A good reminder to not give up so quickly.
Posted on 06. Jan, 2010 by Brigitte in Completed Auctions
Today I had someone make a “buy it now” purchase on some vintage Tupperware items I had up. ( Remember, if you have my book then you know I show you what to look for.)
So here is the ended item………..
These cost me $2.99 at my local thrift store. I actually listed them twice with no success. I think it’s because of the color not being in demand. It’s a real downer when things don’t sell isn’t it? However I wasn’t giving up on these little guys. My usual approach is to set them aside, forget about them for a little while. Let some “new eyes” come on board and re-list at another time.
Well, I didn’t get around to listing any new items like I wanted to (because lord know I sure need to!!) so I used Hammertap to see if I could perhaps list it at a different time, use alternate keywords, etc. I did find some options so I changed things a bit. Was that was made it sell? I really don’t know. I did get an email from the buyer to let her know if I come across anymore “white” Tupperware cups which I most certainly will. Looks like the “right eyes” were on eBay today for my item.
Which brings me to the reason I wanted to share this with you today. Although sometimes the reason something does not sell is obvious (bad photos, description sloppy, time of day, day of week, etc) sometimes it’s just because the buyer isn’t looking at that moment and time. Unless you have a store, your items are usually only up a week at a time.
This gives me the needed motivation to get some more items listed. That right person to buy your item may not be lined up with the day and time you list. It’s just out of our control sometimes. It’s so easy to let ourselves get unmotivated or uninterested in selling when we don’t see success. But remember that “IF” you’ve done your homework with some research like I stated above with things like Hammertap or Terapeak or whatever you use and you STILL don’t see success then walk away for a bit and revisit your item later. Don’t be so hard on yourself!
So, I made a $11 profit before fees. Am I rich? Of course not. The goal is to rinse and repeat, rinse and repeat. There is a very well known eBay seller that makes $10,000 a month on her items all from $9.99 items. It’s the bulk that makes her money. Not individual items.
Stay motivated, walk away, take a break , whatever it takes. But do NOT give up. It’s all just part of the business of selling online.
Tami
07. Jan, 2010
Thanks for the pep talk ! It was good timing ! This time of yr. can be busy for ebay sellers !
Brigitte
07. Jan, 2010
You got it Tami!
Donna Stovall
08. Jan, 2010
I have to agree. I have listed items that I thought were really beautiful (I specialize in vintage items) & that I thought would go 1-2-3. I was always surprised when they didn’t. Then I’d relist it the next week & still nothing. I would put them aside for a while, eventually re-list them & 9 times out of 10 it turns into a bidding war & I get more $$$ then I even thought I’d get the first time. There’s no rhyme or reason or figuring it out – but that’s been my experience!
steff
09. Jan, 2010
yup, that’s ebay and that’s why I love it–very unpredictable! I listed a brass door knocker before Christmas and got 5.50 for it. I listed the very same one (I only had 2) after Christmas and got 29.00 for it. whoa!
Brigitte
09. Jan, 2010
That’s great Steff! Same thing just happened to me yesterday. Some darn retro shot glasses had no attention. I already have a bid with time left.
Jennifer
12. Jan, 2010
Reminds me I have some older tupperware I need to get listed that I ran across at our thrift store. It’s in a box in the garage. Thanks.
Brigitte
13. Jan, 2010
Yes, pull those out and either use Hammertap or go on eBay and see the going prices. good luck!
Susan
07. Feb, 2010
I guess I needed to read this. I closed down one store last summer on ebay when a buyer never paid, filed a claim and he neg me and gave me all 1’s…just cause he said he could. Ebay runs these specials and I cant take adv. of them…unfair…u bet…and to this day ebay saying they cant do a thing to remove a non payers neg. SO why ruin my business more…then I closed 2nd store sause bad sales. Now I am trying this one and first buyer absolutely hated the pattern and now I am in a refund battle! I have lots to list but wonder if it is worth it….this gives me a little hope!
MandoJavier
14. Feb, 2010
Would love to know if Susan ever got any resolution on the negative comments. Is there really no recourse?
Brigitte
14. Feb, 2010
I’ll try to contact her and see.
Susan
14. Feb, 2010
If you are talking about the one by a non-paying bidder….no…18 letters later and 19 different reasons why not…saying now it is too long ago…I offer them my copies…no answer since…why my main store is still shut down…he also 1 me so ruin my reputation…which sux!!! I just dont understand how a non-buyer could do this…he hasnt been on since!!