Sales down

[bettyboopsadaisy]

I was wondering if it just me or whether over the last few months others have experienced a general drop in interest and sales. It could be that this is just the case for my sort of merchandise (new and used designer wear for women) or maybe its true across the board.

I used to have quite a 'following' of repeat buyers and its also possible that since I had a break in selling for a month, while on a trip overseas, those 'followers' who had me as a favourite seller dropped off.

I guess there are lot of variables at work here but there is no doubt that I don't get the same number of watchers as I used to and my final selling prices are significantly lower.

Just interested to hear whether others have had any similar experience.

[sonya0576]

I had an extremely slow start to the year but the last two months have been on the increase, especially this month where I have broken all of my own records.

Perhaps it is what you are selling I don't know. But from this end sales are picking up rather than slowing.

[bettyboopsadaisy]

Thanks. I doubt its what I'm selling since there's little difference in the actual merchandise from previously.

I guess I was relying increasingly on my return buyers who regularly checked in to have a look at my sale items. The more I think about it, the fact that I was 'absent' from ebay for over a month may well explain it. 

If prospective bidders and buyers 'tune in' to look at what you've got up and there's nothing to look at for 5 or so weeks, it probably takes time for them to bother looking again.

I suppose I will slowly work up to previous levels over time.

[putney32]

womens clothing is really difficult area to sell in, in the present poor economic time we live in right now in Australia.

Several clothing labels have gone bust, the latest is the [once] iconic LIsa Ho

so don't be surprised clothing sales are slowing on ebay,. it is across the board online and in shops around Aust.

[retailtherapist_8]

I am finding it very up and down, I seem to have a good start to the month then its like my listings are invisible. Its a rollercoaster ride but its the same in the B&M stores as well. 

My market is pretty similar to yours (designer shoes predominantly), my main focus at the moment is giving the customers I do have extra great & personalised service and hope they will tell their friends.

Good luck ......I hope things pick up for you soon 

[2106greencat]

Same here as retailtherapist - up and down and frustratingly inconsistant.

Good Luck to us all

[digital*ghost]

I sold women's clothing for a few years... I still list it, but I rarely sell it nowadays, and I'm winding up that category of my store. There are a number of factors involved regarding why my clothing sales have taken a rather dramatic dip, including concentrating on my own line of products, but clothing just doesn't seem to be as popular as it once was on eBay - there is a lot of strong competition around now, and not just on eBay. For obvious reasons, I can't name other sites, but ones that advertise a lot on TV, offer free 100 day returns etc.... Have had an affect on sales here, I think. 

It's not impossible to sell clothing, of course, but I'm finding it's taking a long time to shift the stock I have left, even at virtual give-away prices. 

That probably doesn't help, but may provide some insight. 

[waca11]

I have found that sales are down for the last 6 months.  Certainly since the election was announced.  I find people are not spending.  Maybe things will improve after the election whenever that is.

[kuteproducts]

I've noticed a dramatic reduction in sales the past few months too, which left me scratching my head (after ten years of selling on eBay!).  It seems that many sellers are not featuring as highly in the 'best match' search results as they used to. In response I've focused on selling elsewhere (website, other sites, etc). I've also been having more regular 10% off sales in my eBay store which has helped boost my sales back to previous levels.

[davewil1964]

Mine are up, significantly, the last couple of months. In fact 2 more sales in the next five days will be a record.

However, i supposedly don't count because I am a casual seller and I sell in a category where I only have to contend with millions of listings by dropshippers selling new at less than I can post for.

Pcik 'em up, gc. I've pulled ahead and will beat you to a red star if you don't start selling things.