posted on June 16, 2001 11:08:28 AM
* * * Latest issue of AntiqueWeek reported on two studies of eBay auction sales prices. Results: down 25-39% over the past year.
posted on June 16, 2001 11:59:56 AM
Not to belabor the point, since eBay has already admitted that collectibles prices have fallen, but this is a rather funny comparison of statements by them. One made on May 3, 2001 in NewsBytes:
"Sellers have been telling us for some time that while the cost of selling on auction sites like eBay is increasing, they are realizing lower sales prices for their items," said David Steiner, president of AuctionBytes.com. "This study backs up the anecdotal evidence."
"There is not a shred of truth to this report," said eBay spokesman Kevin Pursglove. "eBay's marketplace is thriving -- you can't single out an item like collectibles, since we have 4,500 or 4,600 categories, with 6 million items listed on any given day."
And this statement made by the very same spokesperson on June 7:
eBay spokesman Kevin Pursglove questioned whether the survey results might have been influenced by the mix of products that TIAS sellers listed or the initial prices for which they offered their items. But eBay has seen an increase in listings across the site, and that might have depressed prices, he said.
"We don't have any reason to dispute TIAS or any of their figures," Pursglove said.
Wonder if backpedaling is a good aerobic exercise?
posted on June 16, 2001 12:48:04 PM
Quoting from the article:
"Steiner was quick to point out that one-of-a-kind and unusual items are still selling on Ebay."
This has been my experience in B&M antques and collectibles in the last 40 years. The quality tends to "ride out" changing markets better.
"However, TIAS does not provide that level of
analysis so we are simply quessing"
Then why are you scaring us!? I don't have the money to conduct formal market analysis and neither does TIAS. Who does? eBay and they don't talk to you or me.
posted on June 16, 2001 07:37:19 PM
Why not just check the ebay category that you sell in or buy in to notice the change in prices. Quality is still luke warm while average stock seems to be competitive now and prices dropping. The shift in buyers and demographics may play a large part in the price drops. America needs jobs to spend money! That may also be related to the drop in collectible prices. My opinion only.
