Why sell on eBay? Should I get my own site?
Posted on 14. Jan, 2010 by Brigitte in Uncategorized
A forum I participate on had this issue come up. One I see a lot. As a matter of fact I asked the question myself not too long ago. Sometimes knowing the “why’s” and “how’s” on things helps us to get motivated and inspired.
There’s no question that you can find people who aren’t happy with eBay. If you seek them out, you will find complainers everywhere (on any topic really.) I was toying with the idea of having my own site some time ago. I always like to brainstorm with others on things like this as it’s really smart and in our best interest to find out as much information as possible before jumping into a project.
I was asked the question, “Where would you get your traffic?” That really made me think. Just HOW would I get my traffic? In other words, how will people find me? Did you know that just because you have a website it does NOT mean you can be found online? Some of you may know this but some of you may not. There is a term called Search Engine Optimization (SEO) which means doing all the things you need to do, in the right way, to make search engines like you and place into their index. You may do things well, very well in fact however there are millions of other people doing the exact same thing. How will you outbeat them? How will you outbeat those that are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to make SURE no one outbeats them?
Why am I tell you this? Because with eBay you DON’T have to worry about that. eBay already has eyes from all around the world on their site. And, remember folks, those eyes are BUYING eyes. The main reason people go on eBay is to buy something. Do you want to sell your stuff in the middle of the desert or would you rather sell it at Walmart? No brainer right? Well starting up a website WITHOUT all the SEO and spending money on advertising or at least the work involved in getting high rankings is the same as selling in the middle of the desert. No one will find you.
I tell you this so that when you get frustrated for whatever reason you need to remember that eBay brings us customers. Things will not always be rosey with ANY venture. But capitalize on all the good and deal with all the bad the best you can. It’s worth it!
Serena
14. Jan, 2010
I agree with you Brigitte. SEO is the most important thing when setting up a website. Why do you think all those initial internet businesses went bust 10 years ago? They didn’t understand the importance of SEO. However, I would add that if you are a serious eBay seller, you should consider having your own website. When I say “serious,” I mean someone who sells to make a living. When you have your own website, you can do whatever you want and not be at the mercy of other powers-that-be. You create your own rules. But even with your own website, you should use eBay as a lead generator for your business. eBay is so large that you cannot ignore it if you are operating a business.
Brigitte
14. Jan, 2010
You’re 100% correct Serena!
Deena
18. Jan, 2010
Brigitte, I’m in the same dilemma. I’ve had a ProStores web site (an eBay company) for almost a year and it’s not paying its own way. I understand that it takes time to get found out there, but I’m seriously considering dropping it. The good thing is that everything I put on eBay automatically goes on the web site, so it’s easy to manage, but the vast majority of my sales come from eBay.
Jeanette
20. Jan, 2010
So, Bridgette – are you saying that having your own website would be a plus, but not so much a necessity to sell on e-bay? I am trying to gear up to buying and selling on e-bay full-time (I’ve done a few items in the past, but not on a regular basis), and want to get it going in the right direction right off the bat.
Brigitte
20. Jan, 2010
Hi there Jeanette………Having your own site is fantastic “IF” you can get traffic to it. It’s takes time and possible money (advertising, hiring help) but by no means should anyone give up their dream to do so. It’s just one needs to know going in what is involved. Some sell on eBay for the sole purpose of directing people to their own site.
eBay has traffic already built in so it’s a no brainer as far as that goes.
Good luck!
MandoJavier
14. Feb, 2010
I come from a different perspective and understand SEO very well. I have been a member of ETSY for over two years now and I am hear to tell you I sell more on ebay faster than on etsy. ETSY doesn’t bring customers. Ebay does!
Brigitte
14. Feb, 2010
That’s true. Whatever we feel about eBay, they have the customers.
Judy
01. Mar, 2010
Whenever I have doubts I think….what if I were to have my own physical store or a website….ebay is still cheaper with its worldwide buying eyes. It’s the way to go for sure. Remember too, that it’s all in the numbers. The more you list the more prospective buying eyes you will get.
Brigitte
01. Mar, 2010
You got that right Judy!