🚀 I Didn't Think eBay Live Was for Me. Then Something Changed.
Summary: m6u8d2 shared their journey from skepticism to embracing eBay's Live x Up & Running Grants initiative, citing initial reluctance toward live selling but ultimately finding value in experimentation, community support, and potential growth opportunities. They emphasized the importance of sellers understanding eBay Live's developments before dismissing it. mym7hd expressed support for m6u8d2 and acknowledged eBay's renewed focus on live selling. mnfscg related to m6u8d2's experience, mentioning their own transition to regularly using live selling platforms like Whatnot, although they're still undecided about eBay Live and the grant application, noting the industry's shift towards live selling.
I wanted to share something that has been on my mind since eBay announced the new eBay Live x Up & Running Grants.
If I'm being honest, I wasn't excited about live selling at first.
My thoughts sounded something like this:
• "Live selling isn't really my thing."
• "I don't know if this is worth the effort."
• "I like traditional listings."
• "I'm not sure this is going to last."
Those weren't unreasonable concerns.
I think a lot of sellers feel the same way.
Then something happened.
I didn't become a live-selling expert overnight.
I experimented.
I asked questions.
I made mistakes.
I had some awkward shows.
I learned what worked and what didn't.
Most importantly, I found community.
I found other sellers willing to answer questions, share experiences, support each other during shows, and help navigate the challenges that come with trying something new.
Today I'm applying for this grant.
That's a very different place than where I started.
The point isn't that everyone should do live selling.
The point is that every seller should understand what's happening and decide for themselves.
Whether sellers love it or hate it, eBay is clearly investing in eBay Live.
They're building the platform.
They're expanding categories.
They're providing mentorship.
They're providing equipment.
And now they're offering $10,000 grants to help sellers grow.
Not everyone should apply.
Not everyone should live sell.
But I do think it's worth understanding what eBay is building before deciding it isn't for you.
One thing I love about RVA Seller Circle is that our culture isn't:
"You should do this."
It's:
"Let's learn about it together."
Some sellers are excited about eBay Live.
Others have no interest at all.
Both are okay.
But if you're curious, have questions, are considering applying, or just want to better understand what eBay is doing, let's talk about it.
And if you've tried live selling already, I'd love to hear about your experience, the good, the bad, and the ugly. 😊
What are your thoughts on eBay Live and the new Up & Running Grant program?
pretty*thrifty
·3 months agoI haven't done it yet. I've tried on other platforms and I'm just a bundle of nerves. Odd for someone who taught for 23 years! Idk...I think i need to try again.
csowlets
·4 months agoI can definitely relate to this. When I first heard about live selling, I wasn't convinced it was something I wanted to do either. I was comfortable with traditional listings and wasn't sure if the time and effort would be worth it. Fast forward to today, and live selling is becoming a bigger part of my business. I am selling on Whatnot on a regular basis. It is taking time to build a following, but I am sticking to it. Every show teaches me something new.
Do I want to do Ebay Live too?? Don’t know. Will I apply for the grant?? Not sure. I will probably decide the day before it closes.
I do know that’s where the future of online selling is shifting to.
my-cottage-books-and-antiques
·4 months agoIt isn't at the top of my To Do list, but now that it is clear ebay is no longer on the sidelines---which they had been the last couple of years---I'm giving it more thought. One thing for sure: I'll be rooting for you when they announce the Grant winners!
ladydfunkyg
OP4 months agoThanks, Ralph! 😊
Honestly, that's exactly the point I was hoping to make. Not that everyone should jump into live selling tomorrow, but that it feels like eBay is clearly investing in it and it's worth paying attention to.
I went from "that's probably not for me" to at least being willing to experiment and learn. Some things worked, some didn't, but I learned a lot along the way.
And thank you for the encouragement! Whether it's me, another RVA seller, or someone from another Seller Circle, I'd love to see more sellers taking advantage of the opportunities eBay is putting out there. The grant, mentorship, equipment, and community support could make a real difference for the right seller.
That's one of the things I love most about this group. We can explore new ideas together without feeling pressured to do everything. 😊