Okay... Tonight I am fed up with ebay! Ebay has been plagued with so many changes, glitches, and problems over the last year I could write a book about them. I am nearing my breaking point. I know I am not alone here, this entry is for everyone frustrated with ebay... sellers and buyers!
Earlier this week it was issues with my images and Inkfrog. No one could view the images in my 700 listings for a day. If my images aren't available I can't sell my wares. Now, there are issues with listing new items on ebay. This issue has been occurring for 2 weeks... on May 7th, we were told ebay was treating this as a "Priority Issue" and they are working on it... here it is MAY 23 and the problem still exists! Meaning, I can't list new items until the problem is resolved. I have dozens of new items and 100's of hours invested in new creations I can't list.
In the midst of all these glitches and problems ebay made sure they sent me my monthly bill on May 15th. Heaven forbid they not be paid!
I am an artist that relies on ebay. I work hard and take great pride in being a kind and responsible ebay seller. I squeak out enough money to pay my bills and survive (with Ian's help). If I don't have the ability to list and sell items, I can't stay in business... I can't pay the bills... I can't continue to do what I love to do!
I know I am small beans compared to what larger "powersellers" hand over to ebay... but little me managed to pay ebay thousands of dollars in seller fees last year. My jaw dropped when I did my taxes for 2008. And despite all of the fees I pay, I could get through to the pentagon easier than I can get real help from ebay.
When I tell people I am on ebay they look at me like I have 6 heads and say, with question in their voice, "Really?" Most have given up on ebay... and despite all of these issues I have hung in there. I have often contemplated etsy or creating my own website... this may be the push I need to make the move.
I will be sure to keep everyone posted. I have met so many wonderful people on ebay it kills me to think of moving. I hope my ebay friends will follow me to etsy or wherever I decide to go...I'll be sure to keep you posted while I figure it all out!
Thank you for "listening." In the 3 years I've been blogging I have never gone crazy, mad--- tonight is the night! Please feel free to leave a comment. Know an alternative to ebay that you're happy with? -Let me know!!
I included pictures of some of the pretties I have waiting to be listed on ebay (grrr...)
Hello...you popped up on my google feed for ebay alternatives. I am really sorry this is happening to you! Things got beyond me a year ago (I am also an artist and paint childrens furniture and create quilts etc.) I was pretty much supporting myself on ebay when their changes made it impossible. ETSY is a very viable location for many artists. Bonanzle is also a great one for handcrafted jewelry. If you wish to leave and don't want to start your own site, I would advise those 2 as your top spots to start on. ( There are so many out there and I have tried most!) Also don't put all your eggs in one basket. Many folks stay on ebay as they get going on other venues. Good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteI love Etsy. I've never had any problems with them. I hope you find something that works better for you!
ReplyDeleteWell I definitely understand your frustration with eBay. I sell handmade jewelry and although I used to sell various other things on eBay to make some side money, I never tried selling my jewelry there, because I have had so many issues with eBay in the past. I think they are just too big to deal with all of the issues people have, and so users are basically just regulating themselves and hoping they don't get screwed over! I have lost money on eBay due to fraudulent sellers and eBay never did a thing as far as pursuing the problem and helping me in solving it. I have pretty much stopped using eBay altogether unless I happen to be looking for something specific that I can't seem to find anywhere else. I think it's ridiculous that this is your livelihood and you're having to wait weeks in order to get a problem fixed. They need to understand that every day that goes by where a seller is not selling is affecting their business. That's like waiting for your paycheck and having it be 3 weeks late. By the way, you make beautiful jewelry!
ReplyDeleteI am one of your lurkers, but had to send you a comment. My husband has sold on Ebay and probably will again (he collects stamps), but I never have due to the problems he has encountered. I also make jewelry, but follow you as yours are wonderful. I sell on ETSY and 1000 Markets, so check them both out as I highly recommend them. I also have a web site, but with the other selling sites available, I choose not to do an e-commerce site and only have a gallery.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and know there are other options than Ebay.
Etsy All the way! I moved off of Ebay also a year ago and have not looked back. I have done very well on Etsy. You might also want to look into Artfire.com too.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
I love your work!
Hi there - Etsy would be a good bet for you. If you want the UK market - try Misi, its new, up&coming and a very lovely place to sell.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you.....