Is Ebay Responsible for Your Success or Failure?

No.

It is pure mythology to think that if you list it they will buy.

Look in the mirror. 

The only one responsible for your success or failure as an Ebay seller is YOU.

Check your attitude.  Your attitude shows in each and every part of your listing.

Ask yourself the following questions and see if there isn't something YOU can do to make your Ebay sales grow.

• Did you take a good picture? Did you crop and enhance it so it showcases your product?
  

• Did you compose a listing title that makes a potential buyer want to click on the listing to find out more?
  

• Did you use an attractive template that relates to the item you are selling?
  

• Did you provide a thorough description of the item? 
  

• Did you clearly and honestly state the condition of the item?
  

• Did you spell check your listing?
  

• Did you post your payment and shipping policies in an easy to read and understand format?
  

• Did you charge fair and reasonable shipping and handling?
  

• Did you offer a guarantee to your buyers?
  

• Did you offer to ship outside the United States?
  

• Is your item competitively priced?
  

• Have you used the "Make Best Offer" feature?
  

• Have you built up a clientele of repeat buyers?
  

• Did you advise your buyer when their payment was received, when you shipped and did you provide them with a delivery confirmation number?
  

• Did you pack your items carefully and ship them quickly?
  

• Did you threaten potential buyers in your listings with negative feedback if the did or didn't so-and-so?
  

• Did you ask yourself "Why did the same item sell for another seller?" and go and look at the listing that sold?
  

• Did you have a plan?
  

• Have you established goals?
  

• Have you researched your inventory and priced it fairly?
  

• Have you posted auctions and fixed listings to help bring buyers to your store?

This list is not all inclusive but it should start us thinking about how we can take responsibility to grow our business on Ebay instead of blaming them for a lack in sales.

Ebay provides a relatively safe and well organized forum for us to sell our items to buyers around the world! In addition, they provide a wealth of selling tools and educational materials to enhance our experience here and help us do the best we can.

In return we pay "rent" in the form of listing fees, final value fees and store fees.

All in all, I know I could not have gotten this opportunity anywhere else for the cost.

Also keep in mind, in a good economy, people are more inclined to spend disposable income on Ebay for things they want.  In a poorer economy, people are more concerned about paying for what they need, like gas in their car, the electric bill, the heating bill and so on.

An entrepreneur must be able to adjust to the ebb and flow of the market.

Ebay will not determine our success or failure as an entrepreneurs.

Only we can do that.

Kathleen Price