Negative Feedback for New Ebay Commercial
OK, I have a gripe...
"Let's talk about homemade gifts ... No one wants them. I know it's the thought that counts, but think harder. How about a snow mobile? It doesn't have to be expensive. Go to eBay."
This is how a new television commercial for Ebay starts out. The individual providing this opinion is holding a pair of knitted gloves with grandma sitting in the background trying to hear what he is saying. I have a major issue with this...and I will be the first to admit I do not have the best sense of humor. However, I am one of many who make hand-made items for those I care about enough to put the time and effort into making something as a gift. I also know for a fact that those who have received those handmade gifts appreciate them.
A perfect example is when I saw one of my three nieces for Christmas a year or two ago. As she sat on the floor looking at the wrapped boxes in front of her, she starred in wonder. Before she started to rip them open, she turned and asked, "Which one did you make for me Aunt Andrea?" You have no idea how much that meant to me.
Now don't get me wrong, I like Ebay very much and use their site more than I care to admit. However, I think this was a very insensitive advertisement, both to those who make and give handmade gifts and to those who sell handmade items on their site. If you do sell handmade items, I urge you to check out Etsy instead. This site is a celebration of all things handmade. It is definitely worth a look.
"Let's talk about homemade gifts ... No one wants them. I know it's the thought that counts, but think harder. How about a snow mobile? It doesn't have to be expensive. Go to eBay."
This is how a new television commercial for Ebay starts out. The individual providing this opinion is holding a pair of knitted gloves with grandma sitting in the background trying to hear what he is saying. I have a major issue with this...and I will be the first to admit I do not have the best sense of humor. However, I am one of many who make hand-made items for those I care about enough to put the time and effort into making something as a gift. I also know for a fact that those who have received those handmade gifts appreciate them.
A perfect example is when I saw one of my three nieces for Christmas a year or two ago. As she sat on the floor looking at the wrapped boxes in front of her, she starred in wonder. Before she started to rip them open, she turned and asked, "Which one did you make for me Aunt Andrea?" You have no idea how much that meant to me.
Now don't get me wrong, I like Ebay very much and use their site more than I care to admit. However, I think this was a very insensitive advertisement, both to those who make and give handmade gifts and to those who sell handmade items on their site. If you do sell handmade items, I urge you to check out Etsy instead. This site is a celebration of all things handmade. It is definitely worth a look.
I have not seen that commercial. It sounds insulting and not very convincing: "get your loved one a previously used item, which is cheap, instead of making something for them with love"
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Wow! I haven't seen that commercial, but hearing about it really ticks me off! We make ALL of our Christmas gifts, except for buying a few gifts for the little kids. I like Ebay, too, but they're way off base on this subject. And I always get excited, happy comments about my handmade gifts, too.
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I was googling for this EXACT commercial to blog about. I hate it and those are strong words for me.
But seriously... is is necessary to negate one thing (DIY, handmade, creative gift from your loved one) in order to advertise directly towards male wants - grill and snowmobile? Clearly they are trying to target a specific market - since they already know the crafters will shop there - now they want MEN to think about big ticket items. Ugh.
They didn't need to do that and everytime it comes on I get angry. The Christmas commercials are bad enough but do we need our children to see an ad negating something hand crafted? Seriously. Disgusting eBay.
I love your suggestion to go Etsy.
Yeah for handmade!
Holly
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I just saw the commercial and was offended myself. I blogged about it, too!
http://KeepinUpWithTheTatums.blogspot.com
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