EBay Bidding: Am I missing something?

[2Tiggies]

One of those rather pointless threads, but having spent the last few weeks watching items on eBay my curiousity has become overwhelming.

I have been watching camera lenses on eBay now. I tend not to bid until the last 30 seconds anyway as I just think early bidding ups the price unnecessarily.

Anyway, having researched what I want and been checking daily all over the 'net, I have a very good idea of what prices are reasonable and what aren't.

So why is it that I have watched countless of these used watched items going for more than they can be purchased brand new from reputable online retailers? Not only that, but often the bidders reach that price hours before the action ends, yet there will be a few of them who continue to outbid each other to the very end.

I know some of it is pure ignorance or getting caught up in the moment, but I just wondered if there is something I don't know.

Anyone?

 

[BethEJo]

I often think the same thing too - it really puzzles me

The other day, I was looking for a Nintendo DS game for my Dad that has been out for a long time, and despite being able to get it for less than £20 on the high street, it was approaching £30 on ebay! Just didn't make sense...

I too like you, think it could just be that some people get caught up in the moment, and sometimes just want the thrill of winning but who knows

Sometimes however, I think it could be laziness. Maybe some people just can't be bothered to search across the net to find the best price, and possibly it may be that some people just don't know how to do this. It may also be that because it's second hand and being sold on ebay, then bidders might automatically assume that they are getting it at the cheapest price?

I'm interested to hear what other people think!

 

[paulh]

Ebay not the bargain it used to be in the early days. Like bank accounts/phone contracts people get lazy and just get used to the thought that it's cheaper on there. Us check out price checking sites before buying
Paul

 

[joolz1910]

There was some research done recently that suggested that the thrill of winning was not as acute as the low of losing. Everything is geared to encourage people to continue to bid on a psychological level - the red font if you are outbid, the ticking clock, the messages to not let the item 'get away' etc. I sold an item recently that was buy it now for £12, people started bidding instead and the original bidder ended up paying almost £20 for this item. Crazy.

 

[2Tiggies]

Good, so it just confirms that I am not a compulsive buyer - not that I am missing something

Well I doubt I will be doing any more watching as I have decided, based on the prices the last 15 or so watched items have gone for, that I will rather buy new for much cheaper and at least get a warranty with my product. I just find it quite incredible.

 

[scottishgirl87]

Good, so it just confirms that I am not a compulsive buyer - not that I am missing something

Well I doubt I will be doing any more watching as I have decided, based on the prices the last 15 or so watched items have gone for, that I will rather buy new for much cheaper and at least get a warranty with my product. I just find it quite incredible.

I've been noticing the same thing alot recently as well! I got a Panasonic Lumix TZ10 camera for my Christmas and I'm currently looking for a case for it. eBay's not really been very helpful (although tbh I'm giving up as I've spent hours and hours hunting and I can't make my mind up), but the one I am semi-interested in eBay isn't cheaper than buying it elsewhere online, infact they're mostly all more expensive or by the time eBayers add a postage charge it certainly is!

Back to the drawing board!

 

[2Tiggies]

I've been noticing the same thing alot recently as well! I got a Panasonic Lumix TZ10 camera for my Christmas and I'm currently looking for a case for it. eBay's not really been very helpful (although tbh I'm giving up as I've spent hours and hours hunting and I can't make my mind up), but the one I am semi-interested in eBay isn't cheaper than buying it elsewhere online, infact they're mostly all more expensive or by the time eBayers add a postage charge it certainly is!

Back to the drawing board!

What kind of case are you looking for? I got a Hama DSLR case from MyMemory for £12. The nearest best price was Play.com who were doing it for half price at £20-odd. I don't buy much from eBay anyhow, but thought I may save sufficient on a DSLR lens by getting a used one there vs a new one elsewhere. You have to keep watching. I'm all over the photograhy sites at the moment so if you want me to keep an eye for you I am happy to let you know if I spot anything.

 

[scottishgirl87]

What kind of case are you looking for? I got a Hama DSLR case from MyMemory for £12. The nearest best price was Play.com who were doing it for half price at £20-odd. I don't buy much from eBay anyhow, but thought I may save sufficient on a DSLR lens by getting a used one there vs a new one elsewhere. You have to keep watching. I'm all over the photograhy sites at the moment so if you want me to keep an eye for you I am happy to let you know if I spot anything.

Ohh thanks! I haven't looked on MyMemory yet so I'll take a look over there!

My problem is I originally just wanted a case purely for the camera, but now I'm thinking of when I take it to NY I'd probably be better with a slightly bigger case that'll at least hold the battery charger as well. Decisions, decisions! Can't decide so I think I'm gonna try and pop out to the shops tomorrow and have an actual look.....then probably come back home and order whatever case online cheaper lol

 

[2Tiggies]

Here is a link to some of their cases http://www.mymemory.co.uk/Lowepro/Camera-Pouches

Free shipping and I have been hard pressed to beat the prices elsewhere. I did a big chunk of my Christmas shopping with them and their service has been outstanding, without exception.

I don't know what dimensions your camera is without the zoom extended. I suspect it will be too big for the ones I bought but I purchase 2 Lowepro 5AW cases for mine and DD's compact cameras and they are too small (the cases that is). If you want to check dimensions and think it may fit yours, I am happy to send you one as they are no use to me. One still unopened with all the packaging, papers, etc. Let me know. I don't want anything for it - rather let someone use it than waste it.

 

[2Tiggies]

My problem is I originally just wanted a case purely for the camera, but now I'm thinking of when I take it to NY I'd probably be better with a slightly bigger case that'll at least hold the battery charger as well.

Personally I wouldn't do that. You aren't going to need the charger when you are out and about and it will be a hinderance to you. If you need spare batteries (isn't it a li-ion battery?) rather get a case that takes the camera, spare battery/ies and an sd card. You won't charge while you are out and about. You would do that in your hotel room.

 

[scottishgirl87]

Personally I wouldn't do that. You aren't going to need the charger when you are out and about and it will be a hinderance to you. If you need spare batteries (isn't it a li-ion battery?) rather get a case that takes the camera, spare battery/ies and an sd card. You won't charge while you are out and about. You would do that in your hotel room.

I suppose That's why I didn't originally want a bigger case, as I hate carrying things around at the best of times! Think I've decided on my case now just need to shop around for where's cheapest!

I don't know if you've looked here for lenses already but here is a place I found in the last few days Can't say I've ever heard of them before but through Google a thread from AVForums came up on my camera and a few people on that seem to have ordered from them.

 

[2Tiggies]

I don't know if you've looked here for lenses already but here is a place I found in the last few days Can't say I've ever heard of them before but through Google a thread from AVForums came up on my camera and a few people on that seem to have ordered from them.

Thanks. They don't have the lens I am after but they do have some nice deals on filters so I will have a look. I haven't heard of them before but they sell good brands and the prices look pretty good

 

[Goofyish]

I've been noticing the same thing alot recently as well! I got a Panasonic Lumix TZ10 camera for my Christmas and I'm currently looking for a case for it. eBay's not really been very helpful (although tbh I'm giving up as I've spent hours and hours hunting and I can't make my mind up), but the one I am semi-interested in eBay isn't cheaper than buying it elsewhere online, infact they're mostly all more expensive or by the time eBayers add a postage charge it certainly is!

Back to the drawing board!

I've got the same camera (great little camera!) and got a small case from Jessops called the Trek 2. It was about £18 but it fits perfect