Pretty much the same story here as well. Sadly, I have reduced my eBay purchases by 99% so the sellers who used to get my business are no longer getting sales from me - I have slowed my roll and have the store up for best offer on almost everything and intend to wind it down slowly but surely.
Of course I have my suspicions, thoughts, conspiracy theories, rock solid based on experience ideas as to why our store has slowed down - not in total free fall but stalling for days...but all that armchair analysis does not really matter. It's ebay's playground and they make the rules and hold the cards. So I am adapting and modifying our store into a smaller and smaller existence and one day we will surely close. And it will be ok.
At one time it was fun and thrilling to find good buys, quality items that people wanted and appreciated. The vast majority of our customers have been honest and great to work with and the interactions have been positive.
The constant hike in fees, shipping expenses, the fact that promoted listings are necessary for product to have any chance at visibility and the shape shifting rules and policies are just annoying and the struggle is ongoing with no relief in sight. So, given that my plan is to accept reasonable best offers, not purchase any additional inventory, donate books to the library, sell what I can on local on-line platforms with zero fees and no return risk, donate for a tax write off........wind it down to a planned and thoughtful give away and dump the rest.
In the end, I will regain a room in my house and be left with some good memories of some really nice customers.
It is sad that ebay has developed a reputation for grinding down sellers with nickel and dime fees and penalties along with consistent platform glitches. ebay had and hopefully one day will regain a positive reputation with both sellers and buyers - hope springs eternal.
mam98031 • Volunteer Community Member • Buyer/Seller since 1999
