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!

[go-tazz]

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,

[bsal6160]

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?

[davewil1964]

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

[phorum_junkie*]

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.

[retailtherapist_8]

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.   

[wargul]

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

[wargul]

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.

[jensmanchester-australia]

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?

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.