Seriously thinking of shutting eBay shop and finding alternatives

[designedinashed]

Trading since 2008 as a sole seller, and a business seller since 2022 — everything was running fine until eBay pulled the rug out from under us with their new search algorithm.

Despite dozens of customer service chats over the past year (who almost always push "promoted listings" in one form or another), my sales have nosedived — and it's getting worse, not better.

In 2022–2023, I averaged £4,000 in sales per month. In 2023–2024, that figure dropped to £1,800 — and it’s still falling.

I sell products that are relevant year-round, so this decline isn't due to seasonal trends. I've tested every possible advertising option, both on-site and off-site, and it’s been nothing but a waste of money.

Frankly, it feels like the general public no longer sees eBay as their go-to shopping platform. Yes, platforms like Vinted have taken a slice of the market — but let’s be honest, most of their user base is women, who also happened to be the core buyers on eBay.

Luckily, I have a full-time job, and this business was originally a hobby — so I’m not financially dependent on it. But I know there are thousands of sellers out there who are. And they’re being pushed to the brink.

I’m now paying nearly £100 a month in shop fees while watching my sales fall off a cliff — at a time when business should be picking up. Something is clearly broken, and eBay needs to stop pretending this is business as usual.

[therenewalworkshopltd]

Yes, platforms like Vinted have taken a slice of the market — but let’s be honest, most of their user base is women, who also happened to be the core buyers on eBay.

I think I will have to dispute that one.

I get sales from both men and women in equal measure.

So I am curious, where do you get that figure from?

And surely you have expanded to other sites anyway?  

Ok, you have found that sales have dropped on Ebay, but if that's the case, why aren't you selling on Amxxon, Onbxx, Ebix and so on?  Lots of alternatives, but if it's still profitable, even if at a lower level, why drop Ebay completely?

[typo_lee]

I don’t believe eBay has ever been people’s ‘go to’ shopping platform as you put it. The other ‘big’ online shopping site is where people shop at. EBay is declining. Our eBay turnover is down roughly 40% compared to a few years ago but you have to also be selling on other sites and quite frankly you’d be silly not too.