jaylennon
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posted on April 22, 2006 05:27:52 PM
Amazingly enough, no one has posted a thread on the effect oil prices are having on your sales...........just curuius ?......any thoughts or predictions for the future ?
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ms24ktau
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posted on April 22, 2006 05:40:48 PM
Sales do seem much slower lately...perhaps gas prices are having some effect. I know its going to make a difference to my carefree garage sale-ing days. I'm going to have to cut down on the number and plan a "route"
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max40
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posted on April 22, 2006 06:38:32 PM
I'm thinking that there will be more people sitting at their computer instead of behind the wheel looking for what they collect.
I personally haven't been cruising around looking for garage sale signs.
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ladyjewels2000
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posted on April 22, 2006 07:42:08 PM
Gas for finding stuff for resale is a cost of doing business - we can write it off.
I think Max could be right so there could be more garage sales with less buyers. It could work in our favor.
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longtime1
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posted on April 22, 2006 07:48:45 PM
I sell high ticket items. With Best Offer. In the last 24 hours I've had 3 offers. 2 of the 3 mentioned high gas prices as a reason(or excuse) for their lower than normal offer.
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roadsmith
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posted on April 22, 2006 08:05:32 PM
I guess this could go either way for us as sellers. IN the last couple of days since the prices went up so fast, hits on my auctions have been a bit plateaued. I really have no idea what that means, though!
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sparkz
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posted on April 22, 2006 09:09:31 PM
Gas prices are nothing now. I figured they would hit $3.00 per gallon on Memorial Day weekend. They are already at that level now here in Calif. for regular unleaded. Wait till the first gategory 3 hurricane hits the gulf next month and the offshore platform workers bail out. We'll likely see $4.00 - $4.50 a gallon by the 4th of July.
If Murphy's law is correct, everything East of the San Andreas Fault will slide into the Atlantic
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blueyes29
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posted on April 22, 2006 10:36:24 PM
We've had it easy for years...the Europeans have been paying these prices for gas for a long time. You don't see a whole lot of RVs on the autobahns!
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hwahwa
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posted on April 23, 2006 06:55:46 AM
Spartz,
I was one of the many who planned the great escape from Houston after Katrina,is it Wilma?
And what should we use as gas to power our vehicle this year??cooking oil?peanut or canola??
/ lets all stop whining !! /
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ladyjewels2000
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posted on April 23, 2006 07:08:12 AM
I had more Sat bids yesterday than I have had in ?? I can't remember when? I have about 8 questions on my auctions and I've only got about 30 items listed.
I think I'll be listing like crazy today.
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ebayvet
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posted on April 23, 2006 09:30:14 AM
Business has been great for me this month, maybe people are finding other things to do that are cheaper? As far as garage sales, I figure if I travel 75 miles a day I am going pretty far. That's 5 gallons of gas for me, I've got a guzzler - Right now that costs me $14. Two years ago when gas was $1.60 a gallon, that cost me $8. If $6 is the difference for you going out or not, you're probably in the wrong business. Gas can reach $6 a gallon, and it would not change what I am doing, it would probably mean less competition though!
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marcn
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posted on April 23, 2006 10:39:20 AM
For the types of items I sell, I see the high gas prices as a good thing. People can go online and buy the things they would have to go out and drive for online and save money on the purchase as well as not using the expensive gas.
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buyhigh
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posted on April 23, 2006 01:19:46 PM
All true but there is still the trickle down effect which raises prices for all the neccessities of life leaving less discretionary income. It cost more to produce the item (and I am including food) and more to bring it to market.
buyhigh
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irked
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posted on April 24, 2006 09:02:24 PM
I see a great deal wrong with high gas prices. Gas goes up people maybe stay home more but then the price of groceries go up due to gas prices, You name it it will all go up just because of the gas prices. It does not just affect the people and their travel, it affect all parts of the society.
High gas prices, oops lets raise the price of groceries to get it there not to mention the cost of collecting the crops with higher gas prices. OOPS lets raise the postage or shipping --it cost more to deliver, Less bid amounts at ebay, OOPS lets raise the cost of electricity again and again. OOPS lets raise the cost of the cost it is bound to be affected somewhere. What it all boils down to is everyone bend over and get your royal $@rew*&^ so the oil company executes can have a good time, the greedy %as#ar@$.
**************
Some minds are like concrete,
thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
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buyhigh
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posted on April 24, 2006 09:36:56 PM
That is what I meant by trickle down effect. Everything one has to buy costs more.
buyhigh
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irked
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posted on April 25, 2006 03:11:06 PM
I went into the gas station today and asked for five dollars worth of gas. The clerk farted and gave me a receipt.----JOKE.
**************
Some minds are like concrete,
thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
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mikes4x4andtruckrepair
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posted on April 25, 2006 05:28:03 PM
Just ashame your car doesn't run on methane gas 
 Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. - Albert Einstein
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agitprop
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posted on April 25, 2006 08:35:35 PM
We sell collectibles worldwide and no noticeable drop in sales. Even managed to make a few sales to Iran, Qatar and Kuwait
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jackswebb
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posted on April 25, 2006 09:08:45 PM
A local L.A. Matress Co. has a radio, T.V. commercial.
LARRY these GAS prices are Killing me. Find your matress elsewhere for less and your matress is FREEEEEEEEEE!
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buyhigh
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posted on April 26, 2006 09:44:38 AM
If you are selling high end collectables, do not think the price of gas will affect those that buy them. I am sure high gasoline prices while annoying, are no deterrent to purchasing items they desire. As for Iran, Qatar and Kuwait and other middle Eastern oil producing countries, their gasoline probably cost cents per gallon.
buyhigh
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jackswebb
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posted on April 26, 2006 02:18:06 PM
I pull up to ARCO the lot is FULL I can't even get in!!!! What????? I finally do and I just went there to get somes cigs. Then i look across the street, Chevron $3.25 a gallon!!!!!!!!!!! No wonder!!!! This is the CHEAP grades, I never even Bothered to LOOK at the OTHER Grades, Heart attack City I am SURE......
We the people can't do Squat! BUT those Trains and Semi's and SHIPS an FED EX Planes Could grind this rapeing of Gas prices to a HALT!!!!! Those Co. Produce TAX revenues. THEY need to combine forces and SHUT Down!
What a (pardon the Pun) Pipe dream that is..
My trucks get 5 MPG......Insanity!!!!!
Washington needs to CAP this fuel situation. $2.50! War and Haurricanes anin't driving these prices sky high, BIG WIG OIL people are.....GREED!!!!!!!! When those BIG wigs can't get a Kansas Steak, wine, Lobster, and all the OTHER Fixin's because the Trains ain't movin' THEN the tune WILL change.
I just heard Arnold is taking a look into what's going on here in Calif. Maybe HE can TERMINATE this....
I have around 2000 American flags Sounds like Rally round PROTEST time to me. Shoot over this CAUSE, the MEXICAN Flag is Welcomed too
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paloma91
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posted on April 26, 2006 02:39:25 PM
I haven't listed anything in awhile. I am gearing up for my jump to unemployment in June. Boxes all over the house. I won't be using any gas at all to do my hunting for stuff to sell. (Oh I could make a joke here but I won't) (giggle) I have today off work and I am sorting through stuff to either sell at a garage sale or on butt Bay.
I think alot of buyers are going to be more apt to shop online instead of in stores just to save gas.
When I have my summer g. sales, I have regulars that come every year. Almost like having a store. Thank goodness we don't need to have permits for these things or I would be in deep poop.
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mikes4x4andtruckrepair
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posted on April 26, 2006 04:40:13 PM
OH MY GOT JACK!!! 5MPG!!! What are you driving? All of my medium duty trucks get between 11-15 MPG some of which run on a 50/50 mix of refined cooking oil. I also have a International 9400 tandem axle tractor with C16 Caterpillar that I have done some tinkering with the fuel system and turbo on and I even get 9MPG average in it. I can't even imagine 5MPG. Your not driving with the parking brakes on are you. LOL
Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. - Albert Einstein
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jackswebb
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posted on April 26, 2006 06:26:35 PM
I got rid of the diesel.......All gassers now...yup,,,5 MPG....
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max40
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posted on April 26, 2006 06:45:23 PM
A big part of the problem is that we aren't the only buyers of oil.
China and India are experiencing fantastic growth. To do that, they are using an ever increasing amount of the worlds oil output.
That's a problem for us that's only going to get worse.
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mikes4x4andtruckrepair
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posted on April 26, 2006 08:13:44 PM
Got rid of the diesels??? Dumb question but WHY? If these are medium duty trucks the benefits of a diesel engine way out weigh the slight less cost of a gas engine when purchased new. Diesels with proper gearing (trans and rear gear combinations suited for the purpose of the truck) get much better fuel economy, can be rebuilt inframe if and when the time comes, have a MUCH longer life span, have much more power and best of all sound better. With some modifications to the fuel injection system, programing of ECM and some minor turbo modifications can get very good fuel economy with quite large increases in HP and torque. I could ramble on for hours as to what the benefits are to a diesel over a old gas passer. Am I biased, yes. Worked on gas engines for a few years (god, that sucked) and moved onto diesels and never looked back.
What type of truck and what is the exact engine (model/size and HP rating), trans (make and number of forward gears), rear gear ration and tire size you are using that is getting 5MPG. Even with a gas passer with this info I can probably give you some pointers to get you some greatly increased fuel economy. I think even my riding lawnmower get better than 5MPG.
Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. - Albert Einstein
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agitprop
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posted on April 26, 2006 08:53:55 PM
max40 wrote: China and India are experiencing fantastic growth. To do that, they are using an ever increasing amount of the worlds oil output. That's a problem for us that's only going to get worse.
It's not a problem - it's an opportunity Oil companies are struggling to provide enough of the already stretched current supply to accomodate the growing demands of these two huge economies. China's economy has been growing in mostly double digits since the late 80s and even the planned pipelines from the former Soviet Republics can't supply enough to meet projected demands...
(disclaimer: I have owned several oil stocks since 1987)
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agate18
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posted on April 26, 2006 10:17:52 PM
[ edited by agate18 on Apr 26, 2006 10:19 PM ]
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agate18
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posted on April 26, 2006 10:18:26 PM
Are any of you over there using bio diesel.? if so how are you finding it to use.?
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mikes4x4andtruckrepair
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posted on April 26, 2006 10:37:32 PM
Yes, I use biodiesel. We have B15 blend available in my area. It cost about 2 cents more a gallon than regular diesel but I also get better fuel economy with it. It is also MUCH better for the fuel system as a soy based fuel acts as a very high detergent fuel would and also has a much higher lubricity rating than regular diesel fuel. With the 2007 diesel standards getting ready to kick in with the ultra low sulpher fuel standards the benefit of higher lubricity alone with the use of biodiesel is worth using it. Better lubrication the the injectors and injection pump system mean less downtime due to repairs. The only downfall of using biodiesel is if you use higher consentrations of it, around B80 and above. In the winter in very cold locations the biodiesel if not processed correctly tends to gel easier than regular diesel. However as long as you are getting it from a reputable fuel supplier this should not be a problem. Properly treated biodiesel fuel should not have gelling problems in the cold weather. Just make sure you have winter blend in your fuel tank when winter kicks in, if you get stuck with a batch of summer blend when it gets cold you may end up with a tank of jello.
ONE BIG CAUTION !!! If you plan on using biodiesel in older engines use it with caution. The high detergent action of the soy based biodiesel can destroy some of the older o-rings used in the injectors and in some injection pumps. Best to check with the engine manufacturer for the exact model engine and ask them if it is safe to use. It is fine in ALL medium/heavy duty diesel engines built after 1997. Also in newer engines if they have alot of miles on them have a couple of extra fuel filters handy. When I first switched to biodiesel I started having engine shutdown problems with engines that had over 500,000 miles on them. The biodiesel had broken loose all the gunk and varnish in the fuel system and was pluging up the fuel filters. After about 2-3 filter changes the problem was over however. You just wouldn't believe how much sludge was in the filters when I cut them open. That alone convinced me how much cleaner the fuel system was when using biodiesel.
Best of all it is a renewable resource unlike petroleum based fuels. It also creates jobs for US farmers.
Here are some links for info on biodiesel.
http://www.biodiesel.com/why_biodiesel.htm
http://www.biofuels.doe.gov/
http://www.eere.energy.gov/
http://www.esd.ornl.gov/
http://www.castoroil.in/reference/plant_oils/uses/fuel/bio_fuels.html
http://www.biodiesel.org/
Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. - Albert Einstein
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