posted on June 1, 2008 04:38:39 PM new
I'm interested in how many sellers are seeing changes in buying habits since the introduction of positive only feedback to be left by the seller but the continuation of positive, neutral, and negative feedback that can be left by the buyer. I have a couple of sellers telling me that their sales are deteriorating since the change. I'm saying that the deterioration is, in large part, do to the cost of fuel and other needs getting more costly due to the cost of fuel. I'd like some other opinions.
posted on June 1, 2008 05:06:57 PM new
Hmmm. I think you'll get as many opinions as there are posters here. Talked to a friend today, and we both agreed that we are getting more hits, and more watchers than in a long time. Not all that many new buyers necessarily, but a good bit of activity, even if it's not high priced, and some actual bidding contests (a couple of wars actually).
So in this case, I don't think our observations have much of anything to do with fb or stars in our categories (antiques, collectables, ephemera, books, prints), but rather reflect the habits of those those who need a "buying fix" and realize that it's cheaper to browse eBay than to drive an hour to the nearest flea market.
For those who sell consumer goods, I'm sure it's different.
posted on June 1, 2008 05:08:31 PM new
It may be months before most buyers are even aware of the change & most won't give a rats A, when they find out.
I agree money is tight unless you have stuff that attracts upper class buyers cause the middle class is broke!
posted on June 1, 2008 05:28:48 PM new
I agree that people need to put there priorities in order and if money is tight for lots of people then ebay is put on the back burner.
Fuel costs are hurting lots of people, For a working person in my area it cost them approx. 80 to 100.00 a week to fill there gas tank, it's like paying a second mortgage.
Cut backs need to happen and most will be cutting back on buying what is not necessary, because there is no other place to cut back on, except food maybe.
Also, If Search is not equal for all sellers the way it use to be there will be sellers hurting.
posted on June 1, 2008 05:57:50 PM new
I would thing people would cut back on cellphone bills and cable or what ever they have their TV hooked up to. But most of this young generation will waste money until they are dead broke and every bill three months in the rear.
posted on June 1, 2008 07:39:01 PM new
i have a question about the stars.. does it make all searches come up in the order that ebay pre-ordains or only for best match? like is highest still strictly highest to lowest?
posted on June 1, 2008 09:18:44 PM new
I've been relisting a lot of items through Vendio that were sent to my store in 2005 I go back to the original listing and am shocked to see most of my new auctions in 2005 got 90+ hits, while today my new auction listings get 30 hits. I'm pickier about the cards I list today and attribute the change to saturation of the market, decreased traffic to Collectibles in eBay, screwed up Search and innovative disruption.
posted on June 2, 2008 04:46:04 AM new
estate_classics - I don't think the new search has changed anything if you search by price.
As for sales. I have two selling ID and one is doing great and the other is only OK. The one that is doing well is mostly inexpensive jewelry. I would never have guessed that jewelry would still sell in this market but it is and if anything sales have increased.
I think I'm going to get some of my best stuff listed as I agree with alldings - the rich still have money to spend but even they want a bargain.
posted on June 9, 2008 11:02:58 PM new
thanks for all the info..
i had the impression that the larger sellers will be favored by the new search system (unless they are searching by price, but even then the lowest price favors those who have free shipping i think) !
i guess that the oil people will be the best customers.. does anyone know if ebay got into saudi yet?
hope that you all do really well as the ride rolls on.. i guess we will have to see what next year brings..
