posted on October 25, 2006 09:30:30 PM new
As many of you, I have noticed that my sales fluctuate throughout the month. My busiest time is early in the month, with modest sales mid-month, tapering off to zero during month end.
I am wondering if this might be due to SS checks and pension checks? Now, as you might recall, I sell stamps, and other philatelic material. These items are certainly not items that younger buyers would desire. However, older buyers would buy these items, as well as postcards, and other collectibles.
I think that I will experiment and run my heaviest auction load the first week of November, when the money may be available.
posted on October 26, 2006 11:10:24 AM new
Good observation in your category! Flea market dealers always do best the first week end for that reason. My eBay sales seem to be strongest toward the end of the month (may be same factor at work here in that they pay when the eagle drops); I'm sure it's different for CD sellers or jewelry etc.
posted on October 26, 2006 11:53:20 AM new
Yes that is a good observation,I never thought of running auctions because it was the begining of the month.I've been retired for 3 years now and yes right now,Im a little low on money.Of course it all depends if I have money in my Paypal account from sales.
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If you dont want to hear the truth....dont ask the question.
posted on October 26, 2006 12:30:07 PM new
A few weeks ago I didn't believe SS and pension check timing affected postcard sales but at the last postcard club meeting, I heard a lady ask dealers if she could postdate her check until after SS was deposited- now I'm sure it has some affect but not as much affect as the eBay search glitches wreak on sellers.
posted on October 26, 2006 01:13:19 PM new
If you take paypal and accept credit cards, would doubt that it should make any difference - unless there is a pschological one involved. Also should not think people buying these items on Ebay live month to month. Certainly at flea markets where all sorts of merchandise is sold where people have to pay with cash, it probably does make a difference.
buyhigh
posted on October 26, 2006 01:16:06 PM new
Darling, everyone lives month to month (well, most everyone). Check the stats on credit card and consumer debt some time!
posted on October 26, 2006 07:17:01 PM new
kozersky,
I'd have to agree with you on stamp sales as they seem to correlate with what a couple of philatelic shops told me about their domestic sales demographics. However several said they had successfully ironed out their sales bumps by targeting cash rich European and Asian collectors...
Most of the niche items we sell end up to collectors in Europe, Japan, or North America and we don't accept credit card payments - just cold hard cash.
