Retail means nothing on eBay

eBay as you know is a household word. Being a trading assistant, I get calls every so often to help sell items.  Usually, it's not worth the time for both parties since the majority of perspective clients are trying to get close or even half of retail.  Simply, supply and demand drive what an item will bring. This is even true despite subtle differences in fashion/clothes, a certain color, etc. that can mean a sweater retailing for $50 can bring $10 if it's blue, or $25 if it's white for example considering it's a well named brand in this example.

Completed Listings and Retail Sales

Completed listings are great on eBay to get a sense of the market. However, relying on data from a month ago is not ideal in my opinion. Yesterdays hot item may be old news. This is especially true in retail. A sale is also sometimes not really a sale.  Usually, a store having tons of sales needs to clear inventory which already was marked up with the idea to maximize profit. Same is true for items on eBay. Two years ago, Pan am Flight covers were lot bringing $10 or more for a very common cover. Now, your seeing a buck or $2, or lots having the same cover in them going for a few dollars.

Listing Descripions Here on eBay

You see the terms well below retail. Box of items will bring 50 cents and up at show. Cost me originally $500. Point, here is retail means nothing. The term is used as a sales point to draw interest to an item.  Simply, supply and demand dictate what items will bring. This is true on collectibles, but applies to other categories on eBay. Sad thing is people bought items at retail, but secondary market may be low.  If you collect stamps, you'll note there's tons of FDC (First Day covers in lots). The simple fact is tons of FDCs are in the market place. Thus, if your beginning a collection or need restock, a box of 1500 to 2000 can be bought for $500 or less.

In conclusion

eBay is not the place to get retail for your items. Sure, there's exceptions, but do a search here on completed listings, and you will see what I mean. This also is true of other sites like Yahoo Auctions.  However, if your just trying to free up funds, and are not concerned about what you'll get, eBay is a good site. Also, note a lot of small merchants and dealers are buying here on eBay, and marking items up to resell at collectibles shows, their website, or reflip directly to clients. So, bottom line is it's human nature to try and get a bargain. Although, not the same thing, but your likley better buying a propane grill at the end of Summer or in the winter vs. when there's a high demand (i.e. Spring).

By no means am I analyst with a marketing degree, but feel this article is overdue. Before selling high end items or thinking, I'll just put my watch I bought for $350, etc. on eBay and trying to get $225 for it, do your homework.