So I've been a long-time Ebay buyer (and occasional seller). Over the past 6 months, I've noticed that I find less and less worth buying. Perhaps the "market" is simply reaching effciency, but I now find that I can usually buy the same item at retail for the same or less than on Ebay - and often with cheaper shipping.
Obviously, that applies to things available at retail, but I'm also finding less and less on Ebay that isn't available at retail. It used to be a great place to find retired models, old locos, vintage stuff and oddball items. Less and less so, I find. More and more it's mega-feedback "retailers" there selling the same new stuff as all the LHS's and mail order guys have. The occasional used/vintage item is invariably priced through the ceiling for what it is, and even a lot of the "vintage" stuff IS available at retail (classic Lionel, which I collect, for instance, is often cheaper at retail 'dealers' than on Ebay).
The one thing I still find it useful for is finding old, interesting rolling stock. Athearn blue box stuff, Branchline, etc. But considering how often even those are hitting $20-$50 (plus shipping), it's lost a lot of the swap meet/flea market appeal for me.
Am I just dreaming here? Or does anyone else see this? Certainly I know that if I go get prices from the various discounters and then go to Ebay and search for the same item, the starting bid is usually about the same as the full retail price, the shipping is usually higher, and I have less recourse if there's a problem. Given that, why wouldn't I just buy it new, from a dealer, paying however I want, and having a place to ship it back if it's messed up?
Just a random thought. Curious to hear other perspectives...
Kris
Obviously, that applies to things available at retail, but I'm also finding less and less on Ebay that isn't available at retail. It used to be a great place to find retired models, old locos, vintage stuff and oddball items. Less and less so, I find. More and more it's mega-feedback "retailers" there selling the same new stuff as all the LHS's and mail order guys have. The occasional used/vintage item is invariably priced through the ceiling for what it is, and even a lot of the "vintage" stuff IS available at retail (classic Lionel, which I collect, for instance, is often cheaper at retail 'dealers' than on Ebay).
The one thing I still find it useful for is finding old, interesting rolling stock. Athearn blue box stuff, Branchline, etc. But considering how often even those are hitting $20-$50 (plus shipping), it's lost a lot of the swap meet/flea market appeal for me.
Am I just dreaming here? Or does anyone else see this? Certainly I know that if I go get prices from the various discounters and then go to Ebay and search for the same item, the starting bid is usually about the same as the full retail price, the shipping is usually higher, and I have less recourse if there's a problem. Given that, why wouldn't I just buy it new, from a dealer, paying however I want, and having a place to ship it back if it's messed up?
Just a random thought. Curious to hear other perspectives...
Kris