eBay Pre-War listings way, way down?

[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.

[glchen]

I don't think it's lack of demand for prewar stuff. I'm a small time seller on ebay, but I still have decent sales. A lot of it is that you have to have new stuff. Whenever I have new inventory, a lot of it gets gobbled up.

I do think that ebay has made it tougher to be a seller with the extremely generous return policies and continuing high bar to maintain Top Seller rating. I think some sellers figure it's just not worth the trouble anymore.

Finally, I think for many sellers, auctions from 99 cents simply don't work for them anymore. It used to be that some lots would go much over expectation and some below, so you would net right around what you expect. However, now if you don't have the right audience, you can get completely wiped out. Therefore, if you do decide to sell, BINs are the way to go.

[chaddurbin]

if you sell it yourself...you can't bid on it. you can't also sell a trimmed card, or a reworked card. the anonymity of consigning it elsewhere has always been a big factor.

the good ole days you'd buy a trimmed e lot in mastro, send them all to psa...and whatever got graded you would send to another AH. life is good!

[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.

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