Im confused 18 watchers and auction ends with no bids?

area51_for_psx · 7 Nov 2013 at 19:32

Hi guys

I usually just buy off ebay and dont sell. But I came across a guitar amp that is sought after. 1970/71 Hiwatt Dr103

So I got it restored and put it on the bay. Thought it would have sold due to all the watchers but no one bid.

I dont understand that. Does ebay fake watchers just so it looks like the item will sell??

Gareth

Skillmister · 7 Nov 2013 at 19:32

AJK · 7 Nov 2013 at 19:33

Do you buy every item you ever show interest in? They looked, they didn't buy. What's complicated?

inogen · 7 Nov 2013 at 19:36

I watch things just to see what they go for, or if they sell. I'm sure a lot of people do that. Not sure 18 watchers is that many really.

How much did you have it on for?

Glanza · 7 Nov 2013 at 19:37

I'll watch some items just to see how much they go for to get an idea for the market.

azibux1 · 7 Nov 2013 at 19:45

Giggz said:
I'll watch some items just to see how much they go for to get an idea for the market.

This.

area51_for_psx · 7 Nov 2013 at 19:46

I understand the watchers to get an idea to see what it goes for if it was a common item but these are rare. Only collectors or serious guitar players would buy. And they would already know the price it should go for.

It is worth 1200-1800 And I put it up with starting bid of £1000 I suppose the collection only on the listing could have killed it.

daz · 7 Nov 2013 at 20:03

Starting bid was way too high. Have you seen an auction before?

You have to make people believe they're in with a chance of a bargain, then once they're invested in the bidding process, they feel committed and will bid up the price.

jimferno · 7 Nov 2013 at 20:04

I'll watch items knowing that if they don't sell they'll be relisted with a lower starting bid or lower reserve.

RumbleBee · 7 Nov 2013 at 20:10

Giggz said:
I'll watch some items just to see how much they go for to get an idea for the market.

This is where the trusty 'Completed' check box comes in handy too. Anything in Green sold, red unsold.

AmyS · 7 Nov 2013 at 20:39

RumbleBee said:
This is where the trusty 'Completed' check box comes in handy too. Anything in Green sold, red unsold.

Me too, the completed listings give you a very good idea of what an item will sell for and how much interest there is in it.

Hades · 7 Nov 2013 at 20:48

jimferno said:
I'll watch items knowing that if they don't sell they'll be relisted with a lower starting bid or lower reserve.

Same here. It means you get an email when the item is relisted.

muon · 7 Nov 2013 at 21:48

Where in N Ireland do you live. Collection obviously killed it.

I always find it weird how people who don't live in a city put collection only and see their item sell for next to nothing.

I also watch items with high reserves so I can bid when it gets relisted or sent to a proper auction.

diamount · 7 Nov 2013 at 21:50

Price it at 99p and set a reserve.

JayMax · 7 Nov 2013 at 22:03

Was this on ebay UK, or ebay.ie?

How much did you pay in carriage when you bought it?

Northern Ireland & collection only has likely limited the buyers massively - how much would it cost someone from the mainland to get the ferry or a flight over and return carrying an amp? Factor in that cost to your starting price and maybe it would cost the buyer £1200+ to purchase?

'Harry · 7 Nov 2013 at 22:06

You have to ship to sell.

I'd never buy if I had to collect unless it was within the same city as me.

maddness · 7 Nov 2013 at 22:37

Let's all watch this item to get the ops hopes up

gillywibble · 7 Nov 2013 at 23:21

eBay rules specify that you are only allowed to bid on an item if someone else does first.

bainbridge · 8 Nov 2013 at 00:00

Put it up at no reserve with some shipping options and it'll sell.

mame · 8 Nov 2013 at 00:35

Because people with the same item will watch other auctions before deciding it it's worth selling theirs on ebay.

Yes, I know you can look at completed listings, but many people won't think of that.