posted on January 19, 2001 06:56:43 AM
Hi, all. Well, the new year is here, and we're heading into a new millenium. It's a time we typically make resolutions and plans for our immediate future.
Sales for many of us have been dragging a bit, and I was wondering if anyone else has been rethinking and retooling their "business plan." Or perhaps you're just starting to plan next year's sales.
I have a couple of ideas for next year. One idea is to diversity my product line. I can make more money offering 10 products than five. I'm going to cut back on sales of less-profitable product lines (which means educational software; it isn't selling well). I'm planning on developing a few products of my own, because they offer low overhead cost. I've found that I can make a go of selling on eBay, but I need to increase profits to be really comfortable.
Any plans or goals you'd like to share for your eBay business in 2001?
posted on January 19, 2001 07:33:54 AM
Echoing the previous 2 statements - get rid of inventory currently on hand any way I can and get some $ for it (although have also been using it to trade for things I want)...
Buy low, sell high what is hot and available (have my sister now gathering up my inventory for me, I'll do the sales end of things), and expect new product lines to come out 2-3 times over the next year.
Diversify out of current market into handmade doll clothes - see if there is a market for that.
Reduce or eliminate low-end auctions by grouping together into lots at reduced prices (part of selling at a loss just to get the inventory outta here).
posted on January 19, 2001 07:52:56 AM
I now have an angle where I essentially barter my time for free merchandise to list on ebay, half.com, etc. That's about as "buy low" as I can get. ; - )
posted on January 19, 2001 09:00:10 AM
Get rid of low-end factory mass-produced inventory. Stop throwing away my wholesale purchase dollars on suppliers whose merchandise is so readily available that eBay is flooded with it by dozens of sellers (e.g., Leg Avenue). Move to high-end, one-of-a-kind items that I make myself (at least I have that luxury). Stop taking consignment sales from friends because it is no longer worth it in terms of my time and the hassle involved.
posted on January 19, 2001 09:13:06 AM
Slowly sell through existing inventory to whatever degree possible. Will not be investing anymore - looking to exit online sales all together.
posted on January 19, 2001 10:05:43 AM
Don't list anything I can't net at least $25 on. Group smalls in boxlots. Work at developing hand-dyed/vintage quilt niche; try marketing "kits" and patterns as a sideline. Hit local auction house regularly and locate a couple more inventory sources. Explore UPS option for larger items so I can go to PO only once a week rather than twice.
posted on January 19, 2001 11:04:31 AM
Good Topic!
Stick to pure vanilla...
since 6/00 listed under $10 or $5 (regardless of purchase price) - no gallery, feature, etc.
Sales remained steady...
Percentage of eBay fees dropped by almost 4%
Selling small collectibles and antiques.
The new fee structure may produce a real auction atmosphere...
I've noticed a number of sellers (collectibles) have dropped reserves, etc - back to the plain vanilla...
This may attract more buyers to the real auction feel...
