What's a pie cost ?

[Blackjack]

Chunky Steak & Kid - I would expect to pay around 4.50.....

I rarley use Ebay anymore for buying or selling. It has been overrun by retail businesses and a true auction bargain is pretty hard to come by these days.

It has it's pluses in that it is a huge marketplace, but that can also be a negative in that people know they can stick a bigger price on an item and eventually with the number of buyers hitting the site they will get their price.

As a seller on ebay the increase in fees and charges is off the hook, now that they control much of the postage market for sellers in the US that is killing getting parts from OS.

Anyhue, I do have a bike listed on Ebay at the moment - My bottom dollar is $1500 so I set my starting price at $1750 NR. This covers the extortionate fees and no doubt some of my time and effort when I say 'local pick-up only' and I have to securely pack it up and ship it off interstate.   

A few other gripes you buy something listed locally e.g. Location 'Sydney' and need it an a hurry - Turns out Seller has never even been to Sydney and your part is on the slow boat form China!

This isn't as bad as it used to be but the old 'Buy it now' $10 - Postage $240

But back to the original question stick a price on it - As a buyer I will haggle but I hate not knowing where the starting point is. The blind  offer is always uncomfortable for the buyer and the seller.

[skypig]

I've bought a lot more from eBay than I've sold on there.

Recently I sold some items. I was shocked at the commission eBay takes.
I was frustrated that I couldn't "ship at actual cost" - previously I'd get a quote after the auction was won. (Depends on the buyers location and preference for insurence etc).
eBay wants their cut on the shipping too! I found this out after I quoted high for shipping intending to refund the unused portion. eBay took a cut of the high quote.
Maybe I could list it "local pick up only" then negotiate shipping after and send a separate PayPal invoice?

No one seems content to milk the cow anymore. They think it's clever to suck it dry and kick it in the guts for a few extra drops.

I'll be trying Gumtree next time I'm selling...

[LWC82PE]

I think this is why so much stuff is listed as 'free postage' I have never had any success buying on Gumtree. No one responds to messages/emails at all. Its quite different there.

[yamaico]

I think this is why so much stuff is listed as 'free postage' I have never had any success buying on Gumtree. No one responds to messages/emails at all. Its quite different there.

I'm the same with Gumtree. I have hardly any response to messages or emails. Being overseas most of the time it's the easiest way for me to correspond, but not for others it seems...

[Nathan S]

Phone calls go a long way.

I have a rule of thumb for buying/selling on gumtree, forums or FaceSook: if there's more than four messages without a phone call (or a phone number being offered), then they're probably a dickhead.

It's not 100%, but it is close.

And as a potential buyer, it's surprising how often people remark "you bothered to call!" - most sellers get way too many scammers and morons messaging them, so genuine potential buyers are missed if they don't call.

[FourstrokeForever]

Yep, I refuse to haggle via a text message or email. If someone is genuinely interested in what is for sale, they will spare 5 minutes out of their hectic life to make a phone call, which in the end is probably quicker than typing out the message!

Still, with all our gripes about online selling, it sure is a lot easier than the old Trading Post days. And you can add your own quality photos which is miles better than the one blurry pic you could submit via the paper.

[bigk]

I actually miss the Trading Post days. Getting the paper early on a Thursday morning then going "hell for leather" trying to be the first to get the bargain. Good times.
K

[80-85 husky]

same. nothing like the thrill of the call and the first question...do you still have it? was always good to hear "your the first call ive had!"

saw a blue HK gts v8 4speed Monaro in the post in 1996--$9K. rang the guy up and he says "sorry mate, went first thing this smorning and ive had 20 calls since!" Bugger!

next week the add is still there! I ring up and he says the first guy was a p plater and couldn't rego the car!! I was the only bunny to call back. a win!.... I really miss the post, online is great but you just get so sidetracked looking at stuff.

[yamaico]

I actually miss the Trading Post days. Getting the paper early on a Thursday morning then going "hell for leather" trying to be the first to get the bargain. Good times.
K

I'm with you K, that's where bargains were to be had. I bought just about all my pre '75 bikes through the Trading Post and never paid more than about $500. Just not possible now when you're bidding against every Tom, Dick and Nathan on fleabay. You just had to be up early on a Thursday and be prepared to wake people up, who usually don't mind if they're selling something.

[skypig]

same. nothing like the thrill of the call and the first question...do you still have it? was always good to hear "your the first call ive had!"

saw a blue HK gts v8 4speed Monaro in the post in 1996--$9K. rang the guy up and he says "sorry mate, went first thing this smorning and ive had 20 calls since!" Bugger!

next week the add is still there! I ring up and he says the first guy was a p plater and couldn't rego the car!! I was the only bunny to call back. a win!.... I really miss the post, online is great but you just get so sidetracked looking at stuff.

Never give up on love!
Great story.

(These days it would be back on stEalBay, with a story about time wasters...and an increased starting bid....)

[Nathan S]

The old Trading Post days were good fun. Lots of trips to Sydney on a Thursday evening...

I think you got far fewer dipshit sellers when placing an ad required planning and cost them money.
I think you also had far fewer time waster "buyers" when replying to an ad required the balls to pick up a phone and talk to someone.

[80-85 husky]

not too many buyers in the trading post are "buying for their kid on an oil rig and need your bank numbers to put the transport fee in...."

[FourstrokeForever]

Yes, on reflection the Trading Post days did make for some great memories. There was no emailing back and forth asking for more photos and "what's your buy it now price"?

The early morning chase (sometimes midnight on Wednesday) to get the paper from the not so local 7 Eleven. A quick read through the bikes and cars, circle what your interested in and set the alarm for 630am to be the first caller.....

The best I remember is my '72 HQ SS that I got in 1994. Lettuce Alone in colour, immaculate houndstooth interior, rare factory auto, air conditioning and big SS Cragar mags. Paid $1800 for it but had to have 2 days off work and catch a train to Tamworth to get it. Front end needed a bit of suspension work. Swapped the sports steering wheel for an original GTS wheel. Took the mags off and put original GTS wheels back on (found in the Trading Post) and then properly painted my first car. Even painted the stripes on the bonnet and boot. Got some new SS stickers from rare spares and put in a new windscreen to replace the old scratched to buggery toughened screen.
Put it on the street for $8500 and it sold the first day! Should of been a "keeper"

[Iain Cameron]

There is a YZ80b on Evil bay atm the fool starts bids at $500 . It been passed in at not reaching reserve 5 or 6 times now at the highest Ive seen its got to $1450 then passed in again . Why the hell not just say I want $x amount and start from there and stop wasting every ones time .

[skypig]

....... Why the hell not just say I want $x amount and start from there and stop wasting every ones time .

My thoughts exactly.

I think there is some sort of BS psychology theory, or maybe moron theory, involved with wasting everyone's time with stupidly low starting bids.
They lose my interest, I usually only bid if the item is for sale. (Reserve met)