How can I reduce selling fees
Summary: micsto_4849 is seeking advice on how to increase their profit margin selling used golf balls on eBay. They aim to clear $40 per box but currently nets $32 after fees, shipping, and a 4% advertising cost. Participants suggest several strategies, including raising prices, adjusting advertising strategies, selling smaller quantities, and considering selling locally to avoid online fees. Suggestions also include reassessing shipping costs and considering a store subscription if the volume of sales justifies it. The importance of calculating all costs and potential fees to set a realistic sale price is also emphasized.
Hello: I have been selling used golf balls on e-bay for a couple months. I don’t have a storefront. It seems the fees are very high. I sell a box of balls for 68 dollars. I would like to clear 40 a box. Shipping averages 15 across the States and I have 4% for advertising. I only clear on average 32 dollars. What can I do to get to 40?
caldreamer
·1 month agoYou cannot reduce your selling fees. EBAY charges fees on total sale (purchase + shipping + sales tax) plus 40 cent handling fee.
What you should do is sell only 100 balls and then set your price "slightly below" your competitors.
Good luck to you!
mam98031
·1 month agoHaving a Basic Store is only good if you are going to run 250+ listings regularly every month. When you get to that level, a Store can save you money.
Couple things you aren't considering in your opening statement are your Selling Fees. Ebay is very transparent about their fees and you need to consider them when you are developing the price you are going to try and sell your stuff for. You can't lower your basic fees without a store, but again the store isn't going to benefit you until you list a lot more stuff.
You need to back into your sale price to see if your profit margin is realistic. You start with the profit you want to make, add the cost of the product, add selling fees at about 15%, cost of shipping supplies, etc. Then you arrive at a price you need to accommodate the profit you want. Keep in mind that on whatever shipping charge you have, you have selling fees on those too, so you need to account for that in your calculation.
I'm unsure what your 4% advertising money is for. Are you using Promoted Listings? Can you give us more information on that portion of your calculation please.
tobaccocardyahoo
·1 month agoHaving a store lowers your final value fee, but you do not have enough items or sales to save enough to pay the monthly store fee.
pickapaper
·1 month agoOne suggestion: You are selling these 168 to a box. Instead of that, why not break them down into three boxes of 56 each. Sell each box of 56 for about $25.00 each plus shipping.
Another suggestion: Stop promoting.
Another suggestion: Have you tried selling these locally on Marketplace or CL? No fees, cash in hand.
tobaccocardyahoo
·1 month agoThe fees are not HIGH. They are competitive with the other sites where you might be able to sell these items.
Many of the competitors on your listings are selling lots of 100 used balls where you are selling 168.
You may be getting the sales because you are lowballing, and not getting value for your 4% promotion. Test no promotion. Test lots of 100. Test raising your price.
stainlessenginecovers
·1 month ago · EditedThis is simply TOO Easy;
How to get to $40 from the $32 you now get?
Quit selling at $68
Start selling at $78
How to "reduce" seller fees?
Quit giving that additional 4%
soh.maryl
·1 month agoAnd why are you offering free shipping exactly, and then complaining about how much you net?
micsto_4849
OP1 month agoNot a polite response but thanks.
duffy4444
·1 month agoThere's nothing un-polite about her response. It's reality that is helpful to you... be thankful.
Cheers, Duffy
soh.maryl
·1 month agoYour buyer is supposed to be paying the shipping cost. Are you saying that you're promoting at 4%? Is the FVF on golf balls the standard 13.5%? To clear $40, simplest way is raise your prices.
hartungcards
·1 month agoYou never said there was going to be math on this quiz.
asset_liquidators
·1 month agoMath is hard!