Thread: Why do lots of crappy razors go for so much?

I think part of it is that sellers want to get rid of something and don't know anything about what they're selling, what condition it is in, how it is used, and what it is worth. If they purchased something for resale, their price is based on what they paid for it. The seller has to pay to keep a slow moving item listed, so I don't think there is an intention to rip people off in most instances. I think that, in general, ebay sellers as a whole were more knowledgeable a few years ago, which means that the buyer has to be careful.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

How do you define "crappy razors" ?

Corroded, worn out, chipped blades... warped, broken scales. Stuff that isn't even worth anything for parts. I just saw a lot with 4 pieces of garbage and two so-so razors go for $90. Nobody loves unstamped or obscure brand razors more than me.

I suppose a lot of it is newbies trying to start a collection all at once and not knowing what the hell they are doing.

I've gotten some great deals on ebay. Got a few barking dogs too. Still chuckle about this "razor"


It was part of a lot of 6 razors that I got for around 30 bucks shipped. One of the other razors had a cracked blade, another was what I think is a salesman's sample. Either way the "razor" shown above is a pretty nice MILLER BROTHERS, Meriden, Conn. sailor's rope knife. They usually bring between 100 and 200 on the bay. Been wanting one for several years but refused to pay the freight. Got lucky and ended up that one for around 6 bucks. Didn't buy it to resell, but if I do it will make up the losses on some other deals I've made. LOL

Just got to have an idea what you're looking at and not be afraid to roll the dice every now and then.

Originally Posted by Wullie

I've gotten some great deals on ebay. Got a few barking dogs too. Still chuckle about this "razor"


It was part of a lot of 6 razors that I got for around 30 bucks shipped. One of the other razors had a cracked blade, another was what I think is a salesman's sample. Either way the "razor" shown above is a pretty nice MILLER BROTHERS, Meriden, Conn. sailor's rope knife. They usually bring between 100 and 200 on the bay. Been wanting one for several years but refused to pay the freight. Got lucky and ended up that one for around 6 bucks. Didn't buy it to resell, but if I do it will make up the losses on some other deals I've made. LOL

Just got to have an idea what you're looking at and not be afraid to roll the dice every now and then.

Yeah, sometimes it's the stuff in the background that has the value.

Yes, this is an interesting topic, Gillette and other co's blame the, "hipsters" for the 20% decline in cartridge sales as seen in the resurgence of DE and STR8 razors.

Fashion will always be a driving force, as with the ducks, which now seem to be a Holy Grail, while other very fine razors go fairly cheap.

I got these off E-Bay, with case, for $60 plus postage:



They are 4/8th full hollow, but have turned out to give some of the best shaves I've had!?!

Guess I would echo what's been said, there's lots of bad quality stuff that will sell on brand recognition alone, almost regardless of condition, and some great razors, that aren't in "fashion", that go for a great price and are a great quality product - like these Wilkinson Pall Mall razors, which I'm incredibly happy with!

Cheers!

Buy mostly "take a chance" razors from eBay 10-20$ range. Been surprised by some. Others are for parts.
Real surprise was a 10$(shipped) Gold Dollar 66, 1st I've bought, just a little honing and pasted Stropping and its a nice shave!

I will say in recent experience razors have went way above previous pricing. I got ky first vintage W&B about 3 yearsish back for about £25. I have recently seen razors in similar or worse condition for in excess of £100. Alsova similar story with my goldenedge. Around £50 and now selling in excess of £200. They are worth what people will pay. I wont pay that much lol.

Something else I will say though is there are some sellers whacking on a huge price expecting a buyer and not getting any, i have seen a few relists of razors with prices upwards of £200 as there are no bidders. In those examples I am assuming the seller has overestimated a hype and thinks they'll get a sale regardless of price tag.

Geek

It's hard to overestimate a hype.

Originally Posted by ace

It's hard to overestimate a hype.

Lol ok... maybe buying blindly into a hype

If you were to really sit and stare at the selling list long enough, you would come to the realization that close to 20% of the razors being sold are being supplied by just 8 -10 sellers. (trust me, I actually sat there and searched it all out) This sort of market share produces the ability to control or influence the market.

I'm not saying that this has been done deliberately, but its a vicious circle. A razor get sold to the guy thats "Gotta Have it!" and the vendors take heed, and raise their prices accordingly. now, potential buyers see that "everybody" is asking this price for that razor. So to get it, they have to bid a little more. and so on and so on. If the cost of the NOS Filly is at 300 bucks, the "used" model will sell for less. say 100. But when the cost of the Filly is BIN of 900 the cost of a good used will rise accordingly. Perhaps nobody will buy the NOS, but it WILL drive up the used price. and if somebody DOES pay it? well, the cycle continues.