I have to wonder if the store owners are selling the items for more in their stores. I have over 65% of my items being sold in from my ebay store consistantly for over 3 yrs.
I first put the items in my store, then to bring in the customers I will send a few to the auctions. I have been amazed at how many Ebayers do not know there are Ebay stores.
I always tell them that 'this item is available as a buy it now in our Ebay store. Please check for other sizes, colors, etc....We keep the store prices low so you don't have to bid, Unless you just want to.'
Sometimes I add 'Please do not overbid on this item. It is available as a buy it now in the store and refunds for overbidding are not given.'
I have had lots of email from the customers saying that they like my slogan..Hmmmm I really had not intended it to be a slogan..lol
My auctions start just $1-$5 ($5.00 on Daybeds, cribs) dollars less than I sell them in the store for.
Why?
I use suppliers and do have to make sure that my cost for the products are covered. It apparently does not concern the customers since I have seen them bid $40.00 for a set of T-shirts, than they could have gotten it from our store. GO FIGURE!! Talk about an addition to gambling..lol
If the store items cost considerly more, why would anyone want to purchase instead of bid?
We all know most people like the fun of bidding for an item.
I have actually had customers tell me that they will bid up to $.50 to the selling price, because .50 is .50 saved. Once they get this close and it looks like they are not going to win, they simply purchase it from the store.
It makes no difference if it is a $400.00 bedding set and they are getting it for less than $150.00 in the store. Some customer are just have to bid while others, know a bargain when they see one, and will purchase it from the stores.
You do have to work on getting people to the store. Advertise the ebay store and not the auctions, on every free to advertise site that you can find.
Auctiva the free Ebay listing site, gives you a free online store where they list your Ebay products.
Sorry I do have a tendency to ramble on..lol
Good luck on Ebay, eCrater and everywhere else you sell.
Gods blessings to all
Mary
MarJac Outets