Hi - maybe this is a bad idea....but is there some group or board that newbie sellers can have a vent?
I'm about ready to quit - probably my own fault (the "bad idea" is - in saying anything people are free to then tell me all those things I'm apparently getting wrong - or to shush up cos I have it better than others - or whatever......) - but I'm really discouraged.
The new slug on postage has gotten me worried too....if I am managing to (almost) lose money & only get part-decent sales on a 99c start of a Primo Brand name item with free post (NOT sustainable)....then this gig may not be for me. I'm not that well so can only do this in little pieces - I know listing copious quanities would likely help....& I have them to list - just not the ability to get them out there....
I guess I've just had my vent already - correct?
(I just sold something for 99c - worth $30 - with $5 post (a loss) - and it just bites. But if I only list at what I'm prepared to take at the lowest end....I don't even get a look-in.....it just feels like a lose-lose and I'm dreading May.....)
There - that's my vent.
@smiling-buying wrote:is there some group or board that newbie sellers can have a vent?
You're there already. 😄 The boards are here for anyone seeking advice, wishing to discuss issues, and even have the odd vent - though it can pay to be prepared to not like or appreciate all answers.
In my personal opinion, the first thing I'd advise is stop the listing practices that are contributing to your woes. I honestly think the days of being able to consistently find success by tempting bidders with 99c start (and hoping to be able to subsidise cheap postage) are mostly over, especially in what are some of the most saturated categories on eBay.
That sort of thing can work well as a loss-leader, to get interest and traffic etc, but as a standalone strategy, unless you can have an almost iron-clad guarantee your item will be popular enough to generate the kind of end result you want / need, is almost doomed to be a disappointing experience.
The thing is, buyers are wary of it now, too. Sometimes I spot auctions like that and I resist placing a bid, because I know such auctions don't get as much interest as they used to. I know it may sound strange, because once upon a time I would have seen a low priced auction and thought "sweet, opportunity for a bargain", now I don't want to risk being the one to snag the bargain, from a casual seller, anyway, mostly because I'd feel bad about all the incurred fees probably causing a loss - the last time I won a low auction I ended up sending the seller more money [completely voluntary], so ultimately paid more than my original highest bid 
, and/or because I know it's more common these days for someone not to follow through on a sale due to being disappointed in the price. I'm not suggesting you wouldn't honour a sale at all, just that it happens and has helped to make buyers sketchy of auctions.
So, low starts and cheap postage prices can actually give the wrong kind of impression to some people (and when I say wrong, I mean that it isn't the kind of impression you want to give - some can also think it's been valued at what it's worth, i.e. there's something wrong with it that hasn't been disclosed, adding to the impression of risk).
Do the right thing by yourself, I reckon, and list at prices that don't rip yourself off, especially with postage. 😉 I think you can still list at auction if you prefer them, and provide the chance to get something for a good price, but it shouldn't have to cause this kind thing, and even if sometimes you have to list a couple of times before an item is sold, they'll all be 'happy' sales rather than regretful ones.
Great advice digital*ghost - thank you.....
I have always followed through even on a total-loss type sale - though I do understand what you mean about perhaps making buyers wary.
I am having a lot of "firsts" as well....a buyer won a Primo RL dress - perfect, tags authentic (I used to live & buy in the US from dept. stores)....the end sale price was a mere $2 or so - yep.....amazing....plus about $5 post - which is a loss for anyone - and the BUYER wanted out!! (because I declined to accept a posted-to-me-self-stamped-non-tracked-satchel/bag instead of them paying the 5 bucks!) Plus 3 non-paying bidders so far
I'm getting as wary of SOME buyers as perhaps they are of me.....although I have had some great sales & a few repeat customers...I just can't get out enough stuff in - as you say - a saturated market catagory (ies).....fast enough to give choice, the chance for combined post (which I then see as justified post costs)....it is not for the faint of heart, this selling!
BUT.....I am moving soon and have literally rooms full of stuff....a business (big-time) that never got off the ground because I got ill. So I have to at least chip away at it.
I must say - as an infrequent buyer, I don't always like the wait of an auction......but I also do look at postage. If it is reasonable for the item, that's fine. If it is $8.25 for a $3 piece of lace....I won't bid/buy. BUT - I can relate that just maybe, that lace won't fit (or be sent due to non tracking) letter rate....so a satchel at retail it has to be for the seller.....so I understand I'm not alone with my gripes.
I appreciate the feedback.....good common sense, and I think I will let things go "around the block" (relist) a few times if need be, rather than panic and undercut myself into a rediculous sale - which I will, have & always will honour.....but I don't have to sing about it from the roof-tops in joy - LOL! (or sorrow, I guess you could also say - but I feel better for having had my say).
Thank you to all and thank you for listening & the good advice.
PS...so I have to click the "resolved" button thing? Or do I leave it?
(told ya I was "green" !!)
