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Closing up shop-tossing in the towel
After 10 years selling on Ebay, I am closing my page. I've adjusted the 26 listings I have live, to allow for offers. I will close my page at the end of March, due to lack of sales and lack of interest in general.
I will miss this work, but it's not profitable and it's more work than it's worth at this point. I put so much heart & soul into my listings, and my efforts here, and thank each customer who has purchased from me to date.
Thank you,
Happybeck42013
64 comments
kh-vince
·2 years agoHi everyone,
Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.
Thank you for understanding.
4pawsup*
·2 years agoGood luck in your future endeavors.
Unavailable member
·2 years agoIt’s the end of November looks like you’re still selling. Looks like you’ve changed your mind.
If I had a dollar for every poster that said that …….
skatefool
·2 years agoLooks like the bored retirees missed the 4 month old post where she reconsidered.
luckythewinner
·2 years agoA bored retiree is the sort of person who would notice the 4 month old post where she reconsidered. 🤣
skatefool
·2 years agoLooks like the board residents missed the 4 month old post where she reconsidered. ðŸ¤
johnrj1226
·2 years ago9 months later you are still closing up shop - eh?
chapeau-noir
·3 years ago..........
 
joliztoyco
·3 years agoSorry, happybeck.
I'm glad you're still trying.
You're not the only seller who's noticed what the "community" has devolved into.
They're a laugh a minute.
Last week some poor newbie "dared" to ask what sells, and how they could be successful on eBay.
They BLISTERED that guy so bad, I'm pretty sure he's crawled into a hole and we'll never see him post on the "supportive" and "helpful" community boards again.
Nothing like encouraging new sellers, I always say.
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoJust an FYI for all of you that are so concerned with whether or not I closed my page. I did remove listings, considered other platforms, and decided that eBay still suited me best. I am disabled and it would be difficult for someone like myself to go to meet others in person to sell items.
It's unfortunate that (you!) the eBay Community is so jaded and so willing to pounce on a small seller like myself.
Troll on!!
joliztoyco
·3 years agoOP has decided to do what I do. Put up a dozen or so auctions. No PL's.
Let them rot on a stale platform.
If you sell anything? Great!
If you don't?
Who cares!
I spend about 15 minutes a day on sales. (Maybe a few more if I have to pack an item).
A couple hours laughing at comments on this board.
Surprisingly, this new selling strategy has resulted in $1100. in sales the last month.
Go figure....
jerseyboymusic
·3 years agoIt's five months later and the OP's shop is still open...
Only 12 items up for sale. In my experience, the more items you have up for sale, the better the odds of making sales!
coolections
·3 years agoSo it has been 4 months and the OP is still going strong. I guess according to the OP he will just sell things and make no profit anymore.
bonjourami
·3 years agoThat seems to be SOP for all these sellers who announce they are leaving.
gregorpalon0
·3 years agoI'm there. . 7 years for me. Sales are terrible. I believe if you don't pay for promoted listings you don't sell much. How are you supposed to make money paying eBay 12-24 percent of sale? Then shipping? Just crazy.
harafkac0
·3 years agoSimply going to all these estate sales, snapping up a ton of inventory, then listing it all on ebay isn't likely to work out well. Neither is going to thrift stores or any other sort of thing that involves acquiring inventory first...
Because not everything sells, and just because someone else has it doesn't mean anyone else wants it. In this world, there's a lot of junk. Chances are something like 90% of everything out there is junk to most people, and while the American pickers seem wildly successful at this sort of thing we're not them and here on ebay we are selling to most people.
Thus, research is essential.
You have to study what sells, then focus on that...
Basically you'll end up specializing.
You have to do this research before buying, but also if we end up with items that aren't selling (because inevitably we all do) you absolutely have to stop acquiring more of the same... Way I like to do things if I'm not sure is to buy one or two, list it and see what happens... If it doesn't sell within 30 days means it's likely a hard sell. And I can almost absolutely guarantee, if the first one didn't sell (or isn't selling) then the next 20 are not going to sell faster or better.
Focus on that which sells...
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoGreat advice & sound selling wisdom! 🙂
lonebuck-books
·3 years agoIt isn't just you. I've been here since 2008 and have never seen sales this bad. I also am looking for other ways to earn money because eBay just isn't doing it anymore. I've opened an etsy shop and am going to try some different craft type of items that I can make myself to see if that works. Being flexible is a good thought but it seems that eBay has done so many behind the scenes (and not so behind the scenes!) things to throttle sales, hide listings and force more fees on us that it truly looks like they don't want actual sales, just advertising fees. It really feels like eBay is in the death throws of a business that is about to go under.
I will stay here as long as I get some sales but there will come a time where it is no longer worth the effort or fees to keep it up here. Once one of my other test endeavors takes hold, I will move on from eBay. There are a lot of smaller sites out there that treat sellers like actual business owners and let them set their own policies instead of forcing some Amazon wannabee set of policies down our throats.
It kind of makes me sad because I have always loved selling here in comparison to Amazon (which I did for years) because I always felt that I was actually selling to a live person instead of a anonymized address that Amazon provides. That is also changing here.
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoThank you ALL so much for the support & kind words regarding my closing the Ebay chapter. It's sad to have heard quite a few echo my sentiments; sales suck 😠Ebay is a great source for all kinds of things, but my passion for "pretties" as I refer to collectibles, jewelry, artwork (smalls), etc., hasn't landed me in the center row of the jet flying to NYC!
I am a retired marketing guru, so each item I listed had to be photographed just so, and the descriptions had to be well-versed & enticing. Meaning, I took WAY too long to describe a vase!! 🙄
I LOVE the knowledge I've gotten from researching items, and perhaps I'll miss this profit-light arena & return to it someday. I'm proud of the success I've had here, and, for all you sellers, I truly hope things pick up for you. Thanks again to my customers, and the Ebay Community, too!
My best,
Becky
moondogblues
·3 years agoGood luck to you where ever you go....loved your items. You have a good eye.
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoThank you so much! The eye becomes trained after many years of research, as I'm sure you are well aware 🙂
I am also an (amateur) photographer & have quite a following on Google photos.
I will miss the thrill of the hunt!
My best to you, also!
Becky
meme6253
·3 years agoBest Of Luck!!
gail5176
·3 years agoYour not alone, sales are terrible.
baantiques
·3 years agoSales dropped precipitously in the first couple days of February. I'm down 50%. This happened in October too, and I was able to bring it back, but this time nothing is working. I even made a big new purchase and have been listing 20+ items per day and nothing.
Ebay has always been a place that limits how much you can sell via hidden selling limits and throttling, so we've had other irons in the fire for some time now. I've sold over $400 just today on FB and have about $300 worth of Etsy sales to ship out.
I'm getting ready to open new stores on Mercari and Bonanza. Everylittle bit helps, and if Ebay doesn't want to play ball, I'll just make it up elsewhere and they can stick their 20% fees.
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoYes, competition. Hello, Ebay! Wake up! 🤔
I'm glad to hear that you've found some alternative avenues for your things. It (selling/listing) is a lot of work, and I'm encouraged by your reply here. I've thought of FB Mktplc., but I'm pretty rural.
I wish you the best & thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Becky
craft-stash
·3 years ago3 days with NO sales here!
We can Thank Ebay, USPS and the US Government for **bleep** this up!
RETIREMENT looks better than ever 😚
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoSorry to hear that. Oh yeah, the Post Office. Ouch! And of course, the others you mentioned. I am mildly disabled and unable to work full time, so this was a little money to put gas in the car to go see the grandkids, etc., but that's OK b'cuz gas prices in Wisconsin are just great 😒
Good luck! I hope sales pick up for you!
Becky
joliztoyco
·3 years agoI wish you well whatever you do. What we loved in antiques and collectables hasn't transitioned to younger generations. Like "Big Band" music and Frank Sinatra, they become relics. It didn't help when Goodwill and other resale shops decided to turn into "boutiques". I quit going to them years ago.
As a slight farewell "goodbye" I bought your tiny porcelain night lite. Nobody will want it when we're gone, but for now my wife will love it.
You take care.
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoThank you for your kind words, and for the sale. It's a nice little lamp! The handiwork is what I loved about it 🙂 I hope your wife will enjoy it.
I don't support Goodwill anymore, either, for more than one reason. Their prices are outlandish. I used to like to shop there for candles and planting pots, simple things like that. But you can purchase new, retail, what GW is asking for things now. Clothing as well.
I began selling on Ebay when I became unemployed in Jan. of 2013, and have enjoyed this experience so much! I've learned oodles of things and that's of value in itself. I am now disabled, so this was my little bit of fun money. God will provide another way, no doubt.
Thank you again & I wish you all the best! 🙂
Becky
laststopgeneralstore
·3 years agoCool!
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoLol Thanks a heap 🙂
doug_5857
·3 years agoI am so glad that I was introduced into coin collecting when I was a kid (now 58) by my Dad and a Best Friend of mine. I had so much built-up inventory when I decided to start selling it off 5 yrs ago here. Just like the OP mentions, Its fun when stuff when it moves even though it may be a slim margin of profits but its still profits.
If a person has some knowledge in coins. There are alot of deals in the coin market that a good profit can be made. I pass up deals just because I have enough stuff to sell that I dont need anymore. I will still buy if I can scrape up a great deal where I can double or triple my cost.
Best of Luck to the OP on their Future.
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoI love coins! I used to collect them when I was younger, and then my entire collection was stolen. I still check out & research my change from the grocery store, etc. It's a really fun hobby and a great way to keep the mind active.
I wish you the best of luck & thanks for popping on to share your thoughts 🙂
Becky
doug_5857
·3 years agoI would go stir-crazy if I didnt have this gig to keep me going. Since I was also medically retired (disabled) at 48 and 99% of my family have passed. Days get to be very long. If you're interested, I could steer you into some good deals in coins if you would prefer not to toss in the towel just yet. I could not toss in the towel.
Shipping on coins if really cheap compared to the items you have to ship. In either respect, I wish you the best in your future direction.
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoThanks so much! I appreciate your mention of some coin possibilities, but I'm going to try my hand at another selling platform at some point. I'm so glad this (Ebay) keeps you busy. Keep up the good work! Coins are cool!!
Becky
doug_5857
·3 years agoBest of Luck to you in your new endeavor. When you break into the Millions and Millions. Come back and let us humble peasants know how well you are doing. And if not and you decide to return. we will still be here. Thank You for your kind words as well.
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoOh goodness, I am one of (the humble peasants). I like it that way. Keeps things a bit less complicated. I've often said, and it's true, I come from money, I just don't have any 🙂
Likewise, thank you for your kindness & encouragement. Best of luck with sales, too!
Becky
harafkac0
·3 years agoThe trick here, which is between the lines... Is to stay fluid and flexible, businesses are constantly evolving and going through phases; we have to adjust or we lose sales.
shag182
·3 years agoYEP! I know the feeling. It's like someone turned off the faucet, in terms of sales, views, and even watchers the past month or so.
All the best -
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoGreat way to put it! Not even a trickle, really, anymore. The postal costs don't help, although I always shared my online discount w/customers. Thanks for the good vibes & my best to you!
Becky
ed8108
·3 years agoDrastically reduce prices & Ebay may still be one way of getting rid of those items you no longer want or use.
Good luck to you
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoThanks for the suggestion & yes, I did go in and add some pricing options. I've never been one to gouge customers or undersell a like item. I've always been very respectful & conscientious in my listings, but that doesn't guarantee sales.
Thanks and good luck to you, too!
Becky
bonjourami
·3 years agoA shame, but I think the younger folks are just not interested in collectibles like we older folks were. I know my daughter considers these 'clutter' and Ive been selling off a lot of my collectibles that she doesnt want. But not on Ebay, as mentioned, its an over saturated category here with millions of listings.
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoRight, exactly. The young ladies in our family (I am 60), who are new brides, don't want the Haviland China or the Westward Ho covered bowl, the large & beautifully hand painted chargers or the incredible sets of crystal stemware that fill my hutch. I am so drawn to the older patterns and love the heirloom things I've inherited (mostly because no one else wanted them), but what to do with it all?! I finally got out a set of Homer Laughlin china and began using it as my everyday ware. Might as well 🙂
My best to you & thanks for chiming in!
Becky
moondogblues
·3 years ago"
I finally got out a set of Homer Laughlin china and began using it as my everyday ware. Might as well "
Our daily china is Minton and a few other hundred year old patterns. We use sterling flatware and drink out of Waterford and hand blown century old glassware. I have gathered these things over 50 years and watched my Mom bring out the 'good' china and the sterling TWICE a year to use. What a waste. I told myself that I would buy the GOOD stuff and use it everyday, even if I had to buy it one at a time.
Life is too short to eat off paper plates...
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoWhat a great thing to do! I really love my Grandma Leila's set of Haviland china, but I live alone, so Homer & I hang out instead. No paper plates, though 😊
Thanks!
Becky
moondogblues
·3 years ago"What a great thing to do! I really love my Grandma Leila's set of Haviland china, but I live alone, so Homer & I hang out instead. No paper plates, though."
I adore Haviland! Good for you!!! I have to say, hotdogs and champagne are one of my fave meals. A child of the 60's am I...lace and velvet and fine china. Stained glass and back to the land and crafts. I read somewhere that the 60's were really a 20's revival. I believe it, all that glitter and beads and party to the max. Now all the furniture ads are monochrome. How horribly dull.
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoHotdogs, champagne & shrimp on Haviland china! I love it!! 😀
chapeau-noir
·3 years agoAnother problem is that it's a myth that even 'older' people are all interested in collectables or have collected them. Many of us don't or never did. I spend my money on travel and experiences as do most of my (large) family. Yet SOMEBODY in my family somewhere collected china because guess who inherited it. 😒 So those of us with no penchant for collectibles ended up with somebody else's items - it's like a never-ending river of stuff.
moondogblues
·3 years ago" it's like a never-ending river of stuff. "
Hey there, stuff is good! If it weren't for stuff we'd be sleeping in the mud and eating with our fingers. Eating grubs probably. Ugh. Give me a BBQ and a bunch of shrimp.
I do agree with you a bit in that I have NO idea who/what will get my 'stuff'. A world class science fiction art collection, ditto American art pottery. First edition signed books...Stephen King, etc.
My son could care less....what do I do?
moondogblues
·3 years agoI know I should start another thread about this, I may have, but after Chard or BV I forget...dang. It is important though, as I am sure there are a few of us in this position.
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoRight on, about the assumption that the older population still wants what they have by the building-full in their own homes. Generally, what I've gleaned from these 10 years, is that people come on Ebay to find replacements for things that may have been broken, or, a pc. that reminds them of someone special; that kind of thing.
Oh boy, did I end up with somebody else's items. I feel bad for my only child, my adult daughter, who can't stand this foofy Fenton stuff and figurines, and so on, b'cuz she'll get to sort it all out! 😉
Take care & thanks,
Becky
chapeau-noir
·3 years agoSeems like collectibles is a very tough and over-crowded market - our local thrifts are filled with glass, porcelain, etc. Kind of like clothing and accessories 😖
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoOh yes, the thrift stores have gotten MUCH wiser on collectibles, name-brand clothing & shoes, etc. I'm not a huge thrifter myself; I have 3 generations of family things here that are bulging out of a large hutch and a few other cabinets. I list as I have time. This has been my little extra income as I am disabled, but God will see me through to something more lucrative, I hope.
I love your quote, by the way, at the end of your reply. Thanks for chiming in!
Becky
farmalljr
·3 years agoI've already moved some unlisted inventory to local auction houses. I like many, are sick of the low sales.
Whatever is happening that a few sellers get great sales, and others can't even get a trickle, IN THE SAME CATEGORIES, well...... It is what it is. I have been making my moves to get out of here. I'd change my mind if sales were better, but I am not going to keep paying store fees that are barely covered every month. I am not selling here just to pay store fees. I'm here to make money. I suspect by June I will be done. I'll just truck everything to the auction houses and be totally out of this.
No more wasted store fees and promotion fees. No more wasting my time and dealing with unreasonable buyers. No more putting up with eBay's stupid changes. All was much more palatable when you are making money and sales are moving. It becomes intolerable when nothing seems to be selling.
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoYes, not only the fees, but USPS' rates have gone up so much!
I don't have the inventory to send to an auction house, but I do have an Ebay boneyard (back closet) full of unsold items & it's really a shame, because some of the things are rather rare.
As to why some get great sales and others don't, other than poor ratings, I have no clue. I coveted my 100% rating like a rockstar, but that doesn't seem to matter much nowadays, either.
All the best to you & thanks for your input!
Becky
inhawaii
·3 years agoGood luck to you!
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoThank you so much!
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoThanks so much!
Becky
samanthasb0utique
·3 years agoWishing you lots of luck with your future endeavors. Sales have been dreadfully slow and I also feel quite nervous with what my future here on eBay will look like at the end of the year. I am not giving up hope because this business is everything to me, but my optimism is waning. I have never had this much inventory that isn't moving that much in the 10 years I have been selling.
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoSorry to hear that for you, too. I'm disabled and this has been my little source of extra income, but such is life. Me & my Ebay boneyard will have a rummage/collectibles sale at some point, although I live in such a rural area, I'd probably not get much traffic. Best of luck to you!
coolections
·3 years agoGood luck elsewhere. Unfortunately for many sellers, items in low demand have completely lost all appeal. I've removed almost anything get gets zero to only a few views. I think it is that way just about anywhere you go in today's market.
mike_jayroe
·3 years agoGood luck in the future. I also have seen sales slow down. Hoping to get rid of all my items also. Probably give up by the end of this year.
happybeck42013
OP3 years agoSorry to hear that, but yes, sales are down considerably. Best of luck to you also!