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]

Hi chezzy thanks for the heads up on that description it was an html issue. In regards to keywords and descriptions I sell in a specialised field where people generally know what quilling is and how to use the tool so I don't think extra keywords (above what I use) is required in most of my items but thank you for your comments I will look at my listings with a new critical eye.

[clarry100]

Yes we are also holding out hope its as you say "chooks".

Last year it was from August onwards that each consecutive month sales went up for us. Peaked in December and has dropped each month since then.

So maybe when tax cheques start coming back the mood will change.

And as I said above, it looks like a global downturn as our suppliers in China are reporting a downturn in sales for our particular category in lots of countries. They are struggling. And I'd have to say that is not Abbott's fault!

[roseblack]

I think your comments are less than helpful in an environment where people are hurting financially due to a downturn in their businesses and struggling to pinpoint a solution they can accept and work with. Did the government's budget have anything to do with the downturn in sales - most certainly, did the previous government stuff our economy by overspending - definitely, do we have to go through some pain while the current government fixes the problem? Joe Hockey says we do. Did the Carbon Tax impact sales - if you are a long time seller and have other businesses - yep you bet - sales declined after that implementation.

Did our sales dive after eBay introduced unfair fees on shipping - no doubt about that - did the budget and the eBay fees happen at the same time - YES, does the end of financial year have anything to do with it - probably not as this is traditionally a great sales time for sellers - so that is why we are discussing the reasons for our businesses being on the line and trying to work out by discussion how to cope while supporting each other. So take your cynical comments and p... off!

[bettyboopsadaisy]

Oh dear, we are getting our knickers in a knot, aren't we !

I was only suggesting as ONE POSSIBLE  explanation that the latest budget measures may be affecting consumer confidence.

Others have suggested the same and it doesn't seem so unreasonable to me. I'm not saying other factors aren't also implicated.

Sorry if it offended your sensibilities.

[phonebite]

As stated elsewhere it seems that eBay is becomming more desperate to lure in more customers. Doing these sales could mean that their business is slowing down and decaying.

Things like 

1. The recent security issue/alerts;
2. Departure of some key executives;
3. The infighting with investor Carl Icahn;
4. Alibaba IPO around the corner with Alibaba posing a real threat to Ebay;
5. Amazon consistent strength and expansion (they’ll be here next year!);
   (perhaps 4&5 should have Australian retail worried too!)
6. Google Search algorithm changes resulting in lower rankings for ebay listings;
7. Shut down of eBay Now - same day service;
8. Some other undisclosed events (speculation).

Not to mention their stock price is falling.

For me personally, Amazon and Alibaba seems like an interesting option for us sellers. I think we have more power over eBay more than ever. We can choose to screw them over with other options or we can support them..

It seems increasing fees did not solve their problem..

[kizacks_online]

"Amazon consistent strength and expansion (they’ll be here next year!);"

Source?

[phonebite]

I got these from another website, but I hear that Amazon is like the 4th most visited website in the US (not sure on that one, but it was high up there).

I have sold stuff on Amazon in the past (as apps for download on the kindle) and their payment system for Australians sucks.. We have to wait for them to send a cheque to our account..

But if they are as big as they claim to be, I'll be immediately expanding my horizons to the Amazon store in a jiffy.

[chameleon54]

One small ray of sunshine, I have just had a huge day today, one of my biggest ever on ebay. A number of the freebie auctions finished with very good clearances and prices and both stores have had very big days. Not bragging,  just trying to present some positive news for a change.  

[chezzy]

---

@roseblack wrote:

In regards to keywords and descriptions I sell in a specialised field where people generally know what quilling is and how to use the tool so I don't think extra keywords (above what I use) is required in most of my items but thank you for your comments I will look at my listings with a new critical eye.

---

No worries but you don't know what potential new customers may be browsing for art and craft supplies, perhaps aren't familiar with all the tools. Unless of course you are only aiming to sell to knowledgeable people in which case you can ignore my suggestion.. 🙂

[i-love-my-sheep]

---

@chameleon54 wrote:

One small ray of sunshine, I have just had a huge day today, one of my biggest ever on ebay. A number of the freebie auctions finished with very good clearances and prices and both stores have had very big days. Not bragging,  just trying to present some positive news for a change.  

---

I too had my best day ever today. The even better part was, everyone bar one paid within the hour. The one that didn't pay will pay once the rest of the auctions she'd bid on have finished. 

I'm also not bragging, just adding to the positive news.