NEED ADVICE PLEASE: About adding new items

[thekozz7]

I sell jewelry but have some new diverse items I'd like to offer. (Clothes, accessories, odd collectibles, etc.) But I'm not sure if I should sell them on the jewelry account, or on another for just misc stuff. I've seen sellers here recommend diversity in their listings by having mixed items, but how does the buyer feel about that? I know that if they see non-jewelry items mixed in with the jewelry, they can just choose that category only and not have to view other stuff. But some might not know that and may become annoyed with seeing a bunch of listings that are not related, category-wise.

And if I do decide to sell on another account, I'm wondering if it's best to go with one that I set up (but never used) a few years ago. Same name as this account, but with an extra "7" -- so is this a good idea? Or should I open a totally new one? I'm not sure, but I imagine new accounts might have certain defaults and restrictions that an older account may not have.

I'm also wondering in either case, what things to look out for and what may have changed in the past few years. Are there certain choices no longer available? I know about the lovely GTC mandate, and I'm pretty sure that a new account would have restrictions on how soon after shipping that I would receive funds. Anyway, just wondering what everyone's recommendations would be, if any.

[chapeau-noir]

I've sold just about everything under the sun on my one account - that's everything from collectible car parts (steering wheel clocks and the like) through vintage hats (which was my speciality for a long time), bike parts, tools, I sold a bicycle once, clothing (which I sell now), computer equipment, vintage audio equipment, loads of media of all kinds, etc. etc.

IMHO, it makes no difference, and I've had people purchase two DVDs, a bike part and a shirt.  Sometimes the packing gets interesting.

My opinion would be just to keep it simple and start expanding on your current account.  You can always split off later.

I do have a little buyer account that I sometimes run as a clearance store - generally it's better to keep buying and selling accounts separate, but for my clearance one I don't.

[chapeau-noir]

And yes, new accounts will have restrictions - I found this out when I started selling on my little buying account, despite my having sold for 15 years under this account. You end up trudging through all of the same restrictions a completely new seller does, including hold on funds and the rest.  It's just as it is - the restrictions don't last that long. I think it's better to have some feedback on an account you'd like to start selling on if you decide to break it up.

[aprilmoviebuf2000]

Here are my thoughts on this, others may have different opinions.  Buyers search by keywords or categories within the eBay search, and typically not by your store.  And having a mix of items is a good thing IMO, because you will have more active listings on that account.  Yes, once they click on your listing, they can, and may, go into your store.  But I really don't think buyers are annoyed by seeing a mix of items.  The store categories are pretty easy for buyers to see in the margin.  So if your jewelry buyers want to see jewelry within your store, they will know where to go.  

Yes, you will have the new account restrictions if you open a new store.  Those restrictions don't last very long though if you are making successful sales.  It's completely up to you of course, but if I were you I would just diversify on your existing account.  I think you would have more success that way.  

[thekozz7]

Thank you for both of your replies. I didn't even think about the logistics of shipping different items...and I can imagine that could be tricky...or how that even works.

As for restrictions, a few years ago when I was considering selling on another existing account, I called customer service and asked them if the hold on funds would apply since I already had an established account and in good standing, thus not really a new seller so to speak. The CS person said that they could waive that restriction and gave me a special number to call. I didn't call because at the time, I decided not to sell other items. But I still have the number and will call to see if that's true or not.

[thekozz7]

Thank you as well...good points. I'm not sure if you meant "store" in general terms, or if you meant an actual store. 

To clarify, I don't have a store that I pay for...just the regular account that comes with 50 free listings. Although I may have to get one if I keep adding items.

[rockusone]

Yea, I agree with previous comments. Opening a new account is a PITA (for a while) so don't do it unless you got a need to. For instance, I just decided to open a second account because my starter store is overflowing and I was constantly ending items to avoid GTC insertion fees. I also have a mix of stuff, but one large category isn't selling as well as they used to ,so I'm moving them into my new (free) account. So now I don't have to worry about listing fees and can focus on replenishing  my store with fresh new items.

[thekozz7]

Thank you for your thoughts. I'm kinda leaning towards this.