So, I asked a question in the weekly chat, basically asking for a response to the huge number of valid complaints here in the boards about how sales have fallen off a cliff. Now, I know that's not the case for everyone, and I couldn't be happier for you. But given that many, many long time sellers have been on here discussing how the spring seller update sent our sales running for the hills, there must be at least a little substance to the complaints. For me, the proof is in the pudding (or the sales reports, as it may be). Below is the original question for those interested, as well as Alan's response. I'd like to respond in turn, though I am fully aware that I am wasting my time. Not like there's any orders to process though, so no worries there.
@redline_auto_llc wrote:
I'd like to hear some input from the higher ups about the number of posts on the forums since the spring update that discuss how sales are in the toilet. A few isolated incidents could be considered a fluke or bad sellers, but people who have been successful here for decades are watching things fall apart since the update went into effect. I don't think there is any doubt that a significant number of sellers were violently opposed to the changes made, and despite all the assurances that eBay knows our businesses better than we do, we're seeing the negative effects.
I'm down from $5000 on a good week to struggling to break $1000, and there are numerous sellers here who have it worse than me. It's very apparent that whatever eBay is doing, it's not doing anyone any favors except maybe the Chinese sellers and the executives' pockets.
eBay has been making every effort to increase their profit margins at the expense of sellers. Final value fees go up, promoted listings become mandatory. eBay takes fees on shipping costs that are also through the roof. We get pushed into higher fee categories based on return figures that are compared to a completely bogus metric. Seller protection is non-existent from a practical standpoint. Sellers are leaving in droves, and it's clear why.
So with that said, what plans are in place to improve the situation as it stands? If Wenig can afford to build his dream bar with the money he's wringing from the drying corpse of what eBay used to be, why can't he afford some advertising? Dissent is at the highest level I've ever seen. Something is going to give out, so what is eBay going to do to keep things afloat?
Hi @redline_auto_llc,
Thanks for your post. Sorry to hear that you're experiencing a decline in sales. If you'd like to speak directly with us over the phone and receive account-specific advice that may help to improve your listings, you should contact eBay Customer Service. Been there, done that. Any time I feel like talking to someone in India about refreshing my store, I make sure to give the 800 number a call. It's on my speeddial after all (no joke). It would be helpful if customer service reps actually gave consistent answers or even attempted to do anything but read off a script. Doing things like offering Free Shipping and not charging restocking fees may increase your sales and may increase buyer trust in your listings and your customer service offerings. Free shipping is a great way to end up out $60 for shipping when a buyer returns an item, especially since the postal rate changes went into effect last month. You're honestly suggesting no restocking fees? That hasn't even been an option for years now, though God knows it should be.
You mentioned that promoted listings are mandatory. I want to clarify that promoted listings are not mandatory.
Sure, sure. Not mandatory if you don't want sales, but since the search engine is hilariously broken, you gotta pull every trick you can if you want even a chance of getting the sale. Pretty sure it was @zamo-zuan who was told point blank that "this is the year of promotions".
There are always plans in the works to improve and evolve the marketplace for both buyers and sellers. For example, this summer, we will announce new seller protections that will be based on your track record and how we will protect you when you provide great service to buyers. If I recall correctly, that was supposed to be in the Spring update, but was conspicuously absent. Dollars to donuts it goes like this: Free returns now mandatory! Look at all the seller protection you get when people don't have to lie to avoid return expenses anymore!
eBay produces a weekly seller-focused podcast 'The eBay for Business Podcast' I encourage you to subscribe and listen to the podcast as it regularly tackles topics like seasonality and market trends. Seasonality my lily white hindquarters. I have a years and years of precise records showing that this isn't seasonality or a market trend. Something took a long walk off a short cliff, and the season has nothing to do with it.
We just announced our Q2 earnings. In our earnings announcement, we shared that in the second quarter, we grew active buyers by 4% across platforms. Feel free to read our results announcement if you're interested in learning more about the state of the business. Active buyers in third world countries don't do much for the average seller on eBay. What's more telling is the decrease in GMV. Looks pretty stagnant around here to me, and even more so when comparing eBay to other prominent marketplaces.
On an unrelated note, I somehow have an invoice that is bigger than my seven day sale figure, despite the fact that the invoice is paid in full weekly. Looks like I'm being charged more than I sell to be here. I also fully expect to see sales go negative after this post, as I'm not convinced that posts here don't have an effect on sales on the main site.
Oh well. /EndRant.
