eBay (aka: ePay, eVay, oyVay, etc...)

From: Marvin <marvin_at_rain.org>
Date: Tue Oct 27 13:16:38 1998

Sam Ismail wrote:
>
> On Tue, 27 Oct 1998, Marvin wrote:
>
> > (i.e. the IBM TPC I just got), I do not agree with taking advantage of
> > peoples ignorance about what something might be worth, especially if I am
> > out soliciting computers. Running into them on ads or at swap meets does
> > not constitute taking advantage :)!
>
> Well, I take exception to this. What constitutes "taking advantage of"?
> I can maybe moralize that if I was buying computers to turn around and
> sell on eBay, but I'm not. I'm adding them to my collection. So it is in
> my best interest to get the best price possible.

I fully agree about getting the best price, but I have found when I inform
donors of what the value of the computers might be (and most of the time
they *do* ask), they go ahead and give me the stuff anyway. Additionally,
when they find other stuff I might be interested, they take the time to let
me know.

 
> Also, its relative. Since I am of the opinion that eBay does not
> constitute fair market value, what advantage am I taking?

We will just have to agree to disagree. I have talked to quite a few ebay
buyers and sellers, and almost everyone agrees that the pricing there is
fair to both buyer and seller. A friend of mine I talked to last week buys
there and feels that he is getting some real bargains. All a matter of
perspective.


> And what obligation do I have to tell the ignorant seller about my hard
> won knowledge on collecting computers? How much do I have to tell them?

I guess it is just a matter of priorities or goals. I should say again that
I am talking about people who have sought me out and are *giving* me
computer stuff. When I see the stuff for sale, the rules change and I
generally don't attempt to educate them.


> Don't get me wrong, I still feel a little guilty when I get something
> REALLY good for a song that I may have had to pay a testicle for on eBay.

ebay has had some real bargains. Remember the Altairs that sold for about
$500 and $700 some time ago? Most of the people I deal with I look at as
friends. And I try hard not to take advantage of friends ... unless I tell
them I am taking advantage of them :).
Received on Tue Oct 27 1998 - 13:16:38 GMT