As a professional number cruncher for over 30 years and then a brick and mortar consignment store owner for six years - I have always focused on the numbers.
As I stated previously I had no problem paying a listing fee for every listing when sell thru rates were 80-90% each month. I also had no problem paying for a store subscription when sell thru rates were 20%, and the average sale price was $20. However, when sell thru rates and average sale price decreased while store fees and postage rates increased - the numbers did not justofy paying any fees to list.
What I sell on eBay has constantly changed - in part because most of the things I've sold are consignments or things left behind by deceased family members. My aunt collected knickkacks, plates, and religious stuff - my uncle had a large collection of barware and WWII items - my husband was into treasure hunting, Viet Nam War, and sports stuff - and my mother left behind an entire room of craft supplies and handcrafted items. I've also sold political stuff, dolls, toys, and books for a couple of elderly friends.
And yes, I have donated a lot of stuff to animal and hospice thrift stores through the years - especially clothing, housewares, and items too heavy to ship easily. I may occasionally buy something interesting from the animal or hospice thrift stores to sell on eBay, but for the most part I have little invested in what I sell.
That being said, I still see little reason in paying eBay any more than the bare minimum especially as the platform no longer supports paying more than that.
