CLOSING ACCOUNT/STORE

[actionsnacks]

i cannot get items in a timely manner anymore from the company I usually buy from.... I am not sure how I can fulfill orders in a timely manner. It has led to a lot of unfavorable messages and fines from eBay. I am not sure how to handle this as I have over 25 years with them but that doesn't seem to have any sway with how I am being treated. I do not want to make a final decision on closing the account entirely maybe just the store at this point. However, if I put it on vacation, I have to update that in so many days. 

really confused as to what to do.

any suggestions?

[richard1rst]

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@actionsnacks wrote:

i cannot get items in a timely manner anymore from the company I usually buy from.... I am not sure how I can fulfill orders in a timely manner. It has led to a lot of unfavorable messages and fines from eBay. I am not sure how to handle this as I have over 25 years with them but that doesn't seem to have any sway with how I am being treated. I do not want to make a final decision on closing the account entirely maybe just the store at this point. However, if I put it on vacation, I have to update that in so many days. 

really confused as to what to do.

any suggestions?

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So does that mean you are selling things you do not physically have on hand? THAT is a big no-no,

Bring in SOME inventory, reduce the number of flavors you offer and only list ones you have on hand. You can then state that other flavors are available and you can bring them in if requested.

[nuclearomen]

maybe only keep the listings for the items you actually have and can ship out when ordered...sounds like your drop shipping? 

[reallynicestamps]

Another drawback to dropshipping-- suppliers suddenly going out of business/disappearing--at least you found out before  your customers did.

[reallynicestamps]

What do the food wholesalers in your area have to offer?

Local snacks may be the way to go, although you may have to build new relationships before you get discounts and terms like you did with that supplier.

[slippinjimmy]

If you are going to dropship you need to be prepared to update your available inventory on a daily basis at least. Your supplier should be able to provide you with an accurate inventory of what they currently have in stock so you can accurately only list items which are available.

If you don't do this you won't last long here either by choice or because eBay closes your account.

[luckythewinner]

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@actionsnacks wrote:

i cannot get items in a timely manner anymore from the company I usually buy from.... I am not sure how I can fulfill orders in a timely manner. It has led to a lot of unfavorable messages and fines from eBay. I am not sure how to handle this

any suggestions?

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IMHO there is one incredibly obvious suggestion. Buy the items FIRST, and only list them AFTER you have them in hand. 

[buyologist-3]

 "...Buy the items FIRST, and only list them AFTER you have them in hand."

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Yup~~ That's what I always did and never had a problem.  It may take a small investment up front, but don't list unless you have the item in hand.  So many ways for things to go sour if you don't.  Good luck!

[reallynicestamps]

OP has been a member since 2001. I would hope that if they have been selling all that time, and it looks like they did, they were putting some money aside for rainy days like this one.

Because as Murphy tells us "Anything that can go wrong, will" and the corollary "At the worst possible time."