Is E bay lowering the value of collectibles?
I have noticed that collectible items (such as vintage action figures, etc.) are not selling, or are selling for very cheap on E bay, despite their high listing prices. Is E bay's presence lowering the price of collectible items by making them more available to collectors?
It can go both ways. It makes supply and demand limited to a time frame. Fairly simple concept when you think about it. The price can go well above fair market value if there are many people that want the item. Also if there are not many people that want the item then it could go for below fair market value.
Its not that they are making them more available to collectors that is the cause, its more of the limited amount of people actully interested in the item at the same time. Lets say every vintage starwars action figure collector was on ebay looking for the figures then you can pretty much bet that the price would be fair market value if not higher because of the "excitement" and "competition" of auctions.
At least thats how I see it, hope it makes sense.
Comments
Comment from K H
Time: April 4, 2007, 11:22 pm
I think it is .I collect a lot of different things and in the years before e-bay I had to go to antique stores,mail order catalogs etc. and you had to pay their prices or not get the item. Now you just type in what you are looking for and dozens(if you are lucky) of them are all brought up for your perusal.I noticed this a few years ago too….
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Comment from Tim E
Time: April 4, 2007, 11:30 pm
It can go both ways. It makes supply and demand limited to a time frame. Fairly simple concept when you think about it. The price can go well above fair market value if there are many people that want the item. Also if there are not many people that want the item then it could go for below fair market value.
Its not that they are making them more available to collectors that is the cause, its more of the limited amount of people actully interested in the item at the same time. Lets say every vintage starwars action figure collector was on ebay looking for the figures then you can pretty much bet that the price would be fair market value if not higher because of the "excitement" and "competition" of auctions.
At least thats how I see it, hope it makes sense.
References :
Comment from Joycee
Time: April 4, 2007, 11:10 pm
no..its a good source to buy cheap…there are plenty of other antique shows and markets you can sell at to get your full price.
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