Interesting to read this thread, even that which goes way back. I wish someone had the answer. I think it's complicated, convoluted and involves a whole host of factors coming together at the same time.
I've read with interest those responses which touch on government.
We're recently retired, having spent the past 40 years involved in business in one form or another, across a fairly broad spectrum. We were fortunate in some, not so in others, but the end result has made it all worthwhile.
Some will disagree, but we found without exception, that government and the economy generally, played a big part in whether we occasionally dined out, or roughed it at home with Vegemite sandwiches.
Whenever an election was in the wind, or taking place, you could back it in that things would go quiet. Any sort of instability in government would have the same result. Talk of rising interest rates was a definite killer. The same applied with any talk of changes with superannuation, government cutbacks and 'leaks' of what 'might' be changing to the detriment of everyone. It's a long list really, far too long for here, but government and it's performance did certainly have a direct influence on sales in any of the businesses we've been involved in.
Things generally are tough at the moment. People are watching their disposable dollars. I think we're in one of those periods now, with other factors beyond, but combined with government, impacting as well. Things like direct competition, saturated market genres, a large contingent of Chinese involvement, the world becoming a much smaller marketplace, competing seller platforms, and so the list goes on. eBay itself is contributing, in such a big way and I don't think I need to enlarge on that. But, I will say this, don't expect any improvement soon. Once you are 'owned' priorities change. Support and services are cut to the bone, to the furthermost extent those in the highback chairs believe will be 'tolerated' without tangible loss, in pursuit of ROI for investors.
Good public companies with the proper skill sets, policies, an eye to the future and quality expertise employed in all the right places, manage to get beyond this and strike a fair and reasonable balance. Sadly, our experience so far with eBay doesn't instil even one ounce of confidence. And therein lies just another impediment. A lot of buyers feel the exact same way.
From someone relatively new and looking in from the outside, the exodus is already on. Does this affect sales? Yes, of course it does. However, whilst ever one seller who abandons eBay is replaced by two new sellers, or whatever that ratio is purported to be, eBay will continue on its merry way. But, that will eventually change, if it's not already, and then add disembarking buyers to the mix and that's when I think we might see some change, but I have a feeling the Choo Choo train has already left the station.
Hmmm!! I started off with one train (no pun intended) of thought and ended with another - a mini rant of sorts. I'm learning that eBay will do that to you.
Anyway, my absolute best wishes to those who rely heavily in income from eBay listings and are finding things challenging. I hope we come out of this lull (for most I think) soon.
good luck!
Melina.
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