Thank you everyone, for replying. I apologize in advance for this long post (it will teach me not to complain next time), and for not responding promptly. This is my first opportunity. After reading the comments, I've decided I need to focus on happy prices, and to consider my prices carefully, avoid mixing my opinion with facts in descriptions. I shouldn't expect better placement in searches unless I'm willing to pay the price. I should drop my unreasonable expectations, and remember that I'm not the only one with selling issues. I knew going in that I was taking a risk with 99¢ lot auctions, but decided to be happy with whatever came. I just didn't expect being happy would be so painful. LOL. Thanks for letting me cry on your shoulders and for sharing your helpful insights.
Hertz, your voice of experience resounds with wisdom. I feel encouraged by your example too. Back in the days, I would start almost every auction for $1.00 (I didn't know enough to start them at 99¢). They worked for me then, still work for big sellers as you said, but times have change. I guess I was being idealistic to expect better results. I will put forth some effort to explore selling alternatives. Nice to hear yours are doing well.
evelyb, I like your point of view. I think I've been railing against what can't be changed with 99¢ auctions, only exasperated (smile), I plan to use them only as suggested if ever again!
dream, I think you've described how to have an optimal ebay experience. TRS status probably does result in better sales. I'm just not willing to embrace all of the requirements. I'm still a power seller by eBay standards, but I gave up my TRS discount voluntarily, awhile back when it dropped to 10%. Now, I think you have to offer 30 day free returns also. eBay's hoops got higher and higher. I want to choose only the ones I can jump through.
I recently adopted the 30 day return policy, a big concession for me, but Seller-paid returns??? I'm not a high volume seller and fear what opening this box can do. Oh the other hand, I don't get many returns either, so the impact of free returns may be less significant than I imagine, so I'd be willing to try it if it meant better visibility, but I wouldn't regain TRS status that way. The kicker for me would still be handling time. I ship fast as a rule, within 2 days, but I don't like feeling pressured into it. I'd rather fulfill a buyer's expectations within comfortable perimeters, my comfort zone, where the potential for stress is low.
bluedaemon. I've only relied on eBay but will explore the options for more eyes on my listings and other platforms. I'm looking for a way to curb the growing number of things that don't sell on ebay, that just take up room after being re-listed 2 or 3 x.
dins, I appreciate your comments. I think it's okay to call something very pretty when I think it is. I do this frequently, but I agree, the term doesn't describe an item's condition. I never intended it to. If you came away with a different impression, I need to be moe careful. I often make statements like, "Beautiful and in very good condition," or less frequently, "In beautiful condition," using the word "beautiful," as a superlative that describes how the item looks, but I routinely go on to include actual details of condition. I'll review my listings and make any changes that are needed. Maybe it's time I included a chart that defines the adjectives I use to describe jewelry, for the sake of being clear. I see that many sellers do this.
rixstuff, your post made me lol. Thanks for the comic relief. I feel a whole lot better - pun intended.
Thanks again everybody. I can always count on you when I go off my beam!
