eBay Sales

$5572 as of September 26, 2010

Thursday, April 22, 2010

The 4 Reasons Your Item Isn't Attracting Attention

You guys might remember one of my first posts was about a pre-owned infant winter vest I was hoping to sell.  That item did not sell, and before relisting it I came to you to ask for advice about what might possibly be the problem.  On that occasion it was fairly apparent to me why the item wasn't selling.  After all, eBay is extremely seasonal and at the end of winter people are just not looking to invest in warm clothes - especially for kids.

I'd like to run the same exercise with another item, except this time I have NO IDEA why this item is not attracting the attention I think it deserves.  As a reminder, there are four general reasons why certain items don't sell.

1) The item is undesirable (i.e.people aren't looking for this item)
2) Your item seems undesirable (i.e. people are in the market for your type of item, but something about your item makes it seem unappealing)
3) People can't find your item (i.e., there are people in the market for your item but something about the way you've listed it prevents them from finding it)
4) You got greedy (i.e. price + shipping is too high)

So here's the situation.  I'm selling the Ferragamo loafers you see pictured right.  I've got the item listed as a Buy It Now with Best Offer for $69.99.  I'm offering free shipping.

Title: Salvatore Ferragamo Spring Flats Driving Shoes sz 6
Impressions (i.e., number of times the item has appeared in search results): 500 - 750
Page Views: 21
Watchers: 1

To see the full listing, click here.

Here's my analysis of the situation.  First, the number of impressions seems low.  My really popular items have had THOUSANDS of impressions, this one has one 750 at most.  Second, the click through rate is ALSO low.  That means that the few people who are looking for a similar item aren't click on MY item when it comes up in search results.  Third, my watchers to viewers is again low.  The maxi dress I shared with you has 110 views and 9 watchers - i.e., 8% of people who click through to the item end up watching it.  That figure is 4% for this particular item

Now I know this item is desirable.  It's the right color, they're in great shape and they're Ferragamos for God's sake!  Could the price be too high?  But no, because that wouldn't be causing the low impressions problem.... and it's got Best Offer.  Could the picture be unappealing?  Could it be women are looking for sandals right now and don't want to bother with loafers?  Did I write the title differently from the way people are searching for this?

From a consumers perspective, what do YOU guys think might be wrong??

4 comments:

Christine said...

Honestly, I've never heard of Ferragamo. Next, I don't think I'd ever buy orange shoes.

I think it's a pretty particular taste, so you minght not get quite as many views if they were say, black. So to find someone who wants orange shoes in that particular size might be difficult.

That's just my opinion though. And I'm REALLY not into fashion. I hope you find someone though!

Elisa V said...

Thanks, Christine! You may be right.

Although you know what's funny? I've noticed that orange and yellow are the "it" colors on eBay right now. I had this orange skirt up before that started an all-out bidding way. The yellow dress from the giveaway also did very well.... I thought it would apply to shoes, too, but you're probably right.

Anonymous said...

I think those shoes are beautiful! And for $69??? C'mon! You are practically GIVING THEM AWAY FOR FREE! Good luck!

Elisa V said...

Thanks! Do you wear a size 6?? Stop by the listing and check them out!