Ebay is broken

[goldrushfinds]

As stated in a previous recent post, I have been listing consistently for a few months (every day) . Well, I checked the view count on some of my new listings from early today and yesterday and they are almost nonexistent (along with sales). Yesterday, I listed a Kuhl Mens shirt (very popular brand) at a competitive price and see that it shows 0 views. Today I listed 3 pairs of Hoka One One Running Shoes at very competitive prices and they each have 3 total views (used to get 15 views within minutes of listing). Those 3 view counts have not changed in the past 2 hours. Either the view counter is messed up or Ebay's buyer pool at present has crashed. Something is really wrong. Is it Ebay, the economy, or both. 

[goldrushfinds]

Yeah, like the stuff that was desirable just one week ago. I have listed this same stuff for the past months, and no the market hasn't changed, and all of a sudden no interest. I have recently listed 2 irrigation times, that in the past would gotten massive views and sell quickly, now almost no views. This goes for lots of other items as well. I can only say I am not spending one more red cent on new inventory until Ebay can show me the ability to move that item. 

[rugerskick]

I think tax time had some factor here.

But i think their special deal to select, targeted sellers for 75% off promoted listings was the real thing that hit so many of us.  When you  keep doing your normal routine, but your top 20 listing impressions drop by 50%, and impressions and page views tank, its something ebay has done.  They claim no restrictions on the acct and i have top numbers for no rejects/etc.  The promo they did for some sellers is the obvious reason why other sellers listings in the top 20 generated went way down, others were paying to be listed higher and we all took it in the shorts if we didnt get invited to participate.

[yuzuha]

Clothing trends change as the wind blows-- it's one of the reasons I've never bothered selling it. You have to be constantly monitoring what's in right now so you can do quick flips because chances are it WON'T be in six months down the line, and then you'll be stuck with a bunch of dud inventory to try to unload. I see it in my B&M job, which sells clothing (amongst a whole lot of other things). Thing is hot... for about three months, and then it cools way back down again.

[sakic92710]

I am with you on the patience thing!   On my 7th straight horrible week & I do not list junk.  It makes no sense why items sit there without even offers.  Several of my listings have 0 competition.  For the people doing well, good on them.  Still doesn't account why some of us have to struggle so much.  Since the week of March 6, I had not had a week with more than 4 sales.  I have not sold 1 thing this week.  The money is out there.  People are buying.  This excuse about listing what is desirable is nonsense.  We don't know what each individual wants!   Some listings I did sell are not 'in demand" nor necessities.  Yet, they sold within a few hours after posting them.  They were sports collectibles that some on here say have almost no chance of selling.  lol  Wrong!  🙂   Hope things work out for you & anyone who is fighting to survive!

[goldrushfinds]

You are probably right. I for one am so sick and tired of Ebay constantly tweaking and manipulating the site. No, I am not going to refresh my listings every 30 days. I am not going to fork out more money for Promoted Listings. I am not going to send coupons. I am not going to offer free shipping, free returns (yeah, am doing some of these out of desperation), 60-90 day returns. I am not going to update all item specifics every so often. They are algorithm obsessed.  I sometimes feel like employees at Ebay are just making changes to justify their positions. Sorry, but that's how I feel.

[american_vintage_ads]

I'm sorry, but it's not as simple as you think. Any seller whose inventory is homogenic, means they sell the same stuff, will confirm that,depending on the quantity of their items,  sales are usually steady from month to month and only vary when you run sales, coupons and other promotions. So one can sell 50 items every month, and then for 1 or 2 month this drops to 20, and then all of a sudden picks back up to 50. So what, you say people wanted my stuff in January and then in February they collectively stopped wanting it? It's not how it works.

My theory is that on certain occasions Ebay pushes only big company sellers (like Lenovo, 

ASICS etc.)  and it usually concides with some big sales those companies are running on every platform they sell. And that's why smaller sellers get much less exposure.

[stainlessenginecovers]

21000 Used Mens Under Armour shirts. 

[goldrushfinds]

Yes, but I have been listing season appropriate items as of late. Running shoes, shorts, irrigation timers, t-shirts, etc., all to no avail. Ebay makes me pull my hair out and they will therefore have to foot the bill for my Bosley hair transplant procedure. Also they will be billed for all counselling and stress management sessions. 

[goldrushfinds]

Which Under Armour shirt are you referring to?

[inhawaii]

I give up.

Your sales are slow and it's all ebays fault.

People want to buy your items but ebay wont let them.

[goldrushfinds]

Your idea of "good sales" and my idea of "good sales" appear to differ. I am not looking for your sympathy. I will do what I think is best, based on sound data. If I determine it is not worthwhile so be it. Sometimes a person just needs to vent, get it?

[simply-the-best-for-you]

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@goldrushfinds wrote:

You are probably right. I for one am so sick and tired of Ebay constantly tweaking and manipulating the site. No, I am not going to refresh my listings every 30 days. I am not going to fork out more money for Promoted Listings. I am not going to send coupons. I am not going to offer free shipping, free returns (yeah, am doing some of these out of desperation), 60-90 day returns. I am not going to update all item specifics every so often. They are algorithm obsessed.  I sometimes feel like employees at Ebay are just making changes to justify their positions. Sorry, but that's how I feel.

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Of course you can do whatever you wish, but keep in mind that your competitors are doing some or in some cases, all, of those things.  It makes a difference. 

[goldrushfinds]

Most of these "things" are just gimmicks. Raise the price and then offer a discount. I am now mostly offering free returns, a solid very competitive price, quality items that are clean and mostly without defect and 1 day shipping. I offer refunds when a customer is unhappy without question. I supply clear and abundant photos. I bend over backwards to make customers happy. If that is not enough, then so be it. I am not going to raise my price, just so I can offer  free shipping or a perceived discount. I know it may come across as whiney, but maybe I am not cut out for the sales game. I am honest to a flaw and offer quality items at a fair price. I will be no longer adding clothing listings (other than what I still have unlisted) and am phasing in other hard goods. I do appreciate input. Thanks and best of luck to you. 

[this*old*attic]

@inhawaii 

I agree.

 I get a pathetic nasty gram now and then about “how little” I sell and who am I to have an opinion?

20 years here, half of that truly full time aside….

 I have a whopping 30 items up, maybe listed 2-3 things in September and also last August…. everything else has been up a year plus.

Yet I sell 1-2 things per week, average $200-250/month, and a number of my items go for $100-250 each. Mixed in are $10-35 items.

No effort, utterly ignore the algorithms… heck, I even consistently miss my s/h by a day or more.

If they want what you have, they’ll buy it.

End of story.

[chapeau-noir]

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@goldrushfinds wrote:

I saw that announcement, however if 0 is the official true count on my item, then I say Ebay is broken. At least at present, the foundation that Ebay provides for building a profitable online business is extremely fragile. 

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I've sold items with 0 view count.  It's not something I take seriously or, really, even bother with because it's simply not that reliable unless one tracks it over time.  After 60 days, if I see a high view count but not bites, I review the listing, but beyond that, no.  

You're in a tough market and are having the kind of frustrations most of us have in this market.