Exchange instead of selling?

[blets71]

Hello everyone,

during the last year, sales have plummeted for me, as for many others on this platform. My items were visible only during certain times, and my sales have been following this visibility pattern. Right now, I am selling around 70% less than a year ago.

When I stopped using promoted listings, I ended up having 0 sales for almost a month!

So I am thinking maybe it is time to try and do something different with my stock. Try to exchange some of my items with goods that I could use myself.

Have you ever tried exchanges? How would you do that safely and within the eBay framework?

[refree_48]

eBay is not set up for that.

[richard1rst]

What you are describing is a system of Barter which was commonly used before the creation of money. The problem is you have to find someone who wants what you have AND has something that you want.

Theoretically (and I strong emphasis theoretically because it would be so cumbersome as to probably not be workable) if you found someone who had what you wanted you could contact them and ask, is essence, I like what you have but I don't have the money can we work a trade?

If by chance they say yes then you would buy their product with the understand that they would simultaneously buy yours. If the same amount of money changes hands back and forth then in essence your cash position remains the same and a barter trade has essentially taken place. But you would both owe FVF and PP fees. As I said - cumbersome.

[southern*sweet*tea]

Swaps/trades aren't allowed on Ebay.

[lacemaker3]

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@blets71 wrote:

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Have you ever tried exchanges? How would you do that safely and within the eBay framework?

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Sorry @blets71, but that's not allowed on eBay, as @southern*sweet*tea said. Here's the policy:

https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/listing-policies/item-location-misrepresentation-policy/no-item-l...

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A listing must offer either a physical item, which includes digitally delivered goods, or a service for sale. Want ads, place holders, or offers to trade are not allowed.

...

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[javdajewelry]

Yes, of course, Promoted listings is an advertising service that is kind of promotion to your items for selling.
Its like helps to boost your items to show them up on the vital positions on eBay.
Also you can think it as you dont have a store in a market to sell your goods.
And about the exchanges there is no option till now available on eBay. So no chances i see here.

Thank You
Javda

[blets71]

By eBay framework, I meant both parties will pay the fees. Maybe not PayPal as there will be no need for paying and paying back. Anyway...I just saw the policy mentioned below, which I was not aware of...

[echo_and_zip]

@blets71 

It's a kewl idea until you realize that your 'trade' partner may never send you -your- trade. then what ? You can't get an INR refund.

A few times a year, someone will write me to -ask- if I do trades.

That is, we each 'buy', we each mark 'paid', we each ship.

In years past, if I was selling well, even though I did not 'want'  anything from the person's store, I picked something & then donated it.

I figured the person was struggling, and, getting my item would brighten their day.

But, I'm struggling bad now, too, so I had to cut back on a lot of charity.

I still donate time, effort, work, and merch.

I just can't afford to ship free stuff w/ rates having gone up so.