If you sell on Ebay -- what's working for you?

[liw48]

I'm sitting back reading all these messages about slow sales and wondering, What's working?

Do you use promoted listings?  Does that work?  Do you pay Google Shopping?  Is that working?  What makes your listings appear in searches?

[pantlandia]

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@liw48 wrote:

I'm sitting back reading all these messages about slow sales and wondering, What's working?

Do you use promoted listings?  Does that work?  Do you pay Google Shopping?  Is that working?  What makes your listings appear in searches?

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No on promoted listings. No on Google shopping. 

I list fairly consistently, usually about 250 to 300 items per month between my two accounts.

With my items, I'm able to offer a generous shipping discount.

My SKU number not only have a location, but a month listed. When I hit 6 months on an item, I start dropping the price. 

I don't use the stock titles that the catalog brings up. I add genre keywords.

I consistently run various sales and promotions.

I use Twitter (not regularly, but when I remember to) 

I set listing goals and try to reach them. My sales have gone up every month since I started selling CDs. When I sold clothing, my sales were consistent with my listing.

[tkinnebrew]

Just want to drop a bit of info for consideration. It's Friday afternoon, we listed a handful of items over the last 12 hours and have zero views. Granted, they aren't very sought after items, but usually on Friday's there is always folks looking at newly listed items. Always get a lot of views. Not this time...SUMMER SAUSAGES FOR SALE 🙂

[odditiesandantiquities1]

Having a touch of insanity works for me.....

[bubbleman2010]

You're east of the USA sewer line (Mississippi river) so there is mountains of merchandise surrounding you. Only problem is not having the knowledge as to value and relying on cellphone info to see if something has value. Thats the biggest problem I see with folks wanting to make money selling on ebay that and lacking a bankroll...

[megadestroyers]

I don't know if it's "working", but one thing.  This platform has long lost the appeal of JUST being an "I list/you buy" environment.  Takes a lot more creativity with advertising and marketing, kinda like the approach taken by those in charge here.  You can apply an expanded strategy how you see fit.  

[lex-talon]

What works for me? It really helps to have items that are scarce and collectors want them badly. If you have items that thousands of other sellers have, good luck trying to sell them. You have to find your niche through trial and error, it may take awhile but it's worth it.

[odditiesandantiquities1]

In all honesty, mix it up. If you feel that you're not getting enough attention to the item, look at other comparable postings and pricings to make sure your price isn't out of the ball park. 

If it's an expensive item I always use Buy It Now. I know it's going to sit a while to get attention, and then even to get the one who will buy. Better than just recircling the auctions.

Make sure all your pictures are crystal clear. Do not include any that are not perfect. It really brings down the display. 

Make sure no typo's of any kind and the grammer is perfect. That does send a message. 

Say everything you know about the item without any exaggeration. You'll only get caught in the long run.

Everyone needs a niche in selling. I'm in a big category, but my general focus is Victorian and Art Deco jewelry.  Nothing wrong though with putting a few out of the box items up. It brings in new eyes to see your other stuff. 

When a customer buys, I email as fast as I can to thank them. Inform them of our shipping policy ....and then thank them again.  I also personally send them the shipping number, even though I knew they'll receive it anyway. 

Depending on your own time and/or volume, I check when an item has arrived and I email them. That way if they do have any issues, they respond to me. 

Ok....I'm out.............

[rolenboy01]

I don't know what is working for me you tell me?

[ymeagainlord]

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@bubbleman2010 wrote:

You're east of the USA sewer line (Mississippi river) so there is mountains of merchandise surrounding you. Only problem is not having the knowledge as to value and relying on cellphone info to see if something has value. Thats the biggest problem I see with folks wanting to make money selling on ebay that and lacking a bankroll...

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One day when I retire (from the night j.o.b., not eBay) I'm gonna hook up a UHaul and head East of the Miss = )

Being in WA state I'm at the 'end of the goodies trail' lol

[ersatz_sobriquet]

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@ymeagainlord wrote:

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@bubbleman2010 wrote:

You're east of the USA sewer line (Mississippi river) so there is mountains of merchandise surrounding you. Only problem is not having the knowledge as to value and relying on cellphone info to see if something has value. Thats the biggest problem I see with folks wanting to make money selling on ebay that and lacking a bankroll...

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One day when I retire (from the night j.o.b., not eBay) I'm gonna hook up a UHaul and head East of the Miss = )

Being in WA state I'm at the 'end of the goodies trail' lol

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Just be prepared for all the traffic, competition and road rage...the grass isn't always greener! 

[rolenboy01]

I've heard some crazy stories about New Jersey, these guys in a FB toy group I'm in always have an entertaining tale.

[avalee113]

honestly ive been doing well with anything victoria secret

[sakic92710]

I noticed a few people say they post items that have little or no competition.  I do this, as well and, it doesn't make any difference.  I have 1 sale this week.  Many of my one-of-a-kind items sit here for months before I even get an offer.  eBay has lost it's "mojo"  lol  Good luck to all!

[yuzuha]

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@sakic92710 wrote:

I noticed a few people say they post items that have little or no competition.  I do this, as well and, it doesn't make any difference.  I have 1 sale this week.  Many of my one-of-a-kind items sit here for months before I even get an offer.  eBay has lost it's "mojo"  lol  Good luck to all!

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Competition is only one part of the equation.  Demand is the other.  You can list something and be the only one on eBay who has it for sale, but if no buyers want it, then it's not going to sell.

[studio_haedes]

Promote offline and dont expect people to come through horribly broken search or google anymore.  It's not 1998, you cant list stuff and expect a ton of sales. At this point I just use ebay as a shopping cart and also for its auctions. Otherwise i'd just sell totally through my site.

Hopefully build a client base and get repeat customers.