How to attract customers

[vansword168]

We are a high-quality sword seller, but the recent purchase volume is very low, and I feel very distressed

[stainlessenginecovers]

Don't feel 'depressed'. 

Nobody wants your stuff as they 

a.) can't afford it (economy woes)

b.) don't want to 'collect' things anymore (19-49 says 'I'd rather pay $ for an adventure and not 'stuff on a wall')

Find a new niche.

At one time there was the 'best darned buggy whip company out there'. 

Think Blockbuster, Toys R Us etc. etc. 

[linda7913]

We are all in the same boat; it's called Summer. I haven't sold much in May or June, and I have all my listings at Buy It Now. 

Don't worry about the 19-49 year-old buyers; there are still baby boomers out there on the internet. They may be interested in your items. Just give it time; I am sure that once we are over summer, things will pick up again in the autumn. Don't forget the Christmas season; that's when things really start moving. Remember, people want to get outside during the nice weather, but when autumn and winter come, people are usually indoors and want their spaces looking nice.

In the meantime, do something nice for yourself. Take a scenic drive, walk around the neighborhood, go to the park, work on a hobby. Or polish your inventory so it shines for when the time comes that things get back to normal.

I know it's not easy to stop looking at your views and items, but let eBay notify you when you get a sale. Otherwise, don't look at your listings to see how they are doing. We can't outguess our buyers; it's all random chance - in other words, luck. The right buyer will come along. Until then, it's a waiting game.

[chapeau-noir]

I'm not sure this is your only best market for selling katana. My advice (beyond promoting) is to (1) get rid of the auctions, just set your price and (2) see about adding other selling venues with younger demographics, as that's where there will be more interest.

[m60driver]

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@vansword168 wrote:

We are a high-quality sword seller, but the recent purchase volume is very low, and I feel very distressed

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First, your not selling high quality swords.  But since these swords sell mostly to young male customers then add some ladies in bikinis to your photos to attract that customer base.  The new AI stuff would be great for that type of, how shall we say, enhanced advertising.  Besides, you need to improve your photos anyways.  Those photos of the full length sword against the black background are doing you no favors.

[mam98031 · Accepted solution]

Lots of sellers are feeling the same pain you are.  So at the very least you are in good company.  There are reasons this could be happening.  Not all Ebay's fault as there are many factors that play into this kind of issue.  It is summertime and lots of people are about to get out there and really enjoy themselves.

Here is the USA it is the biggest month for High School graduations and weddings.  Don't put the two together than would be down right scary.  I thought of that after I typed that.  We don't want those babies jumping from High School to marriage.  OMG that is what nightmares are made of for parents.    😱  

I know for me it slows down this time of the year every year.  August is typically my slowest month of the year.  About Mid September things start picking back up.  Then we are all gearing up for the holidays.

Now this is just my experience but I know plenty of sellers that take some time off after Christmas.  But for me the after Christmas sales are very brisk for me.  January into February are my biggest months of the year.  This of course can be different for other sellers.

Take this time to try and improve your listings.  I see that some of your titles could use some assistance as well as your descriptions.  Here is an example:  sharp the blade.  That is the entire title and unfortunately you used the same three words as your description.  I don't even know what it means much less what it is and the picture is of no help.

Is it some kind of a blade sharpener.  From the pic it appears you have to set it on fire.  I don't have much to go on here as your listings gives very little information.  Buyers aren't going to be searching for something called sharp a blade.  

You need to think like a buyer.  If they were looking for your item, what would they put into the search box to find it.  And once they find you listing, you need to adequately describe what it is.

In the few sword listings I looked at you don't tell the buyer what the size is of the sword.  How long is the sword part, then the handle, how wide is the blade etc.  Buyers don't know if you are selling miniatures or full size swords because you don't tell them.  Now some of your Sword listings you do a great job with the description.  But others it is non existent except for another picture.

I would likely benefit you a lot just to take your time and go through Each of your listings and see what improvements you can make to draw in more buyers.  Always THINK LIKE A BUYER when you are creating a listing.  Lots of GOOD pics, description and complete information.

[inhawaii]

The best (and most obvious) way to attract customers:

Sell desirable stuff at a desirable price.

[mam98031]

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@inhawaii wrote:

The best (and most obvious) way to attract customers:

Sell desirable stuff at a desirable price.

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And describe them in a way buyers can find them.

[ckimodog]

@vansword168 

First off, my guess is your swords are not high quality.  Not many quality things coming out of China these days.  Sorry.  Plus right now most people have other requirements in their lives, like paying the rent, eating, child care etc.  I don't even know where a "sword" would come into play.  I would think about selling something else because the items you have now don't seem to be working for you.  Do a search and see what's trending.  Feel better. 

Good luck.

[luckythewinner]

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@vansword168 wrote:

We are a high-quality sword seller, but the recent purchase volume is very low, and I feel very distressed

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You are selling the same sword by auction (currently $48) and by fixed price at the same time ($133). 

You are selling another sword at fixed price for $168 that you just sold at auction for $117. 

IMHO buyers don't trust sellers who play games with pricing. 

[jerseyboymusic]

Not crazy about buying anything from an overseas seller these days. Stuff coming out of China (plus your low price points) doesn't exactly scream "high quality"

[chapeau-noir]

Just in general:  China actually does produce many very high quality items, generally in traditional trades, of which forging is one.  Also katana swords, for instance, are part of martial arts practice such as Iaijutsu as well as used in general training - training with a katana for instance is popular in general combat fitness - where I live there are numerous studios who offer training using a katana (or other sword practice) - you can get quite fit working out with one! 

But it's also why I don't see a sneakers and collectible site like eBay as the only place to offer these.

I have no comment on pricing structure, just offering some general reasons why in fact this may be a good product but maybe in the wrong place.

[vansword168]

Thank you for your kind reply .I will carefully consider your opinions and try to make some changes.🤝🤝🤝

[piedmontwnc]

Work on your listings and go to OBO. Times are tough right now for everyone. Keep grinding. Things will turn around. 

[vansword168]

Thank you for your kind reply .Your reply  raise me up.Thank you very much.