Where have the sellers gone?

[wannabehokage]

This was something I was discussing during dollectable with one of my table mates and a few others.
Where have all the sellers gone? E-bay has become a Pit just in general. I know many that have forsaken the DoA market place. And Etsy seems to be the new horizon but in checking it. There seems to be few sellers. So where have all the sellers gone? The names and styles I was used to seeing a year ago have gone and in my personal opinion the quality with them. Have they all gone to their own websites now? Etsy starting to look mighty fine?
Inquireing Minds want to know~

[Angelsfalling]

Since I'm finally going to have time to start making more ready to wear, I'd love to know where people are looking for clothes. The marketplace here seems so dead...eBay? Etsy? DoA? ??

[Bobster]

Since I'm finally going to have time to start making more ready to wear, I'd love to know where people are looking for clothes. The marketplace here seems so dead...eBay? Etsy? DoA? ??

I think the economy has hit the ABJ market in the US especially hard for the short term. The market here at Resinality may not be as busy as others, but I have picked up what I consider great deals. If your products are stellar you will not have any problems selling them. You may not sell as many as you would have 2 years ago, but that will change when things get better. You also might try a local con. At Akon this summer there were 3 dealers selling ABJD stuff from parts to complete dolls. I did not see that many at AX, probably since Volks is in LA. In fact we went to Volks on Saturday afternoon durring AX and found the store packed with AX con people. At the AKON scheduled meetup the vendors all stood at the front of the room and introduced them selves and the products they were offering to the local audience. One local vendor has made a niche out of T’s. She is making them so then can be put on with out removing the head. She seems to sell a lot of them.

Bobby

[Angelsfalling]

I have sold a great deal to other countries, so the internet remains my link for that, but I have been meaning to try getting an Artist's Alley table at a con and try the waters. I'd like to get to a few ABJD cons as well. I admit to liking to do more intricate pieces to doing basics, but my jeans always sell well. I just need to do some new styles to jazz me up on them.

Here's an example of my work:

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll9/Violentclockworks/SweeneyCommission.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll9/Violentclockworks/Sweeneycommissionshirt.jpg

[wannabehokage]

I was one of the clothing sellers in the Artist alley at A-kon this year. We've been selling doll clothes there for I think...this was our 3rd year? I mean we hit up as many conventions as we can logisticly handel. (fanime, A-kon, AX (though not this year and possibly not for a while), Dollectable, Yaoi-con, sometimes other small local conventions)

But its always trying to find the right venu for when your between events. Indeed the market is slowing. The economy (in the US anyways) is slowing so of course everything else goes with it, useually the first to go down are hobbies and the like. Though I also think finding the right market, right way to get to that market and carveing out your nitch while its slow is a good market stand point. Cause once things pick up again your established and more known.

Time to put all that stuff I learned working at a speicaly store for 4 years to work!


I think the economy has hit the ABJ market in the US especially hard for the short term. You may not sell as many as you would have 2 years ago, but that will change when things get better. You also might try a local con. At Akon this summer there were 3 dealers selling ABJD stuff from parts to complete dolls. Bobby

[Marilyn]

I'd love to know where people are looking for clothes. The marketplace here seems so dead...eBay? Etsy? DoA? ??

I can't speak for the hobby as a whole, but for myself I know I look mostly for clothes on the DoA marketplace. I *try* to avoid ebay because, well, for so many reasons: quality control issues, shipping issues, questionable bidding issues. :shifty It's gotten to the point where most ebay transactions stress me out because how they turn out is a pure craps shoot.

My issue with Etsy is that stuff goes so quick that it's sometimes gone before a link even goes up for it in the marketplace. *_* It's a lovely little place and I'm all for supporting talented seamstresses, but I never bother to look because I assume hundreds will have picked it clean before me.

The Resinality marketplace is still off limits for me (I'm new here), but I figure when I do have access it'll probably be pit-stop number two.

[sgtgeorgecarter]

I'm thinking of going to Etsy for my stuff when ready. Ebay is an expensive hassle. The DOA marketplace is full of flakes and people looking for an $80 outfit for $10. I think several sellers have got their own webspace now as well.

[Daniel Falls]

I think that it is just a down period for buying, since this part of the year is pretty slow for most business especially during this recession. I work for a webstore, and business is pretty slow.

I personally just wait for new clothes from Volks and Dollheart. They are consistent with new outfits. There's a limit to my storage and spending habits FOR DOLL CLOTHES, since it's not a priority. So I limit my shopping to those two clothing companies.

Also, EBay has had a lot of new policy and fee changes. Sellers are probably suffering due to these changes, so they stop selling on EBay. Moggie has had recent problems in the marketplace. In a recent apology from him, he stated that EBay's policy and pricing changes is one of the reasons he has lost money.

[Angelsfalling]

Oh, isn't that the truth! Spend $700+ on a doll, dress them on the cheap. I don't mind so much if someone doesn't want to pay for detailed work, but don't try to haggle my price down by telling me you can't see why it's so much. There's a big difference between Walmart clothing and Nordstom's, much less custom work! And I still charge too little on my commissions, I guess, since I just saw a custom coat I made get re-sold for half again as much as I charged. The main reason I'd like to eBay some things is the bidding, since I tend to undercharge if left to myself. This is why I'm phasing out custom work if it's not straightforward. I put so much into it trying to get it perfect that it sometimes runs late and stresses me out, so I end up getting later and later. I think this is why a good deal of the clothiers have stopped doing commissions. Most people don't seem to understand how much time it takes to find materials, sometimes order them, only to find out they aren't right, draft and fit custom patterns,ect. I'd like to get to re-use a pattern, and use some of the pretty fabrics I already have for a change.

But how do you get people TO your website? I think hitting all the bases is a good idea, cons, website, eBay, Marketplaces, Etsy, ect.

What tags do do you use at Etsy? If you're a buyer, how do you search? I've never sold there before, but people do seem to actually sell things there, so I'm willing to give it a try...

I'm thinking of going to Etsy for my stuff when ready. Ebay is an expensive hassle. The DOA marketplace is full of flakes and people looking for an $80 outfit for $10. I think several sellers have got their own webspace now as well.

[Marilyn]

From a buyer's perspective:

Oh, isn't that the truth! Spend $700+ on a doll, dress them on the cheap. I don't mind so much if someone doesn't want to pay for detailed work, but don't try to haggle my price down by telling me you can't see why it's so much.

I have certainly asked sellers on a few occassions if they're willing to take less than the stated price, but I would never tell someone "I can't see why it's so much." Yeesh... that's classless. If you feel justified to ask for a discount, then ask without insulting someone, and accept their decision. I've had alternate offers turned down by sellers. Sometimes I decide I really *do* want an item and pay more than I'd like, and sometimes I thank them for their time and walk away.

But how do you get people TO your website? I think hitting all the bases is a good idea, cons, website, eBay, Marketplaces, Etsy, ect.

There's also the signature line of your posts. A lot of times I spot things in a sig that I missed in a marketplace.

What tags do do you use at Etsy? If you're a buyer, how do you search? I've never sold there before, but people do seem to actually sell things there, so I'm willing to give it a try...

I always start my search with BJD. If the entry is not tagged with that, I'll never see it. Of course, I rarely go to Etsy anyway... :sweat

[wannabehokage]

What tags do do you use at Etsy? If you're a buyer, how do you search? I've never sold there before, but people do seem to actually sell things there, so I'm willing to give it a try...

I am selling on there now, and what I put in my tags is BJD, Dollfie, whatever sized doll it its for, company name, etc. Pretty much like I would on a e-bay auction as much info as can possibly be to make it pop up in a search.

[Janne]

I definitely think having a link in your forum signature helps locate your shop. At least, I know I check those out when I see a style I like.

I'd love to see the Marketplace here get busier. I think there was a thread up earlier from the mods asking for suggestions on improvements. I was wondering myself (although I like the classified system) if having the option for DoA style posts with many items would be something sellers would like here?

[sgtgeorgecarter]

I definitely think having a link in your forum signature helps locate your shop. At least, I know I check those out when I see a style I like.

Absolutely! Best free advertising you can have


I'd love to see the Marketplace here get busier. I think there was a thread up earlier from the mods asking for suggestions on improvements. I was wondering myself (although I like the classified system) if having the option for DoA style posts with many items would be something sellers would like here?

Yes. Yes it would. I have a huge number of items to unload and to be honest, I didn't post them here because I didn't want to have to fill out all that ad business for each and every piece. While thats good for a few items on occasion, it's really tedious if you have a lot or if you sell often.

[Janne]

Yes. Yes it would. I have a huge number of items to unload and to be honest, I didn't post them here because I didn't want to have to fill out all that ad business for each and every piece. While thats good for a few items on occasion, it's really tedious if you have a lot or if you sell often.

I really sort of feel the same way. I think the classifies are great for some items (or dolls), but it would be nice to be able to throw the rest up in a post that could be edited as the sales went along. But then the forum would need a DoA-style feedback forum as well. I guess I'd like the option, though.

[Poppy]

I have noticed this also..it has to be down to the finantial crunch we are all in, i tend to look and search for individuals web sites for clothes, ive long since given up on Ebay though i do rely on it for boots and general foorwear.

[wannabehokage]

I think this forums style of market place is interesting and different. Kind of refreshing really. But it is inconvinent for selling multiple items. Though also DoA's marketplace turns me off cause of how hard it is to find items due to bad labeling or tags. Also its turn-over is horrendous (cause of number of users I am sure) and I am a bit too lazy to go back too far.
But it seems if you want to sell these days in any business you have to promote, promote, promote. Since even if this is hobby kind of work and sewing, if you want to be a success you have to have a good product and be willing to market yourself.

[Merry]

But it's WAY easier for buyers to find items listed in a marketplace style rather than the gawd-awful "a million things in one post with a vague title" garage sale method. Being an effective seller means making it as easy as possible for buyers to find your items even if it's "tedious" to list them.

Even eBay, in spite of the pit it's become, is a good example of how single listings are much more easily searchable than if it were run garage sale style. Etsy is another example. In both cases a seller needs to create a listing per item and because of that it's much MUCH easier to search and browse through items. Not to mention it just plain looks and feels more professional and not like one is rummaging about in a box they've left out in the driveway. XD



Yes. Yes it would. I have a huge number of items to unload and to be honest, I didn't post them here because I didn't want to have to fill out all that ad business for each and every piece. While thats good for a few items on occasion, it's really tedious if you have a lot or if you sell often.

[sgtgeorgecarter]

Well in my case it is a garage sale so there you are :)

[Otty]

Probably member here really love the dolls and don't want to sell them? ^ ^
I think the seller comes and goes on and off. Probably this is 'off' time

[AnnaMayBelle]

I've heard eBay described as "the pit" before, but I've met a few people who've found some really high-quality items for great deals. I guess it all boils down to the dealer and their history.

[Janne]

I think eBay's fine (for buying) if you know what you're looking at or are familiar with the sellers. Too many dolls, though, are described as "Super Dollfies" - misleading newbies to make expensive mistakes.

With the higher fees now, I would really hate to sell there.

[aiowen_darray]

Good question... I remember when I first joined DoA and everything in the market place was just so awesome in quality and sellers were prompt... Now you just find the same old teens trend outfit... u.u

[Raouken]

I rarely buy from ebay..maybe it's just me, but I can never find what I want ^^;; Usually I buy stuff from the DoA marketplace, and I also used to sell there, but not right now because I'm busy with school..I did get myself a dealership with Triskel Fantasy(a dutch shop, also selling bjd and such) though, so they will be selling things for me when I start again. For me, that is really perfect-I can create things without having to worry about shipping, emailing, payment etc because they're doing all that for me. Plus I know them personally and know they're reliable. It just takes a lot of time and stress away ^_^

When I have things for sale, I link it in my signature-I find that really helps. I also post pictures of my dolls wearing the things I made, if people are intrested they'll see the link in my sig. I sell through local cons as well, and on local forums. The Dutch market is actually quite a big market for me, because people know me and when they've bought something from me and their doll wears it at a meet-up or they take pictures, it's somewhat advertising for me. It's much easier to 'spread the word' and become known in smaller communities, or communities within communities, such as the Unoa and Narae threads on DoA-people know each other there. I find it works well to 'operate' on a smaller scale, in several smaller communities, and I enjoy it that way-it's nice knowing who buys your stuff and maybe seeing some pictures of it later-after all, you're putting a lot of work and love into it ^_^

I haven't tried selling on ebay btw, maybe because I never buy so I have no feedback XD Maybe I'll try it through Triskel in the future-I've heard good things about selling through ebay(as in that a lot of people see it so you can sell it for more than on DoA), though it's a little unpersonal for me. I rarely look at Etsy as well, though from what I've seen there's quite a lot of cute stuff there

[Bobster]

I think eBay's fine (for buying) if you know what you're looking at or are familiar with the sellers. Too many dolls, though, are described as "Super Dollfies" - misleading newbies to make expensive mistakes.

With the higher fees now, I would really hate to sell there.

Good point about ebay. As a newbie, I was overwhelmed with the choices. I ended up at the Volks site and store. I really wanted one of the Korean dolls, but got a Volks because they took major credit cards and the store was hosted with Yahoo. It also helped that shipping was only 2 or 3 days and not 2 to 6 weeks. I am really glad I went with them and have been very happy overall.

Bobby

[Phoenix]

Good question... I remember when I first joined DoA and everything in the market place was just so awesome in quality and sellers were prompt... Now you just find the same old teens trend outfit... u.u

I can't agree more. There are too many people selling random miniature items that aren't necessarily in scale with these dolls as well. I used to be able to find awesome stuff in DoA a few years back, now the same few sellers bump their threads daily and I feel like I keep seeing the same stuff (that people don't want to buy) over and over again. :damnit

[hobbywhelmed]

There are also the two Yahoo groups for selling now too. The one for dolls and doll parts and the other for clothing and accessories. Actually more convenient for selling individual and small quantities, since the items are immediately visible in a categorized photo-album format

Ebay - don't get me started. I still find a lot of good things there, but it is definitely a hassle, and now they don't let you take payment via anything but paypal. (And keep trying to get you to offer "free shipping" by burying the shipping fee in your selling price. Sure. So they can get final fees off that extra bit, too--

[elphsnt]

I sold on DOA recently, but I agree that sometimes people are only looking for "cheap" on DOA. The only reason I was selling, though, was because I am rethinking my collection and no longer had a doll in that particular size.

I don't know about anyone else, but I rarely purchase or sell on marketplaces. I prefer to purchase my clothes from clothes makers in Asia or from a company on-line. If buying on-line I want a return option if the item doesn't meet my expectations.

[d.ark]

There are also the two Yahoo groups for selling now too. The one for dolls and doll parts and the other for clothing and accessories. Actually more convenient for selling individual and small quantities, since the items are immediately visible in a categorized photo-album format

Ebay - don't get me started. I still find a lot of good things there, but it is definitely a hassle, and now they don't let you take payment via anything but paypal. (And keep trying to get you to offer "free shipping" by burying the shipping fee in your selling price. Sure. So they can get final fees off that extra bit, too--

Yahoo group link?

And regarding Ebay: Do they not already charge you fees on your shipping? I seem to have been hit by that and did not know so did not actually think of adding to the price so ended up really short on a cheap item ><
But, I could be wrong?

[noelle]

I'm a bit wary about buying actual dolls on eBay. I feel like I trust members of established doll forums more to sell second-hand dolls than I do with someone who may have no "doll specific" feedback, if that makes any sense. I buy clothes on DoA, too, but the clothing forum in the marketplace is abysmal. Tons of images I don't want to see, all loading slowly and randomly, just to see one poorly labeled and overpriced hat... gah.

I love to look for random scaled items on eBay, though. Lots of hobby communities use the same scaling system, making it easy to use. I'm on the lookout for the perfect yo-sized couch, and I know it'll show up there eventually. :)

[Gardenia]

I'm a bit wary of Ebay for dolls too, though I suppose when you think about it, it's no different than anywhere else, in terms of security.

[Happy.Knot]

I find Ebay overwhelming and rarely go there anymore. I like DOA's marketplace for the dolls and yes I do go there for bargains. I just feel a little more secure purchasing from a seller on DOA because of how on-the-ball the community is about the feedback system. I also like their section for custom work - like face-up artists. Not only is there a thread for their sales but a seperate one in the gallery section so you can even see owner pictures of the work. You don't get that with Ebay or Etsy.

A little OT: But when you go looking for custom work, you find an artist who's work you greatly admire and you contact them about a commission ~ I feel it is very rude to ask them to lower their price. You have to consider the work they put into advertising, photographs, posting, packaging, running to the post office AND the work itself. When you think about all that can you still honestly say it's fair to ask for a lower price?

[Bobster]

I find Ebay overwhelming and rarely go there anymore. I like DOA's marketplace for the dolls and yes I do go there for bargains. I just feel a little more secure purchasing from a seller on DOA because of how on-the-ball the community is about the feedback system. I also like their section for custom work - like face-up artists. Not only is there a thread for their sales but a seperate one in the gallery section so you can even see owner pictures of the work. You don't get that with Ebay or Etsy.

A little OT: But when you go looking for custom work, you find an artist who's work you greatly admire and you contact them about a commission ~ I feel it is very rude to ask them to lower their price. You have to consider the work they put into advertising, photographs, posting, packaging, running to the post office AND the work itself. When you think about all that can you still honestly say it's fair to ask for a lower price?

Yes, I do think it is ok to ask for a lower price at times. I just purchased an item for $80.00. The seller had been asking for $100.00. The seller was not offended and took the offer. I do agree that unreasonable counter offers are not acceptable. If the item is substantially overvalued and I would have to make an insulting offer I just walk away from the sale with out making any offer. In the example above, I never would have offered $40.00. For what I got, that would have been unreasonable to do so.

Bobby

[susiesadeyes]

No one is selling the cool new minis or pocket faries, or older tiny bjds I want on ebay! The bidding goes wild with so few up for auction. Hope the
spring brings new stuff!

[boots]

I have no problem finding dolls or clothes on DoA... There are just too many of those that I want. :) My problem is to find sellers in Europe; because the customs and the postage are killing me... I do not own very expensive dolls - cannot afford that - and I cannot affor expensive clothes either...

What I would like was to get my dolls some basic clothes - t-shirts, pants, jeans, stockings and so on - things I cannot make myself - and then I would put my own touch to the clothes. I just can't seem to find a place that sells basic clothes with no fancy stuff - in mini and tiny sizes. I do wish I could make it myself; but as I'm in bed most of the time that would be impossible.

I don't know how the marketplace looks here; because I'm not allowed inthere just yet. :)