pros and cons of eBay?

[CitizenKate]

I sold quite a bit of my work on ebay when I was getting started. I lost money on most of them, but some of them sold higher than my regular price. Everything I listed sold, and every time I listed something on ebay, I'd get a flurry of traffic on my web site (my "About Me" page has a link to my main web site), inquiries, and a few more orders that customers paid my full price for. For me, it worked out as a great advertising medium, and I've sold my work to people all over the world - Spain, Canada, England, Japan, Korea, and Singapore.

Now that I get all the orders I can handle (which on a part-time basis is not very many), I don't list much there anymore, and with all the sniping there is nowadays, it's just not much fun anymore.

Kate

[steveb]

There is just no way i will sell my leather work on ebay.

The rare times that i have somethng that ive made in advance

i ususally give it away to a lucky person who happens into my shop, generally one of my friends.

These pieces are usually prototypes, which is the only reason they have not been made for a specific customer

All my work is bespoke and besides I have an anti-haggle policy..which runs counter to the spirit of ebay...lol

[unicornwoman]

According to Ebay rules, last time I checked, there is very little marketing that is actually allowed by their rules. They get fussy about links in the listing, they really don't want catalogs included with the shipment, and a whole bunch of other stuff. They are also getting ridiculous about shipping policies right now. For example, I can't charge in my handling fee for the gas it takes to run a package to the shippers. That is supposed to be covered by the cost of the item. They don't allow realistic amounts for the time it takes to pack items up. Actual cost of supplies can be charged, BUT prepare for fusses from the customer if you recycle things and don't give THEM the benefit of your foresight and frugality.

I've used it for some items successfully, but mostly they have been rare collector's items or kangaroo leather lace in specialty colors/widths. Completed craft products are pretty iffy. Since the shipping policy changes this fall, I've been so exasperated I haven't even listed my kangaroo laces with them. That has cut sales, but what's the point if I can't charge real costs?

I may break down and list again IF they have one of those 10 cent listing days, but at full listing prices, I don't feel it is worth it right now for what I have available.