More Money Than Brains

[the_gneech]

Hearkening back to my comments on eBay last week, I've spent the past week getting outbid right and left on all kinds of stuff. While I'm annoyed that there are so many people willing to spend so much money on stuff that I'd like to get myself for cheaper, the ones who really baffle me are the people who bid stuff way up past the price it would cost to just buy it new from the manufacturer's website.

This is doubly true of Warhammer/LotR miniatures, which already cost 150%-200% of the industry average as it is!

WTF, mate?

-The Gneech

Comments

[frostdemn.livejournal.com]

It's confirmed, then. My three adventurers will be shipped to you post-haste!

[the-gneech.livejournal.com]

Heehee. :) Thankee.

-TG

[kyrincat.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I don't get that either.

What also surprises me is when the auctioner puts a low price on an item and then jacks up the shipping so high it ends up making the item cost more than it is worth. And really some of those shipping charges are outrageous.

I always watch both cost of the item and shipping, if the two together end up going over what the item would be to buy locally, then there is no point in getting it.

eBay is great for getting hardback books, movies, and out of date or hard to find things though, and I really have a lot of fun hunting for stuff when I have the money.

Anyway, just be patient, eventually you will get the items you want for the price you want them. Just keep plugging away.

Kyrin

[the-gneech.livejournal.com]

Yup! Two Towers Sourcebook:

MSRP: $20

eBay "Buy It Now" Price: $10
Shipping: $15

Um. I may be crazy, but I ain't dumb.

-The Gneech

[kaysho.livejournal.com]

That is definitely the sign of a well-written auction. :)

But yes, I chuckle especially at items where there's a manufacturer's rebate. Buy this item from the manufacturer for $999 after $300 MIR, or get it on eBay for $1,199 ("a full $100 off MSRP!"). And the seller happily pockets the rebate and makes a profit without even having to purchase wholesale when they can find a bidder who didn't do his homework.

[paradisacorbasi.livejournal.com]

I have particular affection right now for people who can spell -- particularly words like "Hearkening."

*mwah*

[exatron.livejournal.com]

The "IT MUST BE MINE!" crowd never ceases to amuse me.