Ina's Podcasts

AuctionBytes Presents
Ecommerce Industry SoundBytes

May 10, 2009

Michael Miller: Migrating from eBay to Amazon and Craigslist

Sun May 10 2009 23:15:13

Michael Miller is a best-selling author and has written a number of books about selling on eBay. His latest book is called, "Selling Online 2.0: Migrating from eBay to Amazon, craigslist, and Your Own E-Commerce Website." Michael joins AuctionBytes.com Editor Ina Steiner to explain why many established sellers are looking for an alternative to selling on eBay and why he believes they should focus on Amazon, Craigslist and their own ecommerce websites. He also talks about the changing role of online auctions and reviews some major product categories and explains which marketplaces - including eBay - work best for each type of product, including antiques and collectibles, clothing, electronics and jewelry. Michael said having a business plan and a commitment to marketing is crucial to the success of any online seller who wants to take their business to the next level. Run time: 20:46

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Readers Comments for: Michael Miller: Migrating from eBay to Amazon and Craigslist

Comment left by: Paul Anthony

Mon May 11 2009 23:12:44

I found this podcast very interesting and informative. As an eBay seller I am considering diversifying my marketing and expanding my sales. Michael Miller is very explanatory on the subject and Ina asked all the right questions for me. Thanks, Paul

Comment left by: afabulousfind

Tue May 12 2009 012:16:09

Sorry but I don't find this very helpful, very slanted to not step on ebay's toes. I have sold for over 12 years, ebay is in most cases is not the place to sell antiques and collectibles and realize a decent price. I sell a little here and there on ebay but only items that my research shows will sell quickly, equates to only a few pieces. I used to have an average of 200 items a week with a high sell thru rate listed on ebay. I moved to Tias and GoAntiques just over a year ago, fees are better, sales are good and I get full value for my items. Ebay does not want this type of market anymore. I will be expanding to ECrater and Bonanzle. I also know many other sellers that sell different products then I do, they have moved to some of the above sites and Amazon, had more success then on ebay. Additionally I never hear any good comments about ebay anymore, don't like the search or have been ripped off, most of these comments are made by buyers, already know what most sellers think!

Comment left by: Carol

Tue May 12 2009 15:07:14

I think the author featured in this podcast underplayed the tremendous amount of effort involved in making a go of an individual web site. The kind of marketing that brings a substantial number of visitors and buyers is a monumental task for an individual web site owner.

Ebay (and Amazon for those whose products are appropriate to sell there) are the big guns in producing traffic. No amount of harping on ebay's policies or fees is likely to change that.

My experience selling antiques and collectibles on ebay has been very positive overall. It's no longer an easy place to sell, but it has more traffic than all the small alternatives put together.

I don't understand afabulousfind's statement that fees are better on TIAS and GoAntiques. My ebay plus Paypal fees are still about 15% of sales (including my ebay store subscription). When I have compared fees on other sites, I've found them to be much higher. Many people who don't have experience selling in a brick and mortar venue still cling to the dream of zero overhead.

Comment left by: bad advice

Tue May 26 2009 026:59:51

This guy doesn't know what he is talking about. Amazon fees are so high it is impossible to make any money AND just screw up and get kicked off FOREVER.
Sellers would be better served focusing on new selling sites iOffer.com and Bonanzle.com. No hassles, little fees, too new to screww the seller and lots of time to grow together. I would basically do the opposite of what m miller suggests.