Is anyone else baffled by the fact that people bidding on eBay frequently bid far higher for something, even when it is second hand, than they could buy it new from one or more of the reputable online shops. I just watched an easily available (new) Disney DVD sell for 53p more than they would have from the Jersey branch of one of the best known internet shops, and then they have to pay £2 postage on top of that. I would have thought that if people were knowledgeable enough about the internet to be using eBay, they would also know there were price comparison sites where you could shop around for the lowest price. I'm sure it is good from the eBay seller's point of view, but do any of you buyers not realise you can save yourself money? The reason I ask is that these people are driving up the price of things on eBay, and if they weren't prepared to bid so high those of us who do know about those sites could get better bargains.
2006-09-03 10:50:46 · 5 answers · asked by Rotifer 5 in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet
for most people, the bidding aspect of ebay is very similar to gambling. you get it set in your mind that you want this item and will only pay so much for it. As you sit there and watch the final minutes you see that the price is exceeding your original wager. not willing to loose the item over a couple of bucks, you bid higher and higher until it gets to the point where you MUST have it regardless of price. same deal as gambling really where most people simply cannot leave well enough alone. ALso keep in mind that "some" items on ebay are rather hard to find or discontinued items. therefore raising their value to the customer who realizes that the odds of finding this item elsewhere may be very slim.
2006-09-03 10:58:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've just paid 20% more for a used eBay item than the new retail item because I know the retailer cannot deliver what he is selling - I've already tried and he tied up my money throught the credit channels for 6 months whereas I know the seller of the used item and he delivered without hassle and I am a happy camper.
Also I've purposely bid up items, sometimes purposly bidding a loosing amount like a number ending in 9 - even knowing that I am up against a shill bidder, just to "shake the trees", that is, get other potential sellers to present their identical items so that I can choose my preferences. If I happened to acquire items I didn't intend on buying I then resell what I don't want knowing I'll get my money back.
There are many bidding and buying strategies that look illogical and outrageous to the novice but actually pay big dividends.
2006-09-03 10:58:26 · answer #2 · answered by waplambadoobatawhopbamboo 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I found it especially amusing when IKEA ran a promotion selling folding chairs for 1p. Even though the regualr retail price is £6.49, the very next day there were literally hundreds of them on ebay, some exceeding £10!!
Good point though - ebay users - check the prices before you bid!!
2006-09-03 10:56:23 · answer #3 · answered by formermember 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree! The even crazier thing is that you can shop at ClubShop.com's Online Mall and earn cash back rebates when you shop at Ebay in their Online Mall.
2006-09-07 05:14:58 · answer #4 · answered by Will B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It costs 25 dollars to sell a 5 dollar item on ebay then you got shipping and paypal fees what a ripoff them greedy bastards have become stay away and go to Amazon much cheaper and just as much traffic to there website.
2016-03-17 07:25:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i saw a car on there it was only 6 months old, and it sold for £2000 more than a brand new one, i had to laugh, more money than sense
2006-09-03 10:57:11 · answer #6 · answered by zeldieuk2002 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋