Worth it to open an Ebay Store??

[metaldesignz]

Hi Everyone...
I'm a new powerseller and I basically run 25 auctions constantly for the craft supplies I sell.
I was looking into the possiblity of opening an ebay store and I'd love some feedback!
First, Is it worth it? I notice that it is cheaper to list an item, but ebay takes 8% then 5% of the FVF. This is higher than the auction system... Most of my items are under $30 though...
Do my items in a store pop up in a search like the auction items do??
Second, What is really the difference between the Basic store at $15.95 and the Featured store at $64.95? Can I just run a decent store on the Basic plan??

Any other info, impressions, expereiences you would like share with me are most appreciated!!
Shelley in Saskatoon

[coastwindchimes]

Hi Shelly in Saskatoon~
I can tell you that for me, it is certainly worth it. My store generates anywhere from about 50-75% of my sales each month.

The thing I like most about it (aside from all those $$$!) is being able to let things sit there until they sell. I make artistic creations for the home and garden, and some are expensive, and others are unusual and need the right person to come along-- the store is perfect for that. I can let something sit for three, four or more months, and it does not cost much. Sooner or later, someone will come along and buy.

I think the search features are under review-- and I think you will need to continue with regular auctions, and feature your store in those to get people to visit. Good luck! Tim~

[jasonsportscards]

Evening Shelley, i agree it is definately worth it, i myself sell sports cards and electrical equipment, and going to say about 80 % of sales sometimes higher are from my store. some items yes sit for quite some time, but they will eventually sell. for the cost much better, now all i do is add 4 or 5 auctions a week to get visibility, instead of normal 20 i started out with. plus having a set price is nice, and of course most of my stuff is best offer as well
hope this helps
Jason

[metaldesignz]

Thank you for the info so far...

Are you both using the basic plan or the Featured??
Can you tell the differnce??

Thanks 🙂

[metaldesignz]

Tim,
Which level of Store are you using?? I like the pictures are so promintent.. Your work is beautiful by the way 🙂

Thanks for taking the time to help me out 🙂
Shelley

[coastwindchimes]

Hi Shelley,
Thanks for the compliment-- nice to know that they look good. I am just using the basic plan. I've never tried the Featured one, but would like to hear from anyone who has ideas about that. It seems like a lot more money, and I can not take advantage of some of the extras, since I'm using a Mac. By the way, I think the way the pictures show are an option you choose in pref. for the store. Tim~

[jasonsportscards]

i just use the basic plan, as most of my items are fairly inexpensive. never done the featured one myself, maybe someday will try it, but i expect things to slow down in my sales, being that hockey is just about over, and that is the bulk of my merchandice, so i may not be a powerseller for much longer
jason

[rgilbert15]

I upgraded to a Feature Store a couple of months back, but don't really see any difference. I got it because I use keyword, so the price difference is negotiable.

Does any have comments / experience with Pro Stores ?

[funkywatch_com]

ProStores are not geared for canadians. I tried it and cancelled after a week. The only way you can accept CC with Prostores (in Canada) is through Paypal and people have to open Paypal accounts and that makes it just the same as buying form eBay... might as well get the ebay store instead.

They do not support any canadian merchant accounts and if you ask questions they just copy and paste the list of Merchant Accounts they support which are all US based. I had to research it myself. Also had issues with their email system and they were clueless and did not really make any efforts to help.

If you want an easy solution I suggest you check the Sell Online solutions from Canada Post. They have something better for canadians: http://canadapost.ca/business/prodserv/so/default-e.asp

Not a very positive experience with ProStores.

[dreamcoll]

I opened a Basic store a year ago & am pleased. I don't sell new products but have had some very nice sales from my store.

I think buyers who shop in the stores have a different mentality than bidders & are willing to pay more for an item.