How to compete with companies using eBAY as main sales channel

[84marg]

I've recently tried to sell two designer dress online but 'm finding that there has been a large increase in the number of companies that are selling their products through ebay. Some small buisnesses but also larger ones who run professional operations.

How is an indiviaul meant to compete with these guys now when we don't have the ability to sell for cheaper and present our products at the same level.

[maranock]

Now that is THE question. There are a number of ways small sellers can compete, it is difficult but the big players are not going to go away so you have to be flexible. Clothing is such a big market that it is very difficult for anyone to compete.

1, You could try to find a niche that is not being exploited too much

2, If your main competitors are overseas you will have buyers who want the fast postage and, perhaps security, of an Australian seller which is a big plus

3, Make sure you have friendly sales and returns policies

4, Be friendly and polite no matter how your customers treat you. Go out of your way to be special, maybe even send a little thank you gift, or offer free gift wrapping to make your customers feel like you value their custom.

Can't think of anything else for the moment, sorry.

[lane-ends]

You are not. Ebay makes more profit for less effort with these large businesses, so Ebay don't want you. They will put obsticles in your way

[lane-ends]

eg I just searched for size 12 strapless dress pink all search words from your items title.

Searchiing all listings using best match 822 results and yours is not showing, 

Searching auctions only using best match it comes up 35th out of 37

so you can fiddle with description all you like and it wont make any difference

[clarry100]

IMHO as a small time seller in here once the big end of town moves into your particular category you have little option but to bail out.

It seems very clear that ebay no longer want the small seller and are making it increasingly difficult for us to trade on here.

So my best advice would be to explore other venues to sell your products.

We have started doing this now and it is now our plan to exit ebay as soon as our other venues are working well enough.