Crickets

[gardanni]

I am trying to sell a variety of silver items. I get zero views for most of them.
 
I take a lot of care in producing listings with good Titles, Descriptions, and Photos - I would think that I would at least attract viewers who wanted to see better photos or get more detail, even if they weren't looking to buy anything. But no!

I wonder if someone has some insight on how to get more visibility. And, for what it’s worth, eBay has tagged all my items as “not eligible to promote”, so it seems that paying for visibility would not be an option.

Thanks.

[bonjourami]

I expect that oversaturated categories are responsible for your poor views and sales. Its also the beginning of the summer slump. People are saving for their vacations, and keeping their kids busy with activities while out of school.

[frugalmarketplace]

We have boxes of silver, China, crystal, and sadly no one wants to buy it. Did you look and see what similar items have sold for if they have sold at all? Today we sadly live in a very disposable society where if it doesn’t fit in the microwave and dishwasher no one wants it. 

Your pictures are very nice. I have Waterford, and remember 15 years ago I paid quite a bit for a cognac glass, today they do not bring a good price..same with sterling flatware . 

I guess go do your research on what these items sold for. Unfortunately what they sell for is not what we think they are worth. 

[44012]

Hello, I think that your pictures are very nice and it shows you take pride in your work. Your items are expensive and although really nice, most people are not buying high dollar silver(wares) right now. Times are tough and they keep getting tougher so to say.

Perhaps you should look at other avenues locally to sell these, perhaps an auction service. There are a lot of bad things happening to folks these days in the ways of scams and frauds. I would be very careful and not sell anything here that you are not prepared to lose.  Please read up on this. There is a lot on this board that will give you more insight.

Also - I do like your 3 jean lot but perhaps put the size in the title? A lot of people don't want to click for more information. Many people don't even read listings anymore. 

I wish you luck and your items are beautiful.

[wastingtime101]

I don't know that the auction format is doing you any favors. For example, those routers have a fixed market value and people don't want to wait around a week to see if they win an auction when they can buy it right now in a fixed price listing from many other sellers.

Your sold history indicates everything sold had only 1 bid which means the demand for an auction style listing isn't there.

So my first suggestion is switch to fixed price format. Fixed price format is better for search engine placement.

My second suggestion is to keep listing new items. Listing more boost your search placement.

My third suggestion is to promote via social media.

My fourth suggestion is to make sure you've done pricing research. I didn't look up any of your items so you may be on the nose already. This is just general advice because pricing well plays a big role in buyer interest.

I have friends that sell things like dishes and silver and they tell me it tends to be long-tail. Not a quick seller. But pricing right and building up a following helps. You're still pretty new so it'll take time to establish yourself.

[az93]

Since the sales i can see have ended with one single bid, why don't you try fixed price? Many people want it now.

[postcardcountry]

I hate to say this because I love pretty things....you also need to be aware of the scrap metal price for silver.

A lot of the silver selling at estate sales is purchased solely for their scrap value.  I understand in the past year or too the scrap price of silver has gone down.

Now it seems like everyone is back looking for gold.

[maxine*j]

Of course I'm speaking generally, but:  A big part of the problem is what you're trying to sell. 

Most of younger folks do not want silver and crystal,  Most older folks are trying to get rid of it.

Most people who might want it, who still have "gracious living" aspirations and do some old-style entertaining as part of that, are strapped financially right now and not buying much of anything beyond necessities. 

Your listings, photos, and descriptions are well done, by the way.  I didn't check any comparables, so I don't know if your pricing is on point.

-

[gardanni]

Thanks for all the feedback. I want to change the auctions to be FIXED PRICE and some of you recommended, but I find that I cannot change the format to FIXED PRICE now. That option doesn't appear in the ACTIONS drop-down, and within the listing, the FORMAT control is greyed out. I can delete and relist, but I am surprised this option is not available. Is it just me?

[wastingtime101]

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@gardanni wrote:

Thanks for all the feedback. I want to change the auctions to be FIXED PRICE and some of you recommended, but I find that I cannot change the format to FIXED PRICE now. That option doesn't appear in the ACTIONS drop-down, and within the listing, the FORMAT control is greyed out. I can delete and relist, but I am surprised this option is not available. Is it just me?

---

You cannot switch format on a live auction listing. You can end the listing then use "sell similar" and change the format before you publish the new listing.

[coolections]

My guess is sterling silver has a buyer price point much lower than your starting bid at auction. When doing auctions buyers want a very low start point and THEY want to be the ones to determine the final price.

[coolections]

Delete and relist. Once you start an auction Ebay expects to to finish it that is why you cannot change in midstream.

[dnasilver]

On your sterling silver items if you want to sell, price below silver spot price. Your prices are way above spot price. 

[toysaver]

"And, for what it’s worth, eBay has tagged all my items as “not eligible to promote”, so it seems that paying for visibility would not be an option."

Things change.  It may not be an option today but tomorrow it could.   You're still a relatively new seller.

Promoted Listings Standard | Seller Center (ebay.com)

"Promoted Listings Standard is currently available to Above Standard and Top Rated eBay sellers with enough account activity."

[gardanni]

I am in NYC, and can sell silver as scrap for (at least) 90% spot price... For most of my items, I aim to realize spot price for myself (after ebay fees), plus a bit more, depending on the quality of the item.

There are so many silver items that are listed - and SOLD for gazillions of dollars; I don't think I am being greedy - I just hope that that nice items would be worth more than the metal they are stamped out of - and am perplexed as to how some people seem to be able to achieve this.

Thanks for your input.