drop in sales this year horrific

[patsyk7]

I have noticed two things in 2021...ebay's fees are up/postage cost is up and results are

less sales and too low profits for sellers.  We are now taxed & we pay fees on taxes collected as well but don't benefit from the $ collected!  To top it off, I just got a notice that my rating in the US was going to be negatively affected since I have not had enough sales, yet my $ amount was nearly  double the required $ sales.

I am just tired of this.  I don't need this money to survive & it has ceased to be enjoyable!!

Good luck to you sellers who depend on this $ ..its really become a toxic situation for many.

[retro_entertainment_collectibles]

Not sure I've ever found it enjoyable and yep, sales been rather dreadful.

[silverstatetreasureboxes · Accepted solution]

@patsyk7 

When it ceases to be fun is it over? No, it doesn't have to be and maybe examine what you sell and make changes this new year. 

     You reside in a beautiful place, sell some items related to that such as beachy cover-ups, starfish jewelry, cute tote bags, etc. Also maybe look at old decorative hardware for homes that's abundant in your area. Old knobs, door handles especially in bakelite would be a fantastic catch for someone with a project.

     As far as the fees ebay is charging, it is based on the total amount of the transaction.

     I would hate to see you leave your good account just because it's not fun or lack of sales. Only you can change this around and you have a fresh new year to do this. Best to you.

[stainlessenginecovers]

I've Never understood this thinking....

"I'll just make $0 instead of making $500 because I used to make $600" 

Why not just raise prices for both the item and shipping to cover 'increases'? I do. Always have, always will and sales have only increased.

That Delill Black Clutch you have for $18 w/ $6.10 shipping. Why not raise to $19.75 w/ $7.95 shipping?

There are 3 others shown on your listing, being sold by other 'Sponsored' sellers that are about that or more.

[retro_entertainment_collectibles]

---

@stainlessenginecovers wrote:

I've Never understood this thinking....

"I'll just make $0 instead of making $500 because I used to make $600" 

Why not just raise prices for both the item and shipping to cover 'increases'? I do. Always have, always will and sales have only increased.

That Delill Black Clutch you have for $18 w/ $6.10 shipping. Why not raise to $19.75 w/ $7.95 shipping?

There are 3 others shown on your listing, being sold by other 'Sponsored' sellers that are about that or more.

---

Stop making sense in you're posts, you're frightening my cat.  LOL.

[cambriachick]

For the most part, you are selling used clothing, as are thousands (millions?) of other people.  Why don't you explore selling something a little less common?  

[hobby1965]

I list, photograph on a daily basis with items found a garage sales, thrift stores, estates and items given to me from neighbors, family & friends. My sales compared  to last year are up 47.9%. I find buying low and buying in volume pays off for me and my yearly sales average me 430% return, do not be shy listing items  $5.95 + shipping I call those sells fillers I am going to the post office daily anyway. The main key is List List List Daily

[stainlessenginecovers]

Cats never scare- just in deep thought (should I chase that fly?, take a nap? or see if there's anything good to eat in the bowl yet....) 

[sfau]

I am a week plus without a sale.  Just got the kid's tuition bill yesterday too....sigh.  Kid is home for a month so I am going to start having her list her outgrown stuff on a daily basis - maybe that will help.

[retro_entertainment_collectibles]

---

@stainlessenginecovers wrote:

Cats never scare- just in deep thought (should I chase that fly?, take a nap? or see if there's anything good to eat in the bowl yet....) 

---

"Meow?  Just's so's ya' know's how's wrong you is me give ya' new biz plan!  Stainless's Steel's valve covers, double's them's width's and's upside's down's got's cool litter boxes!  Me know's I'd has my parents buy's me one's or I just's pee's on them's Klipsch buildings and's spell's it out for them!"

[my_boston_baked_beans]

I agree with you. I do not suggest you increase prices to cover expenses as you may not be marketable in the search. Buyers search for the best item with the lowest overall cost so doing this could put you out of the race. I do not have a solution. As a small seller myself, I find myself in the same situation. I really just chug along until the overall cost (fees and taxes) make it more expensive to continue. The first of the  year will tell me whether  after taxes it is worth my time and effort.

[treasuresnewandvintage]

This site is toxic for many, myself included. This is the first month since 1998 that my store sold zero items. The sells have dwindled since 2018 and finally down to zero.  I did see the writing on the wall and am working part-time.

[treasuresnewandvintage]

Tremendous amount of work for 6.00 items with little to no reward. Ugh. 

[sakic92710]

All of what you said is so true.  21+ years of selling on here & I've had, by far, my worst year.  Ending it with my worst month.  3 sales!   1 refund for a INR ate up over half of $ from sales.  After fees, I think I made $10-15 in Dec.  Selling locally has kept me in food but absolutely way short on covering bills.  2023 is not going to see any improvements.  Each month just gets worse.  Might have to remove everything I have listed & post items I have not listed before?  See if a fresh start does anything?  I have serious doubts.  Just want to sell, in bulk, locally.  Get stuff sold; get cash flow & get ahead!   The more space I make for myself, the better I can sort & unload.  Best of luck to you & everyone!

[stainlessenginecovers]

---

@my_boston_baked_beans wrote:

I agree with you. I do not suggest you increase prices to cover expenses as you may not be marketable in the search. 

---

Not very good advice. Your 'Poodle' lamp is $149; there are 3 others shown on your listing by other sponsored sellers for NO LESS than $169- 

so you could RAISE the price by $10, cover 'added costs' and STILL BE lower than those others.