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Author Topic: eBay  (Read 1884 times)

dR3w

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eBay
« on: October 08, 2012, 01:11:29 PM »
Hi everyone.

Every year around Christmas time, I like to try to get rid of my constantly accumulating stockpile of new and used equipment.  New stuff that I never get around to drilling, and used stuff that either I didn't matchup with, or just don't use anymore.

I usually use eBay for this.  It used to be (in my opinion) that more people would go through eBay than Ball Reviews.  I have sold some equipment on Ball Reviews, but rarely get the prices that I could get on eBay. 

Well a few weeks ago, I listed two used balls, both of which had about 20-50 games on them, and got $1 and $6 respectively.  This week I sold a few NIB Ebonite Mid Priced balls and received $30 and $40 + Shipping.  No blems, good specs and I have 100% positive feedback with over 3000 positives.  I also charge exact shipping ... no handling fees.

So I am really wondering what is going on?  Is it eBay?  Is it the economy?  Is it the time of year?

I see that there are some sellers on eBay who appear to be flooding the market with overstock equipment as well as Blems and X-Outs, but I didn't think that was a new thing. 

Now perhaps I am just selling a few pieces that weren't that popular, but I am really surprised by the downturn.  I mean, I would expect at least $50 for a new ball that wasn't that popular in the past, and these last few auctions weren't even close.  And I am selling discontinued equipment that is probably harder to find.

Has anyone else on here had similar experiences recently?  I mean I know that I won't get full retail on anything unless it was really popular and hard to find, but to get less that 50% of retail was surprising. 

Is there something going on with eBay? 

Anyone?  Thanks,

Drew

 

jkiser01

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Re: eBay
« Reply #1 on: October 08, 2012, 02:04:07 PM »
No one will pay much for an older ball on Ebay because of all the new releases that are coming out so frequently making the olders balls undesirable. I quit selling NIB stuff on Ebay all together unless its a NIB brand new release ball. Used balls will bring next to nothing and with shipping prices so high anymore, its hard to make anything back on a used ball. Plus people on Ebay are always looking for a "deal" so that doesn't help either.

Balls become discontinued so fast anymore, that no one will pay much for them.
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dR3w

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Re: eBay
« Reply #2 on: October 08, 2012, 02:24:44 PM »
I see your point.  I agree that new balls come out faster than ever.  I just know that last year, I was able to sell some used equipment for $20-$50.  This year $1-$6?  Quite a drop off.  I am hoping that as we get closer to Christmas, the demand will go up a little bit.


islenmetfan4life

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Re: eBay
« Reply #3 on: October 08, 2012, 03:08:10 PM »
I use ebay as a last resort in case I can't sell something here or on BBE first, but I never start the auction low. I always start it at the price I want for the ball, and if it still doesn't sell after a few weeks I'll gradually lower it. I don't know what it is but it seems like it's been tougher to sell balls everywhere, not just on ebay.

jkiser01

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Re: eBay
« Reply #4 on: October 08, 2012, 04:28:44 PM »
Selling used stuff on here is getting harder and no wonder when i see prices listed on some stuff. Someone listed a used frantic for 70 shipped and buddies has that ball nib for 100 shipped which means no way the used one is worth that much unless the span and layout are perfect for you with no plugging, etc needed.
Radical Bowling Technologies ...Its more than just an Attitude!

jkiser01

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Re: eBay
« Reply #5 on: October 08, 2012, 04:31:16 PM »
I would rather give my used stuff to the local junior leagues than bother with making 20 bucks on a ball after shipping and paypal fees.
Radical Bowling Technologies ...Its more than just an Attitude!