Buying or Selling "off" eBay

[Danimal]

I'm just curious how you guys handle this. Let's start by asking the questions...have you ever emailed an eBay seller trying to buy an item before an auction ends? Have you ever been successful? Has anybody emailed you asking to buy? Did you sell?

I have sold a few items like that and I would again. You can avoid their fees and as long as you know what you have, it's not too risky for the seller. I have not been able to buy that way though. Maybe it's just the things I ask about are too obscure and the seller (as well as I) know the price may jump way up.

So I'm wondering what you guys have experienced.

 

[kingfish254]

I have never been successful requesting a seller to end early on a bike. I did have a couple that plugged in a BuyItNow for me (which jacked the price 10-15%).

Many times I will respond to a buyer that asks a question and provide my phone number (you can't put email addresses). Once they call I will many times offer to sell it off of ebay for some amount less. I did this recently with the Fat Tire bike. I had it listed for $800 and sold it for $750.

 

[Danimal]

This week I've emailed two sellers and asked if they would make a deal...both declined. One of the items I think is gonna go big...too big for me to afford. Oh well, I'll keep it on my watch list and wait.

 

[CCR]

If its on eBay I decline to end it early just to make a deal. I do tell them if it doesn't sell what bike forums I'm on :mrgreen:

I have asked others if they will relist something if it ended before I had a chance to bid on it.

That's about as far "off" as I have ever got on there.

 

[Danimal]

The thing is, I have been high bidder on things, or I've been waiting to snipe at the end, and all of a sudden the auction has been pulled. No explanation. Then you find out some other bike dude has the item because it was sold off. So I figure it can't hurt to ask a seller.

 

[MIGZ]

all the time some work some do not.

 

[CCR]

Likely depends on if the seller is afraid to deal offbay. It's against the rules and eBay reads messages. I'm told they go so far as to filter out the email addresses in messaging member to member now too, I don't know how much further they would go, but PayPal and eBay have the same owners last I heard.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

That is why I just list on Craigslist, less headache. I normally post in Kokomo, Tippecanoe, and Indianapolis. Then if it's a high end bike or vintage classic I'll list in Chicago IL, Detroit MI, and Dayton OH. I tend to sell lots of nice bikes to guys in the Chicago area.

 

[Rat Rod]

I'm in the middle of that process right now...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121171541908

 

[outskirtscustoms]

I'm in the middle of that process right now...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121171541908

Did I read that right??? $1,450 :shock: Let er rip tater chip! With 30 previous bids and 8 bidders I'd let them fight it out down to the last dollar.

 

[Danimal]

Re: Buying or Selling "off" eBay

With that kind of action I think I would let the auction ride out too. But it looks like he ended it. Must have gotten a darn good offer.

Comment? Steve?

 

[Rat Rod]

Re: Buying or Selling "off" eBay

Headed to Tokyo

 

[kingfish254]

Party keg at Steve's house!!!!!