posted on October 17, 2001 07:09:18 PM
I picked up a inscribed copy of the memoirs of Richard Nixon the other day 1st edition excellent condtion.
In searching alldel I find it offered from 150.00 to 450.00
How acurate are these prices?
I'm thinking of lising with 125.00 reserve on ebay.
posted on October 17, 2001 07:19:57 PM
IMO- you may generally end up with about a third to a half of the lowest price at addall, on an Ebay bid... if the book is uncommon. Reserves put people off sometimes. Amazon might be your best bet.
posted on October 17, 2001 11:18:41 PM
The books that I've sold on ebay sold for 40-50% less than the listed prices on the major book search engines. Two particular ones were not recently available on ebay. Both were available at only about five other sellers online.
One that I listed on ebay with a reserve price got a final bid that was $55.00 less than my reserve. Which was still much less than the going rate. The high bidder did contact me and I made him an offer that was about half of the going rate.
Half.com was a waste of time for the higher value books. They just sat there. Even when my price was $30.00 less than the BIG guy's.
I would suggest that you do what is in your best interests. For me the reserve wasn't a total waste since the bidder did contact me. If I had sold it without a reserve it would have been a steal at half the price of what I eventually got (70% less than other online sellers).
From what I've seen on ebay with that particular book I'm guessing that it would sell with a reserve. As you may have already noticed.
You're right on with the 125.00. The book commonly sells for between 110-200, I've sold 5 or 6 of them over the past year. However, if it's inscribed, not just signed, I would take a good look at who it was inscribed to, maybe do some research. If it is someone of some stature or fame, or even a colleague, the book becomes an association copy, and the value is increased.
posted on October 18, 2001 06:32:02 AM
I've had it go all ways w/eBay vs. addall/abe/bookfinder.
Some sell less on eBay, some in the range of the fixed price, and some do really well on eBay and surpass the fixed price sites.
One thing to take in mind on the fixed price sites is that usually the sellers are paying a fixed fee monthly to list their books. So, if they put it on really high for a while, it's a sunk cost. eBay is different in that you pay for a 3-10 day shot at a buyer for one book.
Amazon gets a high commission (99cents + 15%), but it's not so out of line if you compare it to your eBay fees plus Billpoint or PPal. Plus it's no cost up front.
posted on October 18, 2001 04:59:49 PM
flynlizards: I checked amozon there are two there with BIN 399 and 499..no takers but I will keep it in mind
fishbowl ,greed bay and Sadie thanks for the advice I decide to list on ebay with the 125.00 reserve , in two catagories 10 day auction and see what happens.....
[ edited by mrspock on Oct 17, 2001 07:12 PM ]