ebay reserve prices ....
 

I'm a bit curious as to what people think about this.

I've got my van for sale on ebay at the moment and I've had heaps of questions about it ... and people keep asking me what the reserve price is.

I haven't actually told anyone yet because it's nto really what an auction is about. But thinking on it, does it make much of a difference?

What are your thoughts?

I tell em TP, if only to sort out the crap. You can see by the bid history who is and who isn't bidding. If you have gone for a low reserve and are worried about the final price. Use this . https://signin.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISA...pageType =562

I can't see the problem in stating it, it works as a protection system for you, in case you miss the end of the auction and it sells for sod all.

The best ways on eaby seem to be set a low starting price £10 or so, then fix a reserve at what you will take for it. It costs more as you have to pay for the reserve.

What seems common practice though is set a low start up - don't have a reserve, then get your mate to bid up to what would be your reserve price. You avoid the charges, and it looks like there's been lots of activity on the item.

Aint Ebay great!!! ;)

Although this is against ebay policy and may even be illegal (it's called shill bidding)

It is if you are a Professional sales person ;)

No doubt it is against Ebay policy - but I'm also sure that they don't mind either, as it means they will get their sale fees even if you sell the item to your mate. ;)

Tim

I tried to sell my old prelude on fleabay with a £600 reserve and got nowhere. Relisted it without the reserve and got four offers over £600 in two days. If I'd let it run I'm sure it would've made over £1k.

Reserves seem to put bidders off and stop people from watching the auction over a period of time. I'd run without but make sure the start price is as low as you can stomach.

Ali

I tend to tell people what the reserve is. Saves loads of bids coming in below the reserve price etc

Also weedles out people who have no intention of paying that.

Makes no difference to the auction so why hide it??

Just my 2p'th

Gc

I tend to avoid items with a reserve. Whenever i have tried to sell with a reserve , the item has not sold. But without it has sold fine.

I think if you explain the reasoning behind why you think a reserve price is justified then most genuine people will understand.

I just cant be bothered with knobs or people who dont act within the spirit of Ebay - like asking me to close an auction for cash, when no-one has bid yet after one day!

Cheers - Frank