Post
by this_poison » Thu Jan 12, 2006 9:26 am
I think when it comes to synths on eBay, particularly older analogs, the whole thing is a den of shill bids, overpricing, self posted bids, non-payer claims etc etc.
I've bought loads at fair prices from honest eBayers, only to see similar items "sell" weeks later at 3 or 4 times the price. Unfortunately it's so crooked that we can't use it as a price guide.
There are a lot of buyers shelling out £3000 for a VCS3 or £1800 for a Mini D when the only other thing they've bought is a £2 plate, a £1.50 CD, a 50p comicbook etc etc. There is no way all of these people go ahead with the purchase, and it's rarely passed to the next highest bidder (often a considerable margin below the "winning" bid).
Here in the UK its not unusual to see reputable music shops selling items for a fraction of what they alledgedly go for on eBay, and that genuine economic tells you all that you need to know about many of these eBay "sales".
I suppose as long as they get their fee it's not in eBays interest if it truly sold or not (but do they follow up if sellers claim non-payment repeatedly?).
It's great fun on eBay, and the genuine sellers are there, but I feel they are in an ever decreasing minority for in-demand items.
I love synths, but take every "sold" price on the auction sites with a bucketload of salt.
Unbelievable! I thought they were too expensive when they bounced up to $700 (which appeared to be the reserve). I gave up at that point, but when I just checked again I saw what they sold for. Wow. Admittedly they appear to be in nice shape, but that seems a bit excessive. Maybe I should have gone for them - they may well only go up from here...