Prices on eBay vs Other Venues

[jeffweico]

Most of us on the forum have our own niches in which we have a certain level of expertise. We mostly watch our markets and pay little attention to the broader picture. Or, at least, that describes me.

eBay is known as a flea market where ypu can usually get the best prices on things. Or at least, that is the perception I am aware of. Turns out, that is wrong in some cases.

Today, my DVD burner died. It was about 2 years old. So, I decided to look for a new replacement on eBay, expecting to find tons of bargains.

Imagine my surprise when in almost every case, I found these CHEAPER on Amazon, NewEgg and even TigerDirect.

Any thoughts or insights?

[123]

I've given up on buying things on ebay, very few things do I still buy on ebay. The only thing I've bought on ebay recently was an unlocked iphone because those are the kind of items that are best on ebay.

I am a huge fan of amazon, love the service and just about everything about it. I've gotten so use to buying on amazon when I want to buy something I rarely ever check to see if its cheaper on ebay or any other site. Mainly because I love that they gave me free amazon prime so anything I buy from them I get either the next day or in two days.

[Shikimaru17]

I've noticed that. I'd say because #1 there are a lot of re sellers on ebay. #2 businesses that could offer discounts can't do so as much because of the fees.

I think what ebay might be good for are used things. But still, there are cheaper prices on ebay a lot of times.

[TGMT²]

Originally Posted by jeffweico

NewEgg

Ever since Burning enlightened me about NewEgg about 2 years ago, I have made them my Electronics place.

No-where can you find Better Prices with Free Shipping and No Tax!

I hit their site almost daily. :D

Newegg.com - Computer Products, Laptops, Electronics, HDTVs, Digital Cameras and More!

[jeffweico]

Originally Posted by TGMT²

Ever since Burning enlightened me about NewEgg about 2 years ago, I have made them my Electronics place.

No-where can you find Better Prices with Free Shipping and No Tax!

I hit their site almost daily. :D

Newegg.com - Computer Products, Laptops, Electronics, HDTVs, Digital Cameras and More!

I've been an Egger for years. Not only is the shipping usually free, it is also FAST. I've seen a video of how their warehouse works. It is incredible! A model of efficiency.

Not only that, but the one time I had a problem, their customer service reps were very helpful - no attitude whatsoever - and I even got a $10 gift certificate in the mail.

And this is why I am having such a hard time understanding eBay. eBay is just not set up to be a low price leader for most new merchandise. They are best at used items, collectibles, antiques, etc.

Yet, they are hell-bent on destroying themselves to become a welfare version of K-Mart. I just wish I could understand WHY! It is driving me nuts! I've thought about this alot over the last few years, trying to figure out what the business case is for this. I keep coming up empty.

[stillselling]

eB wants to be more like Amaz.

Get rid of auctions by way of overcharging. And get rid of subpar sellers. For every seller eB gets rid of 2 or 3 will repleace it. How many of you run 2 or 3 accounts on eB since you got booted? Eventually, the subpar sellers will learn to play by eB's rules.

Of the good ones left, offer them just enough discounts so they pick eB over Amaz. I like selling on eB, with my 2.3% discound rate on PP (plus 1.5% cash rebate on purchases) and the 20% discount on eB fees. I run stealths on Amaz, it's not like they'll ever give me a volume discount.

The model seems to be working. My conversion rate from my eB affiliate account has increased ever since the changes were made to the selling side.

[GrannyT]

I like buying on 'The River' and always choose it over EB:D

[cherrqell]

Originally Posted by jeffweico

Yet, they are hell-bent on destroying themselves to become a welfare version of K-Mart. I just wish I could understand WHY! It is driving me nuts! I've thought about this alot over the last few years, trying to figure out what the business case is for this. I keep coming up empty.

yet in every case of substandard business models, and failure to live up to quality operations it all comes down to failed leadership, and lack of forward thinking business dynamics.

[NotAHappyBunny]

I was a HUGE eb buyer for years - i am the ultimate bargain hunter

I noticed it a couple of yrs ago - I still have a look on eb for quotes but they are rarely the cheapest now. Amazon is even cheaper with clothing items now!
Plus if it's loads cheaper & new - it's probably ⊗⊗⊗⊗.