What's Your E-Bay Limit?

[84TurboBuick]

So I'm on e-bay doing the bid thing for various tools. I put in my maximum bids and off I go. I win some and lose some....blah blah blah.

I normally will only max bid to about 70% - 75% of the tools value if new and 50% - 60% if used.

Now we have all seen the over cost bids so that doesn't count. What I want to know is what you guys usally bid as far as % of the orignal cost.

Just an informal poll to get an idea. Am I shooting too low, or should I stick with what I do now?

Thanks.

 

[chad s]

Often I pay 200-500% over original price for snap on tools on ebay, maybe more, Im not very good at math.

 

[wrenchr]

Depends on what it is and how badly I want it!!

 

[danc333]

I try to stay 60% of new and as low as possible for used. I don't need or want anything bad enough to bid more. If I "need" something I will buy it new from the store, truck, or web. Sometimes its not worth the hunt on ebay to find the bargain. I have also seen things sell for more then new, not rare collectible stuff ( I understand that) but current catalog things that you can buy on the website for less. I also factor in shipping. Some people charge insane shipping.

 

[billymade]

I continually see things sell for just slightly under full retail or over retail on Snap-On tools on ebay; you need to factor in shipping to the total cost IMHO. Snapon.com has free ground shipping on most small items; I was looking at a socket (30MM VW 12point special axle socket) and then ending bid was $3 cheaper then Snapon.com. In this case it was used by a pro tech retiring; who knows what the condition it was in; I would be willing to spend the extra $3 from Snapon.com. 50% in my mind is good but everything I want seems to be what everyone else wants and I just don't find good deals on ebay. Again, certain items are tough like unique ratchets (like swivel heads) and they are almost impossible to get a good deal on, IMHO; then there are the discontinued, no longer shipping items that bring all sorts of crazy money but the market demand and low supply are driving these prices! The emotional component (I want it!) cannot be understated; this is why many of these Snap-On tools go to the moon! My 50% of retail maybe too much related to the deals I get at pawn shops and flea markets; if you want to win on ebay seems winning bids are 70%-120% in most cases. Foreign buyers who are taking advantage of the weak dollar aren't helping either (hello, Moose! LOL!)! It really depend on how bad you want it!!! For those who are patient, apparently, there are deals to be had as many how shown links that prove this...

 

[paramudduck]

depending on condition I try to stay around 30 to 40 percent of new value. Now it it is a hard to find or specialty tool I may go higher. Or if it is something I need for a project and cannot find elsewhere.

Now chad is collecting them so he will go much higher on price.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I bid what i'm willing to pay. Much of the time, i'm willing to pay whatever it costs.

Foreign buyers who are taking advantage of the weak dollar aren't helping either (hello, Moose! LOL!)!

Thanks, America.

 

[Crasen]

If it is a new tool and has a lifetime warranty I might pay 80% of new if I need it. If it is a tool I don't need right now i will wait until I find it for about 40% of retail.

 

[cruiser808]

Depends on what it is and how badly I want it!!

Hi Wrenchr - I know you must have wanted that Snap-on long handle ratchet really bad cause it was way pricey and I too was tempted to grab that beauty. I just couldn't bring myself to pay the price of admission. Nice catch man; enjoy it.

 

[wrenchr]

Hi Wrenchr - I know you must have wanted that Snap-on long handle ratchet really bad cause it was way pricey and I too was tempted to grab that beauty. I just couldn't bring myself to pay the price of admission. Nice catch man; enjoy it.

Thanks Cruiser808, I forgot to add that my money flow equates into the factor to!!!
The BIN was $125 + $8.00 to ship...I offered $100.00 and he took it.

 

[cruiser808]

I continually see things sell for just slightly under full retail or over retail on Snap-On tools on ebay; you need to factor in shipping to the total cost IMHO. Snapon.com has free ground shipping on most small items; I was looking at a socket (30MM VW 12point special axle socket) and then ending bid was $3 cheaper then Snapon.com. In this case it was used by a pro tech retiring; who knows what the condition it was in; I would be willing to spend the extra $3 from Snapon.com. 50% in my mind is good but everything I want seems to be what everyone else wants and I just don't find good deals on ebay. Again, certain items are tough like unique ratchets (like swivel heads) and they are almost impossible to get a good deal on, IMHO; then there are the discontinued, no longer shipping items that bring all sorts of crazy money but the market demand and low supply are driving these prices! The emotional component (I want it!) cannot be understated; this is why many of these Snap-On tools go to the moon! My 50% of retail maybe too much related to the deals I get at pawn shops and flea markets; if you want to win on ebay seems winning bids are 70%-120% in most cases. Foreign buyers who are taking advantage of the weak dollar aren't helping either (hello, Moose! LOL!)! It really depend on how bad you want it!!! For those who are patient, apparently, there are deals to be had as many how shown links that prove this...

Hi Billy - Snapon.com doesn't have free shipping Alaska and Hawaii. I know, because I've purchased new from them on several occasions. So basically, I'm screwed. In addition to the price for the Snap-on auction, I have to factor in the shipping and then decide, "is it worth it?" Lots of times it still is and as a result, I've amassed a repectable Snap-on tool collection at discounted prices. Ebay is still my friend.

Hey Moose, I bet you have the same problem as me with shipping. But, that won't stop us, right mate?

 

[billymade]

Do they have any pawn shops or flea markets in Hawaii? From some shows I've seen on tv there are some areas in Hawaii that look like they could support some! Any there?

 

[dxdexter]

I actually kept track of all my Snap-on purchases and I have paid from 47% to 28% of the new price for my purchases with the average being 30% including shipping and exchange rate.

I will wait for the right deal to come along. If others want to bid it up to the same price as off the truck, then they can have it.

 

[billymade]

Hear, hear! I agree X2! Then again, I'm a cheap skate too! LOL!

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Hey Moose, I bet you have the same problem as me with shipping. But, that won't stop us, right mate?

I often have it shipped to a friend in the US, and then to me, or internationally.

Does that kinda **** stop us? Never.

 

[ron in sc]

I put in my maximum bids and off I go.

I almost alway use esnipe. You just put in the maximum you want to pay and forget about it. The bid will be entered at the time you select, I usually select 9 seconds before the bidding ends.

This is just my theory but I think if you you are a buyer you want the buy the item as inexpensively as possible. If that is the case then bidding prior to the end will only drive up the cost of the item. And if someone put in their high bid every time someone else bids a little less than that high bid then the price just goes up.

Why would I want to let someone else to know I'm interested in buying an item? I can not see any real upside there. For example he may put in a low amount because he thinks there is not much interest, but then he gets outbid in last seconds of the auction.

I have been a seller too though not nearly as often as a buyer and I when more people bid on an item it generally generates more bids and often times more money for the seller.

 

[wrenchr]

I actually kept track of all my Snap-on purchases and I have paid from 47% to 28% of the new price for my purchases with the average being 30% including shipping and exchange rate.

I will wait for the right deal to come along. If others want to bid it up to the same price as off the truck, then they can have it.

I agree

 

[paramudduck]

I do like Ron says throw out a few snipes at what I'm willing to pay for them. If I get it great if not, well someone will list another pretty soon.

 

[caper]

I usually take the crazy shipping charges into account before i even consider bidding.When I look at an item like a wrench and the seller wants 20 to sometimes 35 dollars for shipping I just keep going.If i keep looking i can usually find the same item being shipped for 10 dollars then I'll bid to about 50% of retail,if I win great if not oh well.A lot of times I find things in ebay stores with cheaper shipping and lower prices on BIN than what the auctions run.

 

[cruiser808]

Do they have any pawn shops or flea markets in Hawaii? From some shows I've seen on tv there are some areas in Hawaii that look like they could support some! Any there?

Yah they do, but the choice is just limited what's available and good brands are limited. Compared to the mainland USA, we're small.

 

[Danglerb]

High shipping means PITA if there are any problems. No shipping listed and seller won't quote me a firm shipping cost and I generally don't bid.

If I can buy it off the truck new, no freaking way I bid more than 50% for used. If I can buy it from the regular used Snapon guy at the swapmeet the limit is about 75% of what I would pay him. Both cases when I buy from my local guy I get a load of good will with it, but lately I factor in cost of gas.

 

[cruiser808]

Don't believe what you see on "dawg the bounty hunter". It 's all fake and he's an *** hole.

 

[paramudduck]

caper That is the truth there. I was bidding on a ratchet several months ago. One of the I gotta win it guys ran it up to the sky. I went to the sellers other items list and got the same ratchet for ten dollars less then what it had been bid up to.

I wanted to email the guy and thank him for saving me money but the lil lady wouldn't let me.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Was it me?

 

[cruiser808]

I actually kept track of all my Snap-on purchases and I have paid from 47% to 28% of the new price for my purchases with the average being 30% including shipping and exchange rate.

I will wait for the right deal to come along. If others want to bid it up to the same price as off the truck, then they can have it.

Canadian is a different country. Compared to us in the US, you don't count.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

Don't believe what you see on "dawg the bounty hunter". It 's all fake and he's an *** hole.

is it the N word thing again ?

 

[eschoendorff]

Don't believe what you see on "dawg the bounty hunter". It 's all fake and he's an *** hole.

A self-righteous *** hole. That douchebag irritates me...

 

[dxdexter]

Canadian is a different country. Compared to us in the US, you don't count.

I'm sorry I didn't see the rules stating that opinions from the USA only were requested. Thanks for the heads up. Would you let Moose and Caper know as well please.

 

[billymade]

On the other hand, anyone who believes what they see on a "reality TV" show; should take a step back and think about it. These shows are scripted to a good degree and heavily manipulated. It is entertainment to a good degree!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reality_tv

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I'm sorry I didn't see the rules stating that opinions from the USA only were requested. Thanks for the heads up. Would you let Moose and Caper know as well please.

In which case Moose retracts previous statement..

 

[rsanter]

what you pay on ebay largly depends on what you are bidding on

tools I generally like to keep it at 50% or less shipping included and expect them to be new or close to new.
I dont win much but when I do its a deal and for me that is the fun of it.

one time a got a TIG welder for $200

when it comes to car parts I often pay more than original price but far below going price

I have bought 2 of the shelby wood wheels (italian version over the counter) on ebay. one for under $100 and the other for under $160

bob

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

While I agree, it depends on what it is, how bad I want it, and my budget, there is ONE other trick I use.

I both watch and find out what they have closed for in the past, and check out them in the buy it now auctions. If it goes for more then the buy it now auctions, I will lean that way, if it averages around them, I will shoot for the buy it now price, shipped (shipping and bid meets the buy it now price). I just won an auction this way the other day (after losing one a week or two back, by 1.02 OVER the buy it now price).

 

[eschoendorff]

I'm sorry I didn't see the rules stating that opinions from the USA only were requested. Thanks for the heads up. Would you let Moose and Caper know as well please.

Don't let them get to you. Their world is shrinking.

 

[paramudduck]

Heck dex with what some of these idiots charge for shipping I'm jealous. I'm looking at being a lot closer to 40 percent at the moment. A lot of that is due to the outlandish cost of shipping these days.

The funny thing is I've gotten some really good deals buying Snap On stuff out of Canada. I think a lot of people are afraid to bid on it.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Heck dex with what some of these idiots charge for shipping I'm jealous. I'm looking at being a lot closer to 40 percent at the moment. A lot of that is due to the outlandish cost of shipping these days.

The funny thing is I've gotten some really good deals buying Snap On stuff out of Canada. I think a lot of people are afraid to bid on it.

The trick there is having them ship with the post office. I shipped something to Canada a few years ago, and as a test, I tracked it. It stops at the border, until you type in the postal tracking number in the Canadian post office website. I was able to track it to their door, and should be able to do likewise.

While I don't like large shipping, I have won things where the shipping seemed high, but the item closed for enough that with shipping, it was still a bargain.

 

[paramudduck]

True sometimes the over all cost is cheaper with a high shipping. The shipping cost scares people from bidding so you have less competition.

I've won a few items as only bidder by putting a snipe in and letting people think it was so high no one was bidding.

 

[caper]

Canadian is a different country. Compared to us in the US, you don't count.

Another example of the arrogance exhibited by SOME americans that leads to so much hatred of the united states in the rest of the world.

 

[wrenchr]

Another example of the arrogance exhibited by SOME americans that leads to so much hatred of the united states in the rest of the world.

I think he typed before he thought about that one!!

 

[chad s]

Another example of the arrogance exhibited by SOME americans that leads to so much hatred of the united states in the rest of the world.

I dont think thats a very fair conclusion based on one mans foolish statement!

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I like Canada. Canadian's aren't bad either. There's one in particular i like..