I rarely post on forums but a private seller for over two decades and proud of my unblemished record. My ‘hoarded stuff’ is an eclectic mix with selling mainly preloved clothing and household items with a few vintage items whilst also helping to downsize for family and close friends.
The changes on eBay impact both buyers and sellers with these ill thought out new policies and changes. IMO eBay management have truly shot themselves in the foot.
As I have had declining interest in my eclectic mix of family and friends items to sell over the last five months it is probably time to move on....so at present considering my options. I do use a dress agency for some of my designer clothing and they get very good prices without any hassle.
Vinted possibly will open an account with them instead. Some surplus household, chinaware I will box up and take to auction to clear.
Previously I used to get one or two eBay messages a week and on average a couple of sales every week but over the last five months a steady decline. November and December were poor compared to previous years . I have had one sale in March since buyers fees were added and all my items listed, eBay revised the prices. I am even not sure buyers can see my stuff because I don’t want to pay to promote my listings.
I started to absorb the extra cost added to the buyer by reducing my prices and on many items free tracked postage. Basically I have now lost heart as initially I take a long time to list items with clear accurate descriptions and would be putting spring clothing and unwanted household items on now.
With all these changes and now eBay simple delivery it doesn’t seem worth the effort for me and like many on here totally disenchanted. I prefer to deal with my own postal arrangements and get the best deal especially if absorbing the cost. Then a delay in payments being made to you waiting for positive feedback .....we all know that a large percentage of the buying public don’t do that!
Private sellers once they leave you will be left with a very uninteresting platform for buyers who will revert to other sites for their purchases.
I have probably spent a good proportion of my sales on buying on eBay for the family, home and gifts but more than likely once I stop selling on the site will cease purchasing from business/private sellers to the extent I have in the past. The knock on effect will clearly impact those remaining traders hard.
So with a heavy heart time for me to move on I think but good luck to those that remain.
Au revoir, bon voyage or as we say in Wales, Iechyd Da.
