Selling Advice
Summary: fs_collective sought advice about struggling to make sales as a new seller. Several participants shared insights, pointing out that certain items like Beanie Babies are generally not valued, with some suggesting research on sold listings and better pricing strategies. Other comments focused on the importance of product photography and unique descriptions. There were mixed opinions on the collectibility of Beanie Babies, and advice varied from price adjustments to expanding product range. Overall, contributors emphasized the need for market research and strategic listing to improve sales.
Need some advice, haven’t made any sales since I started.
20 comments
nut4barbie001
·2 weeks agoMost collectables have taken a huge hit in this economy and a collectable is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Beannies never took off in the way that vintage Barbie, games or a few other collectables have and they don't hold the value you think they did. I agree with the others, stock a bigger variety of collectables and since you're a small seller, creat your own photos and descriptions. I'll pay more to a small seller doing their own work than I'll pay someone 'borrowing' their listing ideas from someone else. And using your own creativity to surprise your buyers with when your package arrives to them. Even a personal note can put your name at the front of their memory and the more fun they remember having when purchasing from you can earn you a loyal and lifetime customer. In any case, congratulations on your first sale!!
pickapaper
·2 weeks agoI looked at one of your Beanies and shortly after, I received an offer to buy it at 20% off. You might try offering a 99% discount and you might sell one. Or not.
thief_in_the_night_100_rating_seller
·2 weeks agouse chatgpt to write your descriptions.
thief_in_the_night_100_rating_seller
·2 weeks agopaperandphotocollection
·2 weeks agoI read through the comments and I don’t agree that beanie babies are not collectible. I agree most don’t have much value, like many other collectibles there are rare ones that are sought after. And yes as far as I understand tag errors do make value more like on other items. As to why you are not selling, add more items. Read up on better ways to use your title words. I look at items currently selling and then what they sold for. I don’t really consider the highest price sound because it’s generally a one off. Good luck! Hope you get some sales
christworks
·2 weeks agoVery few have any value. The OP doesn't gave one of those. You can sell beans in lots. You can lot 20 bears together and maybe get $100.
Of course, one can sell whatever they want. If one wants to invest their time in beanies, go right ahead.
Ty does have other plush that is quite sellable.
albertabrightalberta
·2 weeks ago@fs_collective
Although you aren't going to like what I advise, you really need to take it to heart.
When selling items as expensive as you're asking for the items, it's a good idea to take your own pictures and write your own descriptions.
If you're lucky enough to find a
suckerbuyer willing to spend that much money on a Beanie baby, they aren't going to want to see some Etsy sellers' (different sellers) pictures and descriptions!You need to be willing to put in the work involved in order to become a good seller with honest listings.
hartungcards
·2 weeks ago · EditedWhy did you cross out "sucker?" That seemed to be accurate to me.
funfactorychannel
·2 weeks agoYou only have a few items..
So its easy, search your item and price compare to others before you list. Price Research your items. You don't have to price to the lowest but within some range of it.
1786davycrockett
·2 weeks ago@fs_collective
There are very, very, very few "collectible" and "rare" Beanie Babies -- and the ones that you own are neither.
Beanie Babies were produced in quantities of hundreds of thousands in Third World sweatshops, and falsely promoted by Ty Warner as being "instantly collectible" and "investment quality" -- and they weren't.
Except to Ty Warner -- who made millions of dollars by conning gullible "investors."
And, when sales began dropping on particular Beanie Babies, Ty Warner would market them as "retired" -- so that "investors would rush out to buy them.
Most Beanie Babies are worth less that $5.00 -- but most collectors just consider them worthless period.
Don't believe me? Then check out this documentary about Beanie Babies from the History Channel --
https://www.history.com/articles/how-the-beanie-baby-craze-came-to-a-crashing-end
luckythewinner
·2 weeks agoSell things that people want to buy.
The quality of the answers you get on here will generall match the quality of the information you provide. And you provided almost nothing.
inhawaii
·2 weeks ago"Sell things that people want to buy."
chapeau-noir
·2 weeks agoThe listings tell the story, I think.
tobaccocardyahoo
·2 weeks agoSelling Chinese iPhone cases means competing with hoards of sellers with a better sales history, lower prices based on quantities in stock and more experience in packing and shipping. Why should anyone buy from you or see your listings.
How many active Beanie Baby collectors are still buying? And who is buying $700 Beanies.
Check out other sellers of that Disney plush using the same picture as you and pricing lower. Some have sponsored ads on your listing.
Why would anyone buy from a newbie like you?
christworks
·2 weeks ago@fs_collective The best item you have is the Mickey Mouse plush. You need a better photo as your lead photo. Turn it around and show its face. You should be able to set it up even inside the package. Also, drop your price by $5.
The rest of your stuff isn't sellable. That's just the reality. Sorry. The $5 hot dog I buy at the gas station down the road is worth more than 99.999999999% of Beanie Babies. You cannot trust the sold comps on the Beanies.
funfactorychannel
·2 weeks ago7 Eleven has Hot Dog, Big Gulp and Bag of Chips for $3
christworks
·2 weeks ago@funfactorychannel Still worth more than a Beanie. :)
We had 7 Eleven here when I was a kid. They owner changed brands around 1990. A couple of months ago they broke ground on a new 7 Eleven store. I cannot wait until it opens!
bdmh-enterprises
·2 weeks agoBeanie Babies haven't sold for 20+ years. And the other stuff is more easily obtained by going straight to Amazon and avoiding the drop shipper that's probably violating multiple sites TOS..
susanb1872
·2 weeks agoDo you really think the Derby Beanie Baby is rare when there are 2000 others listed? Plus tag errors don't mean anything with Beanie Babies, when thousands of Beanies have the same error. Did you look at the Sold Listings for the 2 Beanies you have listed?
kensgiftshop
·2 weeks agoA new seller dropshipping turns some buyer away.