a new startup on eBay

[oriental_leaves]

I’ll be converting my account from individual to business soon. What important points should I keep in mind, and what common mistakes should I avoid? I’m looking for simple tips for a new startup on eBay.

Thank you 🙂

[exponential_developments]

Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

[oriental_leaves]

More explain plz...

[papso22]

They mean not to rely on ebay as your only source of income.  Ebay can suspend accounts, hold onto funds, ban you, all sorts of things which can see the end of your ebay business.  

[ashley*and*ollie]

Read the info on GSPR  on the other threads

Check your info on UK vs US shoe sizes as I'm not sure you have the conversion correct on your current listings.  I know you're using stock photos but have a think about what your photos are showing - as a parent of a little person I actually wouldn't be likely to buy a slipper in which one of the images looked like it was in  flames

[santlache_sales]

So from a private account = no fees.

You want to move a business account = overblown fees.

Think about this and don't do it.

Business sellers have been totally shafted by eBay, again.

If you are paying tax with HMRC, they won't give a damn what you are listed as on ebay.

[ashley*and*ollie]

How would that work listing children's toys and products - that are being restricted to business sellers only?

[hurry_while_stocks_last]

What, I wonder, was the cause of your decision to convert. A high proportion of new businesses do not flourish, apparently, and many are discontinued. If your expectations are realistic then you may fare well. Farewell.

[oriental_leaves]

Thank you for your response. I haven't converted my account to a business yet, but I plan to focus on niche books and educational tools soon. I will remove all products that aren't related to the bookstore.

[scootsarb]

Thats a good idea.

If your business is just books then yes keep your books on a separate shop (and pay fees as someone mentioned above).

But for your general items you may be best to stay as a normal seller as eBay have a "no selling fees" promotion for normal sellers. Business sellers still have to pay listing fees, shop cost and final value fees, and VAT/tax.

Feels silly to need 2 eBay accounts but it won't hurt your wallet as much.

Good luck!

[moldosgifts]

You should already be a business but better late than never.

You abacus had more than one new item available and sold a few already, you've ended the rest.

Kids toys and accessories will need to be a business to sell those.

[santlache_sales]

Then ebay is celarly not the place people will shop for such items, if all they have is business sellers .

[santlache_sales]

You are right, ebay is not the place for businesses anymore, and even for the limited exposure you now get it is getting overly expensive and of course totally manipulated by eBay.

It never used to be like this, there was once a level playing field here but that disappeared long ago, as eBay took hit after hit through their own stupidity and as a company ran out of contol as a corporate monster, eating and totally shafting it's own sellers for their own greed.

I won't deny when I started here over 20 years ago, eBay helped my business a great deal, but now it is just a chore and pain in the backside, with eBay's take, take, take attitude now and giving nothing back.

[hurry_while_stocks_last]

The temptation is to offer, as a simple tip, remembering the adage, "the customer (buyer) is always right"..

[santlache_sales]

"eBay have a "no selling fees" promotion for normal sellers. Business sellers still have to pay listing fees, shop cost and final value fees, and VAT/tax."

Which begs the question....

What really is the point of business sellers being on here anymore ? as eBay have now just totally loaded the playing field in one foul swoop, and yet again it is against business sellers.

We are basically subsidising private sellers now to come and sell the same goods, but without all the expenses above you mention that business sellers have to pay.

There really is no point being on here as a business anymore, in fact it is idiotic to continue unless you close down and reopen as a private seller, but reduce all your stock numbers. HMRC won't give a hoot as long as you still pay your tax, it makes no difference to them if you are on here registered as a private seller or a business.

It matters to eBay though as if you are a business they can continue to royally shaft you.

eBay is no longer the King and Queen anymore, they are being threatened by others and it has been long overdue, as in the past they have taken total advantage of their position which has been extremely detrimental to the platform and dragged it down.

[roger_roger_over_and_nowt]

Well i never :- https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/policies/prohibited-restricted-items/products-eligibility-requirements-p...