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Can't do it no more
 

So I haven't been on ebay in 10 years and just started 5 months ago. It seems like folks on here are making money on here but maybe I came in at the time (summer). I can't do them fees no more. I know they have to get their piece of the pie but seems like I'm just getting a slice. Is it just me or anybody else fill this way? Think I just stick with craiglist, amazon, bonanza and work on a website. Until then I might go back but bye bye ebay.

Re: Can't do it no more
 

Fees can be as low as 4.125%, so manageable.

Clothing fees are a bit of a killer, luckily just coming down though in the UK, which my profit margin thanks them for.

Re: Can't do it no more
 

Here is my secret formula for deciding what to list/sell:

SALE PRICE - (cost of item + shipping cost + platform fees + any other costs) = PROFIT

ROI = PROFIT / COST OF ITEM * 100 (expressed as %)

ROI acceptable?

YES = SELL
NO = DON'T SELL

What is an acceptable ROI? That is up to you.

Re: Can't do it no more
 

@unclejohnny...

I definitely think you came in late. Summer is notoriously slow due to many families on vacations.

I suggest starting off slowly & possibly treating it as a hobby. The fees are manageable when you are selling low.

As you expand and start to sell more products and more volume, you will then need to assess which products you should continue selling (jeff's formula above is a good measurement).

My initial venture into eBay started off as a hobby - a way to kill time after getting home from work. I found out that me 'killing time' was actually making money.

As volume picks up, some of your own questions will be answered. Don't give up this soon, at least continue selling through the end of the year when sales pick up so you can get a better gauge of your business plan.

Re: Can't do it no more
 

I was only JOKING about the formula being a "secret" - this is Basic Business 101.

Re: Can't do it no more
 

At the least, consider keeping the accounts 'active'.

Holidays are coming. You may be able to snag some good sales.

5 months back was a sh*t time to start. Things w e r e s l o w.

Reconsider. Look at what was doing OK.

Regroup and be in for the holidays.

Great idea to diversify as well.

:peace:

Re: Can't do it no more
 

oh oh oh oh!!!

Missed something for you too.

Did you know that aspkin has released a brilliant new ebook?

http://www.aspkin.com/forums/ebay-di...-business.html

Read the thread....mind blowing .

May be that aid you need too.
:mod:

Re: Can't do it no more
 

Are you doing enough research before choosing your products.

As mentioned, you need to ensure your profit margins are enough to warrant buying and selling that product in the first place.

ROI (return on Investment) is critical before buying anything. As jeffweico pointed out.

See how much you can buy it for, what fees will you pay, how much are other sellers selling it for, are they popular? Bingo, you have a good plan then!

Do you use an eBay fee calculator, they can be useful in helping you work out what you will be left with after they take their chunk of your pie.

Re: Can't do it no more
 

Yea, I understand what everybody is saying but I think I am going to just go back to my website making with these 2 niches and possibly imporr 1 to my personal ebay account. I never going to give up, just trying to maximize my profit. There is a niche I thought about doing on ebay but I am just going to have the products sit when I feel like it's time to put it on ebay but at the moment ebay is a last option.

Re: Can't do it no more
 

I always go by this golden rule on ebay.. If your not making a 30% profit after everything is said and done, its not worth the trouble... at least for me... Ebay is alot of work, constantly looking for items that are selling fast.. Then jumping in and milking the cow for all its worth and then when big business comes in and their making 10 cent on every item... its time to walk away and find something else to sell and make that 30% profit... Then the other evil is when you print out a priority label now from ebay it says 2 days... Ebay makes customers/buyer believe that everything they order will be their in a day... They started that crap = neg or neutral.. Oh i didnt get my package in a day like ebay said.... Call customer support wait on the phone for an hour and then get on D head thats their to manipulate the rules so feedback is not remove... Did i mention i hate ebay... Oh and if they dont like the way your selling now they can hide your listing... I been selling their since the beginning.. I remember when the fees were 3% great profit now every time you sell something its like getting raped.. They make 2.50 you make 90 cents.. Sinking ship if you ask me... DONT PUT YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET

Re: Can't do it no more
 

I wish I had thought of eBay years ago...

Re: Can't do it no more
 

@unclejohnny, your own website with tight links is an idea to consider.

Re: Can't do it no more
 

I don't disagree with that.

Always take time to regroup.

Your own HEALTH matters most.

Recharge your batteries.

Good Luck
:welcome;

Re: Can't do it no more
 

Whatever makes money for the least amount of trouble uncle johhny

ebay is just one revenue stream. I think your own site is a great investment!

Re: Can't do it no more
 

I feel this way all the time... But then the money comes in and all is well again...lol

Re: Can't do it no more
 

Also eBay is very competitive environment. Many sellers try to undercut each other and the niche that worked last year dries up.

Don't get stuck on last year niche and move on to the next.

Re: Can't do it no more
 

Trying to undercut each other is just part of the business - survival of the fittest.