SALES DOWN ALMOST NON EXISTENT - anyone else noticing this?

Hi there I have had a fancy dress shop on ebay for some years, and have done surprisingly well. Until last month... Some people are telling me it is the time of year, but January/February last year were really busy!  I do not understand.  In October I started to sell some craft items too and although they sell considerably well, the profit is almost nothing (about $1 per sale!)  I added them for fun and also to give customers more choice but have since noticed a HUGE drop in sales for costumes.


 


It may be just a coincidence but I am wondering if anyone else is experiencing this or does the fact that I do not specialise only in one niche market put people off?


 


I really cannot drop my prices any lower, on a lot of items I offer postage (including REGISTERED international post which is about $30!) and some items I am selling at cost - but they still do not sell, yet other costume businesses on ebay seem to be doing well?


 


If anyone wants to see my store and comment PLEASE do so.  I also have a private website which I have no idea how to market.. without giving google adwords mine and my husband's monthly salary for a few clicks... HELP   I would hate to close shop! 

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SALES DOWN ALMOST NON EXISTENT - anyone else noticing this?

sorry the third paragraph is meant to say I OFFER FREE POSTAGE

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SALES DOWN ALMOST NON EXISTENT - anyone else noticing this?

i have not noticed slow sales but i sell mostly  disney dvds and they do sell i think the economy is still lsow too

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SALES DOWN ALMOST NON EXISTENT - anyone else noticing this?

Yes i most definately notice it thats why i came to check in here to see if anyone else was going through the same thing.Since the beginning of the year up until about 2-3 weeks ago i had record sales now its almost nothing.I have just put a sale on 2 days ago and still nothing.I have been on ebay for 7 years and selling Baby items for the past 6 years and this has been the worst 2 weeks for months.

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SALES DOWN ALMOST NON EXISTENT - anyone else noticing this?

I have actually been looking on ebay for fancy dress costumes quite a bit lately as I have 5 people to outfit for 3 different functions and to be honest I have been quite underwhelmed by the variety.


 


Everything seems a bit tarty and 'same same'. Perhaps get some unusual items or take your own photos so that you are a bit different to everyone else 🙂

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SALES DOWN ALMOST NON EXISTENT - anyone else noticing this?

thank you for your comment!  most suppliers only sell the "sexy"stuff.  I wish I could find a normal supplier of every day costumes.  and yes you ARE right, the costumes are same old same old.  Problem is that less common ones cost a lot to buy and would have to sell them at a higher price... which means that based on what's out there at the moment (a lot of chinese sellers selling auctions from 1cent) my items would be on page... 344 or something like that 😞

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SALES DOWN ALMOST NON EXISTENT - anyone else noticing this?

Hi, I would have to agree that the vamp/tarty outfits are everywhere and really are unsuited to anyone who's not young, slender etc which I would imagine would limit your customer base somewhat. I was at a fancy dress party years ago where someone came as Cousin It from the Addams Family. The outfit was a scream - the long, right down over the toes fake hair and all. Couldn't even see who was under all of it until they spoke or parted the hair a bit over the face. So that person even had the added "entrance appeal" for want of a better phrase as in "who's that under there?".  I'm sure you get what I mean. Something that not every man and his dog is used to seeing. I wish you every success with your business.

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SALES DOWN ALMOST NON EXISTENT - anyone else noticing this?

I agree.. I am now searching for a normal costume supplier.. I am fairly young and a small size but I would personally never wear the sexy costumes either!  

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SALES DOWN ALMOST NON EXISTENT - anyone else noticing this?

In reply to your post Viva. it might be worthwhile to invest in a few dearer costumes if it means increased sales. Word would soon get round that you have great, out of the norm attire and as your sales increase you could then invest in a few more and on it goes. Just could be a turning point.  

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SALES DOWN ALMOST NON EXISTENT - anyone else noticing this?

I am not interested in waiting 5 or 6 weeks for one to come from China and i'm sure most others aren't either so you need to promote your fast shipping to compete against the asian sellers, not price.


 


Also, if you photograph your items on a real person (not a 19 year old lingerie model) then your items will appear different to everyone elses and we will be abe to get an idea of what it will look like on a  real person. I don't think I ever looked like one of those girls, even 20 years ago, so it turns me off the item.

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