returns = no sales!
Summary: essentialappliancespares expressed concerns about experiencing a drop in sales on eBay whenever they receive a return, suggesting a pattern where sales halt on the day of a return and remain low until the return process is complete. After consulting with eBay, they were told it's a coincidence. 555njp shared their own observations, noting that visibility might be linked to eBay algorithms, and mentioned trying different strategies like sending offers or relisting items to boost sales. There's a shared frustration with eBay's system, but both participants continue to look for patterns and solutions.
eBay tell me its a coincidence, but I'm very sceptical about that!
so, as per the title, I am a small business less than 200 items in store.
And every time I get a return my sales stop on that day! i go from 5 or 6 sales per day to zero! just like that!
the next few days my sales are very low ( 1 or 2 per day)
once the return is complete my sales go back to normal!
I've sent eBay screenshots of my sales across 90 days and discussed with them why it happens? but they say its just a coincidence.
has anyone else had this?
any ideas/suggestions ??
jason
555njp
·3 weeks agoI’ve not seen that specific problem but I suspect like most things it’s linked to eBay’s algorithms. What I have noticed is a huge increase in returns because people are not reading the description or checking that the part they bought actually fits their product…!
I am a very small business, typically 30-70 items, no shop, and defo no promotions.
My sales pattern ramps up the day after listing a few things, continues for 3 weeks or so then dies for a few days, then repeats. It’s the same every month and my metrics (sales graphs) really make it clear that my listings must be hidden for a while each month while they message me to say boost your listings to get views! (even latest Ts & Cs clearly state your listing may not always be searchable).
However, on a positive note, I find if I send out offers, I often sell the item to for it’s full price within an hour or two of sending the offer! In fact, very rarely does someone actually take up an offer price.
I can only assume that sending offers opens up visibility for a short time?
It’s far too complicated these days, should be list, everyone sees it, sell if there’s a market for it, like it used to be.
essentialappliancespares
OP3 weeks agoYes, it’s definitely a weird system! I have found simply ending some listings that have had zero views in 30 day and re listing sometimes then sells within a day or two with many views 🤦
555njp
·2 weeks agoI’ll test your theory re returns. Had a request this evening (another one that can’t read!) and I’ve sold nothing since. I think it’s my turn to be hidden for the next few days anyway, but be interesting to see as I’ve got some more listings to add tomorrow which normally will show a few sales come Monday.
555njp
·2 weeks agoOk, so I listed 12 more items & got 5 sales over the weekend (2 from the new listings) but now dead again! Nothing is moving (views, questions, even feedback score) so I’m sure my account is having its temporary visibility block. To be fair though, this hot weather isn’t helping me as people aren’t using their mowers!
My last return still hasn’t come back yet either and this is the first return where eBay haven’t placed a hold on my funds too? Just have to wait and see.
Good luck :0)
essentialappliancespares
OP2 weeks agoI had 4 sales in the 4 days while waiting on the return.
Once received and refunded sales went back to normal 🤦
I wish you luck 😀