eBay Pre-War listings way, way down?

[Joshchisox08]

Originally Posted by Vintagecatcher

Hi Greg,

I agree that they are way down as well.

New material shows up much less than during eBay's hayday while overpriced BIN auctions sit in the eBay museum. I can remember the excitement of searching new listings every Sunday night. Ebay has lost much of it's excitement.

Who wants to see the same overpriced auctions over and over. Ebay repeats the same listings over and over in a poor attempt to mask their drop in listings.

Patrick

Way down and the ones that are present have prices that are totally out of whack. T206 common PSA 3s for $70 yeah good luck with that guy.

[MR RAREBACK]

It seems like it has been down for a good year now.
you may see some good stuff for sale after the REA auction , if people spend to much they may sell off something from their collection . at least that is what I would like to see happen,maybe this sunday

[begsu1013]

could it be that the popularity in prewar is simply declining?

and/or the guys collecting/selling have simply gotten older?

truly not meaning to come off as harsh as it sounds.

[Snapolit1]

Thought it was just me. My ebay searches have dried up nearly completely. Just same overpriced stuff being relisted over and over and over.

Maybe folks have become convinced that the major AHs are pulling in a nice premium with their slick catalogues and hyperbole and are passing on eBay.

[Leon]

The big consignment/auctioneers doing pre-war on ebay seem to be doing pretty good if you ask me.

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by Leon

The big consignment/auctioneers doing pre-war on ebay seem to be doing pretty good if you ask me.

I think this is a huge factor. I remember when PWCC auctions used to punctuate every listing with something like, "one of over 4000 lots up for sale." Now they consistently offer over 10k cards in each auction. Could be we're just seeing a shift in how inventory is sold more than it drying up.

[OldEnglishD]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

Thought it was just me. My ebay searches have dried up nearly completely. Just same overpriced stuff being relisted over and over and over.

Same experience here - Dave

[Touch'EmAll]

Could be that people think the current published values are below what they should be. Therefore, collectors/investors are holding what they have.

Spin it 180 degrees. If people thought current published values are above what they should be, then you would see more stuff for sale.

[D. Bergin]

I think it's down in nearly all fields of unique or semi-unique vintage collectibles.

Outside of the giant clearinghouses who get granted special favors and rates, Ebay has done their best to run good smaller sellers out of town, or just make things genuinely more difficult for them, where it's no longer worth their money or their time.

Has nothing to do with a lack of free listings in my opinion. Has to do more with the back end of things. Free listings are great if you don't plan on having a decent sell through rate, or you want to put everything up for a BIN.

Most of the material disappeared when Ebay started charging the same non-tiered rate on final value fees for auctions as it did for BIN's, then really broke the camels back when they decided they wanted a cut of the S&H to.

Ironic thing is they go all out to attract the non-experienced sellers to Ebay, telling them they can just take a picture with a mobile phone, write a two word description, and BAM, instant money.

Last several items myself and my wife have purchased from Ebay from non-veteran sellers, the items have been packed very poorly and/or had pieces missing from them.

It's discouraging sometimes, but it is what it is at this point.

Things have flipped back to the way they were 15+ years ago now. Used to be Ebay was killing the auction house business, now it's come full circle and it's the other way around.

[Exhibitman]

Cyrus: Can you count, suckers? I say, you'd never use eBay... if you can count!



I have stopped selling prewar baseball cards on eBay for a reason that I've said before but is on point so I will repeat it: math. An occasional seller like me spends 10% on Final Value Fees, 3% on Paypal fees (including charges on shipping), has to go through the hassles of listing and fulfilling orders, and has to risk the uniquely eBay style punitive refund and return rules, nonpaying bidders, etc. Or I can consign prewar baseball cards to any number of AHs for no commission and vig of anywhere from 12%-20%. Am I really going to waste my time with eBay and deal with its hassles over a lousy couple of points on a $1-$100 card?

I've been very pleased with my results off eBay for prewar baseball cards. The smaller AHs have good client bases and offer value for the service. I think more and more sellers are discovering that there are alternatives to eBay that make sense in the context of time and effort and risk...if you can count.

[shernan30]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

I've been very pleased with my results off eBay for prewar baseball cards. The smaller AHs have good client bases and offer value for the service. I think more and more sellers are discovering that there are alternatives to eBay that make sense in the context of time and effort and risk...if you can count.

+1