posted on March 4, 2005 11:39:28 AM new
When eBay first started, it used to be like an auction where you could get good deals. Now it seems like everyone wants retail prices for their items. I've noticed it more and more, mostly with eBay Stores and on reserves - and you still have to pay shipping on top of that. Has eBay turned into more of a retail outlet than an auction site? Could this be why sales are so weak?
posted on March 4, 2005 12:15:12 PM new
It is hard to generalize about sales on a site where just about anything and everything is available.
As far as new goods, there is incredible competition among both sellers and other outlets. For example, I get some sort of offer from Linens and Things just about every week (coupon for 25 percent off total, 10.00 off any item, etc.). Why would I even think of looking for a toaster or set of sheets on eBay?
Used clothing. Apart from the unknowns of size, condition, etc., I can go to Marshall's or TJ Maxx and always find a new shirt for under 20.00. And easily return it if I don't like it. Why would I even think of buying one on eBay?
Unless you can offer a terrific deal, or have a hard to find item, new merchandise is just not a good fit for the auction method, especially since you may now also be competing directly with the manufacturers and/or wholesalers outlets.
As for vintage materials with slow sales? Two words: Clueless sellers.
posted on March 4, 2005 01:42:53 PM new
It is necessary to distinguish between ebay auctions and stores. With the stores, you pay 2¢ for a 30 day listing. With that level of investment, you are going to get all sorts of sellers, including those that are out there fishing. The fishers occasionally do reel one in, but usually the end the day without a catch. There are certainly people selling via auctions that have unreasonable prices too for starting bids. I think eventually the market takes care of them, they run out of interest or money, and then complain that ebay is a ripoff and that you can't make a living.
Damariscotta is right on about products being sold on ebay. I think it is a great place for harder to find items, closeouts, etc. I don't understand why some people buy some of the things on ebay that are sold. I know mail order clothing is big business, but when you are dealing with a big company, you know you are dealing with a professional organization. On ebay, who knows who you are dealing with. It isn't worth the risk if you ask me. If I can buy it at Wal-Mart, I am probably not going to find it cheaper on ebay once shipping is factored in.
posted on March 4, 2005 02:04:19 PM newAs for vintage materials with slow sales? Two words: Clueless sellers
YOU believe that? It might be for some items that may have been, at one time, been considered rare in a specific region and is now commone plac.
However, there are too many categories that have tanked to say its all clueless sellers. I understand too many sellers make prices decrease; however, there are too many factors at play to say its clueless selles.
The next generation, en masse, doesn't want "used" or "antique" or "vintage", they want new even if the quality of a similiar item made 40 years ago is better. I say its more of a Wal-Mart mentality by the buyers when it comes to quality. They want it now, cheap, and disposable.
posted on March 4, 2005 02:34:22 PM new
I sell antiques on eBay in spurts. I did very well with this last batch. I recognize, however, that there are very few items in my inventory suitable for eBay selling.
Ebay is wonderful for antiques if:
- It is a desireable item
- It is scarce enough to have collector or dealer competition
- It is "searchable"
It is not that there is something inherently wrong with other items, it is just that they would sell better in other venues. For example, a common ironstone pitcher, priced right, will easily sell in a shop. Someone will see it, visualize putting flowers in it, or using it on their sideboard. They don't usually wake up in the morning and decide they need to go on line and find a run-of-the-mill piece of china. If I find an ironstone pitcher that is rare due to its pattern or size, I would be more likely to sell it on eBay. While the collector may walk into my shop and buy it, it is more likely that it will just get shocked reactions when people see it priced five times an ordinary piece.
The reason I think a lot of antique/vintage sellers are clueless, is that they just throw stuff on eBay, with no research, and hope for the best. How else to explain a search that pulls up many of the same items, with starting bids from .99 to 49.99, none with bids, and more added the next day? What kind of miracle are they hoping for?
As for stuff that is simply not what they think it is, or worth what they think, I have said before: If they didn't have a clue before they had a computer, they aren't going to get one with their computer.
posted on March 4, 2005 02:42:40 PM new
I just did a search on a common item in one of my collecting areas. This is a book given out at the Lucky Strike pavilion at the NY World's Fair in 1939-40. These are as common as mud. They were free. Everyone brought one home.
In addition to the 10 up for auction with no bids, there were about another 10 "elsewhere on eBay" (I am assuming stores?) with "Buy it Now" prices ranging from 2.00 to 49.99.
As I search for things on eBay in other areas, I see this over and over. Don't blame Meg or the younger generation for this.
