[Milsurplus] Re: e-bay rip off

[patrick jankowiak]

> Date: Mon, 28 Jul 2003 08:39:03 -0400
> From: Ben Nock <G4BXD@compuserve.com>
> To: Milsurplus <Milsurplus@mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: [Milsurplus] ebay ? what value
> 
> it was said:
> > The other side of the coin is the seller's benefit. If someone were to
> > decide to sell their mint GRC-106A, should they have to shop it around
> > the immediate posse and take $400 for it when exposing it to a far
> > away and strange posse can get them $900 for it?
> 
> the point is.. is the set worth $400 or $900

Well, if it is 'mint', $900 would be about right (this is for the amp,
radio, and mount). 

If it is scratched up and somewhat ugly but works fine, then $400
might be a good price.

It does not matter how 'in the know' I am, if someone wants it more
than I do, they will get it, and pay for the privelege. It was the
same at ham-com this year, except it was not an auction. There was a
whole table full of linear amplifiers, which were overpriced. I know
this because I am in the know, so to speak. Most of them did sell.
> 
> if its worth $400 and the guy get $900 is that not just "greed". =

Ahh, but the mint radio in the example was worth $900.

> 
> if its worth $400 why not simply place an ad on the many sites around
> (ie no need to carry the set from place to place as suggested above)
> and sell it at a fair price. =

Never said it was worth $400. Shop it around meant in this case,
'virtually'. There is always someone willing to pay a fair price.

> 
> Obviously, all of us in the know would never pay such an exhorbitent =
> 
> figure for such so by putting it on ebay the seller is simply hoping for
> some =
> 
> poor gulable fool to over bid. Hardly a honest and decent way to work. =
> 

I would like someone so sell me a guaranteed perfect working, but
ugly, GRC106A. I'll pay $400. I might not like the shipping costs
though. I have two friends waiting to buy. And I won't make a penny.
One needs the amp only and is not interested in a showpiece but a
working machine, if anyone has one for $200 or so. if not, I'll keep
the receiver for myself.

I myself wanted a guaranteed working, near pristine, CARC, GRC106A. I
found one locally and paid $700. I was completely satisfied. best one
I have ever seen.

As far as gullible fools, anyone considering such costly hobbies as
buying antiques, should always do their research. Just take a look at
Fair Radio and Murphy's Junk Warehouse. Check their prices. They are a
bit high, eh? Are they ripping people off? 

I respect the point made, but I disagree about it being a ripoff.

PJ