Comments on: Why You Should Never Start an Ebay Store

By: Fred

Fred — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:13:53 +0000

I have to disagree with your suggestion of not to open an e-bay store. We have had an e-bay store for many years and we are definately profitable. To generate traffic to an off e-bay site is very costly and will be an ongoing expense which far exceeds E-bays fees. Better to build a mailing list via e-bay (your customers) and then open an off e-bay site. Generating traffic to an brand new online store is expensive and not always productive.

By: Alyssa

Alyssa — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 23:02:12 +0000

Thanks for the article. I’ve been trying to rationalize my decision to start selling pre-owned branded apparel via my own store interface rather than through Ebay. I know traffic acquisition is going to be a huge hurdle, but I think the ability to control your own branding is just as important.

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:44:25 +0000

Hi David,
Having owned an Ebay store myself in the past, the traffic is indeed very alluring. However the point of the article is to emphasize that the best way to proceed is to build and own your own shop so you are not at Ebay’s mercy. Considering that most businesses yield a profit of 20ish percent, getting 12-15% taken right off the bat will greatly limit your profitability potential.

By: David

David — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:09:04 +0000

I hope to start selling online soon.
This website makes a point but downplays the traffic which is one of the valuable aspects of ebay. There is also a bias here as they are trying to make their online money from you purchasing their “how to build your own online store” kit. Everyone has their own motives.

By: julia

julia — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:41:19 +0000

yes its true ebay does take a lot of your profit, but for me ebay works the best. I tried making my own online shop it turned out horribly i lost some +$100 maybe not a lot, but to me its quite a bit. I made the website everything was seemed good, I also got google adwords for it. (I have no idea, but they blacklisted me saying I was not allowed to use them anymore no explanation. I think if you have the money and the right item you could make a great website.But getting your customers is very difficult Good things about ebay,ebay is pretty trustworthy company, you get lots of potential customers, most times its safe and secure. Also its not always true the buyer is going for the cheapest item they will also go by the sellers feedback (as for me I always go 4 the cheapest ;p) I have sold items a little higher than what other sellers are selling it for (not much maybe a few dollars more). I think its a good way for people to try out the field. I am a top rated seller, but I still don’t make a lot (haha maybe because i just spent it all on ebay items) as the person above me said its not so bad. All my items have free shipping and if a customer complaints I never argue I just give them a refund. I would rather lose a few dollars than getting a neg and losing potential customers. actually having an ebay store(I have the middle I pay $50 a month) is cheaper than not having one (4 me it is) listing items is just $.05 for 30 days. Its cheaper than listing a item for $.99 for 7 days (I have around 400 items)

at least its better than Amazon in my opinion (I can make more profit off of ebay and Amazon customers never leave you feedback :’(

By: ft

ft — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:23:39 +0000

I am an eBay powerseller and have to stick up for it a bit.

eBay brings you millions of visitors every week. People who are looking for and buying your products. That kind of traffic and exposure is very hard to come by on the search engines!

The fees reflect the benfits. It’s also a good place to start in determining if there is a demand for your products and at what price.

I’d always look for ways to cut costs so expanding to a website and using your eBay store to drive traffic there is a definite.

eBay isn’t all bad.

By: Bill Wynne

Bill Wynne — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:41:09 +0000

Thanks Steve, that sounds just about right.
Ebay is one of the giants that has very little respect for the “little” guy.

Happy New Year!

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:20:28 +0000

Hi Bill,
The advantage of having an Ebay store is that you can get exposure through Ebay’s audience whereas you have to do all of the marketing yourself with a new website. That being said, Ebay customers tend to be cheap and it’s very difficult to differentiate yourself from all of the other stores due to the limited user interface. Throw in the exorbitant fees and Ebay becomes an unattractive option in the long run.

By: Matthew

Matthew — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 07:29:29 +0000

I have to agree with this article, setting up your own website is the way to go. Running an ebay store can be done in parallel with owning your own website but one should never rely solely on eBay. It’s too risky.

By: Bill Wynne

Bill Wynne — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:17:43 +0000

I appreciate this post and am taking it to heart. I am looking to help my parents set up an ebay store so they can move a lot of the stock from their antique store that amongst other factors was killed by Ebay (ironic).
I am wondering if there are factors to an ebay store that would give added value that you would not get on your own?
1. Ease of use
2. Name recognition, credibility
3. Sense of protection
4. Ease of payment options
5. Is there an added exposure to marketing or do you still have to do all the marketing that you would have to do as a new website owner?

With these answered it may be that the costs are acceptable in some cases. I am not pro Ebay, they terminated me as an affiliate without paying me due commissions. They are a giant that doesn’t give a sh#& about you or me but it may be an option that is best in some cases?

What do you think?