posted on August 10, 2001 06:00:07 PM
"My sales have the been the worst this month since August, 1998.
Well, my sales have been the best ever this month!"
What does it all mean?
Nothing!
If you're going to complain and /or brag about your sales . . .
How about telling us what dollar volume is bad and what dollar volume is good. Let us know your sell through percentage. And also tell us what price range your items are selling or not selling. And lastly, let us know what general category you sell items.
Many of us want to empathize or cheer your failure or sucess, but you don't give us enough to go on!
posted on August 10, 2001 09:56:33 PM
I don't feel all that successful anymore. It's more of a steady plodding along now. I started in Feb. 99 on ebay, which was late by many people's standards. But it was easier then. It was fresh and I was enthusiastic, things were bringing better money. Now it's become a job. Keeps the bills paid, and thank God for that.
Back then I was steadily selling over 5K a month, sometimes well over. Approached 10K a couple of times. For me that's Fat City. Now 4 or 5K would be a big month for me on ebay. Fortunately I've got a couple of other things going away from ebay that bring in some money here and there.
It's not the gross sales figures that matter most though. I could live with a lower gross if the net would increase by a large percentage.
I could increase the net if i worked harder. I'm sitting on a lot of merchandise but can't ever seem to get more than 40 or 50 auctions on per week, usually less. I used to sell more high dollar stuff though, so I didn't need volume as much.
OK, I've whined enough for one night.
Thanks
[ edited by loosecannon on Aug 17, 2001 09:20 AM ]
posted on August 10, 2001 10:28:35 PM
Hey, it could be a lot worse! A seller that I have bought from before, a seller that I like, lists tons of auctions compared to me. Out of 400 of this sellers' closed auctions that I looked at, only 71 out of the 400 sold. That's less than 18% if my math is correct.
I know what this sellers' problem is--generally high starting bids.
I'd rather list less auctions but sell 80% or better first time around--who wouldn't.
[ edited by loosecannon on Aug 17, 2001 09:21 AM ]
posted on August 11, 2001 04:17:32 PM
I sell about $1500/month, mostly collectible stuff. My prices are between $10 - $30. My sell-through percentage hovers around 50%.
Over the last 6 months, I've seen fewer number of bidders, with most of my auctions closing with one bid. Also, the number of high bidders with less than 10 for feedback has swelled.
Tried starting things at lower prices, but rarely get it bid up.
As for 50% sell-through, I'm happy with it.
I don't mind advertising an item again . . . once. I rationalize it as, "I didn't sell it off too cheap the first time around".
Summer has seen a slump of 20%, but the holidays will more than make up for it.
