posted on June 15, 2001 06:47:08 AM new
I'm looking for a semi-automated way to extract data from ebay auctions. I would like to keep track of auction prices on certain items that interest me and compile this information into a personal database and perhaps share the data with others through my website.
The data I would like to extract would include the following:
-Seller's ID
-High bidder's ID
-Final bid price
-Reserve met= yes/no
-List of bidders who placed bids on item
-Seller's item description
-All photos of item as they appeared in the auction page.
I am looking for a quick and easy way to extract the above information from an ebay auction page and forward this information into some type of database program.
Any programmers out here or does anyone know of a program that might already exist that would accomplish this for me?
posted on June 15, 2001 10:58:25 PM new
Near as I can tell, what you're talking about doing would violate a ton of protections eBay has surrounded itself with. I'm not terribly knowledgeable about the specifics (many on AW are, however) but it starts with copyrights and goes on from there. If you're considering using some kind of automatic search program that surveys eBay on a regular basis, they'll nail you for that too. Publish on your own web site -- NOT likely. Oh well, the best laid plans.......
posted on June 16, 2001 02:21:33 AM new
99% of that information is not yours.
If you were really serious about comparing prices you would search on the exact item for instance under china- Haviland-pattern name-plate and go to past auctions and print out the page every 20 days or so. Over a years time you would know exactly what a plate in your pattern sold for.
That's if you were serious, of course!
'Course going in and getting names and pictures is serious too--serious theft!
