posted on April 18, 2001 07:26:09 PM new
Putting out some thoughts for ponderage [not a word, should be! ]. Yes, how about a little "ponderage stew" tonight!
Those of you that have been merchandising on eBay since the early years have seen dramatic change in selling procedures, trends, markets, etc. Some of you have survived and prospered. Many of your counterparts have failed or are in the "end of days" now. It's not gravy-money anymore. Will it be mass slaughter [auction listing numbers show startling downward trend]?
I personally know five sellers in my area that are on their way out. One can almost smell the blood. Here's some of my observations regarding the "living dead":
One's feedback is no longer important. Notice sudden changes in long term performance as posted in feedback; especially, item quality, shipping delays, lack of communication, and attitude.
Shipping charges rise unproportionately to median in an attempt to make-up for reduced bids. The Glory Days are over.
Auction descriptions/TOS become negative or threatening. Patience is on the decline.
There is more...
Do you "personally" know any friends/sellers that are near the end? Care to share some stories?
Plus, the "old timers" that are thriving, how we doing it??? There is a method to the madness!
MTown
ed. UBB
[ edited by morgantown on Apr 18, 2001 07:32 PM ]
posted on April 18, 2001 08:37:36 PM new
I know a few long time sellers who have given up the ghost, "no longer profitable" "fees too high" etc, etc. Personally I just keep plugging along, my sales are still strong, no I'm not getting some of the "sky high" prices I was a few years ago on some things, but I have found other items that still bring in the big numbers and some are bringing in better numbers than they used to, you just have to watch the trends and go with the flow. The ordinary everyday items bring in ordinary everyday prices and are no longer worth listing on ebay. I think new sellers are finding this out the hard way. Those of us who were fortunate enough to get in at the beginning on the old Auction Web made quite a bit of money on "just stuff" back in the good old days. My sales in 2000 were about $4,000 less than in 99, in my field, which is unique antiques and collectibles it depends on what I can find out there to sell, if I am lucky in my buying I can still do really well, I personally don't think the end is anywhere near. Collectors will always be with, and where in the world can a collector find so much so easily as on ebay? Things we thought "rare" a few years ago now pop up on ebay on a regular basis. The strong will survive as in any business.
posted on April 19, 2001 08:34:55 AM new
Let me just say that in general, on this board there is a tendancy for people to assume that the reason why sellers give up and leave Ebay is some kind of lack of fortitude or lack of experience or some other negative quality. It isn't always so. I've got years of experience selling my items, I've done well on Ebay, and I'm still thinking of quitting (for the first time, I said to someone recently "I may just quit doing Ebay" and they were shocked!)
The reason I may quit has nothing to do with an inability to compete, lack of initiative, fear of hard work, etc. It's plain and simple a problem of returns. I create items for sale within a certain niche and I am one of the top sellers in that niche (it should be mentioned that none of us make a full time living off what we sell, we all work other jobs as far as I know.) My items sell 100% of the time (been a long time since I had any item just not sell, think it was last November?) and they generally sell for prices that are among the best I've seen on Ebay for these type of items. But the fact is that this amount is still 50% lower than the same items sell for at specialty trade shows and/or specialty web sites (and I understand that those site owners and those trade show vendors don't sell 100% of their stock, so there IS a tradeoff...but still...50% less is painful.)
When I sell a vintage widget from a thrift store that I bought for 50 cents I don't especially mourn if it went for 10.00 instead of 20.00 because I had very little 'sweated labor' involved in that vintage thrift-shop widget. However, with the labor intensive items I make, I feel it's simply not good business to virtually give them away at 50% off the usual price they sell for at trade shows (which is where most of the customers would normally buy these items).
Again, it's not a matter of marketing them better. I already get top Ebay prices. But that's just it---they are top 'Ebay prices' not tradeshow prices. And I'm not whining about that---you have to play it as it lays, and Ebay is Ebay and not a tradeshow. Buyers here do not have the 'better-buy-it-now-because-I-won't-get-a-chance-until-next-year' attitude that they have at shows but that is the nature of this particular market.
Pros of Ebay: I don't have the expenses that a trade show setup has to pay, and that's one reason for staying. Lack of huge competition is another---there are many fly by niters in my niche but only a few other major players. It's not a niche likely to be sold off by Ebay to a big corp anytime soon. And my buyers, in general, are the nicest on Ebay. I almost never experience problems with them.
Cons: Established price points for these items are too low for significant profit. Occasional spikes in prices above normal are flukes that mainly seem to occur when newbies bid up the item and of course this doesn't last.
Because I'm working to establish a professional image in this field, I prefer not to sell unrelated asssorted thrift store items like I used to. One idea might be to sell my potpourri of vintage stuff under another screen name so that my main screen ID remains 'pure'.
posted on April 19, 2001 10:07:34 AM new
I don't think it is just eBay - I think it is sales in general. Retail overall has taken a dive. The internet provides many addditional places to find items. It is bound to have an effect over time.
I use eBay as a sideline. I could sell full time for 3 years and still have lots to list, items that were paid for long ago. I am glad to have eBay as an outlet.
posted on April 19, 2001 11:06:17 AM new
Perhaps it has sometime to do with our instant gratification world. Anyone who is willing to work and put in the time can be successful in selling on-line. Those that want to be 'rich' but do not want to put in the effort will probably not be happy either way.
One has to learn what will and will not sell. I have toned down my bidding at my favorite auction (much to the chagrin of the auctioneer), and bid on what I truly believe will sell. Of course there is always that crazy item you think is trash that becomes your high seller. I give my customers the best customer service. (even during those times I would like to pull a couple through my monitor and give them a sound trashing) I take care in packing each item if it costs $2.00 or $200.00. Over time I have earned (and I use that word proudly) a good reputation and have many repeat customers. Regardless if I sell $50 a week or $500 a week, I consider myself successful. I am willing to work hard and go the extra distance and will always be successful in whatever I do. there is a moral to this true story
posted on April 19, 2001 11:48:11 AM new
I've been in business for myself for a long time and have yet to see a selling forum as easy and profitable as selling on eBay.
With just a minimal amount of work, it is incredible too see the amount of sales that can be generated at profitable margins.
It's the closest thing to sitting back and waiting for the checks.
It amazes me that people whine about the difficulty of selling online. It makes me wonder where these folks have been their whole lifes, as there is no chance it was in the real world...
posted on April 19, 2001 03:01:08 PM new
computerboy: i hope you are not referring to me when you comment on 'people whining about the difficulty of selling online'.
I am a longtime seller (at flea markets and on consignment prior to Ebay) and I totally agree that for ease of use and ease of finding buyers, NOTHIN' beats Ebay! Which is why I love it, and why I hate to give it up.
My problem is not the 'difficulty' of selling on Ebay...I sell my products with ease. It is that the top prices paid on Ebay these days are not high enough to justify my continued presence here, given my experience in my particular field and the time-consuming nature of the items I sell. The most expensive widget in my niche (sold by one of my competitors) that I've ever seen sell on Ebay went for 2/3 less than it would at a trade show, and they more frequently sell for 50% of trade show prices. I do OK with the profit I make on that 50%, and I NEVER expected easy money. I have been selling for too many years to fall for THAT pipe dream.
The problem is that the prices I get on Ebay make me feel I'm giving my items away, even though people pay more for mine than they do for many other sellers' items.
I am attempting to establish a professional business in this field and a related field so for that reason, I can't just turn to selling vintage widgets and used books anymore. I need to look for other avenues beyond Ebay.
posted on April 19, 2001 03:06:29 PM new
We sell Antiques & Collecibles. We have seen the pendulum swing fully across its arc at least 3 times since we have been in this line. [about 17 years]
What we have learned is that "The Stupid Money" is out of the market. [once again.]
posted on April 19, 2001 03:09:21 PM new
I know many people who are closing antique stores because sales are bad and people can normally find items on Ebay for less.
If I see an antique item i want at a local New Orleans store I'll check Ebay for the same item and normally find it for less.
JB
posted on April 19, 2001 04:33:36 PM new
When I first started selling on ebay, I was a clueless wonder when it came to vintage clothing. But I was amazed at the prices I saw these things sell for! So, I researched and researched. Bought books, looked at completed items, just kept at it. Now, I can say that I am quite good at what I do. I can spot a great vintage piece of clothing a rack away, my eyes can also zoom in on a trendy piece of clothing from two racks away. I love it. So, needless to say, my ebay sales are good. I get better with each item I list. It is a continuing learning experience for me. I still research. Very easy with the world at my fingertips.
I only personally know of two other sellers. One is going strong. She sells clothing, and just keeps up with the current styles. Flare leg pants are in: she sells flare legs. Bidders want Tommy Bahama, she sells Tommy Bahama.
The other is barely hanging on by a thread. Why? She doesnt do her homework. Too busy trying to copy me and the items that I sell. If I list a vintage Polo RL, the next week she is listing a new polo thinking it is vintage! I do feel bad for her, because she really does like ebay. But she just isnt making any money. She doesnt want to put any real effort into it; she just expects me to help her out. As if I have a list of what to look for! Its all in my head, and I am not about to give up three years worth of work to someone else. So, I am figuring that within the next 6 months she will be just another ebay statistic.
posted on April 19, 2001 09:03:57 PM new
I've been selling over 2 years now, my E-bay sales have inreased amazingly and this month will be the best yet. I think, I've succeeded by doing my homework, I'm always seeking new and interesting high quality products from around the world, I use humour in many of my auctions, provide great service, and believe in making the E-bay experience fun for my customers. I've seen a lot of folks come and go in my niche. I sell model trains and autos. To succeed you definitely need to spend a lot of time on this, but the rewards can be tremendous.
posted on April 19, 2001 09:39:43 PM new
Lots of great responses, thank you.
Pumpkinhead, I especially liked your story because it is similar to mine, except I don't deal much in clothing.
I am a little embarrassed to say this, but years ago I thought "Depression Glass" had something to do with mental depression! Seriously! I did little collecting. Neither did my parents or most friends; although, I had an interest in "the finer things" , and liked glass.
Since early 1997, it's amazing how much I've learned about antiques & collectibles. 150+ books helped, plus putting unknown stuff on eBay is a sure-fire way to learn is something is valuable! I've also make local and internet friends that are dealers - they have been a huge help! Hey, if you sell something high/low, you won't forget it the next time around. Past performance is never a guarantee though!
It's safe to say that the "long-termers" genuinely love selling, many are collectors themselves, and it helps to love what you sell! I still get a rush every time I shop for items to resale, be it at auctions, shops, estate sales, or house lots. Should that thrill ever dissipate, then I'd know it was time to quit!
posted on April 19, 2001 10:19:37 PM new
Hi everyone,
Thoughtful topic, thank you for posting.
While I have thought about leaving ebay, and my family harangues me to leave ebay, I find I am addicted to the fine people and fun community of it all. What has hurt me most, and makes it enticing to end the romance, is the "IRS" fee philosophy - collect a fee on everything and give very little back in return. It's like paying astronomical amounts in state tax every year, and every year the same old potholes are on your street damaging your tires. I often feel as if ebay sees "sucker" all over my face. They've got me, they know it, and they're taking advantage of my reliance upon them. It's weird, but it's a little embarrassing and hurtful - I feel exploited. While I continue to communicate a great attitude and offer the best customer service to my clients, I feel short-shrifted by ebay, which is taking its toll on me. Just like my customers - who expect to be treated very well, pay fair prices, receive responsiveness, high quality items, and recognition for loyalty and return patronage - I expect the same as a customer of ebay's...
Just glance over a few TOS on listings - the malaise of being maltreated is starting to settle in, and become reflected in the attitudes of our fellow sellers. Who can blame them?
Di
On a scale of 1 to 10...we'd all weigh a lot less!
Is there anyway you can cut the fees a bit? For example, if you normally use eBay's gallery 100%, cut it down to 50/60% listing your best items. Run seven day auctions instead of ten. Try listing items under $9.99. How about third-party services? Cut back on those too.
"...recognition for loyalty and return patronage..." Very true, almost to the point of sad. But, eBay auction counts have leveled off, watch for them to roll out some seller kudos real soon.
posted on April 19, 2001 10:46:55 PM new
Hi Morgan - your post has really gotten to me for some reason. I've been cogitating on it - mega ponderage Can you smell the smoke coming out of my ears???
You know, I don't feel smart enough to cut back on fees! By the time I roll the dice deciding what should be in the gallery, or a 10 day auction or a reserve price, I don't trust my judgement (after 3 1/2 years!!!) and just do it the same old way that works well most of the time. I sell $100+ items, so re-lists are expensive and not selling after the second list is incredibly expensive. Most items end up costing $4 to $10 initially, and $3 to $5 FVF. Plus paypal/billpoint fees (did I mention I feel exploited by them too?) et alia. Seems like every time I start to feel really excited about a new service - paypal for instance - the service turns around and does the old stab-in-back routine a la ebay. Eccch.
The American Dream of "if you work hard," doesn't hold true in the ebay world. Because you can work very, very hard - and just when you upgraded your inventory, found the smartest way to list, offered the best service, built the most loyal customer base - SOMETHING comes along to blindside you that you have no control over. It shifts your paradigm, and you have to re-think everything. Hey, AW charging for image hosting and listings was one of those "somethings." I am asking myself, at what point am I bent so far I'm broken?
Di
On a scale of 1 to 10...we'd all weigh a lot less!
posted on April 20, 2001 04:58:25 AM new
great topic - thanks - good for 'ponderage'.
difs - has a good point i think: the wift of being somewhat exploited. i think this also shows in the rather steady decline of listings over the past months as noted on Medved.
Dr. Trooth - also had a fine point; 'the stupid money' will be back. Also, the competition is a little stronger - which is to be expected.
Re: listings - we try to keep under the $9.99 - regardless of value and let it go. Rarely use the gallery or any other costly features. Plus our mini surveys don;t show our customer s really paying attention to them.
And, we limit our eBay expenses or invoice to a certain amount - almost like an open-to-buy formula (# of items we can list; anticipated sell through; project fees (eBay, billpoint and paypal), etc.
posted on April 20, 2001 11:58:39 AM new
MTown, I wouldn't know a piece of depression glass if it was staring me in the face! I sometimes look thru the pottery/glass/porcelain categories, and say to myself "What is that thing" "How do they know that!!"...But then again, my cabinets are filled with plastic dishes and tupperware, so it's not like I have any experience with it either.
I did however, sell one porcelain thing. I still dont know what it is. My title was "Royal Doulton Man Thing". Sold that Man Thing for quite a few bucks. Never found another one at a thrift again though. Drat..would spot one two racks away.
posted on April 21, 2001 08:54:03 AM new
I've been selling on eBay for 3-1/2 years.
Stuff from my parents' estate, consignments from friends, stuff from my collections that
I don't want any more, stuff I "luck into" at significantly less than wholesale, and stuff I make myself. It's been a great part-time income, and has really helped our family through a couple of financial rough spots.
I agree with everybody else that the "stupid money" is long gone. The days of putting just about anything up on eBay and having it sell for a good (sometimes amazing!) price are mostly over. On the collectibles side, I think a lot of people completed their collections in the first couple of years of "feeding frenzy" on eBay and are no longer willing to pay anything for that one special piece because they already have it, or they know one just like it will be along sooner or later at a better price.
In the categories I sell in predominantly, I seem to get top prices about halfway between wholesale and retail. I still make adequate money, but I have to sell about twice as many things to make the same annual totals I did when I first started on eBay. For now, I am sticking it out, as it is still marginally profitable for me. I constantly evaluate what is "worth it" and what is not, and immediately drop lines that are not.
I think some of the auction listing numbers showing a downward trend may reflect the first fallout of part-timers who jumped on the eBay bandwagon because everybody else did, but didn't have a clue about business/sales/profitability. (And just got through doing their taxes and realizing just how unprofitable it was, LOL!) Unfortunately, some "wholesale" sources (Leg Avenue, to name one) have such low buy-ins that you don't have to be a "real" business to deal with them. So everybody and their dog bought in and saturated certain eBay categories, and we're seeing the fallout now because nobody can make a profit when everybody's selling the same stuff.
This year, I am concentrating on expanding my own line of stuff that I manufacture myself. That way, the Leg Avenue saturation scenario cannot occur, and I never have a third party telling me that half my wholesale order is "out of stock" or "backordered." Like brighid868, I sell my items on eBay for maybe 50% of what I could get at trade shows or retail; however, I am still being sufficiently compensated for my materials and labor, and I don't have the $$$$ overhead expense of the trade show or retail space (been there, done that!), so I don't mind.
On eBay, the strong and the determined will survive. I hope to number among that group.
posted on April 21, 2001 10:21:10 AM new
One ebay seller/antique/collectibles dealer I know of has quit selling on ebay. She could probably list items from here to Kingdom Come with all the junque she has. I never thought she would quit. Maybe it's just an extended break? But she seldom put anything on for a "real deal" price either. She always had a lot of no-sales due to higher starting bids, IMO. That first bid is usually the hardest to get.
Personally, I'm going to keep plugging. I've done OK and will most likely continue to do OK. It's not gravy. It's a job, but it's MY job, and I do it as I see fit, surviving by my wits. I kinda like it that way.
Mostly, I sell vintage/hard to find and quality used items, which translates to almost everything.
posted on April 21, 2001 10:25:34 AM new
Janusaries: your post covered a lot of things I too have noticed...and what you said about Leg Avenue made me smile since I know EXACTLY what you mean. I saw that stuff going for good prices in 99, knew I could get it easily, but decided to pass. By six months later those people selling Leg Avenue products were lucky to get one bid and I saw people selling at wholesale and below. Even though there was strong demand for the product, it wasn't strong enough to allow dozens of people to make money on it.
Also, people make stupid mistakes when listing (IMO). They dump a bunch of identical stuff on the market, and suddenly the next week people are bored. They've seen it before and know there is an inexhaustible supply of it. There is no reason to be eager. It will always be available and next week it will be on sale. Ho hum. Then those sellers probably scratch their heads and wonder what happened. I see that all the time and wonder why they don't THINK first.
posted on April 21, 2001 05:05:18 PM new
GEEEEEEZZZZZ!!!!!! I do not know why I get suckered into reading these "Sky Is Falling" post but I just do. After reading these posts I find myself being a little bummed, then I hit my eBay item page and its back to the real world. Great bids, great ending prices, great customers, great PROFITS!!!! I put a great amount of thought and detail into my pictures and item descriptions and frequently sell my itmes for four and five times the competition selling the same exact items. My sell through is 90%+ if not 100% most weeks. Like I have said before so many times in the past: "Compare this (eBay) to the overhead of a bricks and mortar business and you will find it is the best deal on the planet." I cannot stress that enough. I know it might make some of you vomit to hear someone sound so peachey about the eBay world, but things fortunately are really good for me.
I really love reading the boards here at Auction Watch from time to time, but this is about the most negative group of people I have ever encountered in my life. I sometimes wonder if it is not to scare off newbies coming into the field.
I also really cannot figure out one other thing. Given the amount of time several particular users spend on here griping and complaining, when do you ever find time to list or manage auctions????????
Honestly, spend less time on these boards and more time on your auction manager and you will see results. I guarantee it!!!
posted on April 21, 2001 05:28:25 PM new
Mandalore:
PUUULLLEEEEEZE!
You might note that most of the AW sellers are phenomenally successful. While of course, we don't all have the enviable 100% sales rate you do (my items range in the HUNDREDS of dollars apiece), you are sharing court with the very brightest, highest integrity, considerate and helpful members of the ebay community. And the fact that they take the time to share ideas, commiserate, vent and report is a testament to the excellence - not their shiftlessness.
Since this topic is of no value to you personally, why not head over to www.happynews.com and let us continue our merry griping in peace
Di
On a scale of 1 to 10...we'd all weigh a lot less!
posted on April 21, 2001 07:13:25 PM new
I totally agree about your comments about the other people of the eBay community on these boards. I am sure most of the people on here are kind and considerate folks. Many of the tips and tricks of the online auction business I have learned right here on these boards. But honestly a positive post on here anymore is extremely rare. I used to read the message boards for inspiration to kick myslef in the butt to work that much harder. But success stories on here are quickly shot down and ridiculed by most these days.
I really did not mean to offend anyone whatsoever. If I did I am apoligizing right now!
Good luck and great success to everyone in the online auction biz!!!!!
posted on April 21, 2001 08:23:48 PM new
I think the most telling sign is that eBay is loading up on fees -- many optional but some mandatory -- that apply whether an item sells or not. The price hike in insertion fees and the 10-day fee are two recent examples, plus the gobs and gobs of other optional stuff that clutters up the listing screens.
In other words, forget the stuff about "Our success depends on your success" that Meg was spouting a year or two ago. Meg may still have the CEO title, but Wall Street calls the shots now. And Wall Street is not comfortable with the idea of eBay earnings going down in direct proportion to seller earnings. They want eBay to make money whether sellers do or not.
Oh, and BTW, this was the same crowd that ran Yahoo into the ground by pushing for an upfront fee rather than a fee tied to sales success. Less competition now for eBay.
posted on April 21, 2001 09:18:07 PM new
I've been at this for two years, and have one year left to meet my goal, which would require me to triple my sales- again. I never stay at one place for more than three years unless I'm making real good money that makes me want to remain. I'm certain I can triple my sales again, it wouldn't be that difficult. Seriously, my average sales price has already doubled just in the last couple months; I'm spending less time on unproductive things like leaving feedback, responding to emails and mailing packages nearly every day. Now my time is more wisely spent reasearching and obtaining more inventory. I also signed up a new supplier which could help exceed my expectations.
posted on April 21, 2001 10:01:19 PM new
Brighid868: You are definitely thinking on
the same wavelength that I am, LOL!
I wonder what Leg Avenue is going to do when their windfall of extra sales by eBay part-time sellers dries up and blows away as people wise up and stop buying from them. I saw them in March at a trade show, and took their catalog, but will NOT be ordering anything for resale. Maybe at some point they'll wise up and raise their minimums.
Another tough category is jewelry. I sold a lot of my vintage stuff for very good prices 3 years ago when I was broke. I probably wouldn't get a single bid on it now, especially the sterling silver. Talk about glutted categories!
posted on April 21, 2001 10:28:46 PM new
One thing I am noticing (like others) is the saturation of similar products and the category shift confusing bidders -where to shop? Broken habits? EOA prices cut in half with less people listing. Old time sellers dumping out below wholesale. This has been noticed for the last two weeks in some categories. Shake up? or are the buyers BROKE?
posted on April 21, 2001 11:22:08 PM newDifs I was sitting at my computer typing out a response to your last post, and it was long-and-funny!! Your comment about "Mega Ponderage" had me on the floor laughing! Thank you for that! BUT, when I hit the "post reply" button AuctionWatch had gone into down time for maint., and my post was lost!
I agree, CHANGE has been a constant/rapid "variable" in this on-line selling business. Nothing can be taken for granted, for
tomorrow it is gone!!! Tangible brick and morter business is never forced to move so quickly in principle or procedure, is it?
Perhaps we really are in the infancy of an industry, although, it doesn't feel that way to most of us. Soon folks will be
bidding on auctions from their refrigerator doors and watches!
Concerning those PayPal fees, did you consider accepting their "debit card?" You could pay your ebaY and other bills, and
receive a 1.5% cash back. That would lower your costs a bit.
Lots of fine suggestions in this thread, thank you all! Enjoy long-term success!
I'd like to post a few of the strategies that help make us... SURVIVE! Please no debating, just take it with "a grain of salt."
[1] Start auctions with a "widdle bit o excitement in em!" Bidders love the thrill of, ummmmm, bidding!!! They want to
get a good deal, or think so. There is nothing wrong with starting a $1500 Roseville "Futura" vase at $9.99 no reserve. YIKES! Really, I'm not joking. In my opinion, you have no business auctioning said vase if you paid $1350 for it. You paid BOOK VALUE yet expect to turn a profit on ebaY? Huh? An experienced seller would pay no more than $200-300 for said vase. Starting it a $9.99 is not much of a risk. NO Roseville collector would allow you to loose money!! Get it?
posted on April 22, 2001 03:16:34 PM new
I have been reading the boards for a week or so and this is my first post!!
I started selling postcards on ebay in March of 1999 as a lark .... which quickly became a business I was running while working full time .... Past September, all my ducks were in a row and I was able to go to just one day a week in the real world, thus having time to devote to MY biz ....
I have diversified in many areas...all my 10,000+ postcards are catalogued in boxes at a local antique mall, we are starting to do antique/collectible shows (just starting but first one I sold $850) and my own dot.com website (around $200-$300 a month) is a great avenue to sell more cards once the auction is over!! What doesn't sell on ebay, just goes to the mall and I sell around $600-$800 there a month.
In the last two years I have learned MUCH about the market of postcards....when you check ebay's numbers of postcard auctions it is usually around the 93,000 mark!! I do ALOT of research on trends and when I see one particular area selling well, then I jump in with mine. I am also heartened to see bidders with low feedback which means they are still needing to complete their collections. I believe also that the ease of finding the "right" postcard on ebay has made new collectors!!
Postcards are EASY to list and EASY to ship!! I kinda like that EASY money thing, LOL!! but, it really is alot of work keeping everything going and keeping it all straight. I am a biz so can take MUCHO deductions at the end of the year.
I may only sell 40% a week (I only close on Monday nights, with anywhere from 30-60 auctions)...but because I pretty well know my market, I have gotten high bids on cards that may cost me $5 at the highest, usually in the 2-3 dollar range!! Like with anything, you HAVE to know about it to even have a chance do well at it.
All in all, I am doing okay. Putting alot of my time and effort into this but it is ALL MINE!!
]. Yes, how about a little "ponderage stew" tonight!
