- #1
Thread Owner
I don't understand the mentality of some ebayers!
I am a bit mystified by the mentality of some ebay sellers.
A huge number of sellers seem to be stuck in an "I list mine for a few bucks cheaper" mind set.
The problem with this mentality is that it drives all prices lower, almost to the point of worthlessness.
For instance, we've had some great success buying a household item, and relisting parts of those on ebay. Since August of last year, I've been selling these parts for about $15.99, on average. I have gotten to the point of grading the parts, so junk parts are listed for $12.99, and brand new, factory sealed parts are listed at $22 to $30.
I've been blessed. These parts have sold BRISKLY at those prices. Late last month, three other sellers have shown up, and they keep undercutting each other, down to the point that some are listing these parts for $5.99 free shipping, and some are starting .99 auctions. Each day, I've watched them continue to undercut each other, again, and again, and again.
But what I've seen happen, is that their good parts sell quickly for $5.99 with free ship, and then they are stuck with the slow sellers that are really hard to sell.
Yes, I know every argument there is to know about free market economies, how the consumer wins, that you can't stop undercutting, etc., etc., etc.
What I do know is that the undercut crowd lost a pile of money on their items and sold them too cheap, just trying to beat someone else out by a few dollars.
I tell ya, I don't play that game. Often, I go the other direction, and list my items at a higher price than everyone else. Sure, it does take a little longer for it to sell, but I have more money when all is said and done.
For instance, I listed a woodworking clamp last year. The low-ballers and undercutters had ruined that market, and the selling price was about $40 on the top end. I listed mine for $89. One reason I went higher was because my clamp was in super nice shape. Sure, it took about 40 days for it to sell, but the buyer also paid $27 to have it shipped to him.
I have also sold a few train cars for almost stupid money, even though some examples were being sold at a fraction of my price. I sold one car for $50 plus $12 shipping, even though the low-ballers were listing their cars for 1/2 that price.
If you are playing the undercut game of "I always list mine for a few bucks cheaper", I'd like to challenge you to rethink that selling strategy.
Try listing your items, depending on condition and grade, at higher prices. i think that you'll find that you have more money in your pocket...and isn't this what it is all about? If it doesn't work out, you can always lower your prices.
Thoughts? Opinions?
I am a bit mystified by the mentality of some ebay sellers.
A huge number of sellers seem to be stuck in an "I list mine for a few bucks cheaper" mind set.
The problem with this mentality is that it drives all prices lower, almost to the point of worthlessness.
For instance, we've had some great success buying a household item, and relisting parts of those on ebay. Since August of last year, I've been selling these parts for about $15.99, on average. I have gotten to the point of grading the parts, so junk parts are listed for $12.99, and brand new, factory sealed parts are listed at $22 to $30.
I've been blessed. These parts have sold BRISKLY at those prices. Late last month, three other sellers have shown up, and they keep undercutting each other, down to the point that some are listing these parts for $5.99 free shipping, and some are starting .99 auctions. Each day, I've watched them continue to undercut each other, again, and again, and again.
But what I've seen happen, is that their good parts sell quickly for $5.99 with free ship, and then they are stuck with the slow sellers that are really hard to sell.
Yes, I know every argument there is to know about free market economies, how the consumer wins, that you can't stop undercutting, etc., etc., etc.
What I do know is that the undercut crowd lost a pile of money on their items and sold them too cheap, just trying to beat someone else out by a few dollars.
I tell ya, I don't play that game. Often, I go the other direction, and list my items at a higher price than everyone else. Sure, it does take a little longer for it to sell, but I have more money when all is said and done.
For instance, I listed a woodworking clamp last year. The low-ballers and undercutters had ruined that market, and the selling price was about $40 on the top end. I listed mine for $89. One reason I went higher was because my clamp was in super nice shape. Sure, it took about 40 days for it to sell, but the buyer also paid $27 to have it shipped to him.
I have also sold a few train cars for almost stupid money, even though some examples were being sold at a fraction of my price. I sold one car for $50 plus $12 shipping, even though the low-ballers were listing their cars for 1/2 that price.
If you are playing the undercut game of "I always list mine for a few bucks cheaper", I'd like to challenge you to rethink that selling strategy.
Try listing your items, depending on condition and grade, at higher prices. i think that you'll find that you have more money in your pocket...and isn't this what it is all about? If it doesn't work out, you can always lower your prices.
Thoughts? Opinions?
!!), if he sees the other listings or sees that item locally for less he may feel you ripped him off. This could cause returns, bad feedback, and bad seller ratings.
