posted on August 22, 2001 08:44:49 AM
I don't know. A lot of numbers and stuff that don't mean too much to me.
That "Bargain Basement?" chart is laughable. The article is talking about how high ebay prices are compared to other sites, yet the differences that they compare are very minimal. Even way lower eBay prices on the Epsom scanner.
As far as collectibles prices falling, what collectibles? Pokemon? Sports cards? Beanies? Hallmark ornaments? Nascar?
I wouldn't doubt that the prices are falling on these kind of things but I seriously doubt if it's dropping much on good, vintage collectibles.
posted on August 22, 2001 08:57:31 AM
Whether prices are dropping on every collectible is not really germain to the article's point. The crux of the article is that eBay's stock may be very over valued due to stalling revenue growth, caused by falling prices and stagnant listing growth.
Why should this matter to a non-stock holding seller ? Because Meg will raise fees to counter lack of revenue growth to save her corporate buns. She has comitted eBay to $3 Billion in revenue by 2005. The analysts are already seeing problems with reaching that figure.
There is a far bigger picture than just a particular antique item holding its value.
posted on August 22, 2001 09:02:28 AM
Well let's see, stuff is going down. I've cut way back on my listings--but they are on Half.com now.
If a price is higher on eBay, could it be that the same seller has his for less on his own site and that makes it appear higher?
Collectibles have taken it on the chin over the last year or two now that people see that many items are more readily available and that makes them at least appear less valuable. An eBay price might also be less because there's no costly monthly overhead: rent and utilities--this can drive prices downward too. Also, collectible prices have risen steadily--is this a market corrective that just looks like a slump?
posted on August 22, 2001 09:06:50 AM
OK. I'll leave it to you guys to contemplate the far bigger picture. I'll come back and read your opinions later.
I've got more mundane things to contemplate. Like maybe getting some auctions listed and some shipments packed. Making some money.
posted on August 22, 2001 09:51:26 AM
I found it pretty irrelevant that some practicals on ebay are sold higher than elsewhere. The people who are paying more are not comparison shoppers, they like the ebay's auction format and may never want to buy from another site. I buy practicals on ebay because it is far superior in ease of use, often the description is better, and especially at Christmas, the selection of models is tops. If people are paying more, that is a good sign that people have good feelings about the company.
The drop in collectibles is attributed to the drop in the economy. Once the economy heats up people will loosen up those wallets.
posted on August 22, 2001 05:33:02 PM
"eBay's stock may be very over valued"
Heck, they have been saying that for years now...doesn't seem to have mattered.
On the bargain basement thing...a couple of dollars difference doesn't mean a dang thing...especially if the shipping costs have not been taken into account. If the savings are only a couple of dollars there is no reason to comparison shop.
Most people don't comparison shop...to time consuming. And saying they "should" as the person from AuctionBytes did is ignoring the reality that most don't.
Just more doom and gloom. The whole article is one of "IFS", "MAYBE", "MIGHT". Means squat!
