Does anyone have any sense of the effect of the Pandemic on sales?

[tobiasness]

     I wondered if so many working from home or having to stay at home might encourage more shopping but my small store doesn't really show a huge difference. I am sensing people may feel guilty buying stuff that isn't food, medicine or toilet paper.

     Pardon me if this post is in the wrong discussion.

 Tobiasness        Toby's Tools     https://www.ebay.com/str/tobystools

[mr_lincoln]

@tobiasness    The trend I am seeing with what I sell is that many purchases are things people can do or use at home opposed to mainly being collectible items.

The other trend is the high dollar items (in my case over $ 100) are not being purchased as much as items at or below $ 50 (that would include shipping).

Most people being off work are not necessarily out of money since they can collect unemployment ... now that the first two weeks of panic buying has died down, the economic relief bill was signed today and testing and monitoring Covid-19 has fallen in to a pattern I think many Americans are looking for ways to enjoy their time off ...

Has Covid-19 affected sales?  Sure but in different ways based on what Sellers are selling.

[tobiasness]

There is an interesting thread in the "selling" discussion where someone selling 9 rolls of toilet paper for $37 plus high shipping is totally owned.

[kensgiftshop]

As with anything else, it depends on what you sell.

There might be a bunch of people off work and staying home with no pay checks, so they won't be buying anything they don't need.

The people that are still working, I think they'll be saving their money because they don't know whats going to happen next week or if they'll still have a job.

[jimw1776]

On March 1, I returned from visiting my sister. Getting my store set up and going after being gone 2 wks always takes a little time. Then the pandemic hit. I've sold 5 items in March. I feel like my items aren't even being seen. I think people are buying, if they see what they want . I messaged eBay to have them check my acct for views and watches...and all I got back was the dreaded "Not to worry...your acct. is ok" Oh well, I'll keep on listing.

[theteamsetguy]

As a shareholder of Target they just announced that their grocery sales in the last month was up 400% compared to the same time a year ago. Other items in their store were down 20% year over year. I'm sure it is the same for Walmart and etc. I've noticed my sales are down about 25%. The number of sales are about the same but the amount of larger orders is way down. Also seeing more items that normally sell to advanced collectors sell versus the casual collector. My theory is that most serious collectors are still employed and have higher incomes. Just my two cents.  

[nuclearomen]

sales are slower yeah, but they are still happening for me every few days or so. 
And I have been buying also, I bought from 2 sellers in past 2 days - one way to help others and the economy is to support other sellers and not just yourself - doesn't have to big money spending, $20... perhaps karma finds you in return. 

[wildrose.auction.and.consignment]

I've never been so busy. People are panic-buying coins?

[mjap47]

My sales are way down, and I think the same as you do, just hope things turn around soon for everyone.

[outdatedrecreated]

My sales are up 40% on my 5 accounts. My profit is down 33%. 

[lex-talon]

Some people unfortunately, have to buy the essentials(t.p., hand sanitizer, etc.) on ebay because of the panic buyers in B.M stores cleaning them out and leaving nothing for others that need them. 

I have sold items that help some folks alleviate the boredom while being at home during the Pandemic. It really helps to have those items available for people who are bored.

[mariefrench614formallybirdyard]

I am having the same problem.
I am sure many others are too.
Birdyard.

[mariefrench614formallybirdyard]

So very wrong.
Birdyard

[mightymouse]

Sorry to say but my store is up 38 % from last month and 66 % up from last year. It has been up for that last 4 months which was nice as it was down most of last year.

[saresales1]

I showed a trend in the right direction this week and sales went up. I just hope continues. Trying to avoid that 50,000 free listings stuff and somewhat follow my own plan as I have been.