Jon how did eBay work out for you?

Vito

You can check sellers completed auctions. All of his sold and most for far more than the $6 or less per cutting he usually offered the cuttings for.

Last year I estimated that he was giving away at least $70,000 by not using ebay.  I knew I was cutting my own throat but the foundation is a great idea and the $ has to come from somewhere.  It would be terrible to lose what Jon's worked so hard for.

Only one thing.  Ebay isn't cheap to use.  I made very little selling Estate sale stuff.  By the time Ebay and PayPal take their fees, not much left.  I haven't looked at his auctions mainly because I'm figged out at the moment.  Only two figs I care to acquire, and they can wait.  Does it get a non-profit break, or is he a regular "for profit" seller? 
Suzi

I'm sure he sold for more $$ per cutting.  But maybe he sold fewer cuttings?  I was going to buy some cuttings but just find ebay too annoying to use.  So this is the first year in awhile I haven't bought any cuttings from Jon.

If it's a better business model for him, he should do it, but I may not participate :(

I am sure Jon got much more per cutting this year.

I am sure that the eBay route was easier, less headaches.  Imagine how hard it was trying to make sure everyone got something he was asking for, spreading the goodies around fairly.

I hope he is not done for the season :)

I am not experienced in using eBay, and don't have time to try to follow items closely.  But if there are more offers, I'll keep looking and might eventually win some.

A couple of reasons for a seller liking eBay (based on my experience):
1. Don't need to try to figure out what to set prices at
2. Don't need to go back and forth via emails to clarify what the customer wants to order
3. Don't need to update inventory records and worry about selling more than you have.  If you have it available, you list it.
4. You can set the time frame of when orders come in so that you can handle the shipping and still get a few hours of sleep.  This is a very big deal!  Even though I set my own auctions at a level I knew I could manage, I still have some very long days and have even gone back out into the orchard at midnight to prune more cuttings, etc.
5. Shipping labels are quick and easy to prepare, customer gets confirmation with tracking, etc.

I am with Rob. I was looking forward to  purchasing a few cultivars from Jon via his Figs4Fun offerings, but am much less inclined to compete for them on EBay. Jon is certainly free to conduct transactions any way he wishes, but I always felt part of  participating on the forum was the reward of having a shot at the February offerings. Now it feels like every man for himself.  I am disappointed, but in the future will look for alternative sources.

It would be nice if next year he set things up as a eBay store. I think the fees may be less as well.

Feel the same as Rob, don't want to bother with E-Bay

I do buy a lot of stuff on Ebay, but not figs.  Rather trade with my buds.  I have sold stuff, but the fees are outrageous.  It's better to donate to charity IMHO.  I did just buy some pumpkin seeds and these horrific tomato tree seeds.  JD will kill me if those seeds actually grow!  Amazon prime is my best choice, and I do contribute to Figs for Fun with my purchases, and they are legion!  Lots of family!

Suzi