eBay Seller Feels Throttled During the Holidays

by: SoniaD

Depends on what you're selling I think.  We sell antiques and collectibles, and usually "close" our shop from just before Thanksgiving to dec 26th as the market for our items is pretty much dead in that period.  Nothing to do with ebay, it's across all our internet venues.  This year we'll keep open a bit longer just to see but we're not expecting anything and actually, we'd just as soon not have to ship during this period.

by: SoniaD

Then there's usually a "dead cat bounce" from December 26th to 31st (presumably with Xmas gift money) then nothing in sales till early February.  That's when we do all our changes, review inventory etc.  

by: mazelgirl

No, I don't think it's true.  It all depends on the activity in your account.

by: Marie

It would make no sense for Ebay to do that since Small Sellers makes up the majority of the sellers on Ebay.  As others have said it is likely what your are selling.  

It is a bit late for this season, but come next September you may consider adding some other things to what you sell that are in demand through the holidays.  You might see a positive difference.

Late October and early November was likely a little difficult for many sellers.  Buyers were all wrapped up in the Presidential election and less time to spend shopping as they were watching the news to see what was going to happen next.

by: Ladygray

Same. I moved my items to another platform and sales bounced back immediately.  I now use eBay for only niche items I know need a wider audience.  

by: lancecorp

I always hear it's about what you are selling and in some cases that may be true - but there is no explanation on why the exact same items are selling on other platforms and not on Ebay. People still buy and give collectibles and HTF items at the holidays but Ebay tends to push NWT items at the holidays and I know a couple of the above posters sell exactly that and why their sales don't suffer.

by: Duper2019

I sell antiques and collectibles and I am doing quite well right now. And usually January- March are killer for me. But lancecorp is correct...the NWT seems to be what eBay does feature and push. Trying to be like Amazon.  

by: Vox29
Web Site

I should think it could be what you're selling. I've got something on auction and buyers are offering lower prices than what I've set, but it is encouraging. Go look at your active listings and see how many views you have gotten, and it will tell you what kind of things are popular right now. Don't go with expectations.

by: onlinesales

I think the visibity is down because so many sellers are using sponsored listings which is simply increasing the price of their item so Ebay gets more. Long-term it will destroy them as it is no longer the case that Ebay is always cheaper than Amazon. Yet with Amazon I can get two day shipping no problemo in most cases.