just happened across a great post by the guy (Jamie Salvatori) who runs VAT19:
http://www.practicalecommerce.com/columns/the-ecommerce-corner-office/11024-Why-we-abandoned-Amazon-and-eBay

In case you’re not familiar with them, VAT19 is a retailer of fun and funky things (giant lollypop, giant unicorn lamp) and I know them because my kids love surfing their web site (and watching their videos).

Jamie argues (and I wholeheartedly agree) that Amazon and eBay have no interest in helping you grow your business. They are interested in having you help them grow theirs.