If you saw that someone is bidding more for used than new is at the store

[Radosti]

I was looking through ebay for Hanna stuff and saw that someone is bidding more for two used Hanna t-shirts than I just ordered them new from the store. I was thinking that it's none of my business for a while, but then went ahead and e-mailed the lady. She was bidding over $20 for two, and they are $8 each at the store now.

Don't know if I should have done that, doesn't seem fair to the seller now that it's done. But it also seems like that lady was being taken because she had no clue that these same t-shirts are on sale. Oy!

[ohmommymommy]

I would be beyond peeved if someone did that when I was doing a listing. I frequently buy things on clearance and make sometimes double what I paid. I make money on the fact that not everyone is a saavy shopper and what someone is willing to pay is between me and the buyer.

JMHO

[Pennylane]

I have always wondered the same thing. Why don't people do some research before they bid on items. I sold my co-sleeper on Ebay and actually made $40.00 over what it cost?? IMHO if the bidder doesn't take the time to do a little research then they must not care too much what they spend.

As far as emailing her, I think that was kind of you and maybe next time she will know to check the prices...Although if I was the seller I would be mad!

Ann

[egoldber]

People pay more than full retail on eBay all the time. I have no idea why. The exception would be something that you can no longer buy retail anymore, like an accessory from a clothing line a couple years old.

[KBecks]

I think a bid is a binding contract, so she's already stuck with the price.

[kozachka]

I've done this a few times before but only after the auction ended and the person did not win the item. Got positive response every single time :) and it made me feel better, too.

[dogmom]

Well, I think it is nice of you to mention it. Sort of like if I'm in store and notice someone about to buy something I know is on sale at another store. Any yeah, people overpay for stuff all the time. I'm shocked at what I've sold some stuff for, but they were things that aren't easy to get.

Jeanne
Mom to Harvey
1/16/03
& Eve 6/18/06

[carryingandstrollingabout]

If anyone has any insights, do please tell me because I've been puzzling over the same kind of thing. I look at ebay from time to time to find some rarieties and just by looking also view items that are not rare that are in stores and avialable online and in catalogs.

People indeed are bidding above the amazon price and above the catalog price. I've seen products that are in the manufactuer's own current catalog (don't want to bring up American Girl after reading the Bitching post, but indeed, sellers have multiple bidders bidding for dolls substantially over the catalog price--plus shipping. Why wouldn't you just order from the current catalog or web site and pay less?)

I've also above market value bidding for strollers and other kind of gear. Nothing rare or unavilable.

I can understand paying more for rarieties or discontinued items. But why more than catalog or instock amazon price? And it isn't as if I've only seen this a few times--over bidding is fairly regular!

It's just so puzzling. I'd like to know why people pay more.

[Globetrotter]

I've wondered about this. I've seen Itunes gcs going for face value! The only thing I can think of is that someone might want to use their paypal balance (from selling something they didn't need) rather than paying cash???

Kris

[sweetpea]

Maybe she was an international bidder?

I sometimes knowingly bid well over the retail price. Believe it or not, it still sometimes works out to be quicker and cheaper for me because I'm in Canada.

So many companies don't even ship here, or if they do the customs/taxes/brokerage/shipping and handling fees are exhorberant. Ebay purchases seem to clear customs faster so I usually *only* have to wait a couple of weeks for my merchandise instead of a month.

For example: look at my Companystore.com order breakdown( and I waited 6weeks to receive this order!) :

Product total: $104.93
Delivery: $28.49
Duties: $17.84
Taxes: $7.38
Total: $158.64

[vonfirmath]

Note: I believe on ebay you are not supposed to email anyone that is not either a seller whose items you are looking at bidding on, or a buyer on one of your auctions. If she was particularly upset, she COULD turn you in to ebay for contacting her like this, as well as the seller having reason to be upset.

[Radosti]

The woman never replied to me, however she withdrew her bid. I now feel really bad and won't do it again. Thanks for all the replies. It was a confusing dilemma for me and really none of my business.

[Wife_and_mommy]

Try not to feel bad. Your heart was in the right place. I usually just shake my head and move on when I see people do that.


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