The Single Most Predictable Thing About Selling on eBay
I've loved selling on this place since 1998, but honestly, the one thing you can always count on happening is that during a week when you *really really* need a few extra bucks, you make barely any sales no matter what you do. Like, for the last 4 days I literally couldn't sell a book of matches to someone who's lost in the Alaskan wilderness. Makes me insane, it really does.
23 comments
pls-consignments
·3 years agoI share your frustration. Unfortunately, we are entering a new era of economic uncertainty. However, this doesn't mean that you still can't make enough money on eBay. I'll assume that you're looking for some ideas to help you ride the storm. Several have been offered by some experienced sellers here.
I can tell you that I've personally tried elevating my PL percentage, but found that 2% works just as effectively as 12%... go figure.
I've also tried doing store coupons of 15-20% off, but saw my page views fall off the cliff with no significant increase in sales.
The only thing that seems to generate sales is using the Make Offer feature as frequently as possible.
The end/sell similar approach can be effective, but only if you do it once every 60-90-days. At least, this is my experience, hope it helps 🙂
sfau
·3 years agoYes and when you don't really want a sale because you have a few busy days you will be swamped!
tobaccocardyahoo
·3 years agoI think you are correct.
When conditions occur when you could need some extra cash, those conditions can cause the same effect on some or all of your potential customers.
Yes, there is a lull in sales for large groups of sellers around holiday and vacation periods, and sales resume when they pass.
There is also a spike in buyer offers for items with or without Make An Offer enabled when sales begin to flow.
This is also a result of buyers pinching pennies.
cyberontix
OP3 years ago100%. Between greed-induced inflation and continued predatory overreach on the part of the finance/insurance/real estate sector, the economy is in the dumper right now for most people. I'm actually surprised I've been selling anything at all tbh.
cyberontix
OP3 years agoYeah, like someone else said, I should be more budget-conscious. It's always an ebb and flow, and the ebb is really hurting me this week lol.
coolections
·3 years agoNot trying to be mean but if you rely on Ebay for bills and necessities I would suggest a part time job for that then use Ebay for Extra spending $$.
cyberontix
OP3 years agoWe'll agree to disagree on that.
12345jamesstamps
·3 years agoIt was slow at that time with the holiday but it has returned to normal last night...for me at least.
There was a lot of crazy weather at that time also and some places lost electricity.
johnrj1226
·3 years agoAlways put back some funds for the "rainy day" events..
cyberontix
OP3 years agoAbsolutely. I really need to get in that habit.
stuff4divas
·3 years ago@cyberontix That's y during the time one makes lots of sales, it's a good idea to put some of that cash into a slush fund to carry us over during slow sales.
Love seeing the 'original' eBay gang show up every so often 🤗
Hang in there! U know it'll pick up 4 u soon!
cyberontix
OP3 years agoLol you're right, I know, it always does pick up. Hope you're well! 😃
inhawaii
·3 years agoI disagree with you.
I think you could make THAT particular sale.
But selling an action figure or a hot wheel to a plumber in New Jersey who is struggling to pay his mortgage or put food on the table, perhaps not.
cyberontix
OP3 years agoWow, what a helpful, genial response! Are you, like, the new grumpy person who drags casual observation posts, or are you just a bot?
coolections
·3 years agoJust curious what you found wrong with his post ?
cyberontix
OP3 years agoThe style was pretty rude for my tastes. Why throw out some transgressive nonsense about my products and (assumed) clientele?
coolections
·3 years ago@cyberontix We'll agree to disagree on that. He was comparing your example of selling matches to his example of selling cars which to me sounded pretty factual.
inhawaii
·3 years agoI'm sorry you did not like my reply.
I'm sorry if you considered it rude. It was not meant to be.
I was simply trying to point out that your example:
"I literally couldn't sell a book of matches to someone who's lost in the Alaskan wilderness."
I would consider that example a necessity.
Most of what you sell I do not consider necessities.
I saw lots of Hot Wheels and action figures.
I was simply trying to point that out.
keziak
·3 years agoYou have a lot listed and I see you sold plenty in June but not so much in July so far. (I do not make a habit of looking at people's listings but your post made me wonder). Have you thought about running a sale on some of the items? I do not do that myself, not organized enough, but some people feel this helps shake out some sales. Also I skimmed some listings and didn't see Best Offer. That is a way I get sales. Also, are you sending offers to people with your stuff on Watch lists? Another way I sell books. I give ebay credit, it has a boatload of ways to make sales.
You could also try auctioning select items. That is no guarantee of sales but helps my bottom line A LOT. I have no numbers but my sales are maybe 50/50 auction/fixed price.
cyberontix
OP3 years agoYeah, I should auction some big-tickets. Been to busy. Thanks!
pennysdream
·3 years agoThank you for the smile this morning!
dhbookds
·3 years agolots of corollaries to that:
Need cash in a hurry......bank ATM is down
late for an appointment, walking to the door, the landline will ring...
Look forward to pizza.....go to order and remember it's the ONE day of the wk, they are closed
plan dinner......get it half made.......missing one ingredient
Waiting for a specific phone call, every telemarketer in the nation will call........
I could go on......
rugerskick
·3 years agoHeat wave hits your area....your a/c goes out
Critical place you need to get to....vehicle doesn't work