posted on September 18, 2001 07:32:36 AM new
How long do you other booksellers hang onto slow or non-moving inventory? I have found that a portion of my books are mere dust collectors and I can't store more than so much deadweight in my apartment. I know others just need time and I don't mind waiting on those.
posted on September 18, 2001 07:45:52 AM new
i still have books which i bot 3 1/2 years ago,nice books which are getting scarcer to find.
but if they are listed say marketplace and not selling,take a look and see if there are many copies listed at lower price by your competitors.
it all depends on the book-what kind of books are they??
posted on September 18, 2001 07:49:31 AM new
mballai,
While I don't sell books, I do sell magazine advertisements. Here is my method for dealing w/ dead or slow-moving stock.
1st week - start out at $9.99
2nd week - re-list at $9.99 (in case bidders just missed the auction)
3rd week - re-list at $4.99 (in case initial price was too high)
4th week - combine ads with other ads that didn't sell in a lot and start the bidding out at $9.99.
5th week - drop price of add lots to $4.99
I very rarely ever get to the fifth week on any ads. While I recognize that this is a different product then what you are selling... you might be able to modify my system slightly for your needs. The basic principle is this. Never drop your price on the first re-list. It could have just been overlooked and you would be doing yourself a disservice. Then, as re-lists go by, drop your price to your break-even point and combine dead-stock in lots. At least by the point you're only paying one listing fee instead of 5-10 (which can really save some $$$$!) I hope this helps a little!
posted on September 18, 2001 10:47:57 AM new
I'm sure there are a number of copies out there in some cases with low prices, but others it seems that the authors might be known but just do not sell despite their recognition. Low prices don't seem to move these books either.
My thought is that a book should move within about 6 months. I would not list a book more than twice on eBay and then it goes to Half for the long stretch.
