Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => General Discussion => Topic started by: pdlethbridge on August 30, 2008, 01:11:17 AM

Title: bidding wars
Post by: pdlethbridge on August 30, 2008, 01:11:17 AM
Have you ever seen some of the idiots that buy stuff on E-bay? They get into a bidding war on an item the could get from the same store for $40+ less. I just saw a Bachmann spectrum 4-6-0 sell for $112+ in a bidding war, but they could have bought the exact same engine for $75 in the buy it now price. ::) :o
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: Jim Banner on August 30, 2008, 01:13:51 AM
Once the testosterone starts flowing ...
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: pdlethbridge on August 30, 2008, 01:19:42 AM
Stupid is as stupid does :-[
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: Yampa Bob on August 30, 2008, 06:50:49 PM
I only go to auctions to watch the idiots.  For some it's an addiction, like gambling.  I once saw a guy pay $90 each for a bunch of beat up corral panels, new ones are about $60.
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: SteamGene on August 30, 2008, 07:19:48 PM
Perhaps he liked the odor of the old panels.
Gene
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: Pacific Northern on August 30, 2008, 07:32:56 PM
Quote from: pdlethbridge on August 30, 2008, 01:11:17 AM
Have you ever seen some of the idiots that buy stuff on E-bay? They get into a bidding war on an item the could get from the same store for $40+ less. I just saw a Bachmann spectrum 4-6-0 sell for $112+ in a bidding war, but they could have bought the exact same engine for $75 in the buy it now price. ::) :o

Strange, did you notice the winning bid was also the first bider.
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: Yampa Bob on August 30, 2008, 08:08:54 PM
Now that you mention it, I did see him sniffing the panels before bidding.  I thought that was a bit kinky.  :D
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: JerryB on August 31, 2008, 12:09:00 AM
My grandfather occasionally sold calves and pigs at auction, but never bought anything there. He taught me that the successful bidder at an auction had to pay more than anyone else was willing to pay. He always told me that it was much better to pay the same or less than anyone else, thus no buying at auctions.

I have used Ebay exactly one time, buying a cellphone for parts. I used the 'buy it now' button and got the parts I needed for about half of what I was willing to pay had they been available from the manufacturer.

Ebay and other the other auction sites would be hard pressed to make a living off my trade!

Happy RRing,

Jerry
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: grumpy on August 31, 2008, 12:31:57 AM
I buy nothing on e-Bay. I can purchase what I want at as good or better a price by checking the online shops .  There is a better probability of getting what you order from a reputable shop.
Don
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: az2rail on August 31, 2008, 12:35:05 AM
I thought this was a train forum, not a worry about ebay forum.

Why worry about how much someone else is willing to spend for something?

Bruce
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: Yampa Bob on August 31, 2008, 01:35:28 AM
Yes, this is a train forum, but I see nothing wrong with letting unsuspecting modelers know about some of the pitfalls in purchasing, or expressing our own views regarding purchasing.   

I believe Paul qualified the topic by mentioning that someone paid $112 for a locomotive that could have been bought for $75.  I consider that "train related".

However, since we are also friends, as in sitting around the old clubhouse,  we may stray from trains at times.  That's no big deal, the main thing is we are still exchanging ideas and viewpoints. 

I spend from 6 to 8 hours a day learning and teaching on the forum.  Sometimes it's nice to take a break from the routine.
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: Paul W. on August 31, 2008, 10:05:56 AM
I too have seen folks go absolutely crazy on bidding, but lets not knock it completely. If you use common sense, there are some deals to be had, you just have to set limits. Timing is also important, you don't want to try and buy train items around Christmas, you'll pay outrageous prices, but if you're selling, that's the time to unload.
For example, in the last month, I just picked up a large scale 10 wheeler for $23.00, the description was "runs, but missing brakes". Only three of us bid on it, and I needed it for parts for a bash I was working on. As it turned out when I got it home and tested it, it actually runs perfectly.
It could be an addition like gambling, but if you set limits, and do your homework, you can pick up some great deals. And some of the on line train shops also have ebay items and stores to buy from.
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: az2rail on August 31, 2008, 10:11:51 AM
But why call someone who is willing to pay more for an item a idiot?

When you do a search on ebay, you are given all the listings for that item. At that time the buyer makes the choice of which on they want to bid on. I have choosen the more expensive one from time to time myself. It depends on if I think thats the one I want over the other.

I just sold two identical HO cars on ebay. The only difference in them was the road number. One sold for $14.99, and the other for $35.00. I did not call the bidder of the more expensive one an idiot.

Bruce
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: Yampa Bob on August 31, 2008, 01:12:50 PM
Perhaps the word "foolish" would be more polite, which is defined as "Having poor judgment, unwise". 

Paul is referring to a brand new item readily available at any time for $75. I want to meet anyone willing to pay $112 for it, I have some ocean front property here in Colorado that I would love to get rid of, the sea gulls are making a terrible mess. 

Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: pdlethbridge on August 31, 2008, 01:13:01 PM
You can call them an idiot if the site shows the buy it now price at $75 and they bid $112 and the store has 30 in stock.
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: Yampa Bob on August 31, 2008, 01:47:53 PM
Paul, I realize you have been locked in the basement for two weeks without nourishment, and up to your ears in decoders.  But if you are still trying to compete for the title of "Mad Scientist", remember I lost my mind 20 years ago so I have a lot of seniority.  However, the position of "Igor" is still open.

Repeat after me:  "It's alive, it's ALIVE."  :o
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: pdlethbridge on August 31, 2008, 03:17:56 PM
you lost your mind and no one would help you find it. My brother and I share the same brain cell and he has it this week. Mad scientist???? I thought you were yogi bear, That would make me ranger or boo boo
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: Santa Fe buff on August 31, 2008, 03:36:28 PM
I like to wait until like 1 min. left and see, sometimes people put up 0.99 hoping for "idiots" to bid up to oh I think about $7.00, and they get no bids, so I CAN save some, on other's mistakes... :)
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: Pacific Northern on August 31, 2008, 04:14:05 PM
Quote from: pdlethbridge on August 30, 2008, 01:11:17 AM
Have you ever seen some of the idiots that buy stuff on E-bay? They get into a bidding war on an item the could get from the same store for $40+ less. I just saw a Bachmann spectrum 4-6-0 sell for $112+ in a bidding war, but they could have bought the exact same engine for $75 in the buy it now price. ::) :o

What I find interesting is that the item was auctioned off of my favourite site.

I have been fortunate enough to have purchased a number of Spectrum steam engines off this site. I ended up with 3 of the newer 4-4-0's and ended up paying just over $45.00 each, also a couple of spare 2-8-0's for a bit less.

At those prices having duplicates is quite affordable. It certainly dresses up the roundhouse portion of the layout.
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: RAM on August 31, 2008, 04:37:33 PM
what other auction sites are there other than ebay.
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: Jim Banner on August 31, 2008, 05:04:43 PM
Quote from: RAM on August 31, 2008, 04:37:33 PM
what other auction sites are there other than ebay.
None worth mentioning.

I too have made some great buys on eBay.  A pile of 0n30 stuff at 30 cents on the dollar (based on Walthers prices) and very reasonable shipping to boot.  It helps that the seller, thefavoritespot, is a bona fide Bachmann dealer so the warranties apply.  I like to support my local hobby shop, but when I can buy twice as many trains for half as many dollars ...
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: Santa Fe buff on August 31, 2008, 05:38:37 PM
Jim is VERY right, hot deals go off ebay everday with no bids... I can't wait until I'm allowed to even shope online, for my dad, just HATES ebay. Oh well, I will grow up sooner or later... :-\
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: James in FL on August 31, 2008, 06:16:04 PM
Intelligent people talk about ideas.
Smart people talk about events.
Simple people talk about other people.
Enough said.
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: Santa Fe buff on August 31, 2008, 06:34:36 PM
I like to do all three! I talk about some ideas, events if something is going on, and other people just to talk, (I don't try to talk bad.).
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: pdlethbridge on August 31, 2008, 07:30:24 PM
unless they are an idiot!!!!
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: Yampa Bob on August 31, 2008, 07:59:35 PM
James left out 2 important categories.

1.  "Experts" like to talk about themselves.

2.  People who talk to themselves.  Heck, that's the only way I can have an intelligent conversation. No one else knows (or cares) what I'm talking about.  :D
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: pdlethbridge on August 31, 2008, 10:11:59 PM
Besides that, who would listen?
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: Santa Fe buff on August 31, 2008, 10:51:59 PM
Bored peoples...
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: grumpy on September 01, 2008, 12:56:55 AM
I would say more money than brains..
Don
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: WGL on September 01, 2008, 01:45:41 AM
 "It pays to shop around."  That's part of the fun of collecting.  I check the manufacturer's suggested retail price, the price on modeltrainstuff, & etc.  E-Z Command lists at $120; modeltrainstuff charges $80 on sale; I got it "like new" on eBay for $40.  I bought my Spectrum EMD SD-45 DCC NIB on eBay for $45; Bachmann's price is $115.
  Web stores often don't describe their model train products in much detail--even expensive items.  The Intermountain F7A with DCC & sound I bought had no other specifications, not even in the box.  I bought an Athearn GN boxcar from modeltrainstuff & was disappointed to find that the doors don't open.  The description said "Johnstown doors," but I don't know what that means.
  Items turn up on eBay that one can't find elsewhere.
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: pdlethbridge on September 01, 2008, 09:46:55 AM
Its always buyer beware, no matter where you shop or for what. I always check to see what the buy it now price is before I bid, I refuse to go over that price in a bidding war. I have seen it happen several times that I bid up to or near the buy it now price and someone will go over by several dollars. They are not watching what they are doing. This is especially true when the seller cares a large quantity of each item for sale.
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: Woody Elmore on September 01, 2008, 10:02:11 AM
Ebay is like any auction. You have to do your homework and know prices. I just got an external disk drive, no shipping charges, for $25 less than the same item in Staples. I recently bought a 10 foot HDMI cable for a neighbor for under $10, shipping included. The same cable in Circuit City or Radio Shack is $70 ( I can't figure that out at all).

I often wonder at the prices some people pay on Ebay. My favorite was the auction of the Grandt Line parts to convert the Bachmann mogul to On3. The purchaser paid a lot more than list price plus shipping. The parts were in stock at Grandt Line and could have been ordered directly, at list price and half the shipping price of the online auction.

Was the person stupid? I don't think so. Maybe the person didn't know that Grandt had a website.
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: pdlethbridge on September 01, 2008, 10:30:34 AM
You said you do your homework. A lot of people don't. Is it laziness, is it a I don't care attitude, is it I have to have it NOW. I don't know. But you can't help but think, that a lot of it is like driving on the highway. Everybody is trying to get there first, no matter what the cost.
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: Santa Fe buff on September 01, 2008, 12:18:20 PM
Well I really wait, I waited over 2 years just so I can go to IRM, and I also earned money over 4 months to buy me my first Bachmann set, that gave me the address to come here and become a member. I like this video for it demonstrates crossing safety, and also, not to be impatient! (I'm so sorry it's on Spike.com, I didn't want to have to go to such a crude site, but that's the only place I could find it not showing the entire clip) a.k.a her getting hit...
http://www.spike.com/video/train-wrecks-couple/2936849
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: pdlethbridge on September 01, 2008, 02:17:23 PM
huh?
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: Santa Fe buff on September 01, 2008, 03:25:06 PM
I'll just say it isn't the best site for younger peoples, but it's the only place I could find that version of the video. To were it doesn't show the impact. I thought of a better video, but  I couldn't find it. It's were a merging car onto a highway cut off another driver and the SUV it cut off flipped, no deaths, but the person who cut off the SUV was arrested for reckless driving and fleeing the scene of an accident. Basically I was just trying to find a video that proved people are too impatient. Your right, people do just want it NOW, which could just give them the name 'idot'?
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: pdlethbridge on September 02, 2008, 03:47:59 AM
huh, huh??? What does that have to do with bidding wars?
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: charlii on September 02, 2008, 09:21:55 AM
I have to take issue with many comments about Ebay purchases. When a person uses common sense and judgement, they can make some real buys on Ebay. I model both HO and N gauge. In past year, I have been building up my stock of N gauge steam locomotives. In this period, I have purchased 26 steam locomotives on Ebay with a retail value of $3989, for a few dollars over $900. This averages to around $35 per locomotive. ALL locomotives were new, factory sealed, full warrantee, Bachmann, Model Power, or Roundhouse. (2-6-0's, 2-8-0's and 4-4-0's.) If you want to make some excellent purchases, just find a few reputable liquidators and keep a constant eye on their listings.
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: pdlethbridge on September 02, 2008, 10:25:01 AM
Very good. There are some good E-bay dealers and I buy from them often. I just purchased 3 items from the favorite spot, a bachmann authorized dealer, and got some very good deals and very fast delivery. If you watch what your doing, E-bay can be a very good place to purchase. The shops I deal with are power sellers and have an extremely good rating.
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: Jim Banner on September 02, 2008, 01:10:17 PM
PD, I hope you and everyone else takes a moment to look at the video clip that Santa Fe buff linked to.  All of us model railroaders who are train watchers too should be very aware of the dangers around trains.  A little bit of impatience around trains can cost you a whole lot more than a little bit of impatience on eBay.  On eBay, it may cost a few bucks more to have it now.  Around trains, it can cost you your life.

What does this have to do with bidding on eBay?  It helps put the extra cost factor of impatience in perspective.

Sometimes the extra cost of impatience can be a smart business decision.  Paying double or triple for a hundred dollar item that I must have tomorrow because it is a key item to meeting next week's deadline on a $10,000 model is worth the extra price, both to me and to the company that must have the model as part of their $100,000 trade show presentation.  When the item is not available otherwise, making sure you win and paying a premium shipping and handling fee is one way to make your contract and keep your reputation. 

Sometimes we are in a similar position with our hobbies - we need a particular model right now because at the last minute, we have been asked to fill in at next week's train show, or because relatives are coming and we would really like to show Uncle Joe a model of the steamer his brother once fired, or, well, you name it.

Is it worth it to pay extra for your impatience?  Only you can decide!

 
Title: Re: bidding wars
Post by: pdlethbridge on September 02, 2008, 01:19:27 PM
The way I see it, if your in such a rush to have something or get somewhere, don't be shocked if it comes back to bite you or run over you.