[Boatanchors] Re: [R-390] Ebay Prices

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On 3/24/07, J Forster <jfor at quik.com> wrote:

> On eBay, if an item is misdescribed, you have recourse. At a flea, it's
> as-is, where-is.

True, but you have a much better chance of seeing deception in person
than via a photo. As far as recourse, user IDs like radio-mart,
217stufforsale(now changed) and the scammers who take someone else's
picture and post a new auction, come to mind. Not a lot of recourse
via ebay, unless the slimer lives nearby. Sure, you can post negative
feedback, but the dedicated crooks don't care, as they have ways
around it and know ebay won't do much to a seller bringing in plenty
of money for them.

> Also, the prices at a flea SHOULD be lower than on eBay, because the
> seller does not have to photo, describe, pack & ship, etc., all of which
> take time and cost money.

Absolutely. Less handling, no listing fee + final selling fee, no
dealing with shipping claims and so on. Most 'fests even have
electricity available for testing gear.

> IMO, the winning bid is NOT a really good indicator f wjhat something is
> worth. I look at the third highest bid. Doing that eliminates two fools
> bidding against each other in an ego war.

True, and high bid price really has more to do with the large audience
and desire than with true market value, to the extent that such a
thing exists for boatanchors. As many have said repeatedly - ebay is a
great tool, but just another tool in the arsenal. But if you want the
greatest exposure and top dollar, ebay is the place to sell.
Especially if it's a R at RE or otherwise scarce item.

> As to flea prices, I decide what something is worth to me, BEFORE asking
> the seller what the price is. Then:

This is half the fun for me, simply because it's an opportunity for
interaction with the seller as well as perhaps learning some history.
Sometimes haggling is more about what $ I have left in my pocket.
Either way, both parties choose what they'll accept and move on.

You can be equally gullible/stupid at a 'fest and get taken just as
easily as on ebay if you don't exercise some due diligence.

My big purchase at the Henniker NH 'fest 2 weeks ago was a NIB control
box dial for the ARC-5 R-24 for a whopping $3. Just need to find the
receiver to go with it now.

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ