@jg01302 wrote:
Yes, I am less positive today than I was in my first post. I'm realizing eBay is not the right place for me to sell my things.
When I read your original post I was thinking that the difference you saw in searches was probably mainly due to the fact that you revised a number of your listings. That in itself can sometimes "freshen" placement in searches if done every now and then.
I completely agree with 'ricarmic' about getting information from anywhere outside eBay. EBay changes dramatically even over a period of a few months, so the best place to keep on top of the latest tips is right here on these boards.
That said, there are a number of fundamental pointers about selling that you can get from the 'Learning Centre' (under the "Customer Support" tab at the top of any eBay page), and also under the "Sell" tab. Following the "best practices" laid out by eBay can help a lot, and of course the experienced sellers on this board are a good resource.
Now, I don't know that I'd necessarily say eBay isn't the place for you to sell your items, but you do have to recognize that eBay isn't the marketplace it used to be. They are putting a great deal of focus on sellers with new products, and sellers who sell a lot. I would say that if you only have a few personal items to sell off on a more or less one-time basis, you might be better off with Kijiji (or even an ad in a local paper or at a local mall or rec centre). If you plan on making a longer-term business of selling here, then I would stick with it, but I'd recommend the following:
1) Don't be fooled by the $0.99 auctions. Yes, you'll get a lot of hits and watches, but I think most experienced sellers would agree that you'll attract "bottom feeders" -- buyers who want everything for next to nothing. They can be troublesome and complaining, too, and you're not making enough money selling at $0.99 to make the trouble worthwhile. Not only that, but with free shipping, it seems as if you'd be losing money at a $0.99 selling price. Run one or two items at a moderate starting price at auction, list the remainder at a Buy It Now price that you feel is the best you can offer to buyers, and leave them on 30-day listings.
2) In the meantime, make your listings more appealing. Make them look like you're in the business of selling, not a weekend flea market seller. You do definitely need to do something about your photos. Please see the suggestions I made in another post that you started (about a week ago I think?). Believe me, good photos will make a big difference. You don't need a whole photography studio to create excellent pictures, but you should try to make them look as if they were taken in a studio.
Try the tips I mentioned -- a great set of photos will create interest in the item and encourage click-through by buyers. Also, you have 12 free pictures available; try to use up as many of them as you reasonably can in each listing. Back, front, side, close-ups of details, etc.
3) Fill in the item specifics for each listing. Don't skip this -- eBay tells us that item specifics are a key factor in searches.
4) Give more detail about each garment. Tag size isn't enough, you need actual measurements. Describe the fabric and colour accurately. Try to create some excitement about each item.
5) Personally I wouldn't sell whole lots of clothing (I think you have one listing with about 10 different items). For one thing, the shipping is going to kill you, and I doubt you'll get as good a price on the whole lot as you would selling them separately, or perhaps two at a time. Not only that, but more listings will give you more exposure.
As I said, I don't know whether you have a longer-term goal is on eBay. If not, and if it's just a case of wanting to make a bit of money for a short time on items that are no longer needed, then you may be right that there are better venues. I do wish you good luck with your efforts!
