Is Opening An Ebay Store Worth While?

Here's my experience prior to opening my store last nov. I was lucky to sell $100 monthly. Last nov. I opened a basic store my sales climbed to $1000-$2000 gross monthly. I got all kinds of free listings promos and they kept increasing the amount I was allowed to list. I topped out at 450 listings with a value of $35k. This fall I ran into bad luck with returns and refunds. Now under the new defect policy I'm limited to 30 listings at $3500.
I ended up with below average status, even though I have 100% feedback and no neutrals. I'm unsure how to turn my sinking ship around!! Nov I only sold 5 items and one was for a friend. It sold at $1150, so he was stoked.

It seems a store gives more credibility and you get 150 listings for basic. They also include fix price which works wonders for me coupled with offer. I suck when it comes to auctions. So also consider if Bin will work for you. You can also run sales. I used to do a 10% off sale every other weekend. The reports are great tools. So if your selling at minimum $300 monthly try it. Do go on to month by month, so you can close for any reason.

I agree with the gist of the statement that buy it nows are the way to go with certain exceptions- On fairly obscure stuff, you can do great if you get two people who both want the same item... On the other hand, if only one person wants it, you are going to be a bit disappointed... The way I look at the auctions I do, I'm happy if I get back what I paid after fees... It ends up being more of a way to get some money flowing in as an auxiliary to the normal buy it nows...