Tough Times Ahead For Ebay Resellers

[@robertstevenson815]

my grandpa was a seller. When the economy was good, he sold regular items to regular people. when the economy was bad, he sold super expensive items to the wealthy. couldn't keep enough expensive items because they sold rapidly, while his common items gathered dust.

[@exhibitdesign901]

When you look back in history, the great age of the silverscreen happened when things were tough, post WWI, the depression and then WWII. People needed/wanted an escape from real life. I think if they can eek out a few dollars to buy whatever luxury they can afford is helpful for resellers. The sad thing is the pandemic lured many people into the concept of free money. Sadly many people still spend tons of money on things like eating out, fast food and food delivery which is the most expensive way to eat which is a necessity. When I go to thrift stores and estate sales, I don't go for the popular high dollar stuff, but the little hidden gems that bring decent money. Love your insight which is one of the many reasons I watch. Thank you!

[@sixblessingstrumpismypresident]

I'm so glad you discussed this topic ... it's the elephant in the room. But it has to be addressed, because it basically affects everyone. Thank you, Kevin.

[@TheWildwoodPicker]

I can say this... all my sales have just about grinded to a halt. I took all the BS junk that is someone else's junk that I thought would sell by checking sell through rates etc and took it all back to Goodwill and dumped it off on their doorstep because it was not selling. I lowered my prices to rock bottom prices and it still was not selling. I basically just kept all the shirts, baseball hats, some golf items, a few Dept 56 items, and a couple of vintage Topps Garbage Pale Kids full box sets up for sale. We'll see if that all sells eventually. I'm not having high hopes though. I also have so many people Low Balling me for the stuff that I still have up its laughable. I pretty much got fed up and decided I would rather reclaim space in my already small Condo. Thank God I didn't retire from my job earlier than I wanted to. I'm probably going to retire in about 3 to 4yrs from now, but I'm so glad I didn't retire earlier like I almost did.

[@Brad-wc2xu]

No of these resellers are gonna touch this cuz they're caught up in make believe but this exact thing has happened to me and I packed it all up for a yard sale just hoping to break even hahaha

[@TheWildwoodPicker]

@@Brad-wc2xu I started last Oct 2023 on the 25th to be exact and sales were great up until Jan 2024 and the Goodwill stores jacked up their prices through the roof. Then sales started to slump off, but I figured it might be a slow spot and things will pick up during Tax Season when people start getting their refunds. That never materialized and sales just took a complete nose dive. I'm not sure if it's the economy, the election year to see if that Jack-Ass Obama Puppet in the WH gets re-elected or not, or if people have just stopped spending money because they're flat broke and over extended?!?! I just know I got tired of waiting for sales to come in so I got rid of all the BS junk that did have good sell through rates at the time I bought them and cleared out some space in my condo. I'm just glad I didn't retire early. I can retire right now if I wanted to, but my job is a WFH job and I actualy do love what I do so I figure I'll put in 4 more years and retire at the ripe young age of 60 and go enjoy the rest of my life.

[@miradonfbd]

The issue as I see it is that when you add postage and tax on top of even a low price, it ends up being a significant total.

[@karenkoe7096]

I have been selling on eBay off and on since 1996-1997 (before we even had pictures and had to have people mail checks and MOs). I have nearly always seen sales slow down in the summer months. I believe its simply that people are busy with other things in the summer where in the colder months they spend more time browsing eBay. I just started back after a 6 year absence. Not sourcing much just selling things that I already have with the idea of eventually downsizing. Been doing OK, nothing spectacular but getting rid of some things.

[@kita6707]

Same! I keep saying this - every year - not sure why anyone doubts it (I’m seller since the eBay Dark Ages - 1997).

[@bennystratton7734]

@@kita6707 100% its the sellers that came in during covid from Nice 6 figure jobs thinking they would keep that 6 figures or DO better they were fed false hopes by the YTers on pre covid and right at covid like snake oil salesman eBay has always been an up and down roller coaster its always been like that i have been reselling since 98' full time its always slow for summer (June to probably mid sept after school starts) then picks up and keeps going till just after New years maybe even till end of Jan then once Tax time comes it slows down till those that get there tax refunds back early so we get a small rush around end of Feb early March then we have a slow down and then those that do there taxes last but end up not owing as much as they thought we get a small bump before the summer slow down because those buyers losen there belts once they know they dont owe as much as they thought in taxes its like a hamster wheel that repeats every year it has for me for 25 years you can set your watches/clocks to it

[@teresaann1475]

Your story sounds like mine, people use their money for summer fun, I've been selling since 1998 took a big break now it's merely a hobby

[@dannysutherland2176]

You right!!!! Selln occasionally since 2001

[@LannieLord]

WORST PERIOD FOR EBAY SELLERS : Mid - August into Mid - September! (Back to school, people's vacation credit card bills pour in, Jewish holidays , etc.) Then Halloween fixes everything . Then it's all UPHILL to Christmas.

[@zzlepug3861]

Selling on Ebay is just a fun hobby for me - so I dont really stress about it. Little extra spending money. I do feel bad for people who are depending on it for income - would be very stressful, I think.

[@teresaann1475]

I agree 100%

[@loricrozier4348]

That is what I do. Gives me extra money for extra things.

[@beorbeorian150]

Camping, hiking, canoeing, supplies last forever, and cheaper than most vacations, so I think that is a great area to look for items to sell.

[@PowerKorrupts]

As a reseller, I've been listening to the eBay for Business Podcast for years! One of the most informative reselling podcast IMO, especially if it's your main platform. I'm not suprised that they reached out to you seeing as they often love to hear from experts in the field!

[@wwz1011]

Box sizes are almost always INTERNAL measurement, not external. Shipping is based on external of course. So always measure your boxes after packing. Also, box flaps may not lay flat, so boxes can grow! And then you have manufacturing tolerances, which can be 1/8" or more. I cut down a lot of big boxes to save on shipping. I aim to be at least 1/2 inch below the measurement.

[@martinmang1]

It seems like sales are alitte lower overall but I have been buying much less this year. I am lucky enough to be able to sell as a hobby and not as a living. Plus I have a large room that is a giant death pile that I want to get rid of.

[@ginamathis1]

I know there are naysayers about eBay’s ups and downs. I have been at this more than 25 years so have seen it all. One thing that is different for me is how sales boom for a week then go completely dead for a week then back to boom. Also I watch traffic and it is so below normal for me right now. I truly feel that when eBay is working on something on their end it slows the process-maybe I am wrong but I have just been doing this so long and feel like what I see now is just not the norm. This too shall pass….I just keep buying and listing. Thank you Kevin for your insight on this subject.

[@mis7089]

We agree. It has been an above odd quarter. We keep listing and improving, but sales are nil this week. There have been a lot of glitches this week. Especially when listing items, the glitch states it is on eBays end and puts your item in the draft. Then you get to add all the specifics over again. Hopefully all these glitches and improvements make things better for sellers.

[@bennystratton7734]

100% i have been reselling (not just ebay) full time since 98' and yes ebay (been doing ebay since 98" full time) like you said just does not feel Normal and yes you can have a $200 $300 $400 day and then $10 day then $75 day then $0 then $500 this was not the PRE covid ebay but one thing i have noticed (i have stopped watching the traffic i think its al BS anyway) looking at my over all monthly numbers it has been consistent meaning it all evens out by the end of the month and at the end of the day that is all i can ask for is constancy i don't have to like what ebay is doing as a company and can do do voice my opinion but i think as it gets Harder more sellers will drop out as long as you can hold on and weather the storm i see it clearing on the horizon (maybe 2025 or 2026) but the facts are the facts sellers and or the amount of items listed on the site have to be flushed out period there is just to many items 1.6 billion active items for only 135 million buyers (and eBay is losing buyers by the millions each quarter! in 2017 ebay had 175 MILLION buyers in 7 years they have lost 30 million buyers)

[@LannieLord]

I get a WEIRD feeling that ; eBay is PAUSING my sales to TRICK me into "promoted listings". Anyone else ?

[@bennystratton7734]

@@LannieLord 100% they did A/B testing last year they throttled half of the 18 million sellers at that time only 16% of that 18 million were doing PL how do you get all 18 million to do that (especially since that is one of the 3 pillars of there Revenue going forward into the future) well we throttle and force sellers to comply so the half that were throttled last year right around April 1st 2023 sales took a dive off a cliff only way to get those back was to do PL and or Off site ads well now we are in 2024 the tables have turned all those in the group last year that were not throttle are now being throttled ONLY way to get those sales back will be to do PL and or Off site ads its is NOW 100% pay to play (or pay to get sales period) and if they cant get 100% to do PL and or Off Site ads i think they want to get that 16% number up to at least 50% by end of 2024

[@LannieLord]

I will NEVER pay for a promoted listing . I totally feel that I am being "paused" Friday mornings thru Sunday afternoons. My weekend sales SUCK (they were never great) . They need to be held accountable for this !! @@bennystratton7734

[@silverfoxfinance]

Kevin, Can you do more videos with the economy and ebay please. I just talked to my wife about inflation. Gas, food, ect has doubled but I am not doubling my ebay item prices like what you said. If anything, we’re mostly selling for less and have to work harder to make the same profit margin.

[@casper001971]

For me I'm paying more for items and selling for less now more than any other time. For some items my profit used to be around $15 but now it's $7. That is how inflation is working for me as a reseller.

[@bennystratton7734]

@@casper001971 this is why i have 3 10x25 Storage units of back stock/Profit piles (bins) since Jan this year its the ONLY way i have sourced i had a plan (25 yeras ago when i started full time reselling) that i would invest in my business (inventory wise) that one day i would stop buying/sourcing or at least not as much as i had in the last Past years this year is the year i do that and have been i might have sourced once in the last 4 months and im still able to list 200 per day My Profit piles (bins) backstock came in handy in 08' and during covid when the majority of thrifts were closed for the first few months i was able to source from my profit piles (bins)/backstcok I never call it or look at it as a death pile its only a death pile if you never plan to list it

[@wwz1011]

Not only are eBay fees up and selling prices are down, but the price paid on finds is up too. So its a squeeze for sure!

[@dunderwood1000]

Hello Kevin, I have recently gotten involved with doing Estate Sales and also doing Yard Sales for people that are not able to do them their self. I'm also getting a lot of consignment clients, selling off collections (Hard Rock Cafe pins and REVERE WARE). By doing this it not only helps me with my sales but also helps the clients. Since starting this 3 months ago I have had people coming out of the woodwork wanting me to sell items for them..

[@karenkoe7096]

Boomers downsizing or getting ready to downsize. Its a large aging demo. I know because I am one of them and have been doing the same thing.

[@bennystratton7734]

Be very careful if you get returns and you already gave the client there money Your screwed and you will be the one footing the return bill so if i were you (i did consignment for ebay LONG time ago decade or 2 ago) id make sure you dont give the client there cut till after the return period (if you have returns) expires so 30 days don't give the client there cut till after 30 days if its 60 day returns same dont give the client there cut till the 61st day if you have NO returns i would not give that client there money till 30 days has past

[@earlgendron4893]

@@bennystratton7734about 40% of my sales are consignment. If I get a return I pay it when the item back, and the item becomes mine. Basically I consider it an item I bought for half the market price, so I can part it out and still make profit, just takes a bit more elbow grease😊

[@sallypetrea4559]

Always appreciate Your Educated and Honest Point of View… through the Eyes of History … Thank You !

[@funez-]

It all comes down to what items you sell.

[@krisk4513]

I agree with your comment on seeing more auction type prices in the Completed-Sold listings due to sellers needing more cash now. I do this on the side but it's become a nice third income of sorts and I'm having to price most of my items lower to get them to sell. I've been doing more promoted listings too just to get more eyes on things even though I'd prefer not to. Bottom line is I feel I need to sell overall at a lower price point to try and increase my weekly sales volume. In the real world I'm a sales executive with deep business experience in tech and operations. Saying that because I've even seen business clients spending less over the last 1.5-2 years than prior.

[@dcinkc]

I sell antiques at an Antique Mall in the Kansas City area. My sales are better than anytime in the last 12 years. I stopped selling on ebay because it's easier to sell through the Antique Mall. The mall where I sell has mostly fine decorative antiques of higher quality.

[@ohiograssman1564]

I’m about to fill up a local antique store instead of eBay as well. See how it goes for a year or two.

[@garettanderson6772]

How is the shoplifting? Do you notice much of it?

[@pstep691]

I’m in the K.C. area too. Can I ask where your antique mall is located?

[@NN-pe6ip]

That's great! Every reseller I've known that has tried an Antique Mall has found it to be a huge timesink and money pit where they're putting in way too much time just to make rent. They end up quitting after a few months / years after realizing that.

[@bennystratton7734]

1000% i have a booth too where i am i also sell at flea markets and shows, i also sell locally via FB marketplace and Craiglist and Offer Up all great there never better i sell on Amazon its great ill even say ebay has been constant NOT great but for me Consistent and that is all you should want is consistency

[@pascalallen4261]

Yes my postmaster said postage is going up in July that a stamp is going up to 71 cents along with media and ground

[@bennystratton7734]

hopefully once people start to have to send a letter for $1 they will be acceptable to pay $5 to $10 to ship an item they really want

[@billargueta5458]

Shipping costs are up. Ebay needs to do an ebay prime where people can pay a monthly subscription and ebay, not sellers, pay the shipping.

[@hp4415]

You forgot the fact that Amazon has stage of the art shipping fleet while ebay has none. So what works for Amazon can’t transfer to ebay

[@bennystratton7734]

ebay could cut down shipping costs by doing the same model shipping that poshmark, mercari and offer up does work out contracts like they do with the USPS and have Pre paid shipping labels that the BUYER pays for that we do not even see the shipping so the shipping is not passed through us. but this has recently been talked about on another YT channel in the comment section and we agreed there that ebay No matter what we want or the buyer wants (lower shipping) will never do what Poshmark, mercari and offer up do (pre paid shipping labels that the buyers pay for) reason is ebay would never be able to charge FVF on shipping because we would never see that money from the shipping the buyer paid (ebay would see the money and foward us the shipping label) legally they would NOT be able to charge us a FEE for money we never got so since ebay has Made there business Model going in the future to make revenue on charging us a FVF on shipping they will never ever get rid of that

[@PNWHockey]

I enjoy your take on the economy. Thank you. I also enjoy the interaction with the family pets.

[@glitterwitch718]

Sending Turner some healing vibes ❤ hope he feels better soon

[@sparkymcdoodle853]

Many of the people that use auctions are resellers that don’t use promoted listings. They use suctions because of you don’t promote a listing it could be 2-3 weeks before you get your first views. With an auction you get views and a sale within a week

[@Cbgrandtheftauto]

UPS got me last month like that. They changed the size by 2" all the way around which then they based the size on a certain weight and up charged me. I disputed it with eBay and actually won. It took almost 3 weeks

[@catherinechilders9445]

Thank You for this Video! It was really informative. I hope you and Your family continue to thrive in this challenging economy..😊

[@crazy-eyedreseller]

Tough times can have different meaning or effects from one person or family to another. I think you hit this very well on this video. Few additional points… 1. Live within your means. You’ve talked about that from a personal perspective. It’s not easy but will most certainly help us during tougher times. 2. Be careful with debt. Homes and education maybe be about the only two things we should ho into debt for. Vehicles may need to be financed these days too. But don’t live off credit cards. I know this can cause lots of stress for a person and the family. As bad as it sounds, when you have debt like that, others “own” your time and resources. 3. Work the extra job, the side gig, the hustle. Work is key for success. Nothing is free. Good stuff you share and always appreciated. If you’re ever down in the Nashville, Nc area, let us know.

[@fatgrandmafinds]

I had a significant upcharge on a UPS shipment that I'd double-checked on the measurements before shipping. It wasn't the measurements but the fact I'd wrapped the box in black plastic that caused the upcharge. Apparently, there is a clause buried somewhere regarding package upcharges due to, "an outer shipping container that is not made of corrugated cardboard." So if you get someone who's having a 💩 day they can tack that fee onto the shipment. And if it had been the measurements, eBay doesn't give you a way to dispute upcharges with UPS like they do with USPS. If I am forced to use UPS I will always use Pirate Ship because they offer a way to dispute UPS upcharges.

[@pamelahawn9300]

That is good to know!

[@abutler4267]

So informative. I always seem to come into a new decision during tough times however I’ve found that sticking through it has brought success. Tough times weed out those unprepared and who operate off how they feel especially fear. Apprehension facts.

[@TheJoshGalt]

Congrats on the eBay For Business podcast! I love seeing eBay engaging with you all!

[@ivermectin3191]

Evilbay treats tgeir sellers like garbage - if I HAD to push them it would make me sick to my stomach… Hopefully some of the things he’s saying about eBay are contractual not actual thoughts kept… Cause they are the reason resellers are struggling- fake comps , scammers , shill bidding , price manipulation and market levels that are unattainable unless on their fake market platform-/ lots of REAL sellers on there but most are just not paying attention while they poison their own dinking pool

[@eviebenett2608]

@@commonwealthflipper Found it ! It worked. Well done! Great interview. 👍

[@commonwealthflipper]

Hope you are doing well Josh

[@diabeatit5189]

We're in a silent depression now. People's perspective of these scenarios are so twisted. Success is dictated by the individual, not the economy. Hard pill to swallow for most.

[@kathypirok-klein3413]

No depression, people just don’t collect anything like they did decades ago. Antiques have lost their appeal. Most consider many of these items as just pure clutter. Minimalism is what the younger generations want. Makes it easier for them to pickup and move. Plus, all the younger generations I talk with prefer and cherish memories like traveling over items. That is where they prefer to direct their money towards.

[@msunites2977]

@@kathypirok-klein3413 There are plenty of collectors among the younger populations but they don't collect what their parents or grand parents do and/or did. In fact, those young adults have no issues at all selling off they're parents or grand parents collections for what they can get out of them. If seller "A" has this collectible at $50 and Junior or Sis have it too from relatives they'll happily accept $25 or even $20, they've no cost tied up in the stuff and it has no value to them as a collectible. They collect sports stuff, video games and related collectibles, Pokemon, Magic The Gathering, Fantasy Gaming items on and on. You might say more entertainment based collectibles. Younger generations are all about entertainment be that static or mobile. That's how they were raised and the culture raised within, entertainment as a civil right it seems. So much time in their lives is devoted to entertainment and experiences that they are lacking (IMHO) in many fundamental characteristics, especially in America. This has caused a significant rift between the older and younger generations in that of foundational values IMHO. These rifts are now being used to open up further chasms within the culture and nation. For 40+ years political division has been sewn by political party pundits where half lies and half truths have forced citizens into not so tidy folders of left, right, center, liberal, conservative, radical on and on all self-categorized thus simpler to manipulate as groups. If one reviews the past 40 years to the 40 years prior its an incredibly stark change, almost in ways making American culture unrecognizable in compare. Now, the younger generations have splintered as well from that of their relatives generations seeding even more division and shifting of values. The political climate is the result of all of the above and more.

[@Djr85]

@@kathypirok-klein3413 Only antiques I own have been trash passed down from grandparents.

[@diabeatit5189]

@@kathypirok-klein3413 Hundreds of thousands are losing their jobs every month. Business are closing left and right. The middle class is being erased. people do not just use eBay for knick knacks. People use it to by essentials and other utilitarian items. With $4 gas etc. etc. , these items are not high on the list now.

[@kathypirok-klein3413]

@@diabeatit5189 Wrong, on so many levels. As of March GDP remains strong, wages and personal income continue to rise. 275,000 jobs were added in February far exceeding expectations. To date, nearly 15 million jobs have been created under President Biden and unemployment has remained under 4% the longest stretch in more than 50 years. Wages also continue to rise. In the first three years of the Biden administration inflation adjusted GDP growth has averaged 3.4%. The stock market has hit new highs. The chips and science act are building chip manufacturing plants that will create over 150,000 of well paying jobs. Inflation in the supermarket is caused by the greed of the companies. There is so much merging of meat packing plants, grocery store chains and farmland that they basically have a monopoly causes prices to remain higher…price gouging. EBAY is not AMAZON or Walmart for buying necessaries. I don’t know of anyone saying I need to order my essentials from EBAY this week.

[@LilRed59]

Good morning, first time here and very impressive. I love your work space and the organization of things. Your opinion on the economy is on spot but I believe in every economy there will always be people that are hurting financially, mentally, and spiritually. Single parents and the elderly that has to make hard choices just to feed their children, elderly having to make a decision between food and medication. But I am a new EBay reseller and at first it was good but now the brakes seem to be held down. I am very discouraged but hanging on. Thanks for the video. Love the romantic ice cube tray sentiment, very romantic!! Love it!! I will be watching more. Have a blessed week. 😊

[@eviebenett2608]

Good info Kevin, like your honesty & true grit to always keep on going & helping many others. ♥️ I am seeing more sellers giving ebay & other platforms a break by selling off their items at yard sales. They’re saying it must go! Maybe the uncertainty of the outcome of the big date in Nov 2024 isn’t helping. Some people I know are tightening their spending & paying down debt.🌻 I like buying on eBay. Great range! Like to live by the 5x R’s. ✨Reuse ✨Reduce ✨Regift ✨Resell ✨Recycle ♻️

[@commonwealthflipper]

You forgot retire

[@eviebenett2608]

@@commonwealthflipper 😄Like it! Retire hmm… good point. Do mean retire as in need to get more sleep? Working too hard.🤔 Or Retire as in moving up in years & wisdom, 70s plus⁉️

[@jonnyvegas5041]

You can spin good sales or bad sales many ways. I just came off of "Away" mode for 10 days. I am having my best week of the year.🤷‍♂️ Had lots of sales while away too.

[@QuarterFlips]

I agree with pretty much everything you said here. And yeah, I had already noticed on my own that there were a few more auction listings in the categories I search.

[@diane-b2z]

Kevin this video has me frightened. I am an ebay seller mostly jewelry and last year put me in a serious hole, I dont think I can handle another year like last. Sales have already slowed drastically. I am an elderly disabled women trying to supplement a fixed income and ebay is my only source of income that I am still able to handle.I am no longer able to go to thrift stores or garage sales. Your comment about sellers selling too cheap is true. Other sellers are making it very difficult to get a fair price for my jewelry especially Sterling. I usually have to sell below cost just to have some money coming in. Ebays high fees dont help either. I dont have a store I sell under the name Dianek50 and have usually between 150 to 200 beautiful pieces, mostly popular Vintage name brands. I list a wide variety in a wide price range hoping to offer something for everyone. I list new items as often as I can and I do work my listings daily.. I want to start offering other items but money and sourcing is an issue. Can you recommend anything from around the house that might be something people would want that is more of a necessity rather than a want? Thank you for your informative videos.

[@wwz1011]

Need to consider selling for others. I bet you know people who need to supplement their inventory. People that sell for others can charge 33% to 50% of the net, after fees. Screen out the stuff that doesn't sell, or sellers who are unrealistic on their items value. Don't forget income tax either.

[@juliabouzan1739]

Have you ever tried Etsy?

[@werewolfdudesresalenewused4819]

I don't work due to health issues, and I rely on sales to get by on, and sales are very few, and it's affecting my life

[@timslawncare5904]

I somewhat agree that it could get a little slow this summer because of the economy, but it could help sales as people are trying to save money and what better way to save $, than to buy gently used items versus paying full price for the same items “NEW”, just my 2 cents.

[@bennystratton7734]

yep and then you also save on having it shipped to your door no ware and tear on your vehicle the list of positives go on and on

[@legoboy-ox2kx]

I love selling Printers. I can find them at thrift stores and garage sales for super cheap and as long as the work well I can sell a lot of them for 100 plus on ebay and people will always buy printers, and like you said people are trying to save money buying used instead of new. 😊

[@Bubbytoed]

my sales are better than ever

[@picklikeapro6952]

That’s awesome. You should start a channel to show us how. 95% of full time resellers are down 50% minimum from 4 years ago. Or selling their items for 25%-50% less to sell them fast. Just go and look at all the KZbin channels. Every single one is talking about slow sales.

[@don951]

@@picklikeapro6952 Those highs were during the pandemic when people were stuck at home. That level was not sustainalbe as people have gone back to living their lives normally.

[@CamsFinds]

@@picklikeapro6952 No channel really needed, just pick up items with a good sell through rate, list daily, and be an everything seller. I have 439 listings, 535 sold in the last 90 days. Source at different places besides thrift stores and garage sales if they aren't supplementing the amount of items you need.

[@johnweiss3198]

Postal rate increases have made it where people will not bid on lower priced items. Postage makes items not worth the price.

[@loismarch8343]

I still can’t get over the price of a loaf of bread. My grandmother used to say when I was a teen that they used to buy bread for a nickel. Now, at 82, I can say that we payed .49-.69 cents when I was first married and now they want $4-$8. This is crazy.

[@karenkoe7096]

We never pay that much. What kind of bread are you buying and at what store?

[@kathypirok-klein3413]

Loismarch. Bread is available in a variety of prices. You need to shop around some. However, there is corporate greed that has caused the higher prices in the supermarket. In Europe some stores have stopped carrying Pepsi, Frito-lay and some of the other products saying they are tired of the price gouging of their customers. If customers don’t stop buying these products they will keep rising the prices. I listened to a phone call of corporations calling in about their financial numbers saying they raised the prices and haven’t gotten any blowback so they get greedy and keep rising the prices. One said, don’t leave anything on the table. Take it all.

[@StevensOpinions]

​@@kathypirok-klein3413 Yes you're right. It's all corporate greed. People have to eat so we have no choice but to pay what they charge. Even McDonalds isn't cheap anymore. On top of that, the food is crap! Pesticides, GMOs, etc.

[@LannieLord]

Organic Bread is expensive !

[@bonniebob2802]

Corporate greed and artificial price manipulation are out of control.

[@commonwealthflipper]

Is corportate greed a new thing?

[@candacerushing6882]

@@commonwealthflipper It isn’t new, but with the inflation caused by the pandemic spending, corporations are taking advantage of rising prices as a cover to increase profits. Companies cite costs as the reason for the increase, but their profits are way up! Great video! (First time I’ve seen yours.) I’m struggling and I’m going back to selling on eBay this week. It sounds like some people in the comments are selling, and I watched you pull a lot of items! That’s encouraging!

[@commonwealthflipper]

@@candacerushing6882 free markets don’t have artificial price increases. If they do they aren’t free markets.

[@candacerushing6882]

@@commonwealthflipper So you don’t think corporations raising prices simply to increase profits is a thing? In our current system, our antitrust laws have been weakened and monopolies have flourished, which hurts small businesses and consumers. Example: When I moved to LA 40 years ago, there were at least 10 grocery store chains competing for business. Now there are basically 3- Vons and Albertsons, which are now owned by the same company, and Ralphs (Kroger) which was just blocked from trying to purchase the other two! This HURTS consumers, because there is no downside to raising prices! It also hurts both consumers and smaller food manufacturers because these stores buy in huge bulk, and sell the same products in all 3 stores- there is less variety. That whole libertarian trope of “free markets and less regulation” benefits corporations and the wealthy at the expense of consumers, labor, and the environment.

[@kathypirok-klein3413]

Candacerushing. I agree. Supermarkets merging and meat packing plants merging has created a monopoly. You can also add that corporations are buying up farmland which will be or is another factor.

[@JFerFer]

Hi!! I love your videos; happy I get notifications for them!?! …..How do you remember where everything is in your shop???

[@ounitproductions]

I loved this entire video. Filled with knowledge, well spoken takes, and great insight. fantastic stuff, Kevin.

[@chardarlington2715]

I am a product of depression parents and feel like you when I got married we saved up to buy the things we needed and have no dept and I am retired now and still save up for the things we need I do not want to owe anyone ❤

[@bennystratton7734]

"we saved up to buy the things" 100% you would save up to buy those WANTS you wanted not put it on a credit card OR BORROW the money to buy your wants you would get an allowance or pay check when you were a teen and you would stick a little away for something you really wanted that is how it use to be 100% it baffles me that people these days do not do that!

[@wearefreesd3305]

Yeah inflation is bad! I just sold a Beatles rock band set for about $500 and a frog made from resin for about $200! I also sold a book for $175, and a can of wax for $75! I don’t know what I’m going to do!!!

[@bennystratton7734]

i think you ment yeah the economy is bad......yet peiople are still spending money like there is no tomorrow its those saying the economy is bad are the ones that really know its not but they think if they spread that lie enough that people will start to believe it its called the "power of suggestibility" if you don't know what it is google it google is our friend and can teach you alot!

[@sixblessingstrumpismypresident]

Heather will be proud of you for describing a vintage ice cube tray as "romantic"! Good job, K

[@marilynmack6233]

Those vintage ice trays are great for home made fudge. You pour the mixture into the tray, let it set and the press the top piece into it. The fudge comes out in nice little squares.💕

[@shalyndria]

@@marilynmack6233 great tip, thanks for sharing!!

[@chantillyvintage]

Life happened and I’ve had to go back to a 9 to 5 job. Not what I wanted but it was necessary for now. I still sell on eBay because I enjoy it. When the economy is bad, more people buy used before new. And people with disposable income will always buy unnecessary items, no matter what the economy is doing. eBay sales may be down for some sellers, but people looking for good deals or hard to find items will always buy. The key is, will they be buying it from you? You taught me that, and I thank you❤

[@bennystratton7734]

"When the economy is bad, more people buy used before new. And people with disposable income will always buy unnecessary items, no matter what the economy is doing." 100% this is why sellers must diversify there inventory and price points sell as many different types of things as you can and sell as many different price points (low medium and high dollar items this way your catering to all TYPES of people and all TYPES of incomes!) its how i have done ONLINE reselling and offline (in person) for 25 years full time i have made diversification the center of my business EVERY aspect from where i sell, how i source, what i sell and the price points i sell at doing this has solidified my business (basically puts a shield of protection around you in TOUGH economic times) its how i survived 08' how i survived the beginning of coid (from march to Jun of 2020 many thrifts were not open many could not source i had my profit pile that i sourced from) Sell wants and Needs buyers (from what i learned from 08") those with less money still want to buy things (wants) to know there money still has the same buying power as those with more money so to cater to them you have to sell low or medium dollar items Not the $100 items Not even the $25 items $10 and under will always sell NO matter HOW the economy is

[@chantillyvintage]

@@bennystratton7734 completely agree. I’m just getting started. 👍🏻

[@wwz1011]

I've been selling on eBay for over 24 years, but at the hobby/extra income level. My recent sales are up, up, up! Two reasons. First, I have adopted the discipline to list daily, EVERY single day, no exceptions. In the past, I did binge listing, where I would list several items on one day, and then not list anything for several days. I knew this was a problem. The second reason is I have embraced sales/markdowns. I have adopted more of a brick and mortar strategy, mark down the old stuff that has not moved. I have adopted steep discounts for short periods of time, like 40% off for a two week sale. Like most resellers, I pay very little for my stuff, so even at 40% off, I am still making money. Since I have been listing daily, almost all my sales have been either old listings or dead stock that has been sitting around unlisted for a long time. Not a fan of precious metals, as it's a bet on a commodity with no income until you sell.

[@AngieResells]

Great video Kevin. Love discussing how the current economic situation is affecting our sales. Thanks

[@TMesser74]

The bar of gold is what’s gonna get you a jump start on the other side when the value of the gold skyrockets as a result of the failing dollar.

[@esmelovesvintage]

Sorry to hear Turner is under the weather -get well soon lil one 😊

[@BEERLIGHTBROKER]

eBay's done a great job at ruining the platform and pissing buyers and sellers off. I'm fed up. The lies the deception the bs.

[@mr-vet]

It’s greedflation….look at the food and beverage industry (grocery store products) for example…most companies have increased prices while their overall costs have gone down despite rising wages (in some areas) and their profits have increased quite a bit over previous years. Even grocery stores themselves are in on it by raising their profit margins from 2-3% to 7-8%.

[@picklikeapro6952]

When gas was $1.80 the news was chocked full of its trumps fault it was that high stories. Gas is $3.20-$6 a gallon 4 years later across the nation and it’s greedflation now. I’m not political at all but that seems odd.

[@picklikeapro6952]

2020- Gas is $1.80=TRUMPS FAULT! 2024-Gas is $3.40= GREEDFLATION! 🤔

[@mr-vet]

@@picklikeapro6952 gas prices are based on oil prices per barrel that OPEC controls…not the US or whoever is in the White House.. so stop spreading ignorance

[@commonwealthflipper]

I gotta say I don’t buy this argument. Zero chance overall costs have gone down for businesses. They sure have gone up for my little business.

[@picklikeapro6952]

@@commonwealthflipper yea, I’m not sure how costs go down with gas prices/wages up. Thats confusing to say the least.

[@catrinamarie3831]

i see nurse flipper, locker nuts, crazy lamp lady, and many others moving alot of their product to what not and advertise that on their video on you tube, i think people move from ebay to what not to try to catch better deals. im only a small time seller but i think i feel these effects

[@nateetan100]

People will always be buying stuff . Some sellers will fail others will thrive . I’ve done eBay 24 years and see no slowing down anytime soon

[@idfotou]

Most boxes are measured by INSIDE measurements. So, your 12x12x12 box may be 12.5x12x12. You'll get an additional charge for a 13x12x12 box. UPS uses a laser to measure boxes and there are dozens of discussion board messages complaining about additional charges once the packages sent.

[@bennystratton7734]

100% you are always suppose to MEASURE ALL YOUR PACKAGES!! MOST sellers should KNOW THIS that the NUMBER on the box is the INSIDE dimensions and the outside dimensions are bigger period

[@bennystratton7734]

by the way they don't have workers do this (check measurements) just like ebay is getting into the AI game (late to the game at that) all shipping services (usps, ups, fedex, dhl) they all have AI scanning packages for weights and dimensions its AI catching the ones that the weight is off or dimensions are off

[@idfotou]

@@bennystratton7734 With respect sir, I guarantee you, 99% of people do not know those are inside measurements. They just see 12x12x12. However, the post office Priority mail boxes are marked with BOTH inside and outside measurements. That's how I learned and I've been selling on eBay since 1999.

[@kristalantiques]

My demographics are totally different. I sell in a niche category to women 65+. They have high end jobs, their homes are paid for & they have investments. All of my items are over $100. I have been selling my niche items for over 20 years. I have repeat & new customers. I do not sell on Ebay. My model is the exception.

[@georgiacorey954]

During an inflation, when the bread & butter population is struggling to make ends meet, sure they spend on things they need 1st like food & shoes for the kids. However, all people from any socioeconomic group, will always spend on their pets, children & entertainment of all sorts including drinking, listening to music to adding items to a personal collections. The thing I've seen that I found a bit different is a sales increase in vintage clothes during this downturn, especially blue jean items. Maybe because it brings back happy memories & jeans are durable, but also more people are working from home which means they don't need to daily dress up for a job and can get away with wearing jeans.

[@bennystratton7734]

1000% this is why its so IMPORTANT for all sellers not to niche down but niche up be an everything seller it will help solidify your business diversify your price points sell low medium and high dollar/value items that way you cater to all the population of People on this planet those with lots of money those and those with a little bit of money and those that are in between this will help put like a shield over you and your business you will not feel the effects of any type of economy escpaolly a down one take it from someone that has done this 25 years full time and has been through 08' selling in all price points is how i made it Through get out of your comfort zones be willing to take $2 $3 $4 profits even if you have to sell 200 to make $800 profit (this is after all fees and business expenses) its better then not having any sales at all because your selling ALL medium and high dollar items.... i know there are a lot of people that say selling $10 and below items are a waste of there time to those people then you really do not love what your doing this is 100% fact another positive for selling low dollar items is if you have a return it wont hit you as hard as if you have $100 $200 $300 $500 return

[@georgiacorey954]

@@bennystratton7734 well said. I concur all the way. The positive results in an economic downturn is wealth building. Our country's econ history shows that any time there is a down turn eventually there will be an up turn, but, with a new twist which is the exciting part. IMO, this is definitely hard times for some going deep into debt & exciting times for others living off of savings. Just like Fashion repeats every 20 years hem lines of dresses are down right now, like the economy. I predict we will be seeing a recovery & new group of wealthy people with mini skirts in the future. Although, actual mini skirts were in my 1970's closet they most likely will not be in my future closet, lol.

[@johnmoney04]

How do you track your sales for taxes? Is there a good tool to use for that? Please let me know when you have the time. Thank you! 🙏

[@closelywatching8328]

Just commenting on the uncharging (UPS/FEDEX). Not sure if other sellers have noticed this, but ebay even has a pop up now when cashing out a label that advises to always round your weights and sizes up. I don't personally ship with FedEx, but I have gotten charge backs from both UPS and USPS, BUT I have also gotten refunds when they find it to be smaller/lighter than reported. I have found that most boxes are at least 1/2 inch bigger than the written dimensions, so I ALWAYS manually measure and ALWAYS round up to avoid charge backs.

[@ivermectin3191]

Whatnot is almost impossible for a Canadian seller , almost two years on there now… If you are Canadian and on there reach out to one of the hosting channels on there and go on with them … I’ve been doin well that way since I’ve jumped into the lions den

[@TRDOffRoad2020]

Me selling in the movie media for years. I've seen an increase in auctions just for single Blu-ray movies, people are struggling to get cash. You would never see a $10-12 single common movie up for auction back in the day.

[@bennystratton7734]

nope you would see those starting at .99 remember back in the day ebay PUSHING sellers hard to start there auctions at .99 i do not see that much any more from ebay (them pushing the .99 auctions they claimed it would attract more bids)

[@vynilrob9719]

Since I only sell comics at 1-2 sales a week, should I be worried?

[@bennystratton7734]

if your happy with that no it all depends on your business model and what your happy with

[@SECONDHAND_Solo]

Regarding ups up charging for the 48x4x4 box this happens to me from time to time. Golf club boxes from Uline, Granger, ect might be stamped as 48x4x4 but actually measure at 49x4.5x4.5 and once you hit 49” the shipping price doubles. And the ding from ups after the fact, of course is even more. When you ship through Pirate Ship you have the option to appeal this up charge and usually get refunded soon after. And the nice is that ups hardly up charges my boxes and when they have I’ve always been refunded.

[@ThriftedSpirit]

Seems like we know someone who likes the word "Adapt" allegedly. I have people telling me "this is cheaper" (when comps say otherwise) and people spending $100 a pop on anti-wrinkle cream. When people want something, they'll find the money. Sell through rate is going to be more and more important this year and I'm trying to adjust.

[@michaelelrod952]

Every fiat currency since the beginning of time has failed. The US is not immune to hyperinflation. Government spending = money supply increase = prices going up = inflation

[@commonwealthflipper]

More than just government spending. It’s also monetary policy. Both matter. But your first point is 100 percent spot on.

[@catrinamarie3831]

what i think is so many resellers are moving there inventory to "what not" to quickly liquidate their inventory, taking the ebay buyers to a different platform.

[@commonwealthflipper]

I think it plays a role in certain niches.

[@jimhorne8855]

I sold 6 VHS tapes this morning. Never know when something will sell.

[@robertPharry777]

May I ask what type of VHS titles you sold and for how much? The reason I ask is I used to be a big book and VHS tape reseller on eBay in the bottom dropped out of the market. I was literally having family over to box up approximately 300 VHS videos and just get them out of the house, till I realized just to look up a few that I knew sold big time before and lo and behold it's like the market exploded HIGHER. So I'm looking to restart being a eBay reseller. Is there any other sites that are good for VHS tapes & cassette and CD audio books???

[@the_return024]

True sold a few in a yard sale

[@bennystratton7734]

@@robertPharry777 Yep i remember those days both on eBay and amazon! was like an assembly line bring sacs and sacs (those yellow usps sacs) like 10 per day! People thought covid was great they need to go back to the hay day of Online reselling getting $400 or $500 for text books that i would pick up for $1 or less at the section of the library where they sold donated books or the local community college and getting FREE TEXT books from there FREE cart this was like 15-20ish years ago. Yeah those were the days

[@jimhorne8855]

50’s 60’s sci fi. Just over $13

[@MaryTreasures]

Hey Kevin, love the show. Watch it all the time.🎉🎉🎉🎉 just wanted to make a comment that I’ve been listing consistently every day saving out items and my store has not been slow for this summer even though summer doesn’t start till later on in June Lol

[@commonwealthflipper]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@ThePickinPeddler]

Debt is slavery. I started racking up credit card debt at 16! Besides my mortgage I've now been debt free for 17 years. My wife and I are 45. I work and she stays at home doing everything else. We both grew up poor. Now we live frugally but debt free. We paid cash for our only vehicle (used) and I bike to work... and some garage sales too! Reselling on the side has kept us ahead of inflation, and then some. I started during covid and have been going strong for 2+ years with 700+ sales on eBay!

[@wishlistrose]

The magnitude of online sellers impacts sales because buyers most likely can locate the same item from a different seller at a lower price. Seller competition to get the sale is making eBay also results in decrease in sales.

[@robertandjodijackola4901]

I write on my Fedex labels the weight, and dimensions with a pen. I feel they can not always see my label print clearly, so they upcharged. I have had only credits from them since

[@Stayathomemomflips]

We are suffering. We have debt due to emergency after emergency. We still have a driveway that's caving in and bathroom that need insulation and sheetrock. If I wasn't doing ebay our account would have went negative several times. This economy sucks. It's rough out here lol

[@whodidit99]

So you think some of the Ebay listings are for stolen items?

[@avintagementality]

Always enjoy your wisdom and enjoy your viewers' comments.

[@annemerritt3722]

Maybe online buyers are seeing the problem with rising shipping costs and more issues with list items or damaged items.etc. I now go to local flea markets,antique malls, vinyl record shows bc I can touch and look at the item I want to buy and then get it right away.

[@prairieplains]

Online is slow but booth sales are up

[@Pattiepaul]

Love the ghost busters tee shirt- I’m sure that was not a random pulll out of your closet!

[@MrSadie123]

There has always ben and I predict will always be losers and winners the best we can do is position ourselves to be the latter. TFS bubba!

[@jasteimel79]

Oh lord those ice trays! Ice shards flying all over the place when you pull back the lever lol

[@CranstonSandwich]

Glad you did the eBay podcast you spoke about! I’ll give it a listen! And glad you didn’t “give them an earful” or whatever because improvements come with conversation, not so much with argument

[@west_nebraska_dude4527]

Another wonderful video ... thanks for the thought provoking discussion.

[@PeterDrewVoiceovers]

Alvin Toffler's 1970 Future Shock still resonates today, economically and societally. Too much, too fast. Humans are adaptable but there are limits to how much change they can take in short periods of time. With the fast rise of AI, another great shift is coming that's really going to test humanity's resilience.

[@craigmrog1756]

yep

[@johnnymunoz1898]

I have lowered prices this year, last year my asp was 65 , this year 56 so far

[@wearefreesd3305]

I’m having my best 90 day total since 2012 so I had to do a double take and see what year this video was made.

[@commonwealthflipper]

awesome. Congrats.

[@kita6707]

Whose eBay podcast is it, mentioned at the end? Thank you.

[@commonwealthflipper]

It’s eBay’s eBay podcast

[@kita6707]

Thanks! I thought you mentioned a person’s name, so thought it was a seller’s podcast. Nice, Kevin! I’m impressed!

[@matprather5833]

I have been getting a bunch of UPS upcharges. Most of the time its a few dollars but this last one this week was a $76 additional charge. With the other ones I have got I rounded up on the measurements and still said I was off on the measurements by an inch and I weighed it at 79 lbs and they said it weighed 129 lbs. There is no way I could be off that much in weight. There is no way to dispute it that I can find. This was a 27 inch crt tv which was big so they must've hated it and just did it to spite me. That $76 additional charge really cut into my profits.

[@TalkingHelps]

I feel guilty buying anyting for myself! i work 60 hrs a week and still cant bring myself to spending money on anything that isnt justified. Truth is there isnt any money about to waste anymore on fun stuff on ebay or other platforms. People are fed up, the gig is over, in the UK anyway

[@melw2100]

My sales have been good this year. People are still spending.

[@rcgems]

I did very well on eBay during the 2007 recession. The amount of garage sales was crazy. People needed cash and was dragging everything out of the house. On a Sat I could garage sale from sun up to sun down and not get more than 3-4 miles from my house. I was a younger man in those days and could go Fri, Sat and Sun. On the resell side it was still a sub-culture that most did not embrace. If you did reselling you would tell them you were a condom salesman before you would admit to being a reseller. By 2008 I had been on eBay for 10 yrs. I was a flipper since I was a teenager so I saw the value in the eBay platform. So there was a lot less seller and you could still leave negative feedback on buyers. So maybe these rough patches will thin the heard. Overall I think you were pretty on point with what you said.

[@myleftthumb2294]

All you need is variety. My items are selling almost as fast as I can get them listed.

[@WillmobilePlus]

Same here. Lots of these people sell in ONE category or sell dumb simple mall brands, and then wonder why no one is buying.

[@SquirrellyResell]

Necessity for sanity might be my new favorite saying. I’m gonna steal it

[@DRventura333]

Agree. If people are able to, don't source unless you don't have any items and you won't add further debt. Don't put it on your Credit Card; pay cash as the interest rates on the credit cards also go up. People are paying only the minimum on their credit card payments and are losing a lot of money unnecessarily. True, many Sellers who went crazy sourcing past three years are "dumping" items in Auctions or putting 50 - 90% off on their items and this is bad for other sellers. Everyone should just try best they can to pay off their bills one by one, as the economy does not look to be improving globally, at present. Live for yourself not for others.

[@mrxquisite]

Great take on this Kevin.

[@debifritzsd]

Not sure what is wrong with you telling the truth. I agree with most of what you said. That’s why I watch these, you know what you’re talking about. 👍

[@DRventura333]

True. Many Sellers appreciate the dire economy but they also have bills to pay and when someone makes a crazy offer on an item (you buy for $20 and selling for $35, fees and shipping) and someone offers you $22 that's a kick in the gut when the buyer sends you a message that you are "greedy."

[@WillmobilePlus]

Kick in the gut? No, you were a complete and total buffoon for buying something for 20 dollars and trying to sell it whole 15 dollars more, as if your gross was the f'ing net. And why was there even a Best Offer on the listing if you couldnt take less? Like did this hypothetical seller bother to look up comps at all?

[@karyllvanness9037]

Are you going to talk about calculated shipping?

[@commonwealthflipper]

Yes

[@justme_320]

Finding my last comment equally appropriate in the mention of those who were doing alright....the Balwin sisters! In seriousness, I've been struggling with homelessness up and down in and out since my husband's arrest in 2016! After being diagnosed critically anemic due to lack of food to eat, and spending a year trying to get my health back, I'm about to take on a great paying job and I'll be able to rock-bottom my ebay store prices and hopefully keep it steady on the side. I just need to survive one more month until the job begins.

[@verdictv87]

I see this quite of bit too. One thing its. All the sellers who need capital and sell things so cheap have to turn around and spend that money in inflation necessaries. Desperate sellers have a $1k invested , settle for $500 . Losing money till bankrupt ...Then I buy there stuff at auctions!!!😂😂😂

[@TheBen8355]

Been selling on eBay for a long time and can't even call in to get help. Started with the pandemic and still no 800 number. They lay off all the support staff and charge more fees. We need a new platform.