At what point do you open a Store?

Hi Marcia,
I have a store because I sell a lot of different types of items. Also, I have quite a few items that don't have high turnover. Keeping them all in live auctions would be expensive in the long run. I also sell a lot of cheap items. I did the math and found that I would end up paying less in fees if they were listed through a store than through auctions.

It's really something that depends on what you sell, how much you sell, and how expensive it is.

There are some items which I always keep in auction format so they get the exposure. There are also some items which I always keep in my store because there is essentially no competition... when someone searches for them, they will show up.

I really like the perks of a store, too. The sales reports, the traffic reports, the email marketing, and Selling Manager are all beneficial to my business.

Can you still open a store with a free trial month? If so, give it a shot. It's easy to set up, and you will know at the end of the month if it is worth your money.

Hope that helps!
Roxi

Roxi,

Thank you very much for the insight! I have started selling new children's clothing, mainly Ralph Lauren, and while some things are hot right now, other types of garments still sell but not for as much in an auction format. I wanted to still offer the items but need to recoup the costs and make a little too. =)

They are still offering the 30 day free trial so maybe I should try it. Can you still use Auctiva's templates and site to upload store offerings?

Again, thanks for the input!
Marcia

I think a store would be a plus for children's items. it's a nice place to "park" the off season items. You still need to run auctions to draw the customers in.

Try offering a shipping discount for buying more then 1 item and make this known in your auctions. This will encourage people to go to your store and look for additional items.

The ebay Stores Board is also a very friendly and helpful place to visit

Somebody cough up their store referal link and when she's ready to sign up for the store...voila! Bonus time!

I don't have my referral link handy. Dadgummit!

Too tired to find it, too!

Yeah, I agree with everything cake and WAHM said! There's a huge plus to having stores! Mine more than pays for itself..lotsa times over and on more than one ID, too.

Night!
Donna

quote:

Originally posted by marciay96:
They are still offering the 30 day free trial so maybe I should try it. Can you still use Auctiva's templates and site to upload store offerings?

You should definitely try it!

And yes, you can use the Auctiva templates. Listing something in your store is exactly the same as what you are currently doing. Right now, you have the option to list an item as an auction or fixed-price... when you get a store, you will also have the option to list the item as store inventory. The rest is exactly the same. Oh, and the time range is different for store items, but that is a minor detail.

defintly open a store if you sell numerous items. store listings can run good until cancelled for 3 cents a month. but hot items you should list for the 7 day fixed price. other items you can let go cheap, put on auction. you only need a few items on the more expensive listings, they will bring interested buyers to your store for the in store listings. always use the gallery photo for your listing the cost is worth it. happy selling

Thank you all for your great insight into my dilemma! I will go ahead and work on opening a store this weekend and sort through my inventory. If anyone has any more suggestions on this, please let me know!
Marcia

Okay I have another questions about stores...what do you do if you go on vacation? Do you have to cancel everything or can it be put on hold or something? I have not opened up my store yet as I remembered that we are going away in a couple of weeks for 6 days and now I don't know if I should wait (I really want to get on this now though). Any thoughts are much appreciated! Marcia

Hi marcia
No, you dont cancel anything, go to manage your store and there is a vacation setting in the left navigation towards the bottom. It's really quite simple just a little scarry when you first start out.

I guess I should explain a little better. When you want to shut down for a few days, there is a vacation setting where you can leave a message telling customers when you left and when you will be back. None of your listing will be cancelled they are put on hold until the date you specify. Open your store and get selling!
lodgycole2709

Thanks wildgal for the info!! I knew I could count on you all to help me out!
After todays weather here in Charlotte though (sunny and 72) I am not sure I want to go away (back to Buffalo where we just moved from) but at least if I go, I know the store will be taken care of. Thanks again! Marcia

No problem, that's what the forum is for. we are all here to help each other out. and share experiences that we have had. and hopefully help.