My selling online - A necessary decision
I just wanted to post a brief message about my own experience selling on Amazon, and my decision to give it all up.
I’m not a huge seller, but I was selling for over 10 years on Amazon, and a few years on Ebay. A while ago, I had to weigh the effort it takes to sell against the issues that I faced. I had rules and regulations to deal with, as well as bad buyers (lying and cheating, and bullying me about pricing and such), rival sellers as well as Royal Mail issues.
In the end I completely removed my Amazon inventory, simply to remove the stress and anxiety that it caused me.
I’m now working to end my Ebay selling as well. I have even started taking things to a charity shop, simply to reduce my inventory so that I can see an end to it. I’m down to 27 items.
The reason I’m posting this is to say to people, those who sell casually and face all the red tape and other issues, is it really worth it? Could your time be better spent doing other things? It may seem, especially at the moment, that making money is important, but so is peace of mind. Selling on Amazon, or any platform can only guarantee one thing. That you will be lining the pockets of the company your using to sell your stock.
I’m not here to bad mouth Amazon or other platforms. Simply to make the suggestion to consider putting your own needs ahead of theirs.
Did I say brief? 
0 replies
Seller_KjHQOlTKYaPEw
I completely agree with you, selling on Amazon & eBay can indeed be stressful, but I do it to pay the bills…
Seller_8Wsckn3UoR095
I think the fee is a fair trade off for the years of investment Amazon has put into their platform, the wide audience of buyers and the fact it is a household name & the first port of call for most when looking to buy. Nothing is free or you are the thing being sold (your data).
It can be stressful; I don’t think any of us would say it hasn’t been at some point, but I wouldn’t bother working if I could afford to live without it. I’d be in the Maldives.
Seller_B4VbHpnDLDLAU
I agree with all you say to sell online especially on amazon you need really thick skin and the ability just to “move on” on certain situations.
Its not for everyone and if anyone is feeling stressed and low for long periods of time while selling online then stop its not worth it.
Others do make a really good living selling online. buts its not for everyone
i do think more sellers are moving back over to ebay atm
Seller_bi8rGHHcLpoVs
Well done for doing what is best for you. Horses for courses.
I have to say that both Amazon and eBay have given me the power to be my own boss, be around for my kids throughout their schooling and given me a good living working part time hours.
I couldn’t have done this without those sites. I gave up my stressful corporate career 15 years ago, it was long hours, nights away from home etc but high earnings, again making money for someone else.
I love what I do, I enjoy it immensely. On the odd occasion, if I do get a bit down with it, I remember how lucky I am not to be working for someone else, to be my own boss. I love the little business Amazon has enabled me to build.
A tiny minority of customers want to scam you, if it’s a battle I can’t win I move on. There are a few hurdles to jump but on the whole we understand why Amazon implements a lot of it’s policies, (a few not so much!)
I think Amazon & eBays fees are fair when you consider what you would pay for a B&M shop and rules and regulations are needed
Good luck with the future. 
Seller_9vYzAspLN0bEC
You have to remember that this company is giving you a platform to sell on including advertising, google search and payment management. Nothing comes free.
You can always start your own website and do everything by yourself.
In life one answer doesn’t apply to everyone.
Some people love running their own businesses including selling on other platforms and may have found products with good profit. Others may not.
Just because you don’t like running a business doesn’t mean thats the right way in life.
