eBay

anasazirose · ‎03-12-2022

I'm looking over the benefits of getting a store as opposed to not getting a store and would love input. I only have 80 items so far. The $5 store seems very affordable, but FVF are the same as no store. It appears that store is only beneficial to have a link to a store for more sales and or organization of items, as well as a 5¢ insertion fee discount once I go over 250 listings.

The basic store at $21.95 looks great for the insertion fee discounts, but I really think it'll take a long time for me to build up to 1000 listings, so that doesn't help yet. The FVF discounts are nice, but I see that depends entirely on the category. As an aside, where on earth did all these strange percentages come from? I mean, who decides whether to charge 12.55% or 12.9%? Mama Mia. So, back to categories. I have a few vintage phones. If I have a store, and list the phone in the collectible category, paying 12% vs 12.9% doesn't give me incentive enough for a few phones. Now if I can list that phone for $50 in Consumer Electronics under corded phones, selling a used phone paying 9% as opposed to 12.9% without a store gives me $1.95 more towards that $21.95 store charge. Is there anything stopping me from choosing that category? Other than having to offer 30 day as opposed to 14 day returns, or perhaps less visibility? I also have some vintage 8mm movie equipment, same situation.

I like the idea of a store, as I can see myself having over 250 listings. Are the free shipping supplies worth enough to compensate for a Basic as opposed to none with a Starter store? I looked on Amazon and compared poly bag costs. Amazon is cheaper by half. I didn't check boxes, but an inflated price doesn't provide value, only perceived value.

Thanks for reading this far, I'd love any input as to reasons to or not to get a store. Help me off the fence, so to speak.

coolections · ‎03-12-2022

You've only sold 15 of the last 52 listed items. You already get 250 listings for free and the FVF discount will probably not help you much. I would hold off on a store for now until you can at least get to the 250 mark then re-evaluate the situation.

luckythewinner · ‎03-12-2022

IMHO it all depends upon your listing volume and sales volume.

I have a lot of "long tail" inventory that has low demand and that does not sell quickly, so for me reducing my fixed costs is a lot more important that reducing my fees.

My personal opinion is that for my items, a store will probably not help me generate many additional sales. So I have chosen not to get a store, and I have six selling accounts that each get 250 free insertions for a total of 1500 per month ... that do not cost me a dime unless an item sells.

It is a little more work because I must log into multiple accounts to ship my items and do my taxes, but that is really not a big deal.

nobody*s_perfect · ‎03-12-2022

@coolections wrote:
You've only sold 15 of the last 52 listed items. You already get 250 listings for free and the FVF discount will probably not help you much. I would hold off on a store for now until you can at least get to the 250 mark then re-evaluate the situation.

I agree with all of this 100%.

I can only add: The price that you're quoting for a Basic store subscription ($21.95) is based on a one-year subscription commitment. There is a substantial "early termination fee" if you downgrade or cancel that subscription before the 12th month. So if and when you do sign up for a Store, you should sign up for the month-to-month rate ($27.95 for a Basic store) until you're 100% sure about wanting it.