topic Re: High starting prices in Buying

High starting prices

feisty_vixxen — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 00:46:53 GMT

I understand that ebay is essentially a sellers' site, however it seems more and more that auction sellers are listing items at a premium starting price, eg. a used doona cover was listed at a starting bid of $80.

I use ebay predominantly as a buyer and I've noticed that sellers seem to be dealing with a higher proportion of non payers and other issues with their buyers, however I'm finding my ebay experience is becoming less and less rewarding.

I'm looking for some constructive feedback as I'm trying hard not to whinge, but have others noticed the same, and are there other pure auction sites as I enjoy the bidding (and sniping).

Cheers!

Re: High starting prices

*crikey*mate* — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 01:03:22 GMT

Hello Feisty,

Generally speaking people list their items for sale because they want to make some money. If they wanted to give their items away they could just donate them to the local Charity store.

I'd even go as far as to say that there wouldn't be too many sellers out there that list with the sole intention of giving buyers the thrill of the bid or snipe and provide entertainment. I don't think too many view the eBay platform as an amusement arcade or poker machine.

Sellers are advised to list their items for the lowest price that they are prepared to let their item go for. So, if they want $80 for it, they shouldn't list it for $30 as there is no guarantee that they will reach the price they desire.

Re: High starting prices

digital*ghost — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 01:10:31 GMT

A lot of buyers (and therefore sellers) have shifted away from auctions, so a lot of sellers have found starting auctions at lower prices to be a bigger risk than it once was. Many auctions will only get one bid even if it starts at a bargain price, so unless a seller can be confident that the item they're selling will get a decent amount of interest, a lot will list it at a higher price - it may also be that they don't necessarily expect anyone to bid, but are using auctions for extra exposure.

It costs a lot more to list an item as an auction now (for most categories, anyway, and if the seller has a store), and there's only two different levels of insertion fees (there used to be a lot more) so there's generally no cost benefit in risking items selling at a lower price than the seller is happy to sell for.

Re: High starting prices

ratman0100 — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 01:25:07 GMT

@digital*ghost wrote:
A lot of buyers (and therefore sellers) have shifted away from auctions, so a lot of sellers have found starting auctions at lower prices to be a bigger risk than it once was. Many auctions will only get one bid even if it starts at a bargain price, so unless a seller can be confident that the item they're selling will get a decent amount of interest, a lot will list it at a higher price - it may also be that they don't necessarily expect anyone to bid, but are using auctions for extra exposure.

It costs a lot more to list an item as an auction now (for most categories, anyway, and if the seller has a store), and there's only two different levels of insertion fees (there used to be a lot more) so there's generally no cost benefit in risking items selling at a lower price than the seller is happy to sell for.

Perfect answer. No snide remarks. Be nice if everyone could reply in such an adult and helpful way.

Re: High starting prices

digital*ghost — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 02:10:39 GMT

You had me at perfect.

Re: High starting prices

ratman0100 — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 03:06:37 GMT

@digital*ghost wrote:
You had me at perfect.

Sorry I had meant to say genius. Please forgive the over sight as I was caught up in your brilliant and intoxicating answer from a wonderful and inspiring mind. How’s that?

Re: High starting prices

digital*ghost — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 03:23:34 GMT

....but you can keep going if you really want to.

Re: High starting prices

feisty_vixxen — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 03:48:49 GMT

Wow crikey*mate! settle down...I think your answer has more to do with your interpretation than my actual query.

I would rather live my whole life with compassion than for a single minute of hate!

Thank you digital*ghost & ratman, you sustain my belief in the good of mankind. xx

Re: High starting prices

ratman0100 — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 05:21:10 GMT

Your welcome 🙂 x

Re: High starting prices

phorum_junkie* — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 09:18:22 GMT

I would rather live my whole life with compassion than for a single minute of hate!

Wow, I feel like I am back in the 60s, anyone want some flowerpower?

Re: High starting prices

go-tazz — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 10:57:06 GMT

I for one used to list items at 99 cents and have results go both ways,(plenty of bids or only 1 or 2 bids).

Early on I was getting near the minimum prices that I wanted on most items and exceeded that price on others.

That has changed and other sellers and myself no longer belief that you can list items at a lower price then what you

are willing to accept so I now only list at the very minimum that I'll accept,

I presume other sellers are doing the same so "bargains" are harder to find as less sellers will list below their

minimum acceptable price,

Re: High starting prices

bsal6160 — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 01:59:05 GMT

I think what the OP is trying to put across is that sellers are now tending to ask to much for their items. I get it that sellers need to make a profit and all that but now the ebay prices are on par with B&M stores. So wheres the incentive for buyers to bid on your items? And dont even suggest the old tired excused of those buyers that live in remote areas. So a seller can justify a high price because 1% of the population live in remote areas whereas 99% don't?

Re: High starting prices

davewil1964 — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 02:21:06 GMT

If they ask too much they won't sell. If they sell they are not asking too much. Simple.

Re: High starting prices

phorum_junkie* — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 09:32:09 GMT

When it comes to second hand clothing I have to agree that a lot of sellers start their listings far higher than I would dream of doing, thing is though that a lot of them do sell. I will however continue to list auctions at what I consider realistic prices, there are very few used items I would ever start at over ten bucks.

Re: High starting prices

retailtherapist_8 — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 15:18:56 GMT

I agree pj, I enjoy auctions and have had great results using both aution & bin so I switch between the 2 depending on how many free listings I have up my sleeve. I dont like running auctions for 10 days its too long.

OP I guess just like B&M stores Sellers test the market, they have the choice to reduce the price if the market (ebay) rejects the price.

(although I have to agree 2nd hand sheets for $80, I mean 2nd hand sheets period makes me throw up a little lol but I get what you mean). Everyone is entitled to have a go. Sellers have a go at trying to get the best price and buyers have a go at nabbing a bargain, somewhere in between is nirvana for both parties lol.

Re: High starting prices

wargul — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 02:41:43 GMT

It is a shame that the Op asks for constructive feedback and gets sarcasm as the first post.

Re: High starting prices

wargul — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 02:46:05 GMT

There is always a mixture of opportunists who will put huge opening prices and hope for a sucker, those who set middle of the road, and the gutsy ones who let the market decide the prices. I think the middle of the roaders come out on top at the end..... they are the ones who know the value of what they are selling. nothing to be done except look for good sellers - there are a lot of them amongst the duds.

I hate sellers who snap up bargain collectibles and then relist them at huge prices..... but it is their right to do so. To each their own.

Re: High starting prices

jensmanchester-australia — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 06:21:56 GMT

With ebay encouraging traditional B&M stores to also sell on ebay more often than not, in order not to discriminate between their different types of customers, the prices will be the same whether online or instore. As more and more of B&M stores enter the online market there will be even a more levelling out of prices between online and B&M stores.

It will probably come as a surprise to you but once a certain level of sales is reached the costs to sell on ebay become higher than the costs to run a B&M store so there is definitely no incentive to offer lower prices on ebay.

The incentive to buy online is the convenience factor of being able to shop 24 hours a day from the comfort of your home and have your purchased delivered to your door.

Online shopping has changed dramatically over the years and it is no longer only about getting something at a bargain price. Buyers are after value for money and that can include sellers offering a positive online buying experience.