What am I doing wrong? Sales Flatlined?

[hw9557]

Hello Fellow eBayers, (May 2025)

, 

My sales have flatlined. My impressions are really down. 

I'm looking for constructive suggestions. 

I got an email to update my information. They do this every year. The message said if you get verified any holds on your account will be lifted.  I filled it out Immediately.

I mostly sale clothing new and pre-owned. I take good pictures with

white background. I sometimes put the name of the brand on the cover photo, is this an issue?

In addition, I put the measurments in the pictures. (Typed out, not with ruler) I am not sure if this is an issue? I have had customers comment on how they like it. I have done it for years this way. 

I use a combination of stock photos and my exact item I am selling. Is this a problem. 

I research my items and the pricing. 

I have used promoted listings. Right now I have it sell for 3% for every item.  I have used higher percentages, up to 10%. That was not worth it. I also have tried promoting specific listings. The margins don't work for my store strategy.  

I list daily, and turn over 90 day listings. I'm top rated. 

I look forward to hearing from y'all. 

@links links to members

[meme6253]

You still have very good sales, I don't think that it's anything your doing wrong, Maybe not the sales you are use to, but I would not complain, These are complicated & scary times, Consumer confidence keeps declining, The tariffs are just starting to kick in which has people concerned as to what they will be able to afford, Needs become a major priority over wants, Constant talk of a possible Recession which is never a good thing,Just keep listing, & promoting at the rate you are at, & Hope for the best!, Good Luck to you!

[mam98031]

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@hw9557 wrote:

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond!!  I will incorporate the improvements. 

I can always learn, and selling on eBay is ever changing. 

Thanks again

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We all can and do learn from each other.  Over the years I've been active in the Community I have learned so much for Sellers of all sizes and buyers too.  I'm very happy I could help you a little bit.

[mam98031]

@hw9557 

I wouldn't recommend removing your Holiday stuff.  I sell primarily  craft books.  And coming summer time I have an increase in holiday books getting purchased.  Those trying to get ready for the upcoming holiday season.  And this year it could be extremely important if the trade war with China ends up deeply affecting inventory at the stores.  

[hw9557]

Thank you for your response. I agree. I’ve been selling Christmas decorations for many years. It is somewhat of a niche for me. 

[hw9557]

Thank you for the encouragement. I hope you do well yourself! 

[hw9557]

Ok I will, Thanks!

[hw9557]

Thanks for the feedback., it is very helpful!

[hw9557]

Thank you!🙏 

[reallynicestamps]

How are you making comparisons?
How were your sales in April /May 2024? 2023? 2022?

Are the numbers down or is the income down?

Often the problem is that the seller is comparing apples and oranges.

Sales of Christmas items in November/December to sale of Christmas items in April/May for example.

You've had an account since 1999. You are likely aware of the regular ups and downs in your annual sales by now.

[hw9557]

I do use historical data. I started selling clothing new and pre-owned about 2 years ago. 
It was a whole new business and the learning curve has been steep. 

My goal is to increase my sales significantly. I have been using all kinds of sources to learn about reselling clothes. I had an opportunity to buy some items early on at great prices. I typically list daily at least 10 items. I only sell items that are in excellent or very very good. If it’s not high quality, I move on. 
I have plenty of inventory for now, and I am not spending more money until I sell the inventory I have. 
I want to sell at a minimum 20 pieces a week, and get my ASP to average $35 by year end. 

I am not afraid of hard work, and I want to figure this out. 

[mam98031]

@hw9557 

Keep in mind that many of the ornaments you sell come from China.  So watch your sources closely.  When they have them, nab them.  It is likely to be some significant issues on supplies later in the summer.

[movieman630]

Just know you're not alone.

[chariot_badges · Accepted solution]

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@hw9557 wrote:

Hello Fellow eBayers, (May 2025)

, 

My sales have flatlined. My impressions are really down. 

I'm looking for constructive suggestions. 

I got an email to update my information. They do this every year. The message said if you get verified any holds on your account will be lifted.  I filled it out Immediately.

I mostly sale clothing new and pre-owned. I take good pictures with

white background. I sometimes put the name of the brand on the cover photo, is this an issue?

In addition, I put the measurments in the pictures. (Typed out, not with ruler) I am not sure if this is an issue? I have had customers comment on how they like it. I have done it for years this way. 

I use a combination of stock photos and my exact item I am selling. Is this a problem. 

I research my items and the pricing. 

I have used promoted listings. Right now I have it sell for 3% for every item.  I have used higher percentages, up to 10%. That was not worth it. I also have tried promoting specific listings. The margins don't work for my store strategy.  

I list daily, and turn over 90 day listings. I'm top rated. 

I look forward to hearing from y'all. 

@links links to members

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Have you asked this question on other forums?

Reddit?

Have you gone to youtube to see suggestions on this subject?

[hw9557]

Hello, thanks for responding. 
yes, imam aware of the ups and downs. The ornaments are priced off season. I provide a 30% off sale for those that might be interested.

The biggest change is I started selling  in new categories, New & Pre-Owned condition. 
I am aware there is a lot of competition in the category. I also believe in tough economic times, people are looking to save on clothing. I’m in my second year of selling and I have sold a fair amount of items on another platform. eBay is much more complicated. 

One thing that I believe is my items are over priced.  I look every single item I list. People often want to negotiate so I have been adding that in to the price. 
Thank you for your time.