Over-priced items

[janni0844]

I thought eBay was a way to buy "bargain" items.

I just searched for an item and the cheapest was $100 plus postage.

Deals Direct supply the same item for $89.95 postage free.

Impressed?  Don't think so

[bsal6160]

Well movie,

I am not buying, to line the pockets of any particular seller. A $1 or $2 difference is not we are talking about. That smaller difference any buyer would tend to buy from the Australian seller as I would. We are talking significant price differences. I spend most of my money on ebay buying antiques. The price difference between an Australian seller and what I can usually purchase it from the UK or US (including postage) is significantly cheaper from overseas. Most of the time between 30% - 50% cheaper, now, explain again just why should I purchase from the Australian seller?

.

[shepherdsrule]

I think antiques is a different ball game bsal - the others were mainly speaking about the everyday seller and general items on eBay I think.

If you are sourcing antiques or other collectibles or specialty items for any reason then I too would choose the less expensive, (so long as the quality/authenticity is valid) who wouldn't ?

But the bigger picture here is that a buyer can purchase way cheaper from Asia (because of AP subsidies and wages in an Asian country)  than any poor bloody seller here in Oz can buy it for, so how in the hell are we supposed to win.

Guess we arre not, just gotta wonder why eBay is trying to put us out of business when we are the lifeblood - no sellers - no buyers - no fee's.

NO GOOD

[Anonymous]

bsal6160

I did not say that you should buy from Australians. In fact I agreed with you and simply stated that I understood that you "dont care about our fees" etc and that you have the right to buy from overseas regardless of who pays the cost for you to save a dollar. The fact that you would acuse Australian sellers of making "excuses" for attempting to survive is another matter and to that I will reiterate,"GO AUSSIE!" At any rate it seems others are in agreement with what I have had to say and if you have a guilty conscience thats not my concern.

[chezzy]

I like to look for a good deal, I do not stop myself in my tracks thinking I should buy a substantially dearer item simply so I can boast/feel good that I am buying/supporting Australian.

The reality is some people choose to buy/shop around, to stay within their means/budget. I would hazard a guess that many would like to save a few dollars here and there if they can, doesn't matter if it is shopping for material goods online/ebay or shopping for a sack of potatoes/carton of eggs.

Not sure if I have missed the point of the thread but for what it is worth I have found tons of bargains on ebay over the years, both local and overseas. I have also sold plenty of bargains to people so I like to think things balance out in ebay land.

[strawberries-n-creambabies]

Funny cause that's what has just brought me over to the forum.

Are some sellers that dense that they think they can charge $19 more for an item than what a physical store does???????

For example: You can go to Target and buy the Nude by Nature foundations for around $39.95 - or at least the first one I ever bought cost me that.

But someone on ebay has one listed for BIN $58.95. What an absolute joke. I'm not surprised no one is buying any of theirs!

I know there are fees on ebay, but not $19 worth on a low priced item! And there are a number of other sellers who sell the same product for way less than the store bought price.

I don't understand why some sellers sell items they can't buy way cheaper somewhere so they can still make a profit even with their item selling for less than the stores.

I personally prefer to buy online than physical stores as it's far easier due to my location and lack of variety in shops - so long as it's not going to cost a lot more than the stores.

[springyzone]

Ebay used to be much more a place for private sellers and garage sale type items, which might be why you were able to pick up such bargains in the past.

These days it is mainly businesses, or seems to be.

I have never expected ebay to be cheaper than anywhere else. If you want real bargain basement, then garage sales are a good place to start, although they also vary.

If you want shop items, best to do your homework as yes, often the new items are no cheaper than at the shops and once you factor in postage, you might be worse off.

I am assuming some people buy for the convenience-they don't have to drive to a store etc

Depends what you buy-I have found wedding supply items are very competitive on ebay-better than a lot of the independent websites.

Sellers have to make a profit too. That's fair enough.

[annies_fancy_dress]

Should E-bay automatically be the cheapest????

Why?

I have many things selling for bargain basement prices, and many other things selling at a reasonable profit.

E-bay is a jolly tough tough slog for sellers, and buyers should NEVER whinge about prices. If you don't like it, don't buy it!

I have a particular 'toy' I can get for a much better deal on another large shopping mall site.

The aussie site often has fab deals but a very small selection of products.

You just have to do a little looking/research and see where you want to buy.

E-bay is great but it's not the be all and end all, they are offering a marketplace only, and doing their best to be competitive.

Buyers have so much choice, they really are spoilt rotten, and as such, have many unrealistic expectations.

[davewil1964]

Some of my items might be listed at less than other items on eBay. Some might be more.

But that means I have researched my product and know what it is worth.

If you want it from me, you pay what I ask.

[ytwo000]

when im chasing something i come here to check prices, and if i dont like the price i buy from a store..easy.