Resale market collapse (2 Viewers)

[Peter Reuss]

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Ah the Fees!!

Which, of course is why EVERYONE should be on www.changingguardauctions.com

 

[thebritfarmer]

That may be true, but the Seller can enhance the odds. I can't tell you
how many bargins I've gotten over the years because the Seller can't
spell, i.e. Stadden not Stadder, Staden, Staddon. Then there is the
problem of dumbing down pictures. A few other oddities in listing items
also, but I don't want to give up my secrets.

Yes I also have scooped up some rare pieces also due to the Seller not knowing what they had and listing it "wrong"

 

[jbonzo1]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Phantom Warrior
...The market determines the sale price on ebay, not the seller....

Not true all of the time... certain sellers get "help" on bids, driving the price higher. For instance, I have noticed certain seller's items are selling for considerably more than the same items from other sellers. Naturally, ebay frowns on shill bidding, but they make their $ from fees...

 

[Njja]

That may be true, but the Seller can enhance the odds. I can't tell you
how many bargins I've gotten over the years because the Seller can't
spell, i.e. Stadden not Stadder, Staden, Staddon. Then there is the
problem of dumbing down pictures. A few other oddities in listing items
also, but I don't want to give up my secrets.

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Good for you! I always believe a well informed collector can always have fun and find a good bargin!

While I do not consider myself an expert, I do know the top 10 to 15 items in a couple of dozen different fields that interest me. It

has often helped me make split second decisions that have allowed me to add nice items to my collection.

One time I found a very rare Dinky Aircraft that had brought over 10K on auction sitting in a box of junk on the ground at a flea market. I picked it up

for $20 and got a free lecture from the seller informing me to come early before everything is picked over.

Another time I picked up an extremely rare Lionel 700T tender & box for $100 just as another fellow came running back......he had left to check a price

guide to be sure exactly what he was looking at.

You don't need to know everything......just more then the other fellow standing along side you.

 

[tdubel]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Phantom Warrior
...The market determines the sale price on ebay, not the seller....

Not true all of the time... certain sellers get "help" on bids, driving the price higher. For instance, I have noticed certain seller's items are selling for considerably more than the same items from other sellers. Naturally, ebay frowns on shill bidding, but they make their $ from fees...

Do tell, this is of interest, pm me as I would like to be aware.
Thanks
Tom

 

[ecuriel]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Phantom Warrior
...The market determines the sale price on ebay, not the seller....

Not true all of the time... certain sellers get "help" on bids, driving the price higher. For instance, I have noticed certain seller's items are selling for considerably more than the same items from other sellers. Naturally, ebay frowns on shill bidding, but they make their $ from fees...

Some bidders may be protecting there "investment". If you just purchased a "rare" item for a "dear" price and then see listed again, you might not want someone to just steal it and put in a bid to build a floor on the price. As for some sellers getting better prices, there is a saying, "buy the seller, not the item".

 

[Njja]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Phantom Warrior
...The market determines the sale price on ebay, not the seller....

Not true all of the time... certain sellers get "help" on bids, driving the price higher. For instance, I have noticed certain seller's items are selling for considerably more than the same items from other sellers. Naturally, ebay frowns on shill bidding, but they make their $ from fees...

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Shill bidding used to be a problem in the old days, but ebay has become more sophisticated and I do not really see any evidence of it any longer. Ebay monitors repeated bids by one member to another members auction, they have rules about ending auctions early & remember their fees. When something sells ebay collects......so who pays the fees if a shill bidder wins an auction?

Ebay also monitors payment on auctions, and contacts between sellers and buyers, so it is a pretty safe marketplace.

I just made a deal with a seller for an item at a reduced price. I asked him to change his buy it now but he decided to just have me buy it, and sent me an invoice via Paypal for the agreed price. Ebay sent me a note a couple of days later reminding me to pay for the auction....so they watch everything! The Paypal invoice had been paid but was not tied to the auction.

Main things that affect auction prices are availability of product, and discretionary income of buyers.

I

 

[ecuriel]

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Shill bidding used to be a problem in the old days, but ebay has become more sophisticated and I do not really see any evidence of it any longer. Ebay monitors repeated bids by one member to another members auction, they have rules about ending auctions early & remember their fees. When something sells ebay collects......so who pays the fees if a shill bidder wins an auction?

Ebay also monitors payment on auctions, and contacts between sellers and buyers, so it is a pretty safe marketplace.

I just made a deal with a seller for an item at a reduced price. I asked him to change his buy it now but he decided to just have me buy it, and sent me an invoice via Paypal for the agreed price. Ebay sent me a note a couple of days later reminding me to pay for the auction....so they watch everything! The Paypal invoice had been paid but was not tied to the auction.

Main things that affect auction prices are availability of product, and discretionary income of buyers.

I

I do see bidders with (0) feedback bidding sometimes. Seller do pull items if they don't get the action they want.

 

[Njja]

I do see bidders with (0) feedback bidding sometimes. Seller do pull items if they don't get the action they want.

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I could see you being wary if a 0 bidder was involved, just as you should with a bidder with a very low number......they tend to get involved and really bid

items way up!

As far as a seller pulling an auction, often people are also selling items in their shop, or via an ad, and it might be sold.

Ebay also monitors people ending auctions early and will notify them if it becomes apparent they are up to something.

Ebay also monitors what bidders do, for example they keep track of the items you are bidding on, and with whom you place your bids. You can see this if

you click on any bidder in an auction. You cannot see his idenity, but you can see his 30 day summary which includes his activity with the current

seller.

Feedback is important, if your seller has high feedback he is much less likely to do anything that might jeopardise his relationship with ebay.

 

[Gideon]

On the description of what a "true collector" is, I am curious too as to what that means.

John, you and I will always disagree with the 99 cent starting price scenario.

My latest head scratcher was this:

I listed a number of antique Britains farm series pieces - fences, dairy canisters, animals - a large amount of stuff and I listed them at prices I thought were fair - between 9.99 and 19.99. I posted them here for people to see as some folks had been ineterested in 1/32nd accessories like the stuff I had.

So, the 5 days goes by and I sell three listings. That was it. I was pretty well surprised.

So, I wait a week or two and relist everything at 99 cents. What happens? The sets I had up for 19.99 sell for 40 plus and the the 9.99 generally sells in the teens to 20 +/-.

Keep in mind that during the first go around, a lot of people were "watching" these listings.

I don't agree that listing a $60 item for 99 cents devalues that item. People who place a bid are now committed to the item while merely watching an item and contemplating spending 20 bucks leaves them completely non-committed. It's just an observation.

I've seen this happen with K&C too.

I took a few on the chin this last listing cycle but that is what it is. Doesn't always work in my favor on more obscure items but that just is what it is.

 

[thebritfarmer]

On the description of what a "true collector" is, I am curious too as to what that means.

John, you and I will always disagree with the 99 cent starting price scenario.

My latest head scratcher was this:

I listed a number of antique Britains farm series pieces - fences, dairy canisters, animals - a large amount of stuff and I listed them at prices I thought were fair - between 9.99 and 19.99. I posted them here for people to see as some folks had been ineterested in 1/32nd accessories like the stuff I had.

So, the 5 days goes by and I sell three listings. That was it. I was pretty well surprised.

So, I wait a week or two and relist everything at 99 cents. What happens? The sets I had up for 19.99 sell for 40 plus and the the 9.99 generally sells in the teens to 20 +/-.

Keep in mind that during the first go around, a lot of people were "watching" these listings.

I don't agree that listing a $60 item for 99 cents devalues that item. People who place a bid are now committed to the item while merely watching an item and contemplating spending 20 bucks leaves them completely non-committed. It's just an observation.

I've seen this happen with K&C too.

I took a few on the chin this last listing cycle but that is what it is. Doesn't always work in my favor on more obscure items but that just is what it is.

I was was watching your original auctions, but not the relists. If I had I may of had a stab at them for 99 cents and as you say it is like you are invested so may bid those extra few dollars.

The whole idea is to get a bargain. I have been to many live auction houses and more often than not the opening bid drops and drops then someone bids and then price goes up. No one in their right mind ever wants to pay what it is worth. Who doesn't like to barter

 

[kilted vampire]

I am a true collector. Ask Nancy, she'll tell you I have all kinds of junk!

 

[Njja]

On the description of what a "true collector" is, I am curious too as to what that means.

John, you and I will always disagree with the 99 cent starting price scenario.
I've seen this happen with K&C too.

I took a few on the chin this last listing cycle but that is what it is. Doesn't always work in my favor on more obscure items but that just is what it is.

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I love the "true collector" idea.

Problem I have with .99 lisitngs is that they are disruptive. It probably leads to the current angst manny collectors feel about the marketplace.

A WS20 just sold for $900 so today that is its value.

Tomorrow someone decides to list it for .99 would they be happy with .99.......I submit they sweat bullets watching it every day.

End result disharmony all the way around. Is the WS20 worth $900.....or .99?

Personally everytime I see an item offered for .99 I go ahead and bid on it. I always only bid .99 because if thats what the item is

worth to the seller.........thats all I am going to pay him.

 

[Njja]

I am a true collector. Ask Nancy, she'll tell you I have all kinds of junk!

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Now just hold on a minute! I think we should have a height requirement before you obtain your "true Collector" pin!

I mean, I don't want anyone over 5'10" looking down on me!

Uh......I hope there isn't a weight requirement!

 

[spartan71]

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What exactly is a true collector ?

I understand your point of view, but fine it rarely fits my situation.

I also often have a price in mind when I consider a purchase....however it

rarely affects the individual selling the item. I find I can make an

offer, make a deal......or pass on the item.

I wonder exactly what a true collector is

Where might I go to get my pin?

A true collector at least in my mind is someone, Who buys and never ever thinks, how much it will be in the coming years. that a collection that he buys
for $3,000 dollars. And after years He's collection is worth a mere $500.00 He still has a smile, And never regrets, on how much it costs then, and how much it costs now. and the Pin that you are looking for...... You might already have it. it is one in your collection, that costs the less. But, is part of the ones that is irreplaceable, and hurts if you lose it. That is a true collectors pin.

 

[Njja]

A true collector at least in my mind is someone, Who buys and never ever thinks, how much it will be in the coming years. that a collection that he buys
for $3,000 dollars. And after years He's collection is worth a mere $500.00 He still has a smile, And never regrets, on how much it costs then, and how much it costs now. and the Pin that you are looking for...... You might already have it. it is one in your collection, that costs the less. But, is part of the ones that is irreplaceable, and hurts if you lose it. That is a true collectors pin.

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That is simply your opinion, and very well may be "your" definition of
a collector as it pertains to yourself. It can hardly define another person.

The dictionary defines a "collector" as one that collects. There are no special "rules" or conditions implied.

I do not understand why some people attempt to "label" others that perhaps chose to do things their own way.

Personally I have been a collector for most of my life. I have written several price guides on a variety of different items, published articles, been written up in "The Miami Herald" and promoted both Train Shows & Antique & Collectible Shows in 3 different states. I served on the board of directors in Atlanta of the Train Collectors Association, and have even done insurance appraisals for other collectors.

Even with that backround I do not consider myself even remotely qualified to determine whether another person is a "true collector" or not.

A collector can be a yougster that picks up sea shells at the shore, or puts baseball cards in an album. A man that finally purchases a car he has wanted his entire life, or a person that buys a train set he had as a child, or a set of toy soldiers to put on a shelf. Its not what you do with the items, how you display them, or if you have any concern about the value that is really important. Everyone can collect in his own way, what is really important is how you feel about the items when you look at them.

No one should feel compelled to value their collection if they do not wish to, or be criticised if they do. It is simply a matter of personal taste.

Just a thought!

 

[spartan71]

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That is simply your opinion, and very well may be "your" definition of
a collector as it pertains to yourself. It can hardly define another person.

The dictionary defines a "collector" as one that collects. There are no special "rules" or conditions implied.

I do not understand why some people attempt to "label" others that perhaps chose to do things their own way.

Personally I have been a collector for most of my life. I have written several price guides on a variety of different items, published articles, been written up in "The Miami Herald" and promoted both Train Shows & Antique & Collectible Shows in 3 different states. I served on the board of directors in Atlanta of the Train Collectors Association, and have even done insurance appraisals for other collectors.

Even with that backround I do not consider myself even remotely qualified to determine whether another person is a "true collector" or not.

A collector can be a yougster that picks up sea shells at the shore, or puts baseball cards in an album. A man that finally purchases a car he has wanted his entire life, or a person that buys a train set he had as a child, or a set of toy soldiers to put on a shelf. Its not what you do with the items, how you display them, or if you have any concern about the value that is really important. Everyone can collect in his own way, what is really important is how you feel about the items when you look at them.

No one should feel compelled to value their collection if they do not wish to, or be criticised if they do. It is simply a matter of personal taste.

Just a thought!

Yeah!, I see your point. But let me Find a different way of explaining it. Lets say You have Gold in your possesion, you like seeing it, you like holding it. It has this shine that you love. Now, Gold lets say becomes abundant, it becomes as common as a common Rock. If you are an Investor, You will throw it away, like a common rock. You will be upset as *#!&.
But, if you are a collector. Not upset. Because you still love looking at it, You feel happy holding it, And You still like/love that shine. Then, You are a collector. even though, You have something as common as a common rock.
A true collector loves what he has, and Does not attach anything to what he has as a monetary investment plain and simple .

 

[tdubel]

Yeah!, I see your point. But let me Find a different way of explaining it. Lets say You have Gold in your possesion, you like seeing it, you like holding it. It has this shine that you love. Now, Gold lets say becomes abundant, it becomes as common as a common Rock. If you are an Investor, You will throw it away, like a common rock. You will be upset as *#!&.
But, if you are a collector. Not upset. Because you still love looking at it, You feel happy holding it, And You still like/love that shine. Then, You are a collector. even though, You have somthing as common as a common rock.
A true collector loves what he has, and Does not attach anything to what he has as a monetary investment plain and simple .

Sorry, but I disagree. You have from your posts a complete bias of opinion toward people who value their collection. I don't think that's fair. I have collected all my life in everything from trains, soldiers, stamps, coins, and art. I got it honest from my Father as they say. Long story short, I am in my mind a true collector and love my things, but I also know and appreciate their value. I sell duplicates or non wanteds all the time, that is fun too and part of collecting. I agree with a lot of what you post about loving the collection, etc, but I also don't discount its value to me. These little guys have been running around for over 100 years, I believe they will continue for some time.

IMO

TD

 

[jazzeum]

Njja and Tom have said it rather well and express my feelings about this. Trying to ascribe labels to who is or is not a collector is a dangerous game just like trying to say who is or is not a collector.

Just because we sell off pieces from time to time doesn't make us less than others who never do. Tom is a crazed Trophy collector, Njja loves the old Arnhem stuff (just witness some of the great items in his collection) and I love the old K & C glossy stuff. I don't think we need to demonstrate our bona fides because we prune the collection when someone wants to pay us a handsome penny for a piece.

 

[tdubel]

Njja and Tom have said it rather well and express my feelings about this. Trying to ascribe labels to who is or is not a collector is a dangerous game just like trying to say who is or is not a collector.

Just because we sell off pieces from time to time doesn't make us less than others who never do. Tom is a crazed Trophy collector, Njja loves the old Arnhem stuff (just witness some of the great items in his collection) and I love the old K & C glossy stuff. I don't think we need to demonstrate our bona fides because we prune the collection when someone wants to pay us a handsome penny for a piece.

All good points. I have only sold 1 item I regret and will be putting it back in the collection I hope shortly. I love all my stuff and most I would never sell, but sometimes there are people who are nuttier than me and they make the gangland offer I can't refuse!

Tom