I came at it from the other direction, having set up my own website first some years ago. Though not a clue about SEO. I have plastered my 'name' everywhere I can so people can trip over me all over the place. I started on ebay only just over two years ago and then moved on to other auction sites last summer. I mainly use my website as a showcase for my work and the sales side is concentrated on the auction sites. From my point of view it keeps it relatively simple and some people may feel more secure buying through them.

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For Affordable Art Visit
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There seems to be three types of buyers out there, some who will buy from anywhere, be it a private site, eBay or anywhere else, then there's those who will only buy from the likes of eBay, and others who won't go near an auction site with a barge pole but will happily buy from an independent site.

The ironic thing about the types of buyers who refuse to buy from one particular type of outlet is that their reason for feeling that way is almost always the same, security!

Some feel safer with eBay because it's a brand name they know, even though they are dealing with an independent business on the other end. Others will avoid eBay and other auction sites because they don't believe them to be safe and have probably heard some of the horror stories from the media.

With both types of venue there can be risks, but in essence you are doing the same thing, you are buying from a business/individual and you need to apply a bit of common sense before parting with your cash.

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Lawrence

Leapt with both feet Kate, and am talking only a matter of weeks ago really, and am taking things very slowly, a gigantic learning curve.

Being unfamiliar with anything except a bit of private selling on Ebay, I wouldn't have leapt without the help of a few people who are in here, who willingly offered stirling support and information!

This place looks like it is offering and sharing the same kind of invaluable support and information, which is great.

Good for you, Dippy! Exciting moment. What gave you the final push?

You are absolutely right about this site, Lawrence created it as a help source for everyone either wanting to make the leap, or who have already made it. Piece of advice: don't forget to put a link to your website on your profile page so everyone can find you.

Kate

Kate do you have your own site?
x

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Childrens Fancy Dress Costumes and Fairtrade Clothes
Childrens Costumes and Dancewear

I don't have a web-store, no, although much of the work I do is out there. My own opinion is that auction sites have largely had their day and that web-stores are the way to go. If I ever get time to breath - if - I'll probably join the rush.

Kate

The final push in total honesty came from a lady called Blush who I will forever be in debt to for her tireless help and support, and a gentleman called Lawrence ditto. When you have others to share things with it doesn't feel such a lonely or scarey experience when going it "alone"

I agree with you there about auction sites actually. When you said much of the work you do is out there, what do you do? Is it anything you could advertise in the jobmarket section? You have come up with a lot of good tips on here would be a shame to waste your knowledge, I am sure you can find the time to open a store!

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Childrens Fancy Dress Costumes and Fairtrade Clothes
Childrens Costumes and Dancewear

Dippy thank you, You made have made me blush now but in all honesty you would have still done it eventually, you just needed a little push in the right direction and some friendly support.
Blush
x

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Childrens Fancy Dress Costumes and Fairtrade Clothes
Childrens Costumes and Dancewear

I havent made the complete break from auction sites yet.

I no longer trade on the UK ebay site but list on a number of smaller venues.

I am in the process now in setting up my on-line store and use dropshippers as I havent a storage facility to hand.

I DID come across this free e:book recently on another forum so I thought you'd like to share the ideas here.

I found the book really helpful as I am already using some of the tips on my stores on trading venues and none of the ideas are really hard to take on board

http://www.computervaleting.co.uk/trafficebook.html