Eric Hankinson wrote:
>Ebay Intelligence Test: There are two pretty-much identical items on
>Ebay. One is currently bidding a low price and the other is bidding at
>several multiples higher. Which one do you put a bid on? Evidently,
>the answer is the higher one!!
>
>
>
>Example No. 1:
>
>
>
>The current bid on my headrest is $10.50 and shipping is $12.00. My
>headrest is in great shape without any tears.
>
>
>
>Two other headrests are individually listed on Ebay.
>
>One has two tears in the upholstery. It is currently bidding at $15.50
>and shipping is $13.50.
>
>The other looks about the same as mine, except the lister notes the back
>screws are rusty. Mine screws have no rust. It is bidding at $31.05
>and the shipping is $13.50!
>
>
>
>Example No. 2:
>
>
>
>I have listed two stock horns (single listing). One of which works and
>the other looks brand new inside and probably could be made to work.
>The current bid for both is $1 and shipping is $12.00
>
>
>
>Two other horns are listed individually. NO info on whether either
>works is provided. The appearance is about the same as mine. One has a
>current bid of $10 and shipping is $8.50. The other has no bid, but the
>starting price is also $10 and shipping is $8.50!
>
>
>
>I am finding that all my beliefs regarding capitalism and rational self
>interest are being completely shattered! As such, for my next round of
>Ebay sales, I am list my old, beat up, completely useless tie rods for
>$100 starting bid and $40 shipping. Perhaps I will then ride this new
>trend to prosperity!
>
>
>
>Very perplexing.
>
>Eric Hankinson
>
>69 2000
>
>302 V8
>
>
>
It's easy, Eric. You don't have several of your friends shill bidding your
stuff up into the "greater fool" pricing area...
Of course, lest you think this is a new irrationally exuberant angle on "how
to" prosperity, they're stuck with the items and the ebay fees when no
unrelated party chooses to bid.
- Bob Mann, '68 2000 Solex
--
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