With all the auctions out there

[Peter_Spaeth]

I much prefer ebay, or direct, to competing against giddy buyers in auctions who seem endlessly willing to overpay.

[hcv123]

Sometimes in auctions. Sometimes on ebay.

[conor912]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

I much prefer ebay, or direct, to competing against giddy buyers in auctions who seem endlessly willing to overpay.

+1

If I want it, I will happily pony up for a nice easy BIN. Keeping track of all the auctions has become exhausting. eBay stores my wantlist and emails me when something pops up. Plus generally things go for cheaper there. While not exclusive to REA, the amount of overpaying that went on in that auction was staggering, IMO, and presumably just to be able to say they won something in REA.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by conor912

+1

If I want it, I will happily pony up for a nice easy BIN. Keeping track of all the auctions has become exhausting. eBay stores my wantlist and emails me when something pops up. Plus generally things go for cheaper there. While not exclusive to REA, the amount of overpaying that went on in that auction was staggering, IMO, and presumably just to be able to say they won something in REA.

+1 back at ya. I just don't get it in many cases. And then, to act so amazed and grateful that it was sent out overnight.

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

I won a lot at REA for the opening bid and a lot of 10 graded OJ's for $1560 (with the juice) so I think if you're a careful shopper you can bargain hunt any source.

[joshuanip]

Where else than eBay can you see a babe Ruth rookie and a T206 Honus for sale at the same time!

[Section103]

I have a bit of an odd ball collecting list. A few of the rarer, higher end cards will probably only end up coming up at an auction house; but so many more of the cards can, will and have been found quicker -and- cheaper on ebay.

In my experience, most of the ebay headaches come about from being a seller. Its a pretty favorable experience for buyers (most of the time).

[Fballguy]

eBay all day every day.

No outrageous buyer's premium. I shouldn't have to pay for the privilege of paying for something. The auction house is selling for the seller. They are not providing any service for the buyer that isn't covered in the "shipping and handling" charge. The seller should pay the fee.

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

I much prefer ebay, or direct, to competing against giddy buyers in auctions who seem endlessly willing to overpay.

One big advantage that ebay has over many auction houses for buyers is the ability to snipe. That said, at least 90% of the time, I set a max ahead of time of what I am willing to pay for something and stick to it. The other 10% of the time would be for insanely rare items that I might go a bit higher if pushed. While some items do go for unusually high sums, many I think are quite reasonable- as noted by others on the boards as well. To each his own.

[Stampsfan]

I simply won't overpay, as I have more wants than cash. I bid what I am willing to pay (in many auctions and on eBay), and if it doesn't match, oh well... there are lots of other choices.

I am also a set collector, so picking up commons is much easier and more plentiful on eBay than at almost any auction house.