They actually started their own site instead of using ebay. I used to like the ebay location since you could often find park merchandise cheap. Here's an article on the subject:
Feb 24 2006
February saw the launch of the new Disney Auction web site as Disney moved away from using eBay as their vendor and now have their own privately branded marketplace. The umbrella of
DisneyShopping now includes the online Disney Store, Disney Outlet and
Disney Auctions.
The look is familiar, not too many changes, and I found the auction web site easier to access and easy to use. One change I would like to see is a few more categories (and sub-categories) to browse through. The only categories at this time are Collectibles, Limited Edition Pins, Artists and New Releases in a bar across the top. I couldn't figure out where to look for stuff, although I was able to find a few items through the search feature.
Stephanie Ayars in Disney Marketing mentioned that this move will enable them do more brand cross-promotions, as well as cross-link to other appropriate places.
She also mentioned it has taken about six months of planning and work to get to this point and go live.
- Disney Auctions will be using a seven day format and will be more selective about items being offered, striving for the truly unique.
- One of a kinds such as theme part artifacts, props and costumes will offered once a month -- close to the second week of the month. In March the items will be offered from March 2 through the 9th and the time frame for the special items in April will be the 6th through the 13th. At these auctions look for figures previously used as Disney store fixtures, artifacts, movie props and an occasional "very cool experience".
- Disney will continue to offer the limited edition products such as cookie jars, pins, and snow globes we've all come to love and look forward to collecting.
REGISTER?
Your eBay Id will obviously no longer will work, but if you have an ID from shopping at the online Disney Store -- that will work. Otherwise just register on the Disney Auction web site before bidding.
PAYMENTS
Disney has not changed the methods of payment. Accepted forms include Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. No Paypal, checks or money orders.
BOTTOM LINE
This is a move that should have happened years ago! Disney typically had hundreds of items being auctioned every week and there is no reason why they shouldn't control it all to their liking. I've been buying Disney stuff online, at auctions and in stores for years and have always been very satisfied with the way they resolve problems. That's not always true with eBay and this move should separate them from any negatives that might have come from being associated with an outside vendor.
Source Article
site. But right now, it redirects you back to the disneyshopping.com domain. Odd. The auction page though was mainly pins and collectables - for outrageous prices. I never saw any discontinued park merchandise or clothes or anything.
