I paid twice the usual ebay price for a 2562 last summer. It turned out to be a restripe to boot. The seller agreed to take it back (whew!). I got another this week-it was authentic and in the price range.
I’ve paid a few dollars more, more than once. I still think these prices are great because imagine trying to track down any item, and then have a choice for comparison.
I got my best recent deal at a train show that wasn’t the main one in town. Two common post-war cars in very good condition (a gondola and tank car): $10 for the pair. I mention this as part of the discussion because in a real sense to me they’re all equal in value (I hope this makes sense) even though prices vary widely for any one item. When I average what I’ve spent, for the entire collection (which I run daily), the cost for my entertainment, enjoyment and childlike pleasure is afforable and valued beyond comparison.
One of the things that should be considered is just the convenience of ebay. You browse at your computer in the comfort of your home. You can pay for an item instantly and hopefully securely. The item you buy is delivered to your doorstep. I have many times driven to a train show, paid an entrance fee, and driven home empty handed. With todays gas prices everyone knows the expense of driving. Of course there is the fun of a big train show and being able to see and handle the merchandise. But all 'n all I think ebay is a great way to buy and sell trains.
I set a budget and if I can find the item I am looking for at that price then the person I buy it from wins and I win as well.
I have stopped buying off EBay because too many people misrepresent their items. I’ll only buy from people I know, from LHS, at shows (where I can see the item and run it on a test track), or at the recommendation of someone I know. There are people on EBay that label things as ‘Rare’ when they are as common as a four letter word, then you open the item and look at the pictures and they are not what the person is selling (RARE - MINT CONDITION - LIONEL - 2343) open the item and 1 2343s are not RARE, the shells look like they have been hit with a sledge hammer or are so discolored you can’t tell if they are Santa Fe, NYC, or something not even close, etc.
Also I love the guys that claim MTH, Williams, Weaver, K-Line are RARE!!! Even saw a guy a few months ago saying that his MTH engine was made in… 1949!!!
I’ve been hesitant to bid on e-bay because of the various points raised. Particularly the questionable descriptions. However, I guess it’s not just e-bay. Even train shops and dealers use the word “good” for stuff that’s lousy. And “excellent” when its nothing of the kind.
Legitimate concerns, Pops. But by looking at not only a seller’s feedback score, but also their customer’s comments, you can get a little better idea of what kind of person you might be dealing with. If you keep reading comments like “item just as described”, “very satisfied”, etc, you can better gauge what kind of a seller they are. There is always a leap of faith involved. Caveat emptor (buyer beware) is as true today as it’s always been. But the relative ease in which to find and purchase just about anything off of Ebay have made many people swear by it.
Jim,
The problem with EBay is you don’t know what their feedback is for… for example ‘Just as described’ could have been that 2000 Shiny New Penny they sold for $2,000.00!
You mention choochooauctions.com… good recommendation. There the only thing being sold are train related items. I’ve actually dealt with the owner of that site (he lives in Erie, PA and operates a train store there too… can’t remember the name and don’t feel like looking it up)… he is a rather nice guy… he sold me a 2020 with a damaged tender for $125… new tender cost me $65.00 that damaged tender… hmmmm wonder where it ended up… and not damaged when it arrived… [;)]
I agree with you about Ebay, Brent. It’s not perfect by any means. As I said, caveat emptor. But if you keep seeing the same type of positive comments time after time for a seller, they are most likely going to be fair to deal with.
Choochooauctions.com is run by a very nice guy. He moves a lot of merchandise and his initial pricing, description of items, and shipping costs always seem to be fair. I’ve never bid there though I visit the site every day.
Answer, Anyone who has bought on Ebay, myself included.
Do I care? Nope. It all comes out in the wash. I do not have a train shop on every corner in my place of the world. Trains shows can be a major drive, or flight away. Ebay, Choochoo auctions, Live auctions can be my answer.
I’m not sure why people talk about what someone pays for an item. I’d loved to take a survey and see what everyone paid for thier plane ticket on the same flight. I bet a few on this forum would find they would have been gouged.
If you want it, buy it, and enjoy it. The heck with what anyone else thinks. And price guides… they are just that…
Sometimes I miss something in the photo or description that might make a certain variation or version especially valuable at auction, when it looks like an otherwise ordinary piece…
Great point. I really enjoy the talk of variations, etc. I do learn from those constructive discussions. But, must we drag the $$$'s into it that someone spent, or will spend. I mean in the negative context, ie. “I can’t believe this sold for on Ebay”. As you state, lets point out the variations, and unqiueness of the item, let the free market play out.