posted on November 10, 2006 10:27:13 AM new
Title says it all.
I'm still debating whether to open an ebay store or not.
I've got a bunch of junk (...er, really, really nice small collectibles, Hot Wheels cars, etc) that someone would probably buy but they're probably not gonna go for over $5-6 each. They're not really the type of thing I can bundle together unless I want to sell 'em for $2-3 each in a group.
I figure if I list 'em as regular auctions at $5.00 with a gallery pic it's gonna cost 70 cents to list plus 26 cents FVF for a total of 96 cents (not counting PP's cut if that's how people pay).
If I put 'em in a store it'll cost me 6 cents plus 50 cents FVF for a toal of 56 cents (again not counting PP's cut and the $15.95/month store fee)
Most of my cheaper things will easily tie in with the better stuff I run auctions with and I'm thinkin' auction winners will grab a few of the lower priced items to save on shipping.
Also the longer listing time seems very attractive for items that might not fit everybody's fancy.
I'm not thinking about thousands of items...probably 200 more or less.
Since it's my idea, I'm only looking at ways it'll work. I'm asking for you to shoot holes in my plan...just be gentle!..
[ edited by neatstuffusa on Nov 10, 2006 10:34 AM ]
posted on November 10, 2006 11:28:29 AM new
Given the numbers as you yourself stated them, it would make far more sense to blow them out in one huge lot. Skip the store.
I would go to town on the one large listing and have tons of photos. Start it at 99 cents to get the ball rolling.
Even if you don't think so, your time is worth something. Don't become another manual laborer in eBay's vineyard.
fLufF
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posted on November 10, 2006 12:42:33 PM new
Thanks for your advice so far.
As I mentioned the individual pieces, WHEN THEY SELL (key phrase), normally bring $5-6 each. In lots, I've seen 'em bring maybe $3 each at best...many times they sell for less than that.
Obviously these aren't high demand items (most were when I bought 'em a few years ago but that's a subject for a different post) but they do sell.
About the store fee, the basic store includes the "Selling Manager", I think that's what it's called, for free. If it's any good, I don't know having never used it, wouldn't that lower the store fee from $16 to $11?
posted on November 10, 2006 02:18:39 PM new
What you need to consider is what your monthly sell-through rate will be. If you think 1/4 of your inventory would sell in a month, you need to factor in the monthly listing fee of the 3/4 that will not sell. Or, if you know the average time it takes for an item to sell is 4 months, you need to take the store listing fee x 4 and add the FVF to that. Items in stores are much less visible than items in auctions and, like any store, you need to find ways to drive buyers to your store. I usually run a large number of auctions with links to my store.
posted on November 11, 2006 10:08:17 AM new
Hey, Fluff...
My goal is just to move the stuff out and get something in return.
As I mentioned, I don't really want to group them together. They aren't all that simular and someone who would be interested in one probably wouldn't care about others.
Again, they do sell when the right guy comes along. I'm just not sure the right guy will be there in 7 days as opposed to 30 days or more in a store.
I've thought about just making up auctions for 'em and saving the listings until a free or reduced price listing day comes along. Problem is ya never know when that may be and I'm just not motivated enough to make auction listings to hold. I want to get 'em on now...especially with Christmas season coming.
I've pretty much decided just to do it and see what happens. The worst case scenerio I can see is that I spend $20-40 a month and nothing happens. Shoot, I blow more than that on Saturday night and get nothing (maybe a headache on Sunday morning) in return.
I appreciate all your advice and I'll gladly accept more!
posted on November 11, 2006 11:14:47 AM new
Oh, you might be surprised about who would want the whole shebang.
eBay is crawling with would-be entrepreneurs who see a lot like yours and figure "Hey, instant inventory." They don't know where else to source goods.
The vast majority of my sales are to other eBayers, boutique owners, etc. who often have a quite different perspective on the saleability of my lots once broken up. I have customers who buy my wholesale lots of 12 pair earrings, then put each pair up individually on eBay. Who am I to argue with them?
Lot it up, photograph the Dickens out of it, and have a good holiday with the proceeds.
posted on November 11, 2006 11:33:57 AM new
Ahhh...funny you should mention your buyers. Sounds like me! I look for stuff listed in lots all the time!
I guess I should mention that I don't make a living on ebay...more of a hobby thing where I pickup a few things I want here and there and try to sell off what I don't.
The area I know most about (diecast cars) is pretty depressed right now compared to what it used to be. I'm sure it'll probably come back around but that's a project I'll leave to my grandchildren.
Mostly what I'm looking for now is just to "thin the herd", get some $$ back, and plow into some other area.
I understand what you're saying about lot sales but I'm afraid I just don't have the temperament for that!
I don't make a habit of dealing in low priced stuff. The things I'm thinking about moving for $5-10 now would easily have brought $20-30 a couple of years ago (when I should have sold 'em).
Mostly just a matter of holding on to too much too long and trying to figure out how to get out from under them without giving them away!
posted on November 11, 2006 02:08:53 PM new
I gave away a 1997 Red Corvette for 99 cents last year!
Die cast toys,are they made in China and advertised in sunday newspapers??
This may be OT,
but do you know Wynn has a Maserati/Ferrari dealership on site?
[ edited by hwahwa on Nov 11, 2006 02:11 PM ]
posted on November 11, 2006 02:09:12 PM new
I think that fluff is right. List them in 2 categories: diecast cars, and wholesale diecast cars. You might be surprised with a sale from the wholesale category.
Of course you can do a store. However this can be a long tedious endeavor, which just might suck up any profits that are made from individual sales.
There are two other alternative - pack them away for perhaps a better day. Or, give them away to a children's group for the holidays. At least you would have a donation for your taxes.
posted on November 12, 2006 02:21:08 PM new
Kozersky wrote: "Or, give them away to a children's group for the holidays. At least you would have a donation for your taxes."
Or, you will unless you have joined the millions of people who are subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax: the great Republican 3-card Monte tax reduction in action.
