LONGEST YARD SALE took most items off Ebay going for Retail Prices Aug 4th

[jenijensong]

Hi:  Well I am just not making the $ I used to on Ebay.  This year even with selling "Waterford" "Limoges" "Wedgwood" or glassware from the early 1900's, I can't seem to get my price anymore.  I'm going to the Longest Yard Sale in Gadsden Alabama where I hope to get the prices I expect my items to bring.  My aunt who has sold there many times just gave me 4 great tips and I am heeding her advice.  I will post again after the sale to let everyone know how it worked out.  I put my items on SALE at ebay and still people wanted me to send them an offer, lower and lower the price.  Yes I can do that, my items never cost more than $2.00 each but it's just not worth it if I can't make $20.00 or more per item.  Between packaging costs, time, gas and wear on my car to the post office and back, etc...  Geeze just last year in my records I sold 2,000 dollars in 1 week right after the holiday.  This month record low of $ 250.00.  Something is changing that I am unaware of.  When I get back I'm going to hop on some trends and sell what's popular today.  I have to do something and quick.  Any advice would be appreciated.  I'm so used to selling glassware, stemware, crystal, ceramics, eapg, abp, victorian era items, I don't know how I'm going to transition or what I'm going to transition too lol.  Sincerely, Jeanette 

[blinda_68]

Two things I would say.  With Amazon just about cornering the market -SALES are slow.  I also realized that prices too LOW seem to be a turn off, with people probably thinking something is wrong.  Sales here on eBay have changed.  The audience is shopping other places; Facebook Market Place, Posh Mark etc.  We are dealing with a younger more "savy" buyer.  They listen to their friends, what can I say.  You have to be patient and check your merchandise often.  Re-arrange wording, change pricing...see what works.

[maxine*j]

Just some rand thoughts and, of course, generalizations:

The young are not buying what ypu are selling.  They live in small spaces, they move frequently, they value functionality and clean lines and light weight, they want no muss or fuss or dusintg, they eat out a lot and they seldom entertain at home except in the most casual and leisurely way.

The old are getting rid of what you are selling.

The middle-aged are reluctant to buy what you are selling, because right now are fighting to stay employed, worrying about their mortages and their retirement savings, and generally pulling in their horns in every way they can.

So, yes, perhaps it is time to think along new lines of merchandise, and think about what "niche" market you might be comfortable in, based on what you already know and appreciate.

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[jenijensong]

Hi:  oh ok.  Yes times are changing.  I want to adapt and learn yes yes, I see there is facebook marketplace and PoshMark and even Amazon as competition.  I'm going to see what happens at the yard sale and then go from there.  Wording is everything and I may just like you said have to change things around a bit.  Ty for the suggestions.  Who knows I may end up selling makeup brushes when I get home lol?  Sincerely, Jeanette

[donsdetour]

Glassware be a problem to sell any were at this time: even good brands.

Good luck.

[jenijensong]

Hi:  Yes, I agree.  I see things are changing and your right.  No muss or fuss or dusting, open concepts, functionality.......... I hope all goes well at the Longest Yard Sale then I will use that money to reinvest in a new idea according to the times.  I guess it's out with the old and in with the casual now-a-days.  TY.  Good advice.  Sincerely, Jeanette

[toysaver]

"Something is changing that I am unaware of."  

It's the population.  Millennials and Gen Xs don't collect.  When you have to much stuff you don't own it, it owns you. 

[glasser]

High end glass is doing fine. 

[luckythewinner]

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@blinda_68 wrote:

With Amazon just about cornering the market -SALES are slow. 

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Has Amazon really cornered the market on antique glassware? Who knew!

[stainlessenginecovers]

I've gone to 'antique swap meets' where people want $20, $30, $50 for that 'thingy, and that same 'thingy' is .50c $1, $3 at a 'regular' swap meet or garage sale. 

So, my advice, you need to go to an Antique swap meet (don't know if people buy, I never did as I could find things for 1/10th the price at a Garage Sale or Regular swap meet. 

[donsdetour]

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@glasser wrote:

High end glass is doing fine. 

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What I use to sell it for:  the price has dropped; such is the years: and eBay  and other online systems showing how much is really out there.

[maxine*j]

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@jenijensong wrote:

Hi:  Yes, I agree.  I see things are changing and your right.  No muss or fuss or dusting, open concepts, functionality.......... I hope all goes well at the Longest Yard Sale then I will use that money to reinvest in a new idea according to the times.  I guess it's out with the old and in with the casual now-a-days.  TY.  Good advice.  Sincerely, Jeanette

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You have absolutely the right attitude, which is to stay open-minded and adaptable.  The important thing, always, is to sell what you know and know what you sell. 

I hope that you can take something out of your very good knowledge and appreciatation of glassware, porcelain, crystal, and the like, as a basis for a new "line" of goods.   (Which is not to say that you can't continue  to sell the "old line," as well, for the slow nickel here and there.)

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[12345jamesstamps]

Look for stuff that is low cost in shipping. Barbie anything sells on eBay. Stamps and old post cards sell good on eBay. You have great stuff to sell but the shipping is expensive plus the packing. Look on eBay under Barbie to see what is currently selling. Why not try expanding what you are selling.

[silverstatetreasureboxes]

@jenijensong 

Can I come with you?

Look for mid century dishtowels (embroidery) and souvenir tablecloths ( states on them) still remains very popular! Have fun when you go.

[bbravo65]

...I have seen family, friends, co-workers praised to Facebook market...

...costs of living is raising too much...gas, foods, shelter, healthcare are the most important things at this time when inflation is taking charge...

...wishing you lot of luck...