Soaring Ebay Prices!

[VargasGirl]

Has anyone else notice how much ebay prices have gone up!
I mean a couple of months a go you could get a gorgeous dress for between $25- $50, or eben sometimes lesss! But know all the beautiful one, and evn some not, seem to be going for $100+!!
And don't even mention shoes, WOW! $100-$200 a pair
Is it just a passsing trend or is it here to stay?? I hope not!:rage:

Maisie, I am too new to be able to send you a private message, so I'll do it here, I hope that's OK. I just wanted to mention that your user picture reminds me of the way my grandma looked in her 1940's wedding photo, minus the white dress! She was 19 when she married in England, then moved to the US as a war bride.

 

[catsmeow]

Has anyone else notice how much ebay prices have gone up!
I mean a couple of months a go you could get a gorgeous dress for between $25- $50, or eben sometimes lesss! But know all the beautiful one, and evn some not, seem to be going for $100+!!
And don't even mention shoes, WOW! $100-$200 a pair
Is it just a passsing trend or is it here to stay?? I hope not!:rage:

Yes, I have noticed the prices on Ebay are getting more expensive. Maybe Ebay is becoming increasingly more popular especially due to broadband. It could be a trend, hard to say. Even the starting prices are quite high. Like a vintage Hawaiian shirt is like $1000 U.S. That is just too much.lol

 

[TOTTIE]

I do think prices have got higher - but I also think some of that is to do with the fact that vintage is so fashionable at the moment. And if you're the sort of young lady who hasn't a problem spending well over $100 on new shoes, then vintage ones seem cheap by comparison. Vintage stuff is so fashionable at the moment in the UK.

Although if it's any comfort I sold a pair of shoes for £25 on ebay, and a friend saw them for sale for £125 in a vintage store in London!!

But regarding the relisting thing - sometimes that IS just chance. I sell things from time to time, and I had a few patterns for sale. I had one that didn't sell the first time round with a low start price - and then, the second time it went sky-high. No reason, except I think that if two people happen to see and like it, things can be weird. Auctions are inherently unpredictable.

 

[maisie]

Maisie, I am too new to be able to send you a private message, so I'll do it here, I hope that's OK. I just wanted to mention that your user picture reminds me of the way my grandma looked in her 1940's wedding photo, minus the white dress! She was 19 when she married in England, then moved to the US as a war bride.

Thanks for the nice comment, i can't remember which picture it was now though!! I love seeing old wedding pictures from the 40's you just have to wonder what the story was behind them.

 

[Viviene]

If you're interested in another place to check out vintage clothing with good pricing then take a look at http://specialistauctions.com

The vintage section over there has only been up and running a short period of time. Pricing is a bit better than Ebay because the overhead charges for the sellers is a lot lower. I'm a co-moderator of the vintage and antique clothing section over there and we are trying to get other Ebay sellers to check us out. Lower costs to the sellers normally means lower prices for the buyers. The new site has both auction and snap it up pricing. You can also "have a haggle" (make an offer)if you would like to.

 

[Miss Dottie]

If you're interested in another place to check out vintage clothing with good pricing then take a look at http://specialistauctions.com

The vintage section over there has only been up and running a short period of time. Pricing is a bit better than Ebay because the overhead charges for the sellers is a lot lower. I'm a co-moderator of the vintage and antique clothing section over there and we are trying to get other Ebay sellers to check us out. Lower costs to the sellers normally means lower prices for the buyers. The new site has both auction and snap it up pricing. You can also "have a haggle" (make an offer)if you would like to.

Thanks for the tip Viviene.

I must admit--it seems like prices have been going up. But also the quantity of stuff is going down. I remember when it would take me hours to go through searches looking at the dresses and now I'm lucky if one page of stuff comes up.

But that might be due to the holidays--people too busy to post their items.

 

[Daisy Buchanan]

Thanks for the tip Viviene.

I must admit--it seems like prices have been going up. But also the quantity of stuff is going down. I remember when it would take me hours to go through searches looking at the dresses and now I'm lucky if one page of stuff comes up.

But that might be due to the holidays--people too busy to post their items.

It is strange how the amount of stuff on ebay has gone down. Especially in the past week. About three weeks to a month ago, e-bay was loaded with vintage stuff in all sizes, and it was all really reasonable, actually cheap. I got a bunch of dresses for prices that I hadn't seen in nearly a year. Then all of the stuff just disappeared. First I couldn't find anything in my size, then anything in my size that I found went for way too much money. Now I can't find anything. Last week I won 2 dresses. Both were great and I'm very happy with them. But, I paid double for them than what I had paid for similar dresses three weeks prior. I really don't know what drives the prices up. I was thinking that all of the dresses I found a few weeks ago had to do with the holiday's. I remember that last year at this time I also found a bunch of stuff at really good prices. Then in January it all tapered off. It is a tough cycle to follow. But, I still keep searching. You never know when you will find that perfect fitting perfectly priced vintage outfit.

 

[Daisy Buchanan]

If you're interested in another place to check out vintage clothing with good pricing then take a look at http://specialistauctions.com

The vintage section over there has only been up and running a short period of time. Pricing is a bit better than Ebay because the overhead charges for the sellers is a lot lower. I'm a co-moderator of the vintage and antique clothing section over there and we are trying to get other Ebay sellers to check us out. Lower costs to the sellers normally means lower prices for the buyers. The new site has both auction and snap it up pricing. You can also "have a haggle" (make an offer)if you would like to.

Thank you Viviene for that great link. What a good auction site. I'm gonna have to keep checking in with them. Their prices do seem more reasonable than what I've seen lately on e-bay.

 

[Miss Dottie]

It is strange how the amount of stuff on ebay has gone down. Especially in the past week. About three weeks to a month ago, e-bay was loaded with vintage stuff in all sizes, and it was all really reasonable, actually cheap. I got a bunch of dresses for prices that I hadn't seen in nearly a year. Then all of the stuff just disappeared. First I couldn't find anything in my size, then anything in my size that I found went for way too much money. Now I can't find anything. Last week I won 2 dresses. Both were great and I'm very happy with them. But, I paid double for them than what I had paid for similar dresses three weeks prior. I really don't know what drives the prices up. I was thinking that all of the dresses I found a few weeks ago had to do with the holiday's. I remember that last year at this time I also found a bunch of stuff at really good prices. Then in January it all tapered off. It is a tough cycle to follow. But, I still keep searching. You never know when you will find that perfect fitting perfectly priced vintage outfit.

Exactly! eBay is so elusive sometimes--I keep hoping that this lull will mean that there will be an explosion of stuff on the site in January--perhaps people's new year resolutions to clean out their closets?

We can only hope...

 

[Miss Dottie]

Oh, and another site for auctions is: www.overstock.com.

Some vintage stuff so take a peek!

 

[LadyStardust]

I just thought it was worth a mention that I just saw a 1904 gown going for $775 .

I also notice bidding wars, and it gets ridiculous. Almost like two children fighting over a toy, and it all just seems so immature.

 

[Daisy Buchanan]

Yes, the bidding wars do seem to be getting out of control. I wonder if some of the people involved in these wars really want the item for sale, or if they just have a serious gambling problem and see ebay as another outlet for their addictions needs.

 

[TOTTIE]

auctions are designed to get the adrenaline flowing -- that's the point of them!

But ebay allows you to observe what's going on much better, so you see the fluctuations much more -- time of year, fashion, what the celebs are wearing, whether people are busy buying Christmas gifts, whether a lot of people are short of money and all selling at the same time. I think it's fascinating. Time of day affects things. Day of the week - more people list on some days than others...

The whole antiques business pretends it's possible to put an auction valuation on things - but it's just the same in REAL auctions - depends who happens to turn up for the bidding, depends whether they have something better to do, depends if the item is in the right auction -- and sometimes, just two people really wanting something can make the price rocket. Or not.

 

[TOTTIE]

Oh, and of course, foreigners bidding. Exchange rate means that UK buyers are getting dollars really cheap at the moment... so things often seem less expensive to us.

 

[catsmeow]

It is strange how the amount of stuff on ebay has gone down. Especially in the past week. About three weeks to a month ago, e-bay was loaded with vintage stuff in all sizes, and it was all really reasonable, actually cheap. I got a bunch of dresses for prices that I hadn't seen in nearly a year. Then all of the stuff just disappeared. First I couldn't find anything in my size, then anything in my size that I found went for way too much money. Now I can't find anything. Last week I won 2 dresses. Both were great and I'm very happy with them. But, I paid double for them than what I had paid for similar dresses three weeks prior. I really don't know what drives the prices up. I was thinking that all of the dresses I found a few weeks ago had to do with the holiday's. I remember that last year at this time I also found a bunch of stuff at really good prices. Then in January it all tapered off. It is a tough cycle to follow. But, I still keep searching. You never know when you will find that perfect fitting perfectly priced vintage outfit.

I have also noticed the prices and availability of vintage stock on ebay is unpredictable. I even find the shipping makes it expensive for me (being outside the U.S.). It becomes a bit of a chore sometimes looking for sizes etc, but it gets exciting when you finally find something you really want. I hate the waiting period when bidding and worry about being sniped at the last minute!

 

[Viviene]

One thing that has been a problem on Ebay the last several weeks is that the search has been broken. People are putting their items up for auction but their items are not being seen. The sellers are discouraged because regardless whether their items are seen or not they incur charges.

One big advantage listing at the site where I am located has are no fees until I actually sell an item. I'm in the process of adding the actual cost for shipping internationally and expect to have that completed within the next two days.

Artizania (the moderator) and I are in the process of inviting other vintage clothing sellers to join us. Hopefully by bringing in more sellers and the sellers having much less overhead we can make the new site the premiere place for people to shop for vintage.

The costs of doing business at Ebay have gone through the roof and because of that the sellers regardless of whether it is vintage attire or not have to cover their costs. Many of the sellers also have their own websites that they are selling from, however, Ebay does not allow them to link to their site.

It's really a catch 22 for the sellers. They want to sell their items but Ebay is taking a much bigger cut these days and so prices are increased to cover that. It's a vicious cycle. Hope you don't mind my take on this. It's something that has been discussed ad nauseum on the Ebay vintage clothing and accessories board.

 

[Miss Dottie]

One thing that has been a problem on Ebay the last several weeks is that the search has been broken. People are putting their items up for auction but their items are not being seen. The sellers are discouraged because regardless whether their items are seen or not they incur charges.

One big advantage listing at the site where I am located has are no fees until I actually sell an item. I'm in the process of adding the actual cost for shipping internationally and expect to have that completed within the next two days.

Artizania (the moderator) and I are in the process of inviting other vintage clothing sellers to join us. Hopefully by bringing in more sellers and the sellers having much less overhead we can make the new site the premiere place for people to shop for vintage.

The costs of doing business at Ebay have gone through the roof and because of that the sellers regardless of whether it is vintage attire or not have to cover their costs. Many of the sellers also have their own websites that they are selling from, however, Ebay does not allow them to link to their site.

It's really a catch 22 for the sellers. They want to sell their items but Ebay is taking a much bigger cut these days and so prices are increased to cover that. It's a vicious cycle. Hope you don't mind my take on this. It's something that has been discussed ad nauseum on the Ebay vintage clothing and accessories board.

Thanks Viviene for that great post.

Wow! I had no idea it was getting so tough for sellers on eBay. I agree with you--this is one of the reasons other auction sites are popping up. But Ebay has such a strong brand identity and great selection that it has given them so much power in the end. It's a tough call.

But you bring up another great site--Etsy, which I highly recommend for anyone looking for great unique presents this holiday season.

 

[Viviene]

The other thing that the "vinties" are battling are other sellers who buy items from them that have had repairs disclosed in the original vintie's listing. Then the buyer re-lists the item as "mint condition" when they know darn well it is not. This causes no end of frustration for the vinties that disclose every and all flaws. Unfortunately Ebay turns a blind eye to this behavior because they are making a nice sum of money from these sellers.

One of these sellers was a member of the Vintage Fashion Guild (where I am also a member). When you are a member you do agree to follow a certain "creedo" if you will. Since this seller was not doing so she was asked to resign from the VFG and is no longer a member.

It does pay to check out the vintage clothing and accessories discussion board to see what the sellers are dealing with. There is a wealth of knowledge there. Sometimes our customers post there with their perspective and it's good to hear from the people that are buying our items as well.