"Sell what is in demand" Enough with the vagueness
A group of sellers ALWAYS give the advice, "Sell what is in demand." So.........what is that? Without mentioning gold, phones, shoes & Gretzky RCs, what do you consider 'in demand' items? I don't need to know because I don't have them nor can I afford to buy a pallet or warehouse full of these. Please enlighten the general public with your wisdom on what you consider are items that will make eBay a valuable part of their lives. 🙂 Stop being vague. 🙂 Or are you in the "I don't want to say because I don't want the competition" dept. while hiding your ID with an alternate username? lol Not showing anyone that your advice is not helping your stagnant sales, too? 😛
50 comments
kh-light
·5 months 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.
gurlcat
·5 months agoANCIENT thread.
lakefor94
·5 months agoYes, I remember this one. Another thread..... where nothing offered up as help would ever be taken seriously....
kibble-net
·5 months agoI've spent many years doing research and building a business. Learning what works, and what doesn't. Tell me why I should give away all that information for free?
Also, this is a necro post. It will be closed by a moderator shortly, so start a new thread to discuss further... you know the drill.
le-5262
·5 months agoI'm keeping my fingers crossed for a resurgence of interest in Beanie Babies
luckythewinner
·2 years agoA group of sellers ALWAYS give the advice, "Sell what is in demand." So.........what is that?
If the answer to that was easy, then everyone would be rich. Big box stores like Walmart and Target pay consultants millions of dollars a year to analyze and predict buyer demand.
For an eBay seller, this usually means staying on top a niche, knowing it inside and out, recognizing trends, and having an intuitive feel for whether an item is desirable.
It also means knowing the value of items so that they can recognize undervalued items and acquire inventory at a price that leaves room for profit. Because there is a second half of that advice that is often left off:
"Sell what is in demand at a price that buyers are willing to pay".
aldet_4021
·2 years ago@sakic92710 I think one of the things you are asking is also about how quickly something sells. So, if you list on 4/15/24, and it sells on 4/16/24, I think most people would agree that was a great turnaround time and that there must be some "demand" for what you sold. But what if it takes a year? 2 years? If it took you 3 1/2 years to sell, there's demand - you sold it - but that's not what you're looking for.
Plus, there's price. If I dig up a $20 Saint-Guadens gold piece from 1923 in my back yard, beautiful condition, and list it for $100 because I need to get my electricity turned back on, that would sell in seconds. If I listed it for $400,000, it may never sell. Is there demand for a gold coin these days? Yep. An amazing, collectible, Saint-Guadens double eagle? Holy cats yes. But price will affect how much demand there is, so there might be lots of watchers at 400k, but no bids or buyers.
I honestly don't know the answer to this question, and I wish I did. When I buy, I start with "vintage things that I think are interesting" because that's what I love. I am confident there's demand for them, but I need to be patient. How patient? I am still trying to figure that out.
my-cottage-books-and-antiques
·2 years ago@aldet_4021 Exactly. There's "demand" and then there's "demand" Some sellers try to buy only stuff with fast turnover. Others (like me) are more willing to play the slow game...in part, because that's the kind of stuff my sourcing turns up. And some sellers manage to find a happy medium, often with high turnover providing cash flow and slower turnover providing profit.
ebay sellers are incredibly diverse. Some are here to clean out a closet, some are here to pay for vacation, some are here to earn a living. Some are located in areas with great thrift stores, etc, some aren't. Some have plenty of money to acquire stock, some have very little. Ultimately, it all comes down to figuring out what works for YOU. And recognizing that what worked a few years ago might not work now. So, always be learning and always be ready to pivot.
my-cottage-books-and-antiques
·2 years ago@sakic92710 I'll also add : I find that I retain more if I do my own research. Yes, you Tube videos, etc are helpful, but spending time with Solds and Terapeak, and, when possible, trade papers and events (for me, antique shows, even if online), reference books about stuff I sell, etc---is never wasted time.
gurlcat
·2 years agoYou can make a killing on vintage costume jewelry here. Go ahead and try to compete with me, please.
The thing is, it's not as simple a question as you think it is. There's almost no whole category of things that ALL sell well; you have to learn about them to know which specific examples within a category are in demand. And the more in-demand they are, the harder it will be for you to find sources for, because you've got competition on that end too.
If you're wondering what are some things that can sell for more than you'd expect on eBay, there are tons of Youtube videos about that. Have you thought about going there and watching some?
Just me personally, I don't get the idea of just wanting to sell whatever sells. I think when you genuinely like the things you offer and find them genuinely interesting, it shows and makes you better at selling them. I could never get into something like video games or sports stuff because I have zero interest in those, so even if I was handed a truckload of valuable items like that, my listings of them would probably reflect how little I know or care about them, and I'd probably be setting myself up to scammers who know more about them than I do. Even if I made good money with them, I wouldn't be as happy as making less money on things I truly enjoy handling, studying, photographing, etc. I would just feel like I was working at Walmart but with better pay.
yuzuha
·2 years agoBingo. Every category will have some things that sell well and other things that won't move at all. The trick is learning what's what.
sakic92710
OP2 years ago"The thing is, it's not as simple a question as you think it is. There's almost no whole category of things that ALL sell well; you have to learn about them to know which specific examples within a category are in demand. And the more in-demand they are, the harder it will be for you to find sources for, because you've got competition on that end too. "
This is my entire point. The answer is not simple so sellers shouldn't just throw out vague, useless advice like, "sell what is in demand." Add something useful to their advice or don't bother thinking they are geniuses for offering it up. lol
my-cottage-books-and-antiques
·2 years ago@sakic92710 " The answer is not simple so sellers shouldn't just throw out vague, useless advice like, "sell what is in demand." Add something useful to their advice or don't bother thinking they are geniuses for offering it up. lol"
Actually, it's useful advice for those who receive it, IF they then ask themselves:
Am I selling items for which there really is demand (particularly on the platform(s) I sell on? )
If so, what sort of demand is it? Broad demand, like, say, the latest Apple product, or narrow demand, such as a particular type of antique?
Would I perhaps benefit from a better mix of broad and narrow demand items?
Given my sourcing opportunities, am I overlooking things for which there is more demand than I have realized?
Yes, it is very general advice, and people can give you more particular advice, but YOU know what your sourcing opportunities are, YOU know what constraints you may be under in terms of paying for inventory, and storing inventory, and shipping costs.
There are tons of You Tube videos, Facebook posts and other social media posts, all about in demand items. Items to purchase, items to make, items to design.
But only you know which of those items are really feasible for you. And only you know which types of items you are willing to really LEARN about, because within every category there are items that are in high demand and items that aren't....and it takes time and effort to recognize which items are which.
Perhaps instead of criticizing people who have given you valid---if basic---advice, perhaps you'd do better to spend some time evaluating your own business within the general framework of that advice.
lakefor94
·2 years ago@sakic92710
You come up with some very obscure items much of the time that are mostly long tail. That is your consistent MO and why the items don't sell very fast or all on eBay.
You have a lot of good suggestions that have been posted. You have to have a lot of room to sell what I sell as another shipment just went freight this past week so I can't really help much.
Check with contractors and businesses in your area that have stock left over from projects. A lot of the items they have are new in the box and sitting on pallets in their shops/warehouse, taking up valuable space.
The only way they can get rid of it is to bid it into another job, but that just don't happen much with a lot of products due to consulting firms calling the shots for the client. They have to bid the exact products the consulting firms call out in the project. No substitutions.
You have to beat on some doors, but it is very doable. The products are out there.
chariot_badges
·2 years agoI used to sell books here.
And Amazon.
Long, long time ago. Back when Gore first invented the internet.
GentlyUsedBooks.com had, at one time a larger database of title than Amazon.
I know, hard to believe, but it was true in the 90's.
Books were cheap to get, cheap to ship, margins were great. Made a good living for many years.
Then demand began to drop, I saw the writing on the wall with tablet readers, etc. And more NO readers, etc. And sold the virtual store and website right after Sept 11 attacks.
Recently got into two niches of auto parts.
My parameters were: Small parts, light, cheap to ship, steady demand, easy to source.
My inventory fits all of those except for the last one. Not easy, but I have developed some sources.
I don't mind competition. I won't share all my secrets: they've been hard learned with much tuition.
I suggest sticking to: Small, light, cheap to ship, steady demand, easy to source.
I did a lot of testing. Made a lot of mistakes. It took a year to work out the formulae.
Work it out.
12345jamesstamps
·2 years agoImagine buying 5 used stamps dated 1960s from China for $1000.+ "Sell what is in demand"....that's a demand!
12345jamesstamps
·2 years agoPeople's Republic of China...Chinese stamps from the 1960s unused or used..better than the stock market!
Every year these stamps increase in value...only country where stamps increase in value every year....why?...one can mail something in China which stamps were applied on the letters during that time period...collecting or setting aside stamps was prohibited and against the law during that period of time in China.
NOW....Chinese from China are buying stamps from other countries that have these stamps they want back. LOL.
kensgiftshop
·2 years agoIt depends on the time of year.
Now, items for gardening, barbecues, graduation, Mothers and Fathers day would sell good.
Unavailable member
·2 years agoI’ll give you one that has consistently done well for me - vinyl/records. Problem is that you have to know what will sell and how to grade if selling used. And you can’t take the time to research every item that you come across - you actually have to know about records and what people want, not just what you like. And for new, you have to know how to get them cheap enough to make any profit - wholesale prices that many sellers can get won’t cut it on eBay.
figuring out what you know well enough to sell AND what you can buy cheap enough to make what you want in profit (from your location) is actual work, and no one will do that for you.
sakic92710
OP2 years agoI bought a huge collection of LPs from a guy who was a DJ at weddings etc, back in the 50s & 60s. Some of the 70s. The 1st few hundred were easy to sell & I got my money back. After that, it took a long time to sell the leftovers. None of the classic rock (Led Z, Pink F, etc.) was in the lot.
Unavailable member
·2 years agoHave to bundle those stragglers. One year, I sold maybe 1500 disco albums - bundled them in lots of 6-8, grouped by record label. That’s the only way I could make it work - $5 records aren’t going to sell when the postage is $4+.
monica-sells
·2 years agostellar advice...and you can apply that to any product line
My favorite niche of many I sell (I am retired, but get bored easily)
DIYer's love parts...."used" parts...think buying auto parts but for household items that break....in this disposable society, I can source most of the inventory for free (the cost of picking it up)
...i think you can figure out the rest...
Need a part for that 2010 kenmore refrigerator...the ice maker switch always breaks....
🤔
farmalljr
·2 years agoWait.... Another thread about a seller who can't figure out what to sell, so they come here and demand someone else figure it out for them?
I'll build you a business plan, show you products to sell, and help you out. But it's going to cost you 250K. What you are asking for is not "free" or owed to you. People spend a lot of time and money building a business. What in the world makes you think anyone is going to give you all the answers for free? LMAO.
You know why people buy franchises? Because everything is already figured out FOR them. All they have to do is hand over a lot of money, and do what they are told. You are asking for someone to GIVE you a franchise. DERP! Wonder why no one wants to give you the answers.
selsa84
·2 years agoHe never said he demanded to know. He asked which is what the forum is for. Guess you forgot
sakic92710
OP2 years agoWhat are you babbling on about? My post has nothing to do with what you are droning on about. lol
theteamsetguy
·2 years ago@sakic92710 ,
Are you saying sellers are making things up? I used to try and offer more advice than I do today because I don't feel sellers appreciate it. Many sellers come here and complain about slow sales. When sellers offer advice they are called names like shills, cheer leaders and etc. Often times the advice is ignored by the complaining seller.
sakic92710
OP2 years agoNo. I am saying some sellers give advice without any proof that they succeed on eBay with that same advice.
theteamsetguy
·2 years ago@sakic92710 ,
Why would someone go thru the trouble of posting advice if it didn’t work. I don’t buy that.
sakic92710
OP2 years agoYou don't believe some people are 'know-it-alls' & advise on something they have never dealt with personally?
theteamsetguy
·2 years ago@sakic92710 ,
I think that is the exception rather than the rule. I believe most people are honest and are trying to be helpful. But then again there are plenty of skeptics in this world.
sakic92710
OP2 years agoMy main opinion is the advice they give is so vague that it is of no use. Such as, "Sell what people want." Well over 100 million buyers on eBay. What do they all want? lol No one can answer that.
sin-n-dex
·2 years agoSell your Great Britain Presentation packs! You said you have 400 of them? What did they cost? I sell these regularly for $3.50-$4 USD (which is probably close to the FV of the postage).
C.
gurlcat
·2 years agoHonest and sincere question: Why do you want to be an eBay seller? I know some people start out with the simple need to get rid of stuff they already have and they know it's worth money, so they start an account and create their listings. But that doesn't seem to be the case with you so why is it you want to sell on eBay rather than some other way to make money?
an-57470
·2 years agoOh, I can answer that…
They all want different things. Some may even want the same things.
And there you go... I answered the question no one can answer. 🙂
fashunu4eeuh
·2 years agoHi @sakic92710 . And so it raises the question of their credibility.
To be frank, that’s fair. It points to one drawback of using a posting ID. It may lower one’s reliability in the eyes of the community.
But that said—in the end, whether a respondent uses a posting ID or not—readers are still free to accept or reject the advice given. It must stand on its own merit.
I do believe that most everyone here tries to do the best they can. Yes, there will always be those who are pills or trolls. But even so, that doesn’t necessarily negate the value that each voice brings to the table. For myself, i’d like to engage fellow users in a dialogue, and hopefully take it a step beyond that to offer what help i may.
Besides, posting with one’s primary account is not a guarantee of quality of content. There could be just as many misinformed sellers freely posting with their main accounts, as there are those with posting IDs who get it right.
In conclusion, it is a sad testimony that there exists those few who would sabotage a fellow poster’s selling account because they didn’t like or agree with something said herein. It’s happened (and has made me more cautious as a result).
So, for the time being, posting ID it is.
simba6
·2 years agoThere are many item that would sell. For example, a real working Pokeball parents could keep their kids in.
yuzuha
·2 years agoI know multiple parents who would buy one of those. 😂
ten_o_nine
·2 years agoI can provide some specific examples of in-demand items on eBay that don't fall into the usual categories (gold, phones, shoes, and sports memorabilia). Demand can vary by season and location, but here are some examples:
1. Home decor and organization items, like macrame plant holders, woven baskets, and storage solutions.
2. Vintage and second-hand clothing, accessories, and home goods, vinyl records, and retro posters.
3. Health and wellness products, such as essential oils, skincare sets, and fitness equipment.
4. Pet products, like handmade pet beds, customized collars, and natural treats.
5. Specialty foods and gourmet ingredients, like artisanal spices, small-batch sauces, and exotic teas.
6. Handmade and crafted items, such as jewelry, candles, and customized phone cases.
7. Educational resources and materials for homeschooling, like workbooks, curricula, and learning aids.
These are just a few examples, and there are many more niches and opportunities on eBay. I'm not hiding behind an alternate username; I am not hoarding secrets to protect my own sales. I hope this helps.
sakic92710
OP2 years agoThank you for taking your time to help others with a wide selection of ideas!
gooddeals1957
·5 months agoThanks for sharing.
onlinecentral
·2 years agoFor what little it's worth,
a) a brand of consumer electronics listed in a dozen eBay categories. I bought it on eBay, sorted into like items and listed it. An average of 60 units per Buy-It-Now listing.
b) used automotive parts. Search and click on Sold, on the left. Figure out the good selling items. Go to a salvage yard, pull parts off of cars and list them on eBay.
mtgraves7984
·2 years agoFor what little it's worth, I sell ball caps and blue jeans. They seem to always be in demand.
jewelbiz
·2 years agoThank you mtgraves7984 for not being vague.
i love ball caps and especially denim anything!