Dropped sales

[infinity74]

Hi why has my eBay site become non existent . No views no sales 

trumps tariffs have scuppered my sales to USA but even my views now are so scarce . Do I have to promote ? EBay suggest 12% and that’s of the postage too they take from the buyer also seems a lot but my site was good it is now awful . 
I know Vinted is mudering eBay but I am down approx 90% in sales 

please help 

[cobwebcottage]

These are the business boards.

You are running a business but incorrectly as a 'private' seller.

You have over 2000 listings, all in a variety of sizes. That is more listings than a business sellers allowance for a featured shop which we pay £92 per month to run.

Do you think that buyers believe that you are selling your own unwanted possessions and that's why they are paying a buyer protection fee when they buy from you?

You have no returns on all of your listings. A business sellers has to comply with online selling laws which includes accepting change of mind returns.

Maybe all of the above is affecting your sales as most buyers know their consumer rights when they buy online

[infinity74]

Hiya
Thanks for the response .
EBay have said to me I don’t have to become a business seller .
I am a single dad and could never handle returns to process that’s why I never wanted to become a business seller .
I pay my tax to the hmrc when I do my returns every April .
I appreciate what you are saying but the fact I had loads more sales as the same private seller doesn’t make sense .
Kind regards
Sent from my iPhone

[cobwebcottage]

This is Ebays own policy:

'Business sellers are required to follow all government regulations, including registering as a business on eBay, and providing contact information and a return policy.

An eBay seller must register as a business if, for example, they sell items they have bought to resell, they make items in order to sell them, or if they buy items for their business.'

[jonatjonatjonat]

The person you spoke to at eBay either didn’t understand what you are asking or was just plain ignorant of eBay’s policies.

if you are buying g your goods specifically to sell. You should b on a business seller account. 

youd look a darn site more professional. Many people now don’t have the money to risk buying g clothes they can’t return.

[infinity74]

Totally understand that
I never knew and was ill advised .
I will go through the process to become a business seller .
Would you believe that by not promoting listings would seriously hamper your visibility ?
Sent from my iPhone

[jonatjonatjonat]

Depends on the market you are in. Clothing is generally quite competitive so you’ll likely find if you aren’t promoting, many are so your visibility will be lower.

[infinity74]

Thanks Jon
EBay suggest 12%
They also collect 5% from the buyer .
Seems a little greedy no ?
I don’t want to go Vinted but I did list an item last week on Vinted and eBay … 400 views on Vinted 17 on eBay .
Is the drop the fact that Vinted have captured the market and eBay cannot compete ?
They have adopted the same buyer pays policy to compete but as previously said my sales are 90% down selling the same way at my end .
Sent from my iPhone

[gatefittingsdirect]

I would 100% go to a business account and ideally get a shop started. No returns will be a huge factor I'm sure in what you're selling. 

Your listings show approximately £200,000 of stock? are you drop shipping as well? 

[jonatjonatjonat]

other channels are an option (eBay own depop now apparently) but you need to look closer to home as well.

many of your listing (Elliatt Rowyn Dress Size L) are website screenshots, brand new but vastly cheaper than the site itself.

it rings some alarm bells for me. Mainly do they have the stock and WHY is it so cheap vs RRP.

i dont question the RRP markdown in TK Maxx, I would (certainly from a private seller on eBay)

[infinity74]

Yes I need to become a business seller to create consumer confidence .
Thanks for the reply Jon 🙏🏻
Sent from my iPhone

[sheba-knows-best]

As  a business seller in clothing (and a single parent like the OP, but that's by the by) I have returns rates of 15-17% despite giving details of measurements (unlike the OP). 

No wonder I am rethinking my career choices 😂

[therenewalworkshopltd]

I pay my tax to the hmrc when I do my returns every April .

You are aware that is not just about paying tax to HMRC, ie just declaring extra income?

You also need to register as a sole trader, if your not already.

Start here:  https://www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself

[oceanartsnorthdevon]

Has there been a change to the algorithm of recent?  Last few weeks just one or two sales on one day of the week and nothing for the rest?  It is very strange.

[jonatjonatjonat]

No idea if there’s been a change in algorithm.

delighted to see the OP took all the advice on board…

[tressygirl]

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@infinity74 wrote:
Yes I need to become a business seller to create consumer confidence .
Thanks for the reply Jon 🙏🏻
Sent from my iPhone

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I see over a month has passed and you're still on a Private account, so need some assistance here.   I'm happy to help you switch your current account to a Business one so you are registered correctly.

As you've already registered with a personal account but would like to upgrade to a business account, here's how:

1. Go to Account settings in My eBay.
2. Select Personal information. 
3. Select Edit next to Account type. You may be asked to sign in again.
4. Select Confirm to upgrade to a Business account.
5. Specify whether you operate your business as a legal entity or as a sole proprietor and select Continue.
6. On the following page, enter your business information such as name, contact information, and returns policy. Then select Save.

Probably best to use a PC / laptop for this,  and not the app or mobile browser.  Chrome seems to work best on eBay.

@infinity74