Sales down dramatically

[roseblack]

Hi is anyone else experienceing a dramatic decrease in sales? I changed my listing to "free postage" by incorporating the shipping into the price and that is the only thing I have done differently.

[roseblack]

I agree that eBay is not the place to go for bargains any longer. eBay's price increases have put an end to that and I wonder if it is by design, wanting to shift the used goods and cheaper items sellers to Gumtree? I don't know just speculating. One of the few saving graces for shopping on eBay is that you can buy just about anything on eBay and most people know that, although I know quite a few people that find the whole eBay experience too complicated and will not even consider trying to do it.

I had a phone call from eBay 2 weeks ago informing me of the cheaper postage costs on eBay at the moment and suggesting I take advantage of the savings. I took the opportunity to voice my concerns about the drop off in sales since the last price increase and she said that was why they were ringing sellers to show them how to save money on postage. I explained that was a great incentive IF I could sell my products - no sales - no postage. She didn't know how to reply to that.

I have been considering closing my eBay store for a while as the whole thing has become a giant stress and I think I will soon but I use eBay for a reason one of which is to promote my other website and like many sellers I use eBay to promote my other website by including promotional material with my orders. I feel that eBay has too much of a say in the running of my eBay business and it doesn't feel like my own business as I am at the mercy of eBay decisions that effect my bottom line negatively. One can only be kicked down so many times before it finally dawns on you that it is never going to get any better - I am there now.

[bettyboopsadaisy]

My sales have been down for months now and not only the sales but also there's been a dramatic drop in the number of watchers on my items.

It feels like everything has just gone to sleep. I've lost interest in even checking my sales page as regularly as I used to because so little changes on it from one day to the next. My enthusiasm for selling has really waned and certainly its harder to find the considerable motivation or energy it takes to actually prepare listings.

Its hardly worth it any more !!

Its a relief to know its not just me although obviously I have sympathy for any other sellers in the same situation.

I don't know how much this is due to ebay's anti-seller policies and how much it can be blamed on a general decline in consumer confidence.

I am sure Tony Abbott, Joe Hockey and their cronies have something to do with it !!!!!

[amber-eyed-girl]

I bought something on my watch list during the eBay Big Sunday promotion. The 15% discount was an incentive, as it brought the price down to a reasonable cost.

I just bought four items from a different seller, who had a whole 5% discount going on those items (again, on my watch list). Across multiple items the savings were enough to offset shipping...so it was incentive enough.

so, hopefully, eBay promotions and sellers thinking about little discounts could have a positive influence on sales beyond just me as a buyer.

the current government has not slowed my purchases. I was already buying less with the introduction of the carbon tax, as I saw an increase across my everyday expenses beyond ten percent.

[j*oono]

I have heard that the online buying thing is over and the bubble is about to pop.  It is for me anyway, especially after reading the sellers here that complain all the time about their buyers.

I prefer to look and touch and see the quality of things that I buy.

[amber-eyed-girl]

True, I only buy things online I cannot easily obtain elsewhere. If a test buy works well, with the seller providing what I have paid for, with courtesy, then I am a long term repeat customer.

[j*oono]

I pretty much only buy from artisans on ebay now.  Otherwise, why would you bother?  In a millon years I would never buy from a Hong Kong seller flogging usb chargers after the Adelaide woman was electrocuted.

All of the cheap kitchen ware items can be bought from $2 shops without postage.  Advertising is everything and some people use it really well.  

[j*oono]

Can you imagine ordering a whole supply of fake Pandora from a Chinese wholesaler?  LOL what a laugh! 

Some sellers here are a joy to behold.  If only all buyers could be told.

[amber-eyed-girl]

One does have to be careful, and do some research, before buying online. Particularly as you say, one cannot see the goods in person. I have not been tempted to buy electrical goods here, except from an official supplier with impeccable feedback (a Mouse, genuine, with full warranty).

I have had a few little issues along the way...but overall, I have found that there are some very nice people selling special items here...the artisans as it were 🙂

[chezzy]

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@roseblack wrote:

Hi is anyone else experienceing a dramatic decrease in sales? I changed my listing to "free postage" by incorporating the shipping into the price and that is the only thing I have done differently.

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Hi roseblack. A little off topic but you could perhaps consider using the 'lull' to check over and fix any listings that need it? I noticed you have a quilling tool listed but it has no description (I had to go search what it was used for). Having more/appropriate words in the description (and title!) could really benefit and get your listings "seen" by more potential buyers. Even adding words like art, craft, scrapbooking might help!

[i-love-my-sheep]

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@bettyboopsadaisy wrote:

I am sure Tony Abbott, Joe Hockey and their cronies have something to do with it !!!!!

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I wonder if it's Abbotts fault that my yard has snow on it this morning? I wonder if it's Abbotts fault that the sun sets in the west? I wonder if it's Abbotts fault that my street is busier than normal with traffic this morning? I wonder if it's Abbotts fault my fruit trees had their best crop this year? Sorry, but I am absolutely sick to death of people blaming every little thing on the government. When Rudd was in, everything was his fault. Now Abbott is in, everything is his fault. Maybe, just maybe, people aren't buying because it's the end of the financial year. Maybe, just maybe, people are waiting to get their tax cheques back. Maybe, just maybe, no-one is interested in what you're selling at the moment. Not everything can be blamed on the government. Sheesh.