Has spring sprung?
Has grass riz?
I wonder how my eBay sales is..?

Okay, okay. I'm the first to admit I'm no e.e. cummings, but chalk the bad attempt up to cabin fever. I'm desperate for any sign of spring, and given our long-lasting snow and low temperatures in the northeast this year, the only sign I've had so far is an increase in sales--both online and over the counter.

That's positive news considering the downward trend of the economy. According to one recent CBS news report, the decline in the Dow hasn't corresponded to a dip in consumer spending, causing the reporter to ask, "Is the urge to spend in spring greater than the worry over recession?"

Traditionally - in the retail venue - the Christmas rush is followed by a lull with blips at Valentines Day and Presidents Day sales. That's quickly followed by a succession of Mothers Day, Fathers Day, graduations and weddings, when gift sales peak. Aside from some vacation spending, back to school purchases lead into Christmas and the cycle begins anew.

My own experience charting online sales mirrors this trend. I sell books, which follows a gift-giving pattern. In order to gain a greater insight, I turned to my fellow eBayers, asking them about their own experiences. Responses from the various chat boards proved insightful.

According to nancycom on the glass board, she fits the standard model. "While I do pretty well at Christmas, it's a busy time of year for EVERYONE. I actually have had my best sales before Thanksgiving, because I sell/sold a lot of vintage dishes, or after Christmas on collectible stuff. It depends on what I'm selling."

dwtoytruk at the advertising board concurs. "People are away from their computers more during the summer and out of money after Christmas."

Chippie63 at the eBay cafe had a different spin. "I have no better time--some weeks are good--some weeks are bad- no pattern for my stuff."

Stamps' iomoon found it easier to spell out bad times: "When school is not in session... generally speaking, May to August. Good times are (the) first week of spring and fall semesters. Even if students bid with no intention of buying (they don't last long on eBay or without negatives), they at least drive up the prices so buyers who would pay more, do pay more."

Myattic2u of advertising collectibles sorted it out this way. "While I can't speak for everyone, I don't think there is anytime that is better than another to sell on eBay. My answer would be it's always a hit and miss situation. It just depends on the item and if there is more than one interested bidder out there when the item is up for auction."

If your sales are lagging, take stock of yourself and your sales approach. And when things ARE slow, take some time to FIND stock. Sit down on a rainy day and construct some "killer" ad templates that buyers can't resist. Scan, scan, scan until you drop...building up a stockpile beforehand, you'll be prepared to double or triple your offerings when the selling season picks up.

Even if you use the dips to clean and organize your workspace, you'll be ahead of the game.

One thing for sure, the American consumer and his or her dollar will part sooner or later. We love to shop, so buck up and forge ahead. Think of ways to tantalize buyers with a variety of merchandise aimed at the wintery time of year. Don't forget, even if the average consumer has gone into hibernation, dealer-to-dealer sales is one way to prepare for the pocketbook's spring's thaw.