Is this allowed on ebay? - DPChallenge Forums

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

02/23/2010 06:14:11 AM · #1

I have an item up for bid and set the minimum price to just below what others are selling their (same items) items at. A user posted more of a statement than a question which was " I am interested but not at your minimum! I will pay $275.00 top price to include shipping in that price. When item does not sell at your $350 min, please contact me, i will buy but only $275. thank you "
Would a comment like this possibly turn people away from the bidding? Is this a way to keep people way so that if it doesn't sell this person thinks you'll come begging them to take the item at the price? Is this OK?

Mephisto

Nikon Coolpix A

02/23/2010 06:25:27 AM · #2

You don't have to make the person's statement nor your answer to it official so that other potential bidders can see your conversation.
Apart from that I would stay away from selling the item on an "informal" basis because then you don't have any insurance if the transaction goes wrong...

fldave

Pentax K5II

Pentax DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED AL [IF] WR DC

02/23/2010 07:03:42 AM · #3

You CAN set up an auction with a "make an offer" option, but if you have a set minimum bid - stick to your guns. You can always relist the item and lower the starting bid if it doesn't sell. And I echo what

Mephisto said: never sell anything outside of eBay after the auction ends and it doesn't sell - too many scammers out there and you lose all your seller protection.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

02/23/2010 07:08:05 AM · #4

I'd never go outside of ebay to sell anything.

I thought the question was a tactic used maybe to scare people away from my auction so that I would lower my price for him.

I won't sell it for less than what I set the price at. I don't think 350USD is too much for a Sigma 24-70 DG Macro lens...anyone else think otherwise?

brownsm

Canon EOS-5D

02/23/2010 07:51:27 AM · #5

Originally posted by heavyj:

...I don't think 350USD is too much for a Sigma 24-70 DG Macro lens...anyone else think otherwise?

I took a quick look at another reputable buy/sell forum, and it appears these lenses (canon mount)are going for around $350. Not much more than that, though. So, I think your minimum price might be the best you can expect to get.

SEG

Nikon D7100

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

02/23/2010 08:36:30 AM · #6

If the person bids $275.00 and nobody meet's your reserve ebay always gives a "second chance offer". So tell that person to bid $275.00, then when and if the $350 is not reached you can offer it to that person at $275.00 and still be under the protection of ebay and paypal.

Pentax D-FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW

02/23/2010 10:39:28 AM · #7

Originally posted by SEG:

I set the minimum at 350USD so he can't bid 275USD

K3Master

Pentax K-3

02/23/2010 11:16:01 AM · #8

Your minimum is, as brownsm suggest, most likely too high, so this offer probably won't be the only or last of its nature. I don't fully agree with it being made in PUBLIC of course, but as others have said, you don't have to make that an official 'question'.

EBay is often regarded as a place to find great deals on items, not as a marketplace for finding items at market value (especially if market value of new items is being used to try and sell used items, not that that's what you're trying to do, but it happens all too frequently), so if you keep that in mind, it'll help in understanding the thought processes of people on there. People always want something cheaper :D

Magnumphotography

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 500mm f/4.0L IS USM

02/23/2010 11:46:42 AM · #9

Yeah, there always seems to be a low baller out there. It can be even worse on local sale sites. I recently posted a canon 85mm f1.8. Asking $350 firm. I was contacted, with an offer $250. Lol
Even better as I sent him a reply. Stating that the price was firm. So I ended up selling him the lens the next day! lol Yeah, I got the $350. I guess he had to try? Funny what people do...