posted on April 7, 2001 09:45:20 AM
Many times over the years I have stood in my store and said "The sky is falling". It sent out an aura of gloom and anyone that walked in the door seemed to feel the same thing and they didn't buy. So now everytime I get that feeling I quickly change my thoughts to positive ones.
There are things that I sold on ebay last year that I am very happy that I sold then because they wouldn't bring the high prices this year. Things change and one has to adapt and move on.
Many items in the antiques and collectibles market are bringing top dollar on ebay. It is a big time business for these sellers.
I have a basement of "stuff". I could say "What am I ever going to do with all this junk?" But I prefer to think "It's time has not yet come". Someday it will be worth money. I am positive.
posted on April 7, 2001 10:52:10 AM
I'm sure the sky is falling if your selling CD-R disks, Diet Pills and Ginsu knives. Most people who cry about the demise of Ebay are selling items that are pretty everyday bargain basement massively produced Walmart stuff
.
POCONO the "bippity crap, and antinques" is where the money is at buy low and sell high.
I guess the Monkey porn business finally colapsed.
No need to put down sellers just because you can't keep your business alive.
JB
posted on April 7, 2001 10:55:30 AM
" Your scenario is fine for flea marketeers and sellers of bippity crap, and antinques and such, but not for sellers that use ebay as a real business."
Poc,
I don't think you understand what I am saying, there is no reflection on what people SELL......Whatever someone sells that makes them money and MAYBE even supports there family, to me is a business,
I don't know what you sell, but whatever it is "I would change merchandice" and quick...
We are all working real hard on whatever we do and for you to put people down for whatever the reason, I personally don't like it.
posted on April 7, 2001 10:59:59 AM
What I said, you have reinforced.
Red: I should certainly have worded my post differently.
What I MEANT by a "real" business, is a business that is "structured" specifically around ebay, with employees, etc.
A real "structured" and "converted" from brick-n-mortor business.
I was "not" inluding individuals in that, and that is why I said that "antiquers" would still survive on ebay, and looksee what line your friend is in?
Amy: I would love to share your sky with you. Your one of the people here I look at as very insightful, and the fact that your still doing great on ebay makes me glad.
Unfortunately, MY business has been DESTROYED on ebay by theifs, frauds, scammers, spammers, bottomfeeders, deadbeats, competitors who #*!@ to ebay and plain ole creeps who steal bidders money.
The computer catagory at one time was the top producer for ebay, and I was selling over 50 systems per week at that point.
Now, I can't give them away for half of what they cost me to produce.
People don't dare buy PCs on ebay anymore, and we see why here on AW time after time.
I try and sell "legit" software, in RETAIL form, and STILL I am continually shut down by the software companies.
I have had now over 350 deadbeats since september, and I am just at the point where ebay is a burden, rather then an opportunity.
For me, the ride was great, but I aint got no more tickets left to hand the man, so my rides over.
posted on April 7, 2001 11:17:06 AM
Poc .... I understand where you're coming from, truly I do, and I'm sorry to see that eBay has become a dud for your items.
A real "structured" and "converted" from brick-n-mortor business.
I understand that as well. The gold PS I mentioned has a partner, and they've been selling Militaria items for close to 30 years. They have a real business, and have indeed "converted" their business to include online sales, which is only a portion of their biz. They also have several employees who work for them [obviously with the volume of merchandise they move]so they are a business in every sense of the word.
BTW - I didn't consider your comments as an insult, or consider them to be putting anyone down. I understand why you're pizzed at eBay, and I don't blame you. I wish you all the success in the world my friend.
posted on April 7, 2001 12:32:52 PM
Pocono...unfortunately the field you sell in has suffered teribly because of ebay's success.
When there is good money to be had there are always the dishonest who move in. I think the electronics category has been destroyed by the scammers.
The crooks saw a way to make big bucks quickly and then disappear so they reduced their risks of getting caught.
The resulting bad publicity made the legitimate buyers extremely wary. Plus I think that once ebay became more of a "household word" it brought out the jokers...those who don't take this seriously as a form of commerce.
The vero program is a joke...and I don't really think the blame can be placed on ebay's shoulders. From what I can see, it is the law itself that is flawed. And to change the Vero program I think we in the OAI need to start with our legislatures and show them where this law is tilted to far towards the rights holders and oppressive to the legitimate resaler.
You are right about the problems you are encountering not being as much of a problem in the antiques and collectibles field...and to that I would add books too. but even in those fields the sellers are affected by the substantial increase in competition. I know there are certain things I could sell for a good price a year or so ago that, because of increased competition, the prices have dropped significantly. I try to compensate by looking for items that are a little more unusual...items that the other sellers haven't globbed onto but do have a group of collectors looking for it. but in other categories this isn't possible.
I hope you are able to find a way to continue your current business on ebay...or find a way to change your business and products so once again you can be successful.
posted on April 7, 2001 01:52:14 PM
jrb3: I will refrain from addressing your ridiculous post, since you no doubt don't know any better...LMAO
BTW: what is monkey porn? and why does jrb3 know about it, and I don't? hmmm.
also, how is he so enlightened on the junk sales? is that his line of expertise? HA!
I thought there was a minimum age to post here? guess not.
