Selling Expensive Stuff

[Unspeaked]

I never set reserves; it turns buyers off. If you set a low price, some bidders will get into a bidding war and push things beyond what you're hoping to get. An item is only worth what someone will pay for it, regardless of what your grandmother thinks it's worth. Thing is, they're worthless at the moment, so don't get greedy.

I would normally agree with you 100% - I despise reserves as both a buyer and seller - but in this case, I thought it made sense, since A) it's a pretty specialized item B) based on his previous experience, it may very well get bid on once and go for that amount and C) he already listed it with no reserve and a high starting bid reserve and got no bites, so something like a 99 cent starting bid would all but guarantee some bites.

But yes, reserves are the devil's plaything.

 

[rdowns]

I think you and your grandmother are valuing these way too high. For one, they are used. Second, what are the odds of finding someone who needs these in the same dimensions you have them? Splitting into 3 auctions might work better. I think you'll have a very hard time selling these. You should take what you can get.

 

[Unspeaked]

You should take what you can get.

Exactly.

These $1,500 starting bids have got to go.

They're worth nothing to you now - they just take up space and cause you anxiety wondering how to sell them and if it's even possible.

If it were me, I'd be happy with even a three figure bid. Start them at $99.99 with no reserve and if they don't sell then, accept the fact that they're worth less than $33 each and maybe use them for kindling?

 

[ghall]

Ok it didn't sell. I'm starting to get a bit annoyed. I need this money to pay for a new computer. $1500 for the whole set is a pretty good deal considering they're worth more than twice that.

 

[calculus]

Ok it didn't sell. I'm starting to get a bit annoyed. I need this money to pay for a new computer. $1500 for the whole set is a pretty good deal considering they're worth more than twice that.

They're only worth what someone will pay for them. How have you decided how much you think they're worth?

 

[Blue Velvet]

Ok it didn't sell. I'm starting to get a bit annoyed. I need this money to pay for a new computer. $1500 for the whole set is a pretty good deal considering they're worth more than twice that.

Nobody wants them. That's how much they're worth, no matter what someone writes on a piece of paper. Times are tough. Especially when you won't even post a picture of the genuine article. Did you get any watchers?

 

[OutThere]

Why not talk to a window hanging store or two? We've sold back lightly used snow tires to the local car place. I think the fact that they are custom sized could be the problem, therefore you might have better luck selling them to a place that knows their value and that would be able to modify them to install them elsewhere.

Just a thought.

 

[ghall]

They're only worth what someone will pay for them. How have you decided how much you think they're worth?

I took the value I was given and reduced it greatly to a value I thought was good for a starting bid.

Nobody wants them. That's how much they're worth, no matter what someone writes on a piece of paper. Times are tough. Especially when you won't even post a picture of the genuine article. Did you get any watchers?

Yes, I get watchers every single time I post on eBay. On top of that I get plenty of people contacting me, then disappearing.

I'm obviously doing something wrong. I'm not ashamed to admit I have very little experience with this kind of thing. As for pictures, I'm afraid to take them out of the plastic they were wrapped in for fear of ruining them and bringing the value down to $5.

Why not talk to a window hanging store or two? We've sold back lightly used snow tires to the local car place. I think the fact that they are custom sized could be the problem, therefore you might have better luck selling them to a place that knows their value and that would be able to modify them to install them elsewhere.

Just a thought.

Thats an option I am willing to look into. I'm not sure how to go about doing that though.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, I was very lucky to come into possession of these blinds, I want to get as close to their full value as I can.

 

[OutThere]

Thats an option I am willing to look into. I'm not sure how to go about doing that though.

I know how I'd go about it at least....look up the local window-hanging place (google maps might help with that one), call em up, ask for the manager, ask to sit down with him and propose what you have. Let him give you a number before you drop your figures on him, but make it known that you have an idea of the value.

Clearly this all depends on how bold you are and how socially comfortable you are with that kind of thing (you never know on a computer forum...).

 

[ghall]

I know how I'd go about it at least....look up the local window-hanging place (google maps might help with that one), call em up, ask for the manager, ask to sit down with him and propose what you have. Let him give you a number before you drop your figures on him, but make it known that you have an idea of the value.

Clearly this all depends on how bold you are and how socially comfortable you are with that kind of thing (you never know on a computer forum...).

Eeeep. Yeah I mean I'll try, I am a very socially uncomfortable person but it's worth a shot.

 

[mwchris]

A Picture is Worth A thousand Words

I know you are afraid to take them out of their wrapping, but besides what everyone else has said, all valid points mind you, think about this:

Would you drop over a thousand dollars for something you have never seen an actual picture of? Something USED at that?

My mom is in the same boat trying to sell a high dollar embroidery sewing machine. She is stuck on a value that she paid for it, had estimated, thinks it is worth, etc, but she has listed it several times and not had any luck. Ebay is a strange "place". Things that should go for a fortune sometimes don't will things that seem to be "worth" nothing sell for a lot of money.

The bottom line, as previously mentioned, is that you are only going to get what others value it at. You said you always have watchers? Perhaps e-mail them and offer them a second chance bid, or see what they are willing to pay for them? You don't have to sell it if they don't get a price you are interested in.

Also, you said that your grandma would be upset? Upset at what? Her curtains were not able to pay for your whole computer?? This opens up a whole new spectrum of questions - Like, can you not afford the computer with out selling the curtains? If not, should you be buying a computer? And, if money is tight shouldn't you just take what you can get?

I am sure there is some personal value to your grandmother, as most older people in particular hold tightly anything for which they have purchased. But whats it to you? (Did she give them to you, ask you to sell them, is she giving you the money, what?) If SHE doesn't want to sell for any less that makes sense, and perhaps you should wait till she changes her mind or no longer has a voice in the matter (trying to be tactful). Or, sit down and discuss the idea of "value" and "market".

Regardless, you have a custom item, it is custom to YOU (or your grandmother in this case), people who pay for custom things never, or rarely, get the value that they put into them back. (I.E. Just because I customize my car with a special stereo, seats, etc. doesn't mean that I can jack up the price and expect someone else to pay for items that I feel makes my car more valuable. Because it is just that, valuable to ME.)

Not trying to rant, just help you understand.

 

[ghall]

I know you are afraid to take them out of their wrapping, but besides what everyone else has said, all valid points mind you, think about this:

Would you drop over a thousand dollars for something you have never seen an actual picture of? Something USED at that?

My mom is in the same boat trying to sell a high dollar embroidery sewing machine. She is stuck on a value that she paid for it, had estimated, thinks it is worth, etc, but she has listed it several times and not had any luck. Ebay is a strange "place". Things that should go for a fortune sometimes don't will things that seem to be "worth" nothing sell for a lot of money.

The bottom line, as previously mentioned, is that you are only going to get what others value it at. You said you always have watchers? Perhaps e-mail them and offer them a second chance bid, or see what they are willing to pay for them? You don't have to sell it if they don't get a price you are interested in.

Also, you said that your grandma would be upset? Upset at what? Her curtains were not able to pay for your whole computer?? This opens up a whole new spectrum of questions - Like, can you not afford the computer with out selling the curtains? If not, should you be buying a computer? And, if money is tight shouldn't you just take what you can get?

I am sure there is some personal value to your grandmother, as most older people in particular hold tightly anything for which they have purchased. But whats it to you? (Did she give them to you, ask you to sell them, is she giving you the money, what?) If SHE doesn't want to sell for any less that makes sense, and perhaps you should wait till she changes her mind or no longer has a voice in the matter (trying to be tactful). Or, sit down and discuss the idea of "value" and "market".

Regardless, you have a custom item, it is custom to YOU (or your grandmother in this case), people who pay for custom things never, or rarely, get the value that they put into them back. (I.E. Just because I customize my car with a special stereo, seats, etc. doesn't mean that I can jack up the price and expect someone else to pay for items that I feel makes my car more valuable. Because it is just that, valuable to ME.)

Not trying to rant, just help you understand.

Well, about your last paragraph, neither of us bought these blinds. They came with the house she bought, so 100% profit.

As for the picture thing I will great;y reconsider, but listing on eBay is out of the question. They totally ripped me on that last listing. BTW, how can I cancel eBay autopayment so they don't charge me? They expect me to pay $115 for that last listing, which is totally ridiculous.

I agree with her though, even if she didn't have any voice in the matter I would want as much money as I can get for them.

And money isn't tight so to speak, I just can't afford a computer right now, and I'd really like a new one. Selling these things pretty much represent me getting a new computer.

 

[mwchris]

Well, about your last paragraph, neither of us bought these blinds. They came with the house she bought, so 100% profit.

As for the picture thing I will great;y reconsider, but listing on eBay is out of the question. They totally ripped me on that last listing. BTW, how can I cancel eBay autopayment so they don't charge me? They expect me to pay $115 for that last listing, which is totally ridiculous.

I agree with her though, even if she didn't have any voice in the matter I would want as much money as I can get for them.

And money isn't tight so to speak, I just can't afford a computer right now, and I'd really like a new one. Selling these things pretty much represent me getting a new computer.

If they came with the house she paid for them one way or the other. But, if you want to look at it that way, then perhaps you should reconsider your mind set on what exactly they are worth . . .

I am not sure on the specifics on the payment, but you can talk to ebay about it. I have good luck with the live chat feature. I know you can get high listing fees depending on your reserves, but if it didn't sell then the fee should be minimal.

Good Luck on whatever you decide, but I would recommend reconsidering the value and what you expect to get. Many people in this thread have relayed some valuable information that may be worth a re-read.

 

[Macky-Mac]

Should I sell them together as a set or individually? Id rather sell them as a set but to be honest I just want to sell the any way I can.

Looking at your auction, I see that they're 3 different sizes. What are the chances that somebody is going to have a use for all 3 custom sizes?? Not very good I think. Who's going to want to pay for 3 really expensive curtains when they can only use 1 of them? List them separately, or at least write your advert offering to sell them individually as well.

And your price.......people go to ebay and craigslist looking for a deal!!!

People who are prepared to pay what you've been told these are worth are probably going to just go have new curtains made up in the first place. I suspect you're really going to have to lower your price expectations quite a bit.

good luck