Is Ebay Your Main Source?

Habitant · May 9, 2014

dsio
We're still looking at implementing an alternative auction system to eBay at some point in the not too distant future, we'll have a lot more time to work on things like that starting around June.

Now this is good news, and I (we) wish you well with this (no-doubt) mammoth undertaking. The obvious alternative to eBay is Chrono 24 (and their new auction service), but it doesn't speak to me. If fact, Chrono 24 doesn't speak to me in general, as prices are inflated. But then their fee structure goes some way to explaining things...

Habitant · May 9, 2014

gatorcpa
What he said! 👍

All auctions are subject to shill bidding. It's just we are better at noticing suspicious patterns on eBay, since they are saved (at least for a time) in writing.
gatorcpa

With respect, the auction system would fail if all auctions had shill bidding. It would seem to me more accurate to say that all auctions are vulnerable to shill bidding.

dsio · May 9, 2014

Habitant
Now this is good news, and I (we) wish you well with this (no-doubt) mammoth undertaking. The obvious alternative to eBay is Chrono 24 (and their new auction service), but it doesn't speak to me. If fact, Chrono 24 doesn't speak to me in general, as prices are inflated. But then their fee structure goes some way to explaining things...

What is the C24 auction pricing like?

Darlinboy · May 9, 2014

I've overpaid for nice (and not so nice) vintage watches from many sources, including ebay. 😝

NT931 · May 9, 2014

U ulackfocus
Advice wasn't so easily given 7 or 8 years ago since there weren't as many forums, and only a few allowed eBay links. Apologies in advance for sounding like the old man telling stories of yesteryear, but you guys have it easy in comparison - especially as members of Omega Forums.

That is so true. I've bought a few watches off ebay (sample size n=4), and all (except 1) were with advice from fellow forum members.

I've also decided against buying some watches (sample size easily n=10) based on advice from forumers. eBay is a potential minefield, and as a newbie I would definitely have stepped on a few landmines if not for said advice.

The 'downside' of it is that the same forum enablers (you know who you are!) have helpfully pointed me in the direction of watches I had not previously considered but ended up liking and buying. But hey, those 'side effects' I can live with 😉

Habitant · May 9, 2014

dsio
What is the C24 auction pricing like?

I was referring to the fees they charge sellers, which aren't in themselves that high (http://www.chrono24.com/en/dealerinfo/preise.htm), but they are if the seller has the item on multiple portals. Hard to say how much stock they are shifting, in any case. I haven't really looked into their auction side much (http://chrono24.auctionata.com/en/chrono24-home), what I saw wasn't to my own taste...
But here's a listing for a CK2364, cal 30T2 RG: http://chrono24.auctionata.com/en/o/52995/omega-chronometer-wristwatch-switzerland-around-1945 I'll leave it others to comment...

Fritz · May 9, 2014

Ebay? NO.....NEVER.....

I've seen too many friends, and experts, burned.

Won't even consider it.

gatorcpa · May 9, 2014

Habitant
With respect, the auction system would fail if all auctions had shill bidding. It would seem to me more accurate to say that all auctions are vulnerable to shill bidding.

I said that they are subject (read - vunerable) to shill bidding, not that all auctions had it.

Just wanted to be clear about that.
gatorcpa

alvaropinto · May 9, 2014

Hi there,
I've been collecting vintage watches for nearly 10 years and all, virtually all of them were bought on ebay.
I've made same mistakes and still do once in while but in most cases I get what I want. I refuse to overpay for a watch sold by a dealer if I know that I can get it for a fair price. It also takes some time to get acquainted with ebay tricks😉!

Mothra · May 9, 2014

I think the risks on ebay are part of the fun - a 'win' is all the sweeter when you discover that the cheap buy with shoddy photos and monosyllabic description is a gem no one else spotted...

But I have also bought from forums, from auctions and from watchfairs....

msp1518 · May 9, 2014

I purchased my 'Pre-Bond' Omega Seamaster Pro on eBay. The first one I sent back for a return from a very nice seller who admitted there was an issue. The second time around I found the watch I wanted and needed. It's constantly on my wrist and I am beyond happy.

alvaropinto · May 10, 2014

Probably some of you know this site:
http://online-auction-sites.toptenreviews.com/

ainterian · May 15, 2014

Ebay is a giant rough with many diamonds, such as this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/321347372393

... Unfortunately this one is not my diamond, but it makes me wish i constantly refreshed the newly listed auctions.

gatorcpa · May 15, 2014

ainterian
Ebay is a giant rough with many diamonds, such as this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/321347372393

I'd say it's more like a diamond mine. There are lots of stones, but very few gems. That's appropriate here, since I notice that this listing came from South Africa.

Someone stole that pie-pan.
gatorcpa

ainterian · May 15, 2014

gatorcpa
I'd say it's more like a diamond mine. There are lots of stones, but very few gems. That's appropriate here, since I notice that this listing came from South Africa.

Someone stole that pie-pan.
gatorcpa

Indeed! Same for this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/221388045516

Is Ebay Your Main Source?

Habitant

Habitant

dsio

Darlinboy

NT931

Habitant

Fritz

gatorcpa

alvaropinto

Mothra

msp1518

alvaropinto

ainterian

gatorcpa

ainterian

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