One would think with so few non reserve auction listings that prices would be stronger than they are. The smaller supply has not diminished the impact of what appears to be a much weaker demand.
Sellers have to eat paypal fees (3%), listings fees (which are nominal in a true auction listing with no reserve), sometimes some shipping costs and final value fees (9%). Prices realized on ebay, for the most part, have been lower than the prices realized (before the buyer's fee is added on) from any of the numerous auction houses. So if you can wait to get paid and get a 0% consignment deal, you will end up with more money.
eBay is 24/7 and listings are continuously added and ending. Buyers have to make the time to search daily or things can get missed. Not everyone can search the site each day and now it is even less fun to search with the category changes and the sheer volume of high priced Buy It Now listings. It is easy for stuff to be missed. Catalog auctions are set to end on a specific day with a specific group of listings. Much easier to get buyers' attention which would also explain the higher prices realized.
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