Why are some sellers charging more for items than the local shop.

[myclearingoutsale]

Example. Someone listed a new journey girl doll here for 80 start auction or buy now for 105 plus 20 postage. The doll can be bought on sale at toys r us for 50 discounted from 80. I guess if the buyer is out in woop woop land it might be ok but for those of us who are city dwellers we can simply hop in car and go to the shop and buy the item for less than on eBay. Which I am about to now with regards to this doll. So buyers be savvy and check prices on items . An ebay sellers remember unless you are selling a collectors or rare item. Buyers equate ebay with bargains and fair pricing not being overcharged on items we can easily obtain offline.

[aps1080]

Bunnings, Officeworks etc claim that they have the lowest prices

Bunnings and Officeworks ardly have the lowest prices. They have good loss leaders.

[springyzone]

As some others mentioned, that item was probably a loss leader.

In other words, the store was not making a profit by selling at that price, it was probably under cost price.

BUT it gets customers in the doors and maybe while they are there, they will most likely buy other things as well.

So in the end, the shop makes a profit.

You mentioned the normal price is $80 in the store. The ebay auction also started at $80, so same deal. Some people are happy to pay the extra in postage and as for others who bid it up to $105,  the doll is probably a lot dearer in some other shops.

ToysR us recently had a sale on, I know, as I saw a baby capsule at an incedibly cheap price ($239) while several people on gumtree were asking $200 (up to $250) for their second hand ones! The reason is because it was not $239 in other retail stores, it was closer to $350.

I would say that when ebay started out here, the media made out as if it was a bargain place, but they also made out it was a place you could offload anything.There was an element of truth in that it had a bit of a garage sale feel with a lot more small sellers on it. Lots of quirky things to see.

Ebay has changed, lots of bigger sellers now. But the object of the game has always been to make a profit. Don't you remember the corn flake or whatever that got about $1000 on ebay a few years back because it had some unusual shape? Hardly a bargain.

[bettyboopsadaisy]

I see that you may be quite surprised to find items up for more or comparable to retail prices.

Other posters have suggested a number of reasons buyers might find online sales convenient and offering them choices they wouldn't otherwise have.

I sell new and second hand designer label clothing and I have found over the years that some people like the anonimity of shopping online. I have always found Sz 16 and 18 in womens clothing to sell pretty readily and have been told in so many words by many buyers of this size clothing that they actually feel self-conscious trying on clothes in normal retail outlets.

Of course, in a perfect world, no-one should have to feel that way, but many do and buying clothes online suits them well.

My starting prices are always below the retail prices (even for New clothing) but occasionally I find they are bid up beyond what they would cost in the shops.

[daniellebradydesigns]

If it's cheaper in a B&M store, buy it there. Sellers can charge whatever they want. YOU equate eBay with bargains! Don't generalise. eBay is an outlet for sellers to sell items at whatever price they see fit. If you don't like the prices don't buy from eBay.

Special list application approved.

[ajarnjenny]

I buy online, because it is easier for me. I hate, hate, hate, browsing in shops. I go to the shops to buy food (and alcohol) but never look in the other shops. Some people love looking around garment shops, but I hate it with a passion. So, I buy online. I make a very specific search for what I am looking for and buy it, if I see something I want.

[extra-keen]

Wow, Ebay's prices don't seem so bad afterall. I just did the sums on what it costs me to run my car

Included in the sums are:

Rego (inc green slip)

Insurance (comp)

Fuel

Purchase price (10 years ownership)

tyres

oily changes

Not factored in are unforeseen maintenance.

It costs me $15.40 per day to own my car. And I have a very small car that is 10 years old). $5631 per year.

Ebay isn't so expensive afterall. I do buy online a lot now days, it is just so convenient and most of the sellers are helpful - way beyond what you ll get in customer service from some of the bigger retail outlets - sadly.

[cherry*135]

Bunnings, Officeworks etc claim that they have the lowest prices - and will price match. But how many people take them up on this?

I have had Myer match lower prices from Officeworks and HN on tech stuff and small appliances. MYER is close to me, the other two stores are not.. saves me money, time & petrol.