How many headscratchers does it take to make Ebay run?

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10-20-2009, 01:07 AM
ChrisL

How many headscratchers does it take to make Ebay run?
I wanted to say "boneheads" instead of "headscratchers" but in the off off off off chance that one of youse has been looking for a mini-metal lathe like I have, I want to keep the peace.

No, this is not a post about straights, but it is a post about Ebay.

For MONTHS I have been trolling Ebay for a certain type of U.S. made mini-lathe for turning metal. Here are three things I've learned. Pay attention to #3:
1. The resale on Sherline brand lathes and mills is consistently very high.
2. Commonly, a used Sherline lathe or mill in good condition sells for only 10-20% less than new.
3. ..................On more than one occassion including tonight, people pay MORE for a used one (factoring in the shipping charges) than several of the online retailers charge for a brand spankin new one!!! It's not like these online retailers are a secret. I just flat out don't get it.
Chris L
10-20-2009, 01:20 AM
JimR

I once saw someone pay $52 for a $50 Target gift card on eBay.

Just a regular giftcard, nothing special or collectable, no special bonuses or extra value...

They bought $50, for $52. :shrug:
10-20-2009, 01:27 AM
livingontheedge

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimR

I once saw someone pay $52 for a $50 Target gift card on eBay.

Just a regular giftcard, nothing special or collectable, no special bonuses or extra value...

They bought $50, for $52. :shrug:

That is too funny!!
10-21-2009, 01:17 AM
avatar1999

That's the story of ebay...people don't do the research, they just try to "win."

Most of the stuff on there can be had cheaper, from retail stores, but people are too lazy to look for it.
10-21-2009, 05:55 PM
Undream

I sold a $25.00 Cabela's gift card last year for $25.90 or something.

The same gift card was available at cabelas.com with free shipping worldwide.

E-bay is definitely a head scratcher at times.
10-21-2009, 06:26 PM
Oglethorpe

Quote:

Originally Posted by avatar1999

That's the story of ebay...people don't do the research, they just try to "win."

Most of the stuff on there can be had cheaper, from retail stores, but people are too lazy to look for it.

This is the bottom line. Know the retail (or used) value of what it is you intend to buy. We certainly are diminishing the human gene pool with some of the eBayers out there.
10-21-2009, 07:25 PM
ChrisL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oglethorpe

This is the bottom line. Know the retail (or used) value of what it is you intend to buy. We certainly are diminishing the human gene pool with some of the eBayers out there.

I never really thought it this way since I can't imagine personally bidding on an item still available on a retail basis without researching the "average retail price";); what I mean is, I never factored in the type of person that has $xxx they're willing to spend on an item and they bid based on that alone, possibly irrespective of the availability of that item as new from a retailer.

Chris L
10-22-2009, 12:12 PM
DPflaumer

It reminds me of some of the Wapis that come up for sale on the bay. I saw a USED Wapi go for upwards of $100, with original steel scales. You can buy a NOS online rescaled in exotic woods for that much money. Or even if you wanted the steel scales, I just bought one and it only cost $55, NOS again. Some people just don't think.
10-25-2009, 09:30 PM
stimpy52

Allow me to explain how the stupid mind works

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimR

I once saw someone pay $52 for a $50 Target gift card on eBay.

Just a regular giftcard, nothing special or collectable, no special bonuses or extra value...

They bought $50, for $52. :shrug:

Let's suppose for one moment that I'm waaaaaay stupid. That was easy wasn't it? Now suppose I'm maxed out on credit cards and broke... still pretty easy right? But I have a few bucks left on my PayPal credit account, which I use to overpay for this Target card, and I can buy my wife a Valentine's Day present and she's none the wiser. Of course, I'm just supposin' here.....maybe
10-25-2009, 09:36 PM
Oglethorpe

Quote:

Originally Posted by stimpy52

Let's suppose for one moment that I'm waaaaaay stupid. That was easy wasn't it? Now suppose I'm maxed out on credit cards and broke... still pretty easy right? But I have a few bucks left on my PayPal credit account, which I use to overpay for this Target card, and I can buy my wife a Valentine's Day present and she's none the wiser. Of course, I'm just supposin' here.....maybe

It's six of one and half-a-dozen of the other. PayPal dollars are still dollars, convertible to cash. Why not just pull out the balance and get 52 bucks worth of stuff instead of 50?
10-25-2009, 11:48 PM
stimpy52

False dollars

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oglethorpe

It's six of one and half-a-dozen of the other. PayPal dollars are still dollars, convertible to cash. Why not just pull out the balance and get 52 bucks worth of stuff instead of 50?

Not balance dollars -- PayPal Credit dollars. You have to get into the spin of the debtor death spiral. Just supposin'.
10-25-2009, 11:52 PM
JimR

Quote:

Originally Posted by stimpy52

Let's suppose for one moment that I'm waaaaaay stupid.

I think that's all we really need to assume. ;)

But yeah, I have no doubt something like your idea is plausible. Still...pretty stupid.
10-26-2009, 03:32 PM
stimpy52

track record

Stupid practically seeps from my pores.
10-26-2009, 04:13 PM
ursus

Albert Einstein: "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." (Not referring to stimpy in any way).

Also, people can and will do silly things when in hurry and not thinking properly. We just might be in so good company that we don't understand such things.