep a business head and focus energies elsewhere whilst I wait/ hope that dust settles and a new path forwards is found. Every platform has its glitches/ blocks/ frustrations. EVERY SINGLE ONE.
The other lesson I've learnt is that spreading yourself too thin is a fools game. I got frustrated with eBay and spammed other platforms when I first went to Amazon. I feel like I've spent years catching my tail, I focused on eBay and did what I perceived was just enough on others. Last year I stepped back from Amazon, focused on eBay first, then Etsy and its really benefited my business. I'm ready to start using energy on Amazon again now eBay is not stacking up so well but I'm not jumping ship, just spreading risk/ earnings.
