posted on October 2, 2001 05:08:47 AM
The last 3 weeks have been the worst for me since I started on eBay 2 years ago.
I'm sure a lot of the successful auctions of late are in specific categories. Otherwise, I can't explain the fact that my hits are down 40% and bids down 70%. The few items that I have sold were at the opening bid. The fees are killing me. What to do? List more? List less? Is there light at the end of this tunnel?...or is the light an oncoming train?
Frankly you may need to take a hard look at your auctions & the categories & analyze what is going on.
Do you have more competition? If so, are their prices more competitive? Are their shipping rates more competitive? What about their ads..are they more inviting or informative?
If there isn't more competition, is the market becoming saturated for your type of items? Are they more seasonal items? Did you have a similar slowdown last year at this time (but perhaps not as dramatic)?
Only YOU can really analyze this situation. Business rarely runs flat out forever. There are peaks and valleys in every business and you may have hit a valley. Or it may have, indeed, hit a saturation point and you need to look to other products or different marketing to boost interest and sales.
A good business person is constantly reviewing their business in light of the economy, their competition, their product and their target audience. Slow downs DO and WILL occur. You either adapt or ride them out.
When things start to slow for me, I take a hard look at the item, change the description, the title, try to give it a new spin, consider revising my pricing and, even after all of this, sometimes it's time to clear out that line and move to another.
I know a lot of people don't like to hear the "adapt or die" response but, in truth, it's what will separate the long term businesses from the short term businesses.
posted on October 2, 2001 05:31:46 AM
Things have improved somewhat over the past week for me, but are not anywhere near my August levels, much less September-October!
The airline layoffs are only one part of the problem, the hotels, stores, taxis etc that are part of the travel industry are all in deep doo doo so that means a good portion of our usual buyers are scared out of their wits. No money= no bids.
And while select categories are doing well, most are nearly comatose. It will be a long slow recovery, not aided, by the way, by the over-promotion of Auctions for America at our expense. And the ebay stores many of us worked on? Virtually forgotten!
posted on October 2, 2001 05:32:18 AMEllis747, Much the same here so last week I listed three times as much as I normally do.
My auctions close tommorow and the day after and about 60% of them at this stage will sell.
The bidding is not strong, and many items will close at less than normal prices, but at least they do have bids.
Things are beginning to pick up and trade will return to normal.
One thing is for sure, unless you list things, you've got no chance of selling them.
Hang in and ride it out.
posted on October 2, 2001 06:02:32 AM
Bidding is down--yes economics, war and eBay's monumentally bad AFA have had an impact. If you are selling something that is considered a non-essential item, you will see a real slump. While I'm all for luxury items, dining, entertainment and travel, I do not think many people are in the mood right now.
Everyone is offering sales right now to stimulate business. This will cut into our market more especially if you are trying to bring in top dollar.
Those sitting on survival stuff from the late great Y2K days should be listing like crazy... The rest of us need to be more cautious.
posted on October 2, 2001 06:54:46 AM
i went to our local packing supply shop to pick up some small 4 by 4 by 2 dc boxes and they are asking 67 cents per box i fyou buy 100,does any one have a better price out there?
the store said they are seeing a pickup in business since 9/11.
i wonder with all that terrorist attacks,imagined or real,how would that affect xmas shopping-go to a crowded mall or stay home and shop online??
if they all shop online ,then post office will be a target for terrorists.
posted on October 2, 2001 06:59:46 AM
I cannot agree more. I have noticed the same thing. Normally 80% of my auctions would have bids and more then just 1 bid. I feel we are going threw a bad time right now and every area is being effected.
Also, I know how I feel about our Nations Problems and I feel so due many feel like I do. This is going to be a big problem for many areas and Ebay is just one
of the areas.
We, as a whole have a long hard road ahead of us, ..................That's how i feel about it and if it gets better i would be surprised..........My income has dropped by 80%.............and that is putting a big hurting on me.....and many sellers like me........................I have been selling for 4 yrs, and this most definitely is the worst i have ever experienced...........I am just sharing my feelings....
posted on October 2, 2001 07:19:03 AM
I know what you mean. It seems like when the planes hit the WTC it completely killed all consumer confidence and it hasn't gotten back to normal since.
