Yes many leaving and many signing up.
My sister and I are both over 70 so don't think age is relevent. Many other sellers a lot younger than us are also relying on their sales for an Full income or "top-up".
We started here to have a holiday fund, and so far have done reasonably well, not brilliant but ok. We view as a way for us both to get together once a week, and enjoy lunch whilst we work and along the way we have a holiday every 2-3 years.
But sales very definitely slowed and many sellers will agree with that statement, and eBay is not what it was 10+ years ago. It evolves every year and hard to keep up with, but have to roll with it and keep on tweaking listings and learning what they require.
But don't think 4 items will be enough to bring in general viewing.
What you have advertised in your store seems to be aimed at a target market so only buyers who are interested in those particular pieces will view. You could be missing out on some other potential buyers who are perhaps looking for a gift idea for a special person or couple, or perhaps a tourist, Club looking for a Trophy? Could be some other groups too but that is all I could think of off the top of my head. Someone else might come along with an idea or two.
Can you list some more items? As you are/have been a collector do you have some more unique pieces that you could list. What about clearing out some simple bits and pieces from around your home? That could bring in some more general buyers who will then see those particular pieces already listed and who knows the penny could drop for them. Variety will be your friend.
Your terms that you state seem to be a little "strong" would suggest that you could re-word to sound a bit nicer, as a buyer I find all the "i don't s" a bit off putting". Nothing wrong with having policies, just soften the statements.
Re "free" postage we agree with you, as we all know post is not free, and always built into the price.
We have tried to leave post as a separate item so buyers can clearly see what they are paying, but there are exceptions to the rule.
We now offer a few bits and pieces with "free", as somtimes items are more attractive with an all inclusive cost, and we still make a reasonable return. Also If something is old stock, will wear the cost of post, as long as we still make some profit albeit a little less.
The sad thing is that if you leave there will be one more seller gone who has specialised interests and knowledge as a collector, and is offering unique and interesting items, all things that make eBay an interesting place. And this is something that the overseas sellers don't have a hope of competing with.
But of course it is your decision, wish you well going forward.
Good Luck
