So what am I missing?

[cgv69]

So I surfing through Flea-bay looking for deals on SO screwdrivers and come across some sets that are ridiculously expensive (more then normal even for SO) and sure enough when I check the prices for the same set against SO's site, this Flea-bay guy is asking 30% or more than SO is! The hardest part to understand is if the ad's are to believed, he's actually selling these sets at those prices???

As an example...
Here's SO's 4pc Red Soft Handle Mini Screwdriver Set from their site: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=646427&group_ID=682253&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog SnapOn's price = $41.95. The Fleabay ad for the same set.. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-Too...t=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item256ac50da1 Flea-bay Price = $67.92!!!! That's just over a 60% markup and the truly unbelievable thing is his ad claims he's already sold 6 of them??!!! That's not the only one. Here's his add the long handle soft grip set: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-RED-Extra-Long-Cabinet-Screwdrivers-NEW-/160684024238?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item256983a1ae. he want $250 and SO wants $189.95. A 32% markup and again, the ad claims 1 set already sold?

Now I know there are some dumb people out there that don't shop around but I find it hard to believe 6 different people paid 60% over full retail so what am I missing? This kit is current production and not rare or exclusive so why the mark up and why the suckers?

 

[canuckian]

a lot of ebayers don't have access to a tool truck and don't know that all the retail prices for Snap On are readily available on their website. they see the words "Snap On" and automatically think that if its on ebay that it's cheaper than retail so they buy it. There are also peoplle that live in countries such as Japan and Australia where retail prices are signifigantly higher than the prices in North America. to these people, 20-30% above North American retail prices isn't that big of a deal. A lot of the people that sell at those inflated prices offer to ship "worldwide" for that reason.

 

[woody 73]

Not sure if I can explain this or not but unless I carry some sort of hand held electronic device (not sure what they call them that hook up to the web); or a current price guide, I can not remember all the prices of every tool.

So if I am walking along and I spot something that catches my eye I must make a fast guess as to the price, and I have a 50/50 shot of either being right or wrong. But since this is a case of sitting down in a room and being able to do a web search first then no one should be taken for a ride as they say.

As for others buying that set at over inflated prices it could be a loved one buying it for their spouse; to the op please keep in mind I would not know the price of a purse if I bought it for my wife so it happens everyday.

 

[Mazdaratti3]

I have wondered that for a long time. Look at all his auctions... guess there are some very uninformed people out there. Just about everything he is selling is still in production. My favorite is the $67 bottle opener that as far I as I know was never produced and is home made. Guy is a huge douche in my eyes.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-Gre...t=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item256db5e7ef

 

[KenB]

Offered prices can be misleading. Search "Completed Listings" for actual selling prices.

Ken

 

[Mandres]

Because why not? It doesn't cost him anything unless they sell and there are a lot of uninformed buyers out there.

 

[Hyster Gareth]

I love the rare CAT tools no longer sold by Snap ON !!! Just go into any CAT dealer and order them.

 

[cgv69]

So in short, no one really knows. That's cool just making sure I wasn't missing something

Offered prices can be misleading. Search "Completed Listings" for actual selling prices.

I did check and many of his items were sold at the buy it now price

Because why not? It doesn't cost him anything unless they sell and there are a lot of uninformed buyers out there.

Why not huh? Well I do believe in democracy so my question was more along the lines of why are people paying these outrages (IMO) prices. He is certainly free to charge whatever he wants and if people are dumb enough to pay those prices well then I guess that's on them.

On the other hand, I do see a difference between making a living turning a honest and fair profit as opposed to bending people over and screwing them royally. This guy is doing the later IMO and while that is his right, it is my right to think he's an @sshole for doing so.

 

[Al Bundy]

First of all he's offering free shipping which comes out of his pocket. He's also paying ebay and Paypal fees which aren't cheap. He doesn't have to charge everyone sales tax like Snap on does. He's accepting best offers so no one has to pay the full buy it now price. He isn't misleading anyone with his description. But he's an ******* for trying to make a couple dollars that he might actually need to feed his family? Grow up.

 

[Davefr]

He ships worldwide. SO.com (US) doesn't. Local SO prices can be significantly more expensive in foreign countries.

Example:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...7&group_ID=682253&store=australia&dir=catalog

An Australian would save about $50 buying from this guy. Maybe more if there's local sales tax there.

(ie SO's international prices are >> US prices even when adjusted for currency exchange)

It sound like a decent Ebay business. Broker SO tools to international buyers.

 

[Olafur]

There is a big world out there guys.

Generally speaking; tools are cheap in the US compared to other places. As far as I know Snap On prices in Australia are way higher than in the US. Same story in many European countries and Japan. Add to this that some countries allow people to import smaller shipments without paying local taxes (usually up to certain amount).

Then there is the question of availability for the general public.
FYI Snap On USA does not sell/ship to Europe, and I guess they only sell to the US market. And Snap On does not have any dealers or sellers in some countries. (like mine). So, for many people ebay is the only source for Snap On tools.

This is what is driving up Snap On prices on ebay - worldwide demand. If I ever see something I consider to be 'good deal' on Snap On on Ebay it is always from US sellers who do not offer shipping outside the US.

What counts for international buyers is how the price is compared to their local tool prices. Not what Snap On offers on the US website.