Is eBay still for selling

[zinspirationz]

I am a regular user of ebay both buying and selling, for well over 10 years. I recently listed a Jayco Penguin campervan, the type of which sell between $16000 and $18000 in caravan sales yards. the item had over 800 views with 40+ watchers, I received a couple of phone calls and one question. I placed an opening bid of $10000. on the van with a reserve of $14000. I only received one opening bid of $10,000. 10 seconds before then end of the listing. My question is  - Is ebay now for buying and selling or is it for just looking? The listing fees and paypal fees are quite high. Is it time to forget ebay or are my expectations too high?

[shipahoys_antique_and_collectable_centre]

That is a reasonable price for that van, considering it's age and condition.  I buy caravans off ebay when the market is down, and sell them in the lead up to holidays (peak season!). Now is unfortunately not a good time to be selling one. But having said that, I would suggest a buy it now option with no reserve, and you just never know.  Serious buyers will want it now, and not wait to see what the auction brings.  Paul

[davewil1964]

I also wouldn't be accepting Paypal anyway. There is no point for a pickup item and, if caravans are the same as vehicles, no requirement to offer it.

[*new2vintage]

Try Gumtree if you can't sell it here.

[bsal6160]

You have to ask yourself "What price did the caravan sale yard buy the $16000 van?" Most likely less than half the asking price.

People are looking for a bargain, not looking to pay almost the price they could buy one for in a sale yard. At least buying in a sale yard you would expect to get some form of warranty as well.

I can not understand why people put a reserve price on items. Just start at a price you are willing to accept even if only one person bids. Most people like myself will not engage in a bidding war with the seller. If I bid on an item I expect it to sell.

[lane-ends]

Few people are in a rush to buy a van at this time of year. I am sure even in the van yards they are slow moving at this time.

[arnl7178]

. My question is  - Is ebay now for buying and selling or is it for just looking? The listing fees and paypal fees are quite high. Is it time to forget ebay or are my expectations too high?

I personally think it's definitely for buying, depending on what someone is looking for at any particular time.

Lots of people from country areas will always use eBay and online stores due to convenience. Often they'll even pay more than they would in a store purely for that fact.

I don't think eBay has "died". I do think though, buyers expectations are higher, and sellers struggle with change.

[peternt2001]

I agree arnl7178  , times are a changing, all you have to do is look at how bricks and mortar shops are going, and the lengths that they are going too to try and stay in business.

Unfortunately i think a lot of professional ebay sellers are going to have to rethink their selling, look at what they are selling, see if it is moving, if it isnt look at cutting your margin, if you cant cut your margine, look for another product where you can. The consumer society now is about price price price, with the exception of where someone is prepared to pay for quality, and then i am guessing they will go to a b&m shop or a brand name internet shop to pay top dollar. Ebay is sort of like the online version of Cheap as Chips or The reject shop for lots of people, if it isnt cheap they arent buying it