Big Brother lives at eBay - Customer Service Representative eBay Employee Review

2.0
Nov 4, 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Above Average benefits, Bagel Day, Discounts on Transit, ESPP, Group RRSP, bonuses.

Cons

Micromanagement with numbers numbers numbers - monitoring of screens, emails, msn, Internet, and time usage to a Kindegarten level. eBay follows the rules as far as Employment Standards are concerned, but fails to trust the employees to give true empowerment on the job. We are fully aware of our expectations, everything is on a 'quota per hour' basis - however the addition of monitoring in the name of 'quality assurance' is detrimental to morale and does not serve a positive purpose. If an employee is routinely performing at an 'exceeds' or 'outstanding' level - 125% + and 150% of quota, effectively doing the job of up to 2 people in production statistics, there should not be a heavy handed approach to personal use of msn or Internet. Of course, we are adults and can fully appreciate that we are there to do a job - however a few minutes each shift for personal communication does wonders to morale and actually has been proven to assist productivity. If I am performing under 100% then I would expect to be more focussed on the job at hand - but if I am performing far and above what is expected then please leave me alone. Work/Life balance is good only if you have accrued enough time off to make it work. eBay has a strange system whereby you have to earn your Paid Time Off - so you always have a struggle scheduling time off for vacation early in the year if you have few hours remaining due to time taken for sick leave etc. There are family days and such which helps, but the system of earning time is not acceptable and I suspect it is one of the factors that people leave. Advancement is and remains a challenge. You have to be a specific personality type to get ahead at eBay. Exuding the 'values' that are so readily posted and extolled to us on a daily basis. Only very recently have they finally adopted a system where your accomplishments follow you throughout your tenure. Before, sadly, if you were on a team for months with acomplishments and achievements built up, ready to challenge an interview for the next level, and your supervisor leaves or you change teams, the slate is WIPED CLEAN. That is the biggest morale and motivational KILLER at eBay. I had it happen to me twice, and as a result have zero interest in moving on up at eBay.

Explore other reviews about eBay

5.0
Jun 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

It is equivalent to winning the lottery for a dream job.

Cons

Sunday work can be challenging- due to daycare challenges, but ebay supports work/life balance so its not really a con

5.0
May 27, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good work, lots of AI experiments, AI innovation, latest tech stack, Co-workers are very co-operative and helpful. Most AI tools are still unlimited.

Cons

Some teams are over-working due to smaller teams as a result of recent layoffs. Office perks (like catered food, snacks) are dwindling every quarter even though company wants every employee to be 3 days a week in office. Company wants 80 percent code to be generated by AI but no clear guideline how to achieve that.

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