posted on February 21, 2007 09:43:13 AM
Looks like eBay is trying more and more to push away the small sellers. I am one, usually starting listings under 9.99. But the fees are almost too high now to list anything below 9.99. Has anyone discovered an alternative. It wouldn't even be competition for ebay, since they obviously don't want to be bothered with my "type" of selling anymore. Any ideas?
posted on February 21, 2007 10:04:23 AM
Of those alternative sites, is there any data of which one is getting the greatest amount of attention from buyers?
posted on February 21, 2007 10:26:13 AM
If you look at my sold stuff, I have quite a high sell rate and some good sales. I enjoy it, not looking for a huge return, but a better one would be good. Just wondering if any site is aggressively going after those sellers who ebay is looking to dump.
posted on February 21, 2007 01:28:52 PM
Your best bet is Yahoo. But don't think that you are going to get rich there. At best, it is a good second auction listing site. Amazon is decent if you sell books, but nothing else.
Epier is easiest to use, but sales are generally few. But still a good place to have your items. Their search will show up on most sites like google and Yahoo so there is a decent amount of traffic. Problem with Epier is not many people want to sign up there. Avoid Bidville and Ioffer. Overstock at first showed promise, but is now too risky with the fees being charged with no return.
posted on February 21, 2007 01:59:22 PM
I buy a lot of stuff on Amazon - not just books. Amazon is my #2 search for what I'm looking for. Ebay may be cheaper sometimes but not always.
The free shipping on Amazon after spending X amount $$ kind of lures me in every time.
I just recently was pricing 2 outdoor gas grill covers and although I found them elsewhere cheaper....Amazon beat everybody else price wise once I figured in the free shipping.
posted on February 21, 2007 02:58:54 PM
While browsing on Marketworks, I found the following information interesting -
"Approximate distribution of ecommerce by channel:
25% ebay
5% Amazon
40% Search Engines
20% Direct to Website
10% Shopping Comparison"
It would seem to me that if you are seeking an ebay alternative, search engine sales would provide maximum opportunity. Look into listing your items on Google.
posted on February 21, 2007 03:38:59 PM
ebayvet, does that free shipping deal affect you when you auction on Amazon? I would hope not because that could eat up profits pretty fast (if my Post Office bills are any indication).
posted on February 21, 2007 04:24:46 PM
I do fixed prices on amazon, not auctions...there is a difference. Also, marketplace sales are not part of the free shipping deal - While amazon is my competition for that, the used items and even new items by third party sellers all come with a shipping credit. It works a lot like half.com - It is fixed, so if you sell small items, it is good, if you sell large items, it usually isn't. I've sold everything from watches to video game systems on amazon.
posted on February 21, 2007 05:57:52 PM
How is overstock.com these days?
When it first launched auction,I sold over 200 items there,most bidders are its regular customers ,many have never heard of paypal or ever participate in an auction a la cyber style.
posted on February 22, 2007 09:06:30 AM
I recently sold a solid oak desk on Craigs list
She came with a pick-up and 2 fellows, loaded it up, gave me the do re me and off they went. Great transaction. I have listed other items on and hopefully will get the same result. Easy to fill in the description and to add pictures.
posted on February 22, 2007 03:23:20 PM
I have been using craigslist more and more, as well as the local throwaway paper. Both are free. I am getting a much better response on these two rather than on ebay for certain types of items.
