Is Retail the Answer?

[4815162342]

In light of recent discussions on the board about the positives of eBay BINs, is a return to the old days of retail transactions imminent?

Is retail the answer to the shilling epidemic?

[Section103]

Originally Posted by 4815162342

In light of recent discussions on the board about the positives of eBay BINs, is a return to the old days of retail transactions imminent?

Is retail the answer to the shilling epidemic?

Nope. Retail has extremely limited market reach (brick and mortar covers part of your town, ebay covers the world) and, ultimately, much higher costs.

[4815162342]

Originally Posted by Section103

Nope. Retail has extremely limited market reach (brick and mortar covers part of your town, ebay covers the world) and, ultimately, much higher costs.

Who said anything about "brick and mortar"?

[Republicaninmass]

I like shows,

the energy
the comradery
the searching
the sounds of negotiations

the smell..well not of the customers or dealers, but the cards

[tschock]

Depends on the card/item. Some are like commodities and will do well as a 'retail' type transaction. Others are 'more unique' and will work well with auctions (or auction houses). (yes, I know something is either unique or it isn't)

I have wondered for a while whether we will start seeing more of a direct bartering system. Someone could provide a conduit for that, assuming they can come up with a way to get a slice of the transaction.

[Mdmtx]

I have wanted to do an auction a little different. Post in bst something like this:

I have x dollars to spend. Into my Yankees items non card related from the 50's. I will choose the best offer in 48 hours.

Not a real offer there, but may cut down on some shenanigans. Just a thought

Mark Medlin

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by tschock

I have wondered for a while whether we will start seeing more of a direct bartering system. Someone could provide a conduit for that, assuming they can come up with a way to get a slice of the transaction.

Wait, I have a name for it: trading.

[x2drich2000]

I don't think we would be able to get back to a true retail environment. To me the question ultimately boils down to where would the retailer get their inventory. I don't think retailers would be able to exist for long if they were only buying at retail/fixed prices.

DJ

[Section103]

Originally Posted by 4815162342

Who said anything about "brick and mortar"?

Even with a convention or show, it's essentially still a temporary brick and mortar. Sure, the National and other large regional shows will draw; but there is simply no way it will ever have the market reach of the internet. People cant or wont travel at nearly the rate they can simply pick up their phone or laptop. Its easier to search on-line than it is in a convention too.

[4815162342]

Originally Posted by Section103

Even with a convention or show, it's essentially still a temporary brick and mortar. Sure, the National and other large regional shows will draw; but there is simply no way it will ever have the market reach of the internet. People cant or wont travel at nearly the rate they can simply pick up their phone or laptop. Its easier to search on-line than it is in a convention too.

Rich, Internet retail is still retail. By retail, I mean fixed-price purchases instead of auctions.

[Section103]

Originally Posted by 4815162342

Rich, Internet retail is still retail. By retail, I mean fixed-price purchases instead of auctions.

Aha! Never mind.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by 4815162342

Rich, Internet retail is still retail. By retail, I mean fixed-price purchases instead of auctions.

From my perspective there is still a great deal of retail out there.

[conor912]

Originally Posted by 4815162342

In light of recent discussions on the board about the positives of eBay BINs, is a return to the old days of retail transactions imminent?

Is retail the answer to the shilling epidemic?

I don't think we have a choice. Ebay is now down to less than 10% auctions. It's basically the world's biggest over-priced flea market with a tiny auction section.

[trdcrdkid]

Originally Posted by conor912

I don't think we have a choice. Ebay is now down to less than 10% auctions. It's basically the world's biggest over-priced flea market with a tiny auction section.

There are still auctions on eBay; you just have to sift through a lot more fixed-price dross to find them. I have searches saved for things I'm interested in, including some that eliminate BIN items and/or those priced above a certain dollar amount, and I have them set up to send me alerts when new things are listed. Sometimes I'll go days or weeks without seeing anything decent, but I've still gotten some good stuff at decent prices on eBay.

[mark evans]

Originally Posted by 4815162342

In light of recent discussions on the board about the positives of eBay BINs, is a return to the old days of retail transactions imminent?

Is retail the answer to the shilling epidemic?

I don't think there is anything 'positive' about BINs insofar as buyers are concerned. I agree with the comment that eBay is 90% BINs (or at least seems that way) and would add that the vast majority of the few auctions require opening bids that exceed VCP values. In my view, eBay was much more enjoyable and fruitful for collectors in the days where auctions predominated listings.