I Dislike Ebay. REALLY Dislike It.
January 13, 2009 4:02 PM Subscribe
Is there an alternative to Ebay? I read THIS question, but it's been a year since it was asked, so I was wondering if anybody has found a decent alternative. I know that Ebay is the biggest, most well known auction site, but have any of you found anything that does the same basic thing? I'm in the US if it helps.
Yeah, I'm REALLY HATING Ebay right now...
Response by poster: I'm selling clothes - Mostly plus size formal/fancy/party dresses.
posted by TurquoiseZebra at 4:30 PM on January 13, 2009
posted by TurquoiseZebra at 4:30 PM on January 13, 2009
could you do consignment at a local store? I think a boutique for plus sized women would benefit if they had a fancy dress consignment section. You have to convince them of this.
posted by parmanparman at 4:40 PM on January 13, 2009
posted by parmanparman at 4:40 PM on January 13, 2009
Hey that's my question! And I never really found a satisfying answer. I shut down my eBay store a few months after I posted that (after almost 3 years selling pinback buttons). I got out just before the major changes went into effect. I probably would have bent over for eBay, but I also got a full time job and the time it took wasn't worth the money or stress it was bringing in.
The problem is that there is no auction competition, and it will be very difficult to start one now. I think a lot of sellers would leave if there was a new site, but it would have to be from someone reputable and wealthy enough to afford a mass PR campaign to get both buyers and sellers onboard.
eBay's current policies are ridiculous, but they're the only auction game in town.
That's not to say you can't sell online. Your profile lists Phoenix, and the local Craigslist clothing section looks bustling. Of course you'd have to figure out if they're selling by contacting some of the sellers, but it looks like you could do a good business locally. You might have to deliver a lot of goods in person though.
If you're committed to online, you could join some communities, offer some items, and set up a website. You can get a store from Paypal, they'll take their cut but it's much less than eBay. You'd have to remain active in the communities, advertising certain items and such, to make sure that people go to the site.
Good luck! I empathize with your eBay pain!
posted by yellowbinder at 4:49 PM on January 13, 2009
The problem is that there is no auction competition, and it will be very difficult to start one now. I think a lot of sellers would leave if there was a new site, but it would have to be from someone reputable and wealthy enough to afford a mass PR campaign to get both buyers and sellers onboard.
eBay's current policies are ridiculous, but they're the only auction game in town.
That's not to say you can't sell online. Your profile lists Phoenix, and the local Craigslist clothing section looks bustling. Of course you'd have to figure out if they're selling by contacting some of the sellers, but it looks like you could do a good business locally. You might have to deliver a lot of goods in person though.
If you're committed to online, you could join some communities, offer some items, and set up a website. You can get a store from Paypal, they'll take their cut but it's much less than eBay. You'd have to remain active in the communities, advertising certain items and such, to make sure that people go to the site.
Good luck! I empathize with your eBay pain!
posted by yellowbinder at 4:49 PM on January 13, 2009
Considering what you are selling, would you consider contacting these guys? From what I understand, they are the first Vintage clothing store dedicated solely plus sizes. If you don't want to sell directly to them, they may still have some advice.
posted by piratebowling at 5:04 PM on January 13, 2009
posted by piratebowling at 5:04 PM on January 13, 2009
If any of the dresses are vintage, you could try selling them on etsy. Also, if there's a local livejournal community, you can try there--I've had tons of success with the one for my town, but it's a very active community.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 5:16 PM on January 13, 2009
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 5:16 PM on January 13, 2009
Bonanzle: it's the new hotness for vintage and collectible items. If you were selling video games, I'd suggest my site. (No self-link, but it's in the profile.)
posted by sachinag at 5:17 PM on January 13, 2009
posted by sachinag at 5:17 PM on January 13, 2009
One of my friends sells stuff on Fatshionista pretty regularly, and vastly prefers it to eBay. She's also had success on Etsy.
posted by box at 6:46 PM on January 13, 2009
posted by box at 6:46 PM on January 13, 2009
Hey TurquoiseZebra—I'm in the market for plus size formal/fancy/party dresses! I'd love to see what you have, and make you an offer if any of it works for me. Mefimail me if you're interested.
posted by ocherdraco at 7:02 PM on January 13, 2009
posted by ocherdraco at 7:02 PM on January 13, 2009
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posted by kimdog at 4:24 PM on January 13, 2009