I have also had to cut back on my sourcing drastically, which is really frustrating because it was my plan this summer to stock up for the winter when there seem to be fewer estate sales in my area. Currently doing an inventory overhaul, repricing, taking better/more pictures, trying to fill in any missing details, checking out the Seller School to see what I can learn there, creating a logo/banner, and thinking of utilizing social media platforms to try to boost sales. With my day job, this can make for a 50-hour week...and I've been substanitally below my sales goals since January. It's very discouraging for a newer seller, and I know I can do better because I've seen myself do it.
Also seems like the only recent interactions I've had with buyers have been negative, which is not at all typical of my ebay experience. I accept what I think are pretty generous best offers on items, but I've had a ton of lowball ones lately. A lady with whom I discussed a defect of an item begged for 50% off, begged for feedback before the item was received, and upon receipt of the item, promptly complained about the defect that we discussed and that was pictured in the listing. When I offered a refund after reminding her we'd discussed it, she promptly threatened to come to my house and sent 6 or 7 threatening/disparaging messages and my first negative feedback in 500-something transactions. I've spent a lot of time on the phone with ebay reporting this interaction and trying to get the feedback removed. It's just bizarro-land out there, and I can't figure why. I usually have great customers, and I try to treat everyone with respect while, you know, being wary because this is the internet. It's come to where I dread seeing a message in my inbox.
Trying to remain positive, and just trying to work harder/learn more while it's so silent. I am very lucky that I have a part-time job I love that allows me to pursue bookselling. If I make nothing on ebay, my bare minimum expenses are almost covered for the month. I can't imagine the stress felt by those who rely on ebay as their sole source of income. I'm already worried every day that I won't be able to clear the couple extra hundred dollars that make me feel more secure and mean I won't have to put anything on a credit card. With all this happening, it's just so hard to find the motivation to keep going, knowing that all the work put in will probably yield next to nothing.
