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Whats the secert to This place
I want to make a go here but so far I have gotten tons of looks and no bids.
I am not real worried about it since its free to list here.
My question is what is the secret to this place
If some of you who have had some success could tell me
is it better to list as an auction or a fixed price?
Do any of you offer FREE shipping?
What about dropshippers do any of you use them? Can you incorporate them into ebids
I have allways believed best way to learn success is to find some one who has had some and learn from them.
any suggestion
Thanks
God Bless You All
Donnie
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Hiya Donnie. This question has been generated at one forum or another. It has started some great debates. Personally I would just keep busy with your personal enterprise. Use what ever social media you can and go with your gut feelings. As for suggestions. With shipping, I've charged and not. Drop-shipping, though you don't pay outright for stock, I do not like being at the mercy of others shipping policies. I do suggest not putting your eggs in one basket and to explore what avenues you can use to get your customers to come in
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Spelling!
On the serious side though the main means most of the successful sellers have for attracting buyers is keywords so that potential buyers on Google and Google Shopping find the listings. After that I would put price. We have an 8% or more advantage over eBay on fees, so use it. I always advocate prices around 5% lower than eBay in order to tempt the buyers. Finally everything else you should be doing anyway, description, images, etc.
Do check the forums on a regular basis, after 3 years I still find useful information.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Make sure you get your items onto Google shopping where a lot of the eBid buyers come in from. If your items don't have bar codes or ISBN numbers then put 'EXEMPT' in the box and always make sure you have a 'buy it now' price alongside any auction price.
Good luck with the sales.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Nothing has worked. I have taken and used all suggestions. Done all the right things. If you look and see things that are not in line it is because I am tired and don't even bother anymore to change ones that are not so important. I love it here but with ZERO to show for all my efforts... I want it to work. There is a problem. No one seems to know what it is or how to fix it. Good Luck to all
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Can not say definitively. However, beginning to speculate if the proverbial........."it is not what you know, but who you know" may play a part in sales or low to no sales.
So in other words, it may not be what you list, what you charge, what key words you use, what you do, etc. It may be more of a case of who you know, are you in the "in"; are you "in the visible"; are you "in the loop"; etc.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Quote:
Originally Posted by
burgyeb
Can not say definitively. However, beginning to speculate if the proverbial........."it is not what you know, but who you know" may play a part in sales or low to no sales.
So in other words, it may not be what you list, what you charge, what key words you use, what you do, etc. It may be more of a case of who you know, are you in the "in"; are you "in the visible"; are you "in the loop"; etc.
What would make you speculate this?
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Quote:
Originally Posted by
hurryb4itsgone
What would make you speculate this?
What would make you ask?
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
List lots of low cost collectibles that is thousands, some will sell.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Have been running a bit of a test. Listed a lovely Mercury Silver Dime for a start bid of $0.10. Now the silver content alone (90%) is worth $1.78; the coin is not a melt value cull specimen. The reserve is at a guaranteed low level. What makes it guaranteed? My word. Some might ask, "why would anyone take you at your word?
Well, look at how long I have been on eBid, as a seller and a buyer. Look at my feedback. PM anyone who has had financial dealings with me. I am not a scammer. So why has this coin been listed for second time, and can not attract a bid? The title and description contain adequate key words; it is priced right; the s/h fees are either at or below what other sellers of similar items offer; the pictures are adequate (I think).
So, why has no one bidded on this coin? I would. The listing was put up as a test. Conclusion: Perhaps I need to price it at 1 penny start bid, no reserve, and free shipping. That might work on eBay, but here it might very well get 1 bid. No thanks.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Actually, have found that the magic price is not the lowest price, especially when it comes to precious metals.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Quote:
Originally Posted by
burgyeb
What would make you ask?
I have seen no evidence of this, so was wondering what was the basis of your speculation.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
The right price for me, for precious metals (of equal quality/value), or anything else, is always the lowest price I can find. Why pay more if you don't have to.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Quote:
Originally Posted by
hurryb4itsgone
I have seen no evidence of this, so was wondering what was the basis of your speculation.
Does it matter?
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Quote:
Originally Posted by
burgyeb
The right price for me, for precious metals (of equal quality/value), or anything else, is always the lowest price I can find. Why pay more if you don't have to.
That is not true for everyone.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
burgyeb
Does it matter?
Guess not ... was just curious.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
The reason your coin has not sold is because no-one who knows about such coins has looked at it.
I had the same experience with a vintage bank note.
However to suggest that who you know makes any difference is libelous.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Quote:
Can not say definitively. However, beginning to speculate if the proverbial........."it is not what you know, but who you know" may play a part in sales or low to no sales.
So in other words, it may not be what you list, what you charge, what key words you use, what you do, etc. It may be more of a case of who you know, are you in the "in"; are you "in the visible"; are you "in the loop"; etc.
There is a lot of truth in what you say, here. As for evidence, one only has to look at the feedback of many of those who say they are successful on here. Time and time again, new sellers are advised to make themselves known on the forums. Why? For precisely the reasons you have stated.
Good luck to them - nothing amiss in buying from and supporting one another. But, I do wish they would stop levelling the blame wholly at unsuccessful sellers instead of what is now becoming evident, an inefficient management.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Knit_Wits_Vintage
.....Good luck to them - nothing amiss in buying from and supporting one another. But, I do wish they would stop levelling the blame wholly at unsuccessful sellers instead of what is now becoming evident, an inefficient management.
Really, you know the old saying a poor craftsman blames his tools. :)
The simple truth is that eBid is a selling platform.
It either works for what, and how you sell, or it does not. :):)
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
90% of my sellers are new to eBid. My analytics tell me that 90% of my views are from Google. That points to the fact that keywords are the major factor in getting people to view my listings. Once you can get eyeballs onto your listings it is then down to the item itself and price as to whether the sale is made or not.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
No secrets here.
Bring your own buyers.
Have ridiculously low prices.
Oh, and lots of patience.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Quote:
Originally Posted by
adruml
No secrets here.
Bring your own buyers.
Have ridiculously low prices.
Oh, and lots of patience.
Brought no buyers with me, prices are low but not ridiculously so and still as profitable as if I sold the same items on eBay at higher prices.
So there is another way.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Quote:
Originally Posted by
kreativebargains
Brought no buyers with me, prices are low but not ridiculously so and still as profitable as if I sold the same items on eBay at higher prices.
So there is another way.
You bring your customers here via Google shopping aka proper keywords.
Why ebay always gets into the conversation is a mystery to me. Ridiculously low prices (comment) is based on items sold, ebids home page.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Quote:
Originally Posted by
adruml
No secrets here.
Bring your own buyers.
Have ridiculously low prices.
Oh, and lots of patience.
I try to list good quality stuff at a realistic price.
Guess what, it works.
4 items in January for £80+.
I only have a couple of hundred items listed, but they are quality listings. ;) :) :) :)
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Pink_Panther
I try to list good quality stuff at a realistic price.
Guess what, it works.
4 items in January for £80+.
I only have a couple of hundred items listed, but they are quality listings. ;) :) :) :)
Great input, thanks. I have a bid now on one item $109.00. So what. Item should sell for $180.00 minimum.
As mentioned in another thread without knowing what cost is on items it's difficult to realize profit. I only see the $$$ sold amount.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Quote:
Originally Posted by
adruml
You bring your customers here via Google shopping aka proper keywords.
Why ebay always gets into the conversation is a mystery to me. Ridiculously low prices (comment) is based on items sold, ebids home page.
I put the keywords in, but eBid uploads them to Google Shopping as part of the platform. The reason eBay was mentioned is to highlight the fact that despite my prices being lower than many I still sell in order to make a profit and not at ridiculously low prices just to get a sale. I believe in sales for vanity profits for sanity.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Quote:
Originally Posted by
kreativebargains
I put the keywords in, but eBid uploads them to Google Shopping as part of the platform. The reason eBay was mentioned is to highlight the fact that despite my prices being lower than many I still sell in order to make a profit and not at ridiculously low prices just to get a sale. I believe in sales for vanity profits for sanity.
Without proper keywords it's rare occasion the internal search will bring the buyer to your listing. Several have stated the importance of bringing in buyers via Google shopping through proper keywords. Yes eBid loads them but it's the sellers who develop the proper keywords.
The OP asked the question and I responded according to what I have read from" successful" sellers here in the forums along with what I have observed.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Posted this to another thread, but it might be helpful here as well.
Some suggestions, if you haven't already tried them:
1) Add a signature link to your posts, so members can click to view your listings.
2) List as many items as you can; it's free to list and relist and the more items you list, the more potential sales.
3) Use 7-10 day listings with auto repost to ensure your items move up searches.
4) Let former customers from other sites know you're selling here.
5) Use social networking (Twitter, Facebook, personal blog) to promote your listings.
6) Use Plug Your Auctions on the forum (1x per 24 hours - delete old plug before adding new one) to promote your listings.
7) Offer international shipping whenever possible to widen your potential customer base.
8) Tell everyone you know and meet about eBid.
9) Buy a few inexpensive items to increase your feedback and support the site.
10) Get involved in eBid activities, as the monthly YDC charity auctions, if you're so inclined; it's a great way to raise monies for good causes and it helps raise your profile in the eBid community.
11) Check out the Help videos and read Astral's FAQs page, lots of good info. in both places.
http://www.mootango.webspace.virginmedia.com/ebidkb.htm
Oh and have fun. :)
Best wishes for many sales to all,
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Quote:
Originally Posted by
madelaine
The reason your coin has not sold is because no-one who knows about such coins has looked at it.
I had the same experience with a vintage bank note.
However to suggest that who you know makes any difference is libelous.
How would one prove such a reason? I do not even think Google Analytics could prove that.
Libelous........hmmm, how about just MHO.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Knit_Wits_Vintage
There is a lot of truth in what you say, here. As for evidence, one only has to look at the feedback of many of those who say they are successful on here. Time and time again, new sellers are advised to make themselves known on the forums. Why? For precisely the reasons you have stated.
Good luck to them - nothing amiss in buying from and supporting one another. But, I do wish they would stop levelling the blame wholly at unsuccessful sellers instead of what is now becoming evident, an inefficient management.
Much truth here. Although I have not reached a conclusion fully on the management piece. Similar to most issues, I would think the issue of lack of sales on eBid involves multiple factors. As was stated else where, anyone who comes up with the definitive answer (all factors in their proper percentage representation), could probably successfully sell the answer to eBid.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ddorn1967
I want to make a go here but so far I have gotten tons of looks and no bids.
I am not real worried about it since its free to list here.
My question is what is the secret to this place
If some of you who have had some success could tell me
is it better to list as an auction or a fixed price?
Do any of you offer FREE shipping?
What about dropshippers do any of you use them? Can you incorporate them into ebids
I have allways believed best way to learn success is to find some one who has had some and learn from them.
any suggestion
Thanks
God Bless You All
Donnie
There's no secret OP. Internet selling has changed. We all have to work harder to make our listings sell no matter what site we are on with exception to eBay. eBid has low fees, fewer buyers and fewer sales depending on what you are selling. eBay have many buyers and sellers because everyone has known about eBay for nearly 20 years.
Yes, eBay does have the upper hand but they were here first and got ALL internet buyers interested in the online business of buying and/or selling and people are scared of change from something they know to something they are unsure of (a little like me. I don't like social networks and I don't think I ever will). Since then, times have changed and, IMO, unless you are into social networks the 'old' way of selling has gone.
Also IMO, social networks will die eventually and the old way of selling/buying will return. How long this will take, if ever, is indeterminable. :)
A lot has happened in the 3 years between these two auction sites. :)
I refuse to give up with eBid but I think my time selling online is very limited as I'm not into social networks.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Gill
There's no secret OP. Internet selling has changed. We all have to work harder to make our listings sell no matter what site we are on with exception to eBay. eBid has low fees, fewer buyers and fewer sales depending on what you are selling. eBay have many buyers and sellers because everyone has known about eBay for nearly 20 years.
Yes, eBay does have the upper hand but they were here first and got ALL internet buyers interested in the online business of buying and/or selling and people are scared of change from something they know to something they are unsure of (a little like me. I don't like social networks and I don't think I ever will). Since then, times have changed and, IMO, unless you are into social networks the 'old' way of selling has gone.
Also IMO, social networks will die eventually and the old way of selling/buying will return. How long this will take, if ever, is indeterminable. :)
A lot has happened in the 3 years between these two auction sites. :)
I refuse to give up with eBid but I think my time selling online is very limited as I'm not into social networks.
Very insightful comments concerning the factor of social networks. This factor may position high among other factors already considered. Although its positioning may be high, other factors should remain in the overall equation. The full picture, the entire issue of slow to no sales for most sellers on eBid, is in need of full presentation.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Quote:
Originally Posted by
burgyeb
Very insightful comments concerning the factor of social networks. This factor may position high among other factors already considered. Although its positioning may be high, other factors should remain in the overall equation. The full picture, the entire issue of slow to no sales for most sellers on eBid, is in need of full presentation.
It's my opinion burgyeb, so please feel free to elaborate on the 'secret to this place'.
Edit - my bedtime
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Gill
It's my opinion burgyeb, so please feel free to elaborate on the 'secret to this place'.
Edit - my bedtime
Agree with you and Al, that there is no secret to this place. :)
As far as the various factors that are impacting one's ability to sell on eBid..............oh well..........
My off-line work time (projects).......after my supper.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
I presume you mean secret, original poster?
None special in my opinion; but if it was secret, then no would tell you 'cos then it wouldn't be secret then, would it!
Joking aside: I am getting to know the best methods that suit me on here and then it is a matter of self-generating sales/attention to the site and to me in particular!
No real use making comparisons with the other sites - they operate and perform much differently and so attitude/approach differs too.
Remember why you came on here -use all the tools and advice that everyone gives out so willingly...
Social networking is not my cup of tea either, but I can see it's merits and I'm trying to use them - I might even understand them one day!
Be Lucky!
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Since it has been mentioned how long ebay has been around I believe it should be mentioned eBid has been around just as long. Yeah, yeah, yeah but not in the US.
I do agree online selling isn't what it used to be and quite possibly may never be the same.
With all the hell ebay has put sellers through I have to believe it should not have been that difficult for an auction site to pick up where ebay left off so many years ago. Ebay has ticked off so many sellers but most go back or just quit.
Time after time, year after year ebay gives competition the opportunity to recreate it's success yet no site has taken advantage.
Would I and possibly millions of other sellers like to see bidding wars again? I think so. But for that an auction site needs it's own buyer base not buyers we can lure in from Google.
Even the claimed successful sellers here openly admit their sales come from Google searches and their listings are buy it now or MAO.
Auction site? Absolutely not! As stated eBid is a platform on which to list, selling is up to the seller via Keyword searches away from the site.
Remember the old $.99 no reserve auctions where your item would get bid to it's true value or possibly more because the auction excitement was there? I remember it well. Ebay screwed that up but no site picked up on the ability to take that over.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Speaking only for myself, my reference to........."the secret of this place" relates to OP's opening question.
I also am not into social networking, but am always open to learning new skill sets. Always balance the application of a skill set, with my personal values and beliefs. Would be open to utilizing some aspects of social networking, but not all. Read an interesting article yesterday, advising cautious/careful involvement with social networking if you value your career. Can not think of many, who would place online sales above their chosen profession or career, unless online sales is their full time profession. It is not mine's.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Quote:
Originally Posted by
adruml
Since it has been mentioned how long ebay has been around I believe it should be mentioned eBid has been around just as long. Yeah, yeah, yeah but not in the US.
I do agree online selling isn't what it used to be and quite possibly may never be the same.
With all the hell ebay has put sellers through I have to believe it should not have been that difficult for an auction site to pick up where ebay left off so many years ago. Ebay has ticked off so many sellers but most go back or just quit.
Time after time, year after year ebay gives competition the opportunity to recreate it's success yet no site has taken advantage.
Would I and possibly millions of other sellers like to see bidding wars again? I think so. But for that an auction site needs it's own buyer base not buyers we can lure in from Google.
Even the claimed successful sellers here openly admit their sales come from Google searches and their listings are buy it now or MAO.
Auction site? Absolutely not! As stated eBid is a platform on which to list, selling is up to the seller via Keyword searches away from the site.
Remember the old $.99 no reserve auctions where your item would get bid to it's true value or possibly more because the auction excitement was there? I remember it well. Ebay screwed that up but no site picked up on the ability to take that over.
Yes, just as long.
I remember those days very well also; and miss them terribly. What I find puzzling is that many eBay users have actually come to eBid; but even when an opportunity presents itself to bid on auctions @ $0.99 start bid, no reserve, and free s/h here, there are often no takers.
Why? How can this be? That is why I believe that there are other factors that must be involved here. No one single factor or answer could possibly address the issue of slow to no sales on eBid for most sellers here.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
I think one of the strong points for customers buying more at eBay is the Customer Protection they offer. eBid would have to reach deep into their pockets to bankroll a protection program that a seller would be protected under. Just how many buyers would want to be protected? We know that it would be 99.9 percent of them. So unless there is a way to guarantee the buyer a safe transaction, sales could be slower. PayPal has that protection for members only, so unless you're registered with them you won't qualify. But you can't force a buyer to join PP.
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Quote:
Originally Posted by
burgyeb
Yes, just as long.
I remember those days very well also; and miss them terribly. What I find puzzling is that many eBay users have actually come to eBid; but even when an opportunity presents itself to bid on auctions @ $0.99 start bid, no reserve, and free s/h here, there are often no takers.
Why? How can this be? That is why I believe that there are other factors that must be involved here. No one single factor or answer could possibly address the issue of slow to no sales on eBid for most sellers here.
I really think one major factor on eBid is the pricing, when you get a buyer on here for the first time and the prices offered are so much dearer that the same item on ebay, of course they'll hit the exit button.
As for any 'Secret'. when I first came to this site, last Sept after the other place finally killed it's attraction to hobby sellers by imposing charges on p & p, I entered my first 300 listings in the same manner that I used to list over there. CAPITAL LETTERS and punctuation. The advice on these boards was lowercase and remove all punctuation (as it interfered with Google search) and minimum start price of £1.00 compared to the 99p I was used to. So I edited the lot. I was then told to enter ISBN numbers it the listing titles - I did this for 20 - 30 items - before being told by quite a few this was a waste of time - so I went back and removed.
I was also told this site needs lots and lots of listings to make it more attractive to new bidders - I took this to heart and have been adding daily to the point where I'm now over 2000 items listed.
I was using the free listing option and was advised this was a waste of time so, once again I took the advice and opened a Seller Account (just the quarterly option as I didn't feel I could justify £50 on the first month's trading experience on here) this allowed my pictures to be seen without having to enter the item and also for it to travel to the top of the page in due course. - Still no improvement in sales (none!).
After seeking further advice it was suggested I open a Store (£1.99) which I've done and am ploughing my way thru' the listings to transfer, I've just under 400 listings yet to amend.
My sales over the 4 month period - 24 books to 4 or 5 buyers (another 1 has a bid on it but it's an item that hasn't even been transfered yet!!)
I used to sell 5 - 10 books a week on a maximum 300 listings per month so you can appreciate my enthusiasm is waning a little just now and I will be 'Car-Booting' as soon as this damn weather allows.
I will continue to add books to my 'store' but at the moment Ebid is a very time-consuming, not-too-rewarding, expensive option that I will be reviewing in 3 months. I really want this to work I want the site to make Ebay sit up and take notice and realise they can't treat their sellers the way they do, and Ebid to give us a REAL alternative both as sellers and, for that matter, as buyers. For my part I'm doing all I can and following the advice of more experienced Ebid sellers - but it's just not working for me at the moment!
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Re: Whats the secert to This place
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Spot50
I really think one major factor on eBid is the pricing, when you get a buyer on here for the first time and the prices offered are so much dearer that the same item on ebay, of course they'll hit the exit button.
As for any 'Secret'. when I first came to this site, last Sept after the other place finally killed it's attraction to hobby sellers by imposing charges on p & p, I entered my first 300 listings in the same manner that I used to list over there. CAPITAL LETTERS and punctuation. The advice on these boards was lowercase and remove all punctuation (as it interfered with Google search) and minimum start price of £1.00 compared to the 99p I was used to. So I edited the lot. I was then told to enter ISBN numbers it the listing titles - I did this for 20 - 30 items - before being told by quite a few this was a waste of time - so I went back and removed.
I was also told this site needs lots and lots of listings to make it more attractive to new bidders - I took this to heart and have been adding daily to the point where I'm now over 2000 items listed.
I was using the free listing option and was advised this was a waste of time so, once again I took the advice and opened a Seller Account (just the quarterly option as I didn't feel I could justify £50 on the first month's trading experience on here) this allowed my pictures to be seen without having to enter the item and also for it to travel to the top of the page in due course. - Still no improvement in sales (none!).
After seeking further advice it was suggested I open a Store (£1.99) which I've done and am ploughing my way thru' the listings to transfer, I've just under 400 listings yet to amend.
My sales over the 4 month period - 24 books to 4 or 5 buyers (another 1 has a bid on it but it's an item that hasn't even been transfered yet!!)
I used to sell 5 - 10 books a week on a maximum 300 listings per month so you can appreciate my enthusiasm is waning a little just now and I will be 'Car-Booting' as soon as this damn weather allows.
I will continue to add books to my 'store' but at the moment Ebid is a very time-consuming, not-too-rewarding, expensive option that I will be reviewing in 3 months. I really want this to work I want the site to make Ebay sit up and take notice and realise they can't treat their sellers the way they do, and Ebid to give us a REAL alternative both as sellers and, for that matter, as buyers. For my part I'm doing all I can and following the advice of more experienced Ebid sellers - but it's just not working for me at the moment!
Well, you have been very busy here, good for you. Over a 4 month period you sold 24 books, with a bid on another. I consider that pretty good on eBid. I can understand your disappointment about not selling near as much here, as you did on eBay. But really, were you actually expecting to have comparable sales here? The two venues are so very different.
As far as expense, the Seller + Lifetime Membership is a real bargain. I see you are a Seller + Member. My recommendation to you is that if you are not a Lifetime Member, to consider becoming one. I do not know if eBid will still credit amounts already paid in monthly or other subscriptions, but it is worth asking.
I think you should certainly head for the Car-Boots once the weather warms up. They sound like alot of fun, or quite an adventure. Nothing wrong with having alternate streams of revenue. The Car-Boot could actually enable you to enhance your activities on eBid.
You must do what is best for yourself, based on your own plans. But it just seems to me you have done much to make a go of things here; would not like to see a go getter like you give up on eBid. Consider hanging in there. Best to you whatever you decide to do.