When is the party over???

[noblewoodtreasures]

This is our first Christmas season. We got going, really, just after the New Year 2003.

We're having a great weekend...but when does activity drop off? At some point people will stop bidding because of delivery times.

I guess my question is, should I be re-listing for another week - or is this weekend the last busy one until after Christmas?

Any help/advice is appreciated!

Tom

[treasure-pot]

Last year I shipped Christmas gifts for people right up to Boxing Day. There is no shortage of people who will leave even their online shopping to the last possible minute.

Having said that I will probably cut way back on my auctions effective the 20th so that I can get my own shopping done and get a little calmed down.

Good selling!

Bill

[your-chic-shopper]

I have stopped selling , Most of my customers are American I find too many American's tend to not read the terms of Arrival.

I had a few customers in past Years on Ebay that reversed thier credit cards because they item did not arrive by Xmas

[noblewoodtreasures]

It's a tough call.

I am inclined to give it one more week, because activity this week has been so strong. But, people will have to get right on it with their payments for items that close on Dec 14th - otherwise there will be almost no chance of things arriving in time for Christmas.

Thanks for your input. I guess I will hold off just a bit longer today to see if anyone else here has a strong opinion one way or the other.

Tom

[your-chic-shopper]

However I am getting all our slow selling items ready and pre made ...for the free listing day

[muminlaw]

Depends what you sell! My customers don't usually stop bidding because of holidays because they're buying for their own collections. I usually slow down, list fewer items per week for a couple of weeks, mainly because I need a bit of a break myself!

Glenda

[gloriaguides]

I'm finishing tonight. I find that the buyers get crazy about Xmas delivery and although I mail quickly, I can't guarantee that the item will arrive for Xmas. In past years I've had all sorts of insane demands in the two weeks before Xmas, most of which the buyer was not willing to pay for. Fortunately, this year we are going away for some of the holidays, so that my resolve is not tested in this high-priced auction season. My books will sell just as well in January as now anyway and I'm tired of mailing off toys--most of the ones left are collectibles so they will be fine after Christmas anyway. Good luck - Glori

[mevans_cda]

Unless you want a break over the holidays, the market is still active in my experience. I took time off last Christmas with auctions ending right up to Xmas and then starting again the first of January. My sales were great for December and January - February took a dive though.

Many people have time off during the holidays so they're out to shop, and they may have received money as gifts, bonuses from work or just have extra they put away for Boxing Day sales.

You'll have to give a very generous delivery timeframe to avoid unrealistic expectations othere here mentioned - I do it in my auction, in the EOA email and in my shipping confirmation. Even then, you'll get a few people emailing for a status, but it helps.

[noblewoodtreasures]

Well, I decided to cut way back on the number of listings I have up this week. I am down to about 55 auctions from over 200 last week.

We'll see what happens. Thanks for everybody's input.

[treasure-pot]

Tom, I had increased my number of auctions and just had my largest weekend of sales ever in three years on eBay.

It probably should be said that it will also likely depend on what you are selling. Some things really are not affected by the season and others are dictated by the season. Your familiarity with your products should be your guide. Some of the items I sell will continue on strong into the new year whereas other items will stop dead in their tracks on Dec. 24th.

Cheers!

Bill

[firedept10]

Sold right through Xmas last year. Never stopped and actually did well as alot of sellers slowed down. Depends on what you sell I guess.

Don

[amberwoodottawa]

It hasnt even come close to slowing down for me yet. The only difference is I am quoting higher shipping prices for higher-end delivery service if people want the products in time for Christmas.

So far no complaints about the shipping. I still give them an option but tell them that I cant guarantee delivery before Christmas if they choose the less expensive shipping method.

Malcolm