Is there still action on eBay after the holidays?
Posted on 28. Dec, 2009 by Brigitte in Uncategorized
For us there is!
That is, for those of us selling vintage items. You see, people who desire vintage items or collectibles as they can be referred to, are people who are hunting for that special find ANYTIME of the year. Really, the time of the year doesn’t matter.
People on eBay that sell current trends like Ipods, coffee makers, GPS Systems and so on, are people that are selling “trends.” These are items that show up on Christmas lists for sure. And like I say in my book those obtaining wholesale items are usually these type of items. Of course Christmas time is going to be the highest sales month. And thus their sales will dramatically slow down afterwards.
But you see collectibles have nothing to do with shoppers buying for gifts (usually.) These people are buying for THEMSELVES. Therefore, they are ready to buy ANYTIME their item becomes available. And they (or we) never know when that is going to be. They probably have alerts set up on eBay to notify them when their desired item is up for auction.
Can you see how holiday sales really don’t matter to us vintage niche sellers? Sure, there is going to be some slow down of traffic in general but that’s usually those that were shopping for “new” gifts. Just look at this recent completed auction of mine. Do you think this buyer was looking for a Christmas gift? Hardly, this was a collector that wanted the item very badly and was ready and waiting!
So I hope this gives you some motivation as inspiration to keep at it. We never know why someone buys what they do but we DO know that the vintage niche is one that has people ready and waiting for us to list them! Go back to the book and look at that list again! Hit those thrift stores with some high energy and positive thinking.
Sandra
28. Dec, 2009
Hi Brigette,
I had some purses up for auction before the holiday and got no bids. I relisted them afterwards and one sold for $93.00. I agree with you, unless you are selling brand new electronics or appliances, sales are going to be good no matter what time of the year. All it takes is someone who happens to want what you have. You have to keep on keepin’ on.
Sandie
frchgrl
28. Dec, 2009
Oh wow, good for you!
Brigitte
Deena O'Daniel
28. Dec, 2009
Brigitte, you’re absolutely right. My sales after Christmas are actually getting better – people are buying for themselves, not for gifts. And that happens any time, even for the non-vintage items like shoes. Thanks for a great article.
frchgrl
28. Dec, 2009
That’s awesome. That really motivates me too!
Brigitte
Elizabeth
28. Dec, 2009
I totally disagree with you that people don’t buy collectibles for Christmas. Son bought my husband a baseball collectible, hubby bought the son OOP books that are highly collectible – in fact we missed a couple cause we got outbid being complacent and thnking no one else would be buying.
I get Grinch collectibles for Christmas EVERY YEAR or they don’t get a turkey dinner. LOL
I sell depressionglass and china and people buy that right up to 2 days before their big family gathering. It’s a fallacy that people don’t give collectibles or antiques – but please keep telling other sellers that. More for me.
Elizabeth
Brigitte
28. Dec, 2009
Hi Elizabeth!
Well, I should clarify that collectibles are sought after all times of the year, not just for Christmas because yes you’re right, many buy for that special someone that collects things.
Judy
29. Dec, 2009
This is the first time this year that I have hit 4 figures selling collectibles. Bought a set of collectible plates at auction for $65 and sold for over $700. SCORE!
Enjoy your book Brigette and all the tips – a happy customer!
Brigitte
29. Dec, 2009
Way to go Judy!
steff
29. Dec, 2009
I see my sales go UP every year right after Christmas! people are spending that Christmas money on collectibles they want for themselves. I list and sell vintage Christmas items all year as well.
Donna
29. Dec, 2009
I have to totally agree. Although I focus on vintage jewelry – I will snap up any vintage item that I think I’ll make a decent profit on. Like the 1st edition of “Gone With The Wind” that I got at a yard sale for 50 cents – sold for $86.00. Or the vintage green glass doorknobs I got at an estate sale for $5.00 – sold for $161.00! I LOVE vintage! They are usually one-of-a-kind item & unique – so I find I have done pretty well – regardless of the time of year. My only problem is some of the stuff I buy I love so much it pains me to sell it!
Donna
Brigitte
29. Dec, 2009
I hear you on that Donna. That’s why eBay saves me! I would keep everything! haha
Susan
07. Feb, 2010
Boy it is obvious I am selling the wrong things…trouble is I got lots of THIS to sell…:(