eBay expanded its Authenticity Guarantee program in Australia with the addition of two new brands and numerous items, including keychains, hats, organizers, and day planners. Items in any of the new categories that sell for $350 or more will be sent to eBay’s authenticators and forwarded on to the buyer from there.
The two new brands eBay Australia added as of April 11th were Balmain and Alexander Wang. New categories included the following:
Handbag accessories (163570)
ID/Document holders (169285 & 169271)
Key chains, rings & finders (45237 & 52373)
Belts (3003 & 2993)
Hats, organisers & day planners (45230, 52365 & 15735)
Sellers don’t have a choice when their qualifying items sell above the threshold amount – they must send the item to eBay’s Authentication warehouse “to be verified by a team of professionally trained authenticators” – but there will be no extra cost to the seller.
Once authenticated, eBay’s authenticator sends the item to the buyer, eBay explained in the announcement to Australian sellers. “If the buyer returns your item, the authenticators inspect it before sending it back to you.”
For those bemused at the idea of a day planner selling for hundreds of dollars, among those fitting the bill are vintage Gucci day planners.
“to be verified by a team of professionally trained authenticators”
who trained them the grifter?
or did the walmart dope wave his magic wand…poof…you are now professionally trained…
magical innovations…
$350+ key chains? Uh…..okaaaaay.
*** Because those with real money…***
It’s been evident for a while that eBay is steering it’s site for the affluent buyer. And yes, to spend $350+ for a keychain sounds outrageous unless you have a whole bunch of money to spend, because, maybe that keychain comes in gold with diamonds.
Some could say that spending $1500 on a diamond tennis bracelet is outrageous, yet those sales on eBay are strong.
Sales of overrated, overvalued trinkets may be strong, but not as strong as the solipsism from some commenters.
*** What brings me joy…***
Ebay Sellers complain that their failing businesses are of the fault of eBay. But what if the reality is that what Sellers sell are not longer “in vogue” for todays modern consumer.
Solving a problem has more value than just complaining about the problem. With high shipping costs and increased Seller fees, it makes sense that the best way to make good money for small Sellers is by selling higher priced products.
I’m a very part time jeweler on Etsy. I have faster sales by selling nicer pieces for a consumer who has expendable cash. I only have to sell 10 pieces per month to net (after all expenses) $2000 monthly.
There are “husband & wife” jewelry Sellers on Etsy that gross a good $12K monthly when selling products at $350+. What brings me joy is in knowing that these “small” Sellers can actually make a living from what they produce.
I applaud eBay for moving towards luxury price points. Higher prices will give Sellers higher profit margins for a better chance at survival. Unless a Seller can sell in volume, what benefit is there in selling cheaply priced products for a consumer who has no money?
Higher priced products will provide both Seller and eBay with better profits. The data is clear….the current U.S. economy is surviving because those with money continue to spend. Math never lies.
*** The Felt Keychain ***
Etsy has a new commercial for Mother’s Day. Etsy decided to show a handful of low priced products with simple designs. One product appears to be a very simple felt keychain which would sell for around $10.00. With a price point of only $10 bucks, there isn’t much profit for either the Seller or Etsy.
Etsy will become a sinking ship if they don’t begin to see the reality that eBay has found in supporting higher price points.
While Etsy sells felt keychains at $10, eBay sells keychains at $350. Who has the better business model, here?
“And that’s the bottom line cause Stone Cold said so!”
Ironically, eBay also heavily pimps refurbished electronics (really just beat up old junks repaired by grubby nerds). Hardly luxury nor prestigious.