Question for frequent Ebayers

[jodi]

Is there any rhyme or reason to E-bay's listing fee sales? I notice that every once in a while, they will do a $.10 listing fee for one day only. Does this happen regularly, i.e. once monthly, or should I just go ahead and list what I have rather than wait for a sale that might not come for a while?
Thanks!

[th_tan]

they've been doing that, once every 3 months or so. Now thats not accurate, just a rough guess from what I've seen. They also have other specials, maybe a 1 day free gallery or free border to try and get you to sell more.

[disneysteve]

Keep in mind that when they run their listing fee sales, the number of auctions skyrockets. That means a lot more competition for buyers which can translate into lower final prices and more unsuccessful auctions.

[JustinH]

That really depends on what you are selling, and what the market is like for that item.

Ebay fees are insane, your best bet is to start items at 99 cents with no reserve.

[poundwise]

I joined eBay in 1998. By 2005, I had a feedback rating of nearly 500 with zero negatives yet had, at that point, virtually quit using eBay/Half.com for anything. In 2006, I closed both my eBay and PayPal accounts. I don't expect to return to either. Fees, fees, and more fees just killed my interest in using their services any longer.

[disneysteve]

Ebay fees are insane, your best bet is to start items at 99 cents with no reserve.

I've been selling on ebay since 1997, so I'm well aware of how the fee structure has changed over the years, but I still think it is the best game in town. Listing fees start at $.20. Final value fees are 5.25% max and lower for more expensive items.

In the pre-ebay days, I sold through a mail-order catalog, rented space at an antique shop, and in person at antique and collectible shows in several states. My overhead for all of those was MUCH higher than my overhead selling on ebay and the convenience factor with ebay is tremendous. Plus you literally get worldwide exposure. I have made sales to buyers in a dozen or more countries.

As for starting at $.99 with no reserve, that may work if you are unloading unwanted household items or have stuff you got for free, but it doesn't work for those of us who are buying items to resell. We need to be sure we don't lose money. If I buy something for $10, I can't risk it selling for $.99.

[jodi]

Thanks - good point, Steve, about having a flood of listings when there is a sale. I only have a few things to list, and I can add a few bucks into the shipping/handling cost to cover myself if it sells for $.99, so I think I'll give it a go.

[nanamom]

I admit I ignore sale days on ebay. Not because i am any less frugal than th enext person but because I find if I try to use them when I become aware fo them (warning would be nice wouldnt' it) I am scrambling to get stuff on and am more liable to make a mistake. I usually do no reserve and start at .99 as well when I am selling stuff I just want to get rid off. Otherwise I put it higher.