Amazon business not working - What's the solution?

[NewTime]

I started an Amazon business recently and I have hit a few bumps in the road.

I got stuck in numbers and margins on a mixed batch of fashion items and then realised they was mainly european brands. My prices are all the lowest in the UK, but struggles in Europe with postage changes any potentialy to get the buy box in Europe. Plus the VAT issues in Germany and France.

Ebay has weirdly banned me without even selling a single item.

I have tons of stock and it isn't selling enough.

IS there any way out of it? Or other sales opportunities?

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Your own website?

 

[MBE2017]

There are always other sale opportunities.

 

[Mike Godwin]

Firstly, why has Ebay banned you? The answer to this may help you going forward.

 

[MarkOnline]

Get your coat on and go sell it, local market, carboot sale etc etc. Get money in ASAP preferably with some profit. Online trading is a tough ask for new entrants unless you have a great USP.
Good luck.

 

[japancool]

Get out of a business where your USP is having the lowest price.

 

[NewTime]

Thanks for the replies.

In terms of Ebay - I genuinely have no idea why I got banned from trading on there, I had got verified and everything, then they banned me. I can only think the reason is that I once had an PayPal account banned (a very long time ago).

There are other opportunities, car boots and markets are out there, but I don't drive so that is holding me back too.

I might have to look into my own website, that seems a potential solution.

 

[alan1302]

In terms of Ebay - I genuinely have no idea why I got banned from trading on there, I had got verified and everything, then they banned me. I can only think the reason is that I once had an PayPal account banned (a very long time ago).

Why don't you ask them so you know. You might be able to get reinstated.

 

[fisicx]

We’re you selling well on eBay before the ban or just a trickle of sales.

Being the cheapest is pointless if nobody likes the product you are selling.

If you do set up your own website all you profit will go on marketing.

 

[NewTime]

I am permanently suspended off EBay - you can't appeal this and the email says barely anything to help you understand why.

I hadn't sold a thing on Ebay at the time. Like I say, I can only think it is due to my Paypal being banned years ago.

 

[alan1302]

I am permanently suspended off EBay - you can't appeal this and the email says barely anything to help you understand why.

I hadn't sold a thing on Ebay at the time. Like I say, I can only think it is due to my Paypal being banned years ago.

Did you ask them why after your email telling you that you were banned?

 

[Ryan Paul]

Marketplace, for the time being.
If your serious about your venture then you're going to have to speak to eBay.

 

[MOIC]

Could the problem be that the brands you’re offering for sale are not original?

 

[NewTime]

I don't mean to be rude when replying, but I have already wrote what my situation is with Ebay. So here it is again.

As soon as you try and contact Ebay about this issue they immediately close live chat and send you an automated email which repeats the same. In the orginal email they say that my account closure is permanent and can't be appealed (although I have tried to communicate).

As for brands and so on, I hadn't listed or sold one single item on Ebay at the time. Perhaps it maybe an issue that I hadn't immediately done so?

However, I genuinely believe this has something to do when my account got blocked with Paypal a very long time ago.

 

[NewTime]

I don't think I can keep going round and round about the Ebay issue as they simply aren't moving.

It is frustrating and I am not sure it would improve my sales as much as I would like anyway.

Here is Ebay respoinse FWIW

On login:

According to our records, your account has violated our site policies. We've sent a note to (email) informing you of this decision.

Offical email:

Your eBay account has been permanently suspended because we noticed activity that we believe is a risk to our community.

This means the following:
- You can’t buy or sell on eBay any longer. Any other accounts that you own or that are associated with this account have also been suspended.
- Outstanding selling fees are due immediately, and any amounts that you haven’t previously disputed will be charged to the payment method we have on file.

The safety of our community is a top priority for us, so our decision to permanently suspend your account is final and can’t be appealed.

 

[Alan]

Open a new ebay business account. Different name / address / email.

 

[MBE2017]

Open a new ebay business account. Different name / address / email.

eBay and PayPal are both very good at linking such attempts, doubt it would help. The OP has a problem from the past stopping him using this platform, he needs to concentrate on what he can do, not hope eBay will change policies just for him.

 

[japancool]

Why is everyone so hung up on ebay?

Even if he could sell there, what would make his business work any better there than it did on Amazon?

 

[NewTime]

Why is everyone so hung up on ebay?

Even if he could sell there, what would make his business work any better there than it did on Amazon?

I was never hung up on Ebay, it was just another marketplace I could potentially use. I don't think I will ever get my head around the ban to be honest. I don't think think the partnership between Ebay and Paypal are that close anymore either.

But I don't think attempting to make another account will help as I ampretty sure they would pick up on it.

A small shop is closing soon, so I am potentially considering taking that on temporarily.

 

[japancool]

A small shop is closing soon, so I am potentially considering taking that on temporarily.

Have you thought about a pop-up shop?

 

[NewTime]

Have you thought about a pop-up shop?

I don't drive - so that's a huge problem

 

[japancool]

I don't drive - so that's a huge problem

Just hire someone with a van to your stock to where you need it to be.

 

[NewTime]

Have you thought about a pop-up shop?

I am just worried if stock doesn't sell and I am stuck with a van + man charge.

Potentially considering asking the neighbour as he's only 18/19 - but he only as a mini.

 

[japancool]

I am just worried if stock doesn't sell and I am stuck with a van + man charge.

Potentially considering asking the neighbour as he's only 18/19 - but he only as a mini.

How is that different if you take on the small shop that's closing?

 

[SnappySam]

IS there any way out of it? Or other sales opportunities?

eCrater? They'll run Google ads for you @13% of sale price and the admin is easy (plus they take PayPal with instant availability of funds).

Bonanza is a similar option.

Don't know how well these sites would work with fashion items as it's not my niche but it's easy enough to get started on either.