High starting prices

[feisty_vixxen]

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!

[*crikey*mate*]

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.

[digital*ghost · Accepted solution]

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. 

[ratman0100]

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@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. 

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

[digital*ghost]

You had me at perfect. 

[ratman0100]

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@digital*ghost wrote:

You had me at perfect. 

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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? 

[digital*ghost]

Spoiler

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

[feisty_vixxen]

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

[ratman0100]

Your welcome 🙂 x

[phorum_junkie*]

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?