Re: FA eBay One of only 125 Hornby NRM Evening Stars R330 Mint Boxed

John Turner said the following on 31/10/2005 10:29:

I don't see the point in 'reserves' on items on eBay. Why not just start the bidding at the minimum price you're prepared to accept and then everyone knows where they stand.

There's arguments for and against that. A high starting price can put people off bidding, so it never takes off. A low starting price encourages people to bid, whilst the reserve protects the seller. Personally, I can't stand reserve price auctions, as a buyer or seller! When selling, I will look at historic prices for an item, set a relatively low starting price, and hope for the best. Usually I get what I would like, but some people have had bargains from me! The "silly" prices make up for the ones I lose out on, and it has to be said that there seems to be a lot of spare cash in the model railway world!

What I don't understand is why people bid a maximum of, say, £2.50, on an item with a reserve which is going to be a £50 minimum in the UK. I can only assume they don't realise this £50 minimum.

--
Paul Boyd
http://www.paul-boyd.co.uk/
http://www.ecsl-ltd.com/
.

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