Livestrong and eBay

I got my Livestrong bracelet back in August from a co-worker. I have worn it from time to time, but not as a fashion (or 'compassion') statement. Before the Tour, people didn't know what it was for, and I could tell them about my experiences with family and friends fighting cancer.

But the bracelets sold out, and demand was high. People decided to buy bulk and sell them on eBay. Why not, if it's legal? The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) still gets their $1 and the message is sent farther and wider. I blame the people buying them off eBay more than the sellers. If people are too lazy to google "livestrong" and see that they can get them for $1 from LAF, that's their ignorance. If they are buying them to be hip and cool, so what? The middleman is entitled to profit from their trendy need.

I am a supporter of the American Cancer Society (ACS) and Relay For Life and have used eBay to raise money for my chosen cause. Any of these sellers could say they are giving $5 or 50% or something to LAF for each sale, but then it is left to their conscience. If I sell something on eBay to raise money for ACS, I have them make a check out to ACS and send me a separate one for shipping costs. And not $5.99 when it costs under $2 to ship.

eBay is not unlike a big flea market. No one has to bid. They make that choice. The sellers know that if they don't offer what's hot, someone else will.