Is it just me?

Geminiz06 · Apr 28th, 2008, 04:45 PM

Can someone please tell me what I am doing wrong. I keep on getting watchers for all of my items, even questions are being asked. Many pictures are being provided and yet my auctions keep on ending with no actual bidders. Now I have a 100% as a buyer and a seller. And glowing feedback on how honest I am.

I do believe that I am starting my items off at a very decent discount, even my shipping is low... Does anyone have any suggestions. I will only post my old.....already finished auction, as I don't want to break any rules.
I just really would like to know what I am doing wrong.

Over the last few months I kept getting watchers on ALL of my auctions but no bite. The item that I am displaying here, was just the last straw. I totally thought that it was going to sell.

What makes it even more frustrating is that eBay keeps raising the prices on the sellers & you end up paying for items that havent sold.

I also don't understand why some people who clearly have much higher prices as a norm, always get bidders...How does that happen, yet someone who is moderate with their start is not picked up.

It almost seems to me, that you either have to start off at rock bottom .99 and be willing to loose out on the item, or you have to price gorge (especially on shipping). It's ridiculous what some sellers list their shipping fees as. I usually end up spending more on shipping then I list for, but because I appreciate the sale I don't mind the few dollars lost.

Ughhh thanks for letting me vent guys.. I know that if anyone could give me some advice it's you. xxxxxxx Any advice

lmartinx1 · Apr 28th, 2008, 05:15 PM

I've found the same thing to be true. For several years now, I start just about everything off at $9.99. I think starting low encourages more bidders/watchers. I know I do it myself, while browsing bags if I see a Kooba or something I like and the bid it up to only $30.00 or something I'll throw in a bid of $31.00 just to take a chance, but in doing so I now have this item on my "bidding" list and have to look at and/or think about it for the next 7 days. I know it sounds risky, but I haven't really lost any significant amount of money (not yet ~ knock on wood) doing it this way. Plus I know that when I see items with 15 or 20 bids on it (even if it's only a dollar or two) draws my attention to an auction while browsing.

You could put a reserve on the auction if you're concerned with losing money or end the auction early (before the last 12 hours) if you don't think you'll get close to what you're looking for.

eBay is a tricky place to play these days IMHO.

HandbagAngel · Apr 28th, 2008, 05:18 PM

I am mainly a buyer. Here are my humble suggestions. You could provide larger and clear pictures of showing its details, include front, back and inside. I think it will look better if you stuff it with tissue paper inside and let it sit on the ground instead of hanging it empty with a clothes hanger. Your pictures also look dark. You could shoot the photos outdoors under nature light and see if it will look better. You may also add a section of your shipping and payment terms under your description. GL!

Geminiz06 · Apr 28th, 2008, 05:33 PM

I'll try that Imartinx1.
Handbag- I always have a problem with pics being toooo large, a lot of times as a seller you have to scale down your pics. Thats the only reason why I do. Then it takes a really long time for them too download. But I see your point.

On a side note:
I always wonder how people can trust a seller with just a promotional pic. Especially with leather washes and irregularites varying from bag to bag. But then someone who takes the time to describe everything and takes many pics, doesnt get anywhere. I wouldnt mind sending the buyers more pics via email. It's just that I always have to scale down my pics on eBay.

geniepr · Apr 28th, 2008, 05:52 PM

Open an account with auctiva (free). You can post x- large pictures and save on listing fees. Also the templates are cute. Good Luck!

I want to add, that you should try taking pictures with the day light, next to a window or outside.

Geminiz06 · Apr 28th, 2008, 06:03 PM

thanks geniepr I'll checkout auctiva

chipmunk-pnw · Apr 28th, 2008, 09:37 PM

LOL don't use a hanger, it will cheapen the look of the bag! I would stuff bag up with paper, lay it on a clean couch or table and in the path of a light source. Sunlight is always good. Otherwise use white light.

4theluvof-it · Apr 28th, 2008, 10:30 PM

My opinion is that your description is to bunched up and together. You should put all the important info at the top of the description(imo). I do like how you suggest that it is a very versatile bag, and would be perfect for the beach, but I would include that in a second paragraph.

In the first paragraph I ussually write the item name, fabric, size, condition and retail price. Then I use bullets to add any specifics...it keeps it neater and easier to read.

Barmakianbags · Apr 28th, 2008, 10:50 PM

I would take clearer pictures of the bag. I always take pics of m bags on my formal dining room table during the brightest part of the day. Natural daylight is always best. I would also take pics of the interior, closeup of the hardware, closuep of leather. I have found the more pics the better. Good Luck with your auction!

Swanky Mama Of Three · Apr 28th, 2008, 11:59 PM

actually, no one can post any links to any of their auctions, new or old. The point is that we don't allow people to post their eBay ID's or auctions, at all.

rainrowan · Apr 29th, 2008, 12:16 AM

I auctioned an item with indoor pics last week. The pictures were poorly executed with a vidcam, not very sharp. I had a good number of people watching and asking questions, but not one bite.

This week for the same auction, I dug out the digital camera and took the item outside. I also paid a little more for the fancy gallery and supersize album. My item sold straight out with a BIN. Alot of it is timing, but I would say good pictures are worth a thousand words. It just helps the bidder enormously.

Sometimes, the better the pictures, the higher the bids go or the higher a bidder is willing to spend, like BIN. It's the instant gratification of seeing what they like, and having it.

rainrowan · Apr 29th, 2008, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geminiz06

It almost seems to me, that you either have to start off at rock bottom .99 and be willing to loose out on the item, or you have to price gorge (especially on shipping).

This is not necessarily true... the power sellers can afford to do the .99 cent thing b/c they are established and have a large base of repeat buyers where the price will go up and beyond.

Again, the picture and description can make it or break it for the bidder. I once had an item that didn't sell, no watchers. I retook the pictures in much better lighting and props. I don't know what possessed me, I guess i was impressed by my own pics so I increased the starting price by $50. LOL. It sold.

4theluvof-it · Apr 29th, 2008, 12:54 AM

I am a power seller and I refuse to list an item for 99c.....I sell on eBay to make a profit, not to lose money. I don't like the reserve idea either, I just start my auctions at the lowest price I will take and hope it goes higher.

Geminiz06 · Apr 29th, 2008, 01:24 AM

Thanks for all your suggestions. They were all very helpful. And I'll take them all into consideration, the next time I decide to sell something. And I'll definetely leave out the hanger

Laurie8504 · Apr 29th, 2008, 05:30 AM

As an avid watcher, I have yet to bid on anything on eBay. I'm watching a few things right now, and if the price is right near the end I'll probably engage in some bidding. But often I just watch how much something goes for to see if it's worth messing with ebay over just going to a store.

But I agree with the other posters, bright, clear pics do make an item more attractive. The one time I was really serious about bidding on an item the seller had two blurry pics, and the blurred part was of the important id info. I asked him for clearer pictures and he wouldn't provide any so I just didn't bid.

Apr 28th, 2008, 04:45 PM	#1
Geminiz06 Member Location: New York	Is it just me? Can someone please tell me what I am doing wrong. I keep on getting watchers for all of my items, even questions are being asked. Many pictures are being provided and yet my auctions keep on ending with no actual bidders. Now I have a 100% as a buyer and a seller. And glowing feedback on how honest I am. I do believe that I am starting my items off at a very decent discount, even my shipping is low... Does anyone have any suggestions. I will only post my old.....already finished auction, as I don't want to break any rules. I just really would like to know what I am doing wrong. Over the last few months I kept getting watchers on ALL of my auctions but no bite. The item that I am displaying here, was just the last straw. I totally thought that it was going to sell. What makes it even more frustrating is that eBay keeps raising the prices on the sellers & you end up paying for items that havent sold. I also don't understand why some people who clearly have much higher prices as a norm, always get bidders...How does that happen, yet someone who is moderate with their start is not picked up. It almost seems to me, that you either have to start off at rock bottom .99 and be willing to loose out on the item, or you have to price gorge (especially on shipping). It's ridiculous what some sellers list their shipping fees as. I usually end up spending more on shipping then I list for, but because I appreciate the sale I don't mind the few dollars lost. Ughhh thanks for letting me vent guys.. I know that if anyone could give me some advice it's you. xxxxxxx Any advice Last edited by Swanky Mama Of Three; Apr 28th, 2008 at 11:58 PM.

Apr 28th, 2008, 05:15 PM	#2
lmartinx1 ♥♥ RM ♥ tPF♥♥ Location: Mile High State	Re: Is it just me? I've found the same thing to be true. For several years now, I start just about everything off at $9.99. I think starting low encourages more bidders/watchers. I know I do it myself, while browsing bags if I see a Kooba or something I like and the bid it up to only $30.00 or something I'll throw in a bid of $31.00 just to take a chance, but in doing so I now have this item on my "bidding" list and have to look at and/or think about it for the next 7 days. I know it sounds risky, but I haven't really lost any significant amount of money (not yet ~ knock on wood) doing it this way. Plus I know that when I see items with 15 or 20 bids on it (even if it's only a dollar or two) draws my attention to an auction while browsing. You could put a reserve on the auction if you're concerned with losing money or end the auction early (before the last 12 hours) if you don't think you'll get close to what you're looking for. eBay is a tricky place to play these days IMHO.

Apr 28th, 2008, 05:18 PM	#3
HandbagAngel Member	Re: Is it just me? I am mainly a buyer. Here are my humble suggestions. You could provide larger and clear pictures of showing its details, include front, back and inside. I think it will look better if you stuff it with tissue paper inside and let it sit on the ground instead of hanging it empty with a clothes hanger. Your pictures also look dark. You could shoot the photos outdoors under nature light and see if it will look better. You may also add a section of your shipping and payment terms under your description. GL!

Apr 28th, 2008, 05:33 PM	#4
Geminiz06 Member Location: New York	Re: Is it just me? I'll try that Imartinx1. Handbag- I always have a problem with pics being toooo large, a lot of times as a seller you have to scale down your pics. Thats the only reason why I do. Then it takes a really long time for them too download. But I see your point. On a side note: I always wonder how people can trust a seller with just a promotional pic. Especially with leather washes and irregularites varying from bag to bag. But then someone who takes the time to describe everything and takes many pics, doesnt get anywhere. I wouldnt mind sending the buyers more pics via email. It's just that I always have to scale down my pics on eBay.

Apr 28th, 2008, 05:52 PM	#5
geniepr Member	Re: Is it just me? Open an account with auctiva (free). You can post x- large pictures and save on listing fees. Also the templates are cute. Good Luck! I want to add, that you should try taking pictures with the day light, next to a window or outside. __________________ Last edited by geniepr; Apr 28th, 2008 at 05:58 PM.

Apr 28th, 2008, 06:03 PM	#6
Geminiz06 Member Location: New York	Re: Is it just me? thanks geniepr I'll checkout auctiva Last edited by Geminiz06; Apr 28th, 2008 at 06:03 PM. Reason: eta

Apr 28th, 2008, 09:37 PM	#7
chipmunk-pnw ^.^ Location: USA	Re: Is it just me? LOL don't use a hanger, it will cheapen the look of the bag! I would stuff bag up with paper, lay it on a clean couch or table and in the path of a light source. Sunlight is always good. Otherwise use white light.

Apr 28th, 2008, 10:30 PM	#8
4theluvof-it Member	Re: Is it just me? My opinion is that your description is to bunched up and together. You should put all the important info at the top of the description(imo). I do like how you suggest that it is a very versatile bag, and would be perfect for the beach, but I would include that in a second paragraph. In the first paragraph I ussually write the item name, fabric, size, condition and retail price. Then I use bullets to add any specifics...it keeps it neater and easier to read.

Apr 28th, 2008, 10:50 PM	#9
Barmakianbags Member Location: So Cal Baby!	Re: Is it just me? I would take clearer pictures of the bag. I always take pics of m bags on my formal dining room table during the brightest part of the day. Natural daylight is always best. I would also take pics of the interior, closeup of the hardware, closuep of leather. I have found the more pics the better. Good Luck with your auction! __________________ Of all the words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: it might have been

Apr 28th, 2008, 11:59 PM	#10
Swanky Mama Of Three Location: Dallas Area	Re: Is it just me? actually, no one can post any links to any of their auctions, new or old. The point is that we don't allow people to post their eBay ID's or auctions, at all. __________________ Holy inappropriateness!!! - a la Bethenny

Apr 29th, 2008, 12:16 AM	#11
rainrowan INFJ	Re: Is it just me? I auctioned an item with indoor pics last week. The pictures were poorly executed with a vidcam, not very sharp. I had a good number of people watching and asking questions, but not one bite. This week for the same auction, I dug out the digital camera and took the item outside. I also paid a little more for the fancy gallery and supersize album. My item sold straight out with a BIN. Alot of it is timing, but I would say good pictures are worth a thousand words. It just helps the bidder enormously. Sometimes, the better the pictures, the higher the bids go or the higher a bidder is willing to spend, like BIN. It's the instant gratification of seeing what they like, and having it.

Apr 29th, 2008, 12:54 AM	#13
4theluvof-it Member	Re: Is it just me? I am a power seller and I refuse to list an item for 99c.....I sell on eBay to make a profit, not to lose money. I don't like the reserve idea either, I just start my auctions at the lowest price I will take and hope it goes higher.

Apr 29th, 2008, 01:24 AM	#14
Geminiz06 Member Location: New York	Re: Is it just me? Thanks for all your suggestions. They were all very helpful. And I'll take them all into consideration, the next time I decide to sell something. And I'll definetely leave out the hanger Last edited by Geminiz06; Apr 29th, 2008 at 01:26 AM. Reason: eta

Apr 29th, 2008, 05:30 AM	#15
Laurie8504 chocolate...where? Location: Italy	Re: Is it just me? As an avid watcher, I have yet to bid on anything on eBay. I'm watching a few things right now, and if the price is right near the end I'll probably engage in some bidding. But often I just watch how much something goes for to see if it's worth messing with ebay over just going to a store. But I agree with the other posters, bright, clear pics do make an item more attractive. The one time I was really serious about bidding on an item the seller had two blurry pics, and the blurred part was of the important id info. I asked him for clearer pictures and he wouldn't provide any so I just didn't bid.