question about ebay reserve

[rmiller]

Hey guys I haven’t done very much ebaying. I don’t understand why people start auctions with hidden reserves. If, for example, a seller is not willing to accept less than $75 bucks for a glove, why not start the auction at $75 bucks, instead of $9.99 with “reserve not met”? I see a lot of auctions end with “reserve not met”.

I’m sure there must be a perfectly good explanation-what am I not understanding?

By the way- I've also never understood why anyone would buy a vowel
What a waste of money! Explain that one to me while your at it!!

[wjr953]

I've got to agree with you on both counts. If I see an auction listed as "Reserve Not Met", I don't even bother with it. I won't even look at what is being sold because it's a complete waste of time and energy. State what it is you want for what you're selling and quit the pretense. As far as buying a vowel, I can't stand that show. Just my two cents.

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[MVALZ]

I think a reserve is useful to hold a Buy it Now price...maybe to test the market in an effort to gauge value. That being said, I agree with you guys and typically avoid reserve auctions.

[wickedwoman11]

As someone who has sold a lot on Ebay (a few gloves, but mostly other types of stuff, including expensive guitars), I can say the value of a reserve is truly for the seller. You are able to guarantee that you don't sell something very valuable for a ridiculously low price (which on occasion, I have done, and ended up losing money after paying listing fees, etc.). Plus, you can relist it if it doesn't sell the first time for an amount you are willing to accept.

Also, on the buy it now options, I haven't listed any auctions recently, but in the past, you had to pay a lot more for that option in listing fees, and lots of bidders wouldn't buy it now...because they want to see if they can get the item for less.

On the few occasions that I listed a reserve, I always specified the exact dollar amount of the reserve. I actually really DONT believe in hiding that information from bidders. As a frequent bidder, I find that really annoying myself.

[spedrunr]

i see the reserve price similar to the best offer option. someone may guess your reserve and be obligated to purchase the item. if they don't, then the seller has to either re-list or just eat the fees.

it does create curiosity in potential bidders right?

[wjr953]

it does create curiosity in potential bidders right?

Not for me, I just skip right by the listing.

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