Ebay Bidding by Seller Reputation

[Bilko G]

Originally Posted by ruth-gehrig

So when at least 2 people throw higher bids towards a more trusted seller's items does that make that item more "valuable"? Something is worth what someone is willing to pay correct? So then the trusted seller's item is worth more, at least to the 2 bidders, than an identical item from an unknown ebay seller?

You might also be paying a bit more for an "identical item" with the assurance that the item is gonna arrive, arrive in a timely matter and arrive in the condition stated. "Peace of mind" has to be worth a few bucks when dealing online.

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by Bilko G

You might also be paying a bit more for an "identical item" with the assurance that the item is gonna arrive, arrive in a timely matter and arrive in the condition stated. "Peace of mind" has to be worth a few bucks when dealing online.

Bilko brings up an interesting point. Not to hijack this thread, but...

Here's a question for the group:

What % of the time that you buy from an eBay seller do you receive items that are not as described, the item doesn't arrive, or arrive in a timely fashion?

With me, this % is extremely small, FWIW....

[thecatspajamas]

Originally Posted by Scott Garner

What % of the time that you buy from an eBay seller do you receive items that are not as described, the item doesn't arrive, or arrive in a timely fashion?

From a buyer's perspective, I typically don't bid on items that it's not readily apparent exactly what I'm getting, so that along with an assumption that the seller doesn't know how to grade (usually the case, since I'm bargain-hunting rather than shopping the top-shelf sellers) usually results in the only surprises being good ones (what do you know, they did know what they were talking about!) I have hardly ever had packages go missing, and am unusually patient in waiting for things to arrive, so I'm probably in the low single-digits percentage-wise on all three.

A little insight from a seller's perspective, the biggest complainers regarding shipping time are the younger generation who are buying low-end (cheap) items. I don't think I've ever had a complaint from anyone old enough to remember "sending away" for things through the mail (and having to wait weeks on end for them to arrive), or on any purchase over $100 in value. It's the kids used to instant gratification who expect to be treated like a prince for throwing a few coppers your way and demand same-day service (regardless of your stated shipping times) that are the biggest headache.