posted on March 7, 2003 08:27:33 AM
Survey Says: Fixed Price Versus Auction Format
TIAS.com and AuctionBytes.com run ongoing surveys related
to collecting and online auctions. Here are the results from the
last survey, which asked readers about ...
You are looking for a specific item to add to your collection.
While browsing the Web, you find it on eBay at auction for $49
with several days left before the auction ends. You also find
another item being offered on eBay at a Buy It Now listing for
$99. After more research, you find a third item at an online store
at "fixed price" for $99.
Assuming all sellers have good feedback/reputation, shipping
costs are identical, and all other things being equal, which are
you more likely to purchase from?
81.5% eBay Auction
9.4% eBay "Buy it Now" listing
7.4% Fixed Price Store
1.7% I don't buy online
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posted on March 7, 2003 08:42:42 AM
You didn't mention specifically what is considered a fixed price store. I am ASSUMING you mean somewhere like Amazon.com.
If it were me, I'd bid $75 on the auction and then go to the fixed price store if I didn't win.
Why risk buy-it-now with some unknown eBayer, when you can get it at a (supposedly) well-know fixed price site like Amazon?
Now if the buy-it-now price were LESS than the biog retailer, I'd think about it. All else being the same, I'd go with the more proven seller.
Auctions are good for getting bargains. Fixed price stores are more safe and reliable. At least in theory.
