When I list items on e-bay and do not sell, I am paying the fees and I'm losing money. How to turn it around?

Question

Here is what happened....
I put few articles on e-bay for sale...Only one sold, but I bought it for $225 and got sold for $179. The others articles did not sell. Now I have to pay $18+ for listing fees. I also see people having lots of articles(like see seller other items) with no bids and I presume they must pay listing fees as well.
So, I hear e-bay is a good business opportunity...
How it can be so?
Thank you!

Answer 1

The truth is that selling on eBay is not as easy as some portray. In fact, go to eBay and check out the number of auctions that end without a single bid. Competition is getting tough, as more sellers go to eBay; even the big boys are joining in the eBay marketplace. Add to that the increasing listing and final value fees. Yes, eBay has become expensive.

In fact, there's a new book out called “Selling Beyond eBay: Foolproof Ways to Reach More Customers and Make Big Money on Rival Online Marketplaces” by Greg Holden http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0814473490/powerhomebizguid that urges sellers to look at opportunities beyond eBay. It provides alternatives to eBay where savvy merchants can sell their wares.

The author advises, “if you focus solely on eBay for your online auction sales, you might be selling yourself short.” So why sell beyond eBay?

- Other auction sites are less expensive and more user-friendly than eBay
- You can reach dedicated collectors in other niche auction sites
- You can increase your profit margin by moving some of your sales from eBay to other venues
- You diversify your sales channel
- Look beyond eBay to save money and find new customers

But if you want to continue selling on eBay, here are some tips to increase your chances in getting a sale:

1. Stop selling at a loss - price your items using the acquisition price as the minimum. You may want to start selling at a low price, but as you found out, there is the risk when the bid will not go up as high to the price that will give you profits.

2. Consider the use of reserve price if you are going to start the bid price low.

3. Present yourself as a reputable seller. By creating a strong brand you can stand out from the crowd and reassure buyers that you are a safe bet.

4. Improve product presentation. Listings which do not give full information about the product or the T&Cs of purchase put off buyers.

5. Remove barriers to sales. Making it easy for potential customers to make a purchase.

6. Take advantage of free marketing for your eBay business. Marketing is expensive and so it is important to make best use of the all the free ways of promoting your products.

7. Use Listing software. This will speed the process of listing on eBay.

Answer 2

I've been selling on eBay for about 2 months and it is tough to make any money. I tried selling several items and the established competition is extremely cut throat about anyone entering their turf. Basically, I consider the site more like a Internet garage sale.

Answer 3

Like all auctions, it is a hit or miss thing. It is hard to sell an item you paid 225 for and make more money, on ebay or yard sale. Most of the time, things depreciate and you can't expect to get what you paid for it.

Yes, you have to pay fees. At all auctions it is up to 40% fee. You have to mark it up as a loss. Ebay has sections that gives you advise on selling. Perhaps you need to read up on it. You need to sell things of interest and at a good starting price and reasonable shipping prices. Read up. It's helpful.

Answer 4

If you are using Ebay as a venue to make money, you need to be smart about it. First, read, read, read. Learn how the site works, what the fees are, etc. Second, You have to buy LOW and sell HIGH. It is a process and doesn't come as easy as everyone says. I have been in the wholesale / import business for over 3 years and I'm still working on my stuff. You can see my store here: http://stores.ebay.com/Supply-Outlet_W0QQsspagenameZMEQ3aFQ3aSTQQtZkm
Good luck.

Answer 5

drop your prices and use the relist....i run into alot of dreamers on ebay and just because you have the access to the market it isnt going to make you rich...you also have to have willing customers at agreeable prices.