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Post-SOS question: Why don't more members sell here?


doinworkinvans
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doinworkinvans

This question has been raised in my mind after read the SOS thread.

 

I have noticed that a lot of those whom I assumed were just regular Joe's like myself, actually had their own table at SOS or have been at other shows selling.

 

It has now entered my mind, if you have enough to travel across the country to shows, why dont you offer more items here on the forum? I would think the forum goers would be first in line to offer up good items.

 

Is it the lure of getting more money at shows? Other than that I cant really think of a reason of why it doesnt happen.

 

I know there are plenty of dealers here that have their own store's, EBAY stores, and websites...but maybe only offer up a few items a month for sale.

 

Just looking for thoughts on this! Thanks fella's!

 

Daniel B)

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For me in all honestly its because people here frankly want to buy everything cheap as H#!! and low ball the crap out of you. I deal with less hassle with my own site.

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With regard to the SOS, it's probably because if you have a table, you get behind the velvet rope early and get the first crack at the steals that lurk out there. For some, I think that's the only reason they get a table.

 

The same principle applies to your smaller shows. If you or I go to a smaller show, virtually every sweet deal will have been sucked up by someone with a table before the show even opens.

 

If you've ever had a table at a show, you know how unbelievably boring work it is. Plus you have to figure out what to bring, pack it all up, sit around all day and hope to earn a few bucks in profit, then repack and drag it home. I'll never do it again, unless it is to get that early in.

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doinworkinvans

For me in all honestly its because people here frankly want to buy everything cheap as H#!! and low ball the crap out of you. I deal with less hassle with my own site.

Well that's unfortunate ...but I do see you're point as that has happened to all of us I'm sure.

 

As for your site...I noticed you don't even have it in your signature or anywhere. And just being honest here...I would've never known you had a site unless you said something?! Do you get that much traffic that you don't advertise here?

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Well that's unfortunate ...but I do see you're point as that has happened to all of us I'm sure.

 

As for your site...I noticed you don't even have it in your signature or anywhere. And just being honest here...I would've never known you had a site unless you said something?! Do you get that much traffic that you don't advertise here?

 

Based on my traffic stats i get from 100-300 visits a day. I also have a facebook page to let people know when I update:

 

https://wwiidropzone.com

https://www.facebook.com/wwiiDropZone

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This question has been raised in my mind after read the SOS thread.

 

I have noticed that a lot of those whom I assumed were just regular Joe's like myself, actually had their own table at SOS or have been at other shows selling.

 

It has now entered my mind, if you have enough to travel across the country to shows, why dont you offer more items here on the forum? I would think the forum goers would be first in line to offer up good items.

 

Is it the lure of getting more money at shows? Other than that I cant really think of a reason of why it doesnt happen.

 

I know there are plenty of dealers here that have their own store's, EBAY stores, and websites...but maybe only offer up a few items a month for sale.

 

Just looking for thoughts on this! Thanks fella's!

 

Daniel

 

Daniel

 

Take a read on the "people of ebay thread" as for the selling here.Many things there apply here as well and as JK stated...well couldnt say it better.... ;):lol:

 

Kinda like the things on ebay will sell at silly prices at times but here you cant get a third of it here(or at a show).We all know everyone watches ebay but wont pull the trigger on a decently priced item here.(generally speaking.)

 

Personally I would rather sell and buy here and support the people who are members.Admittedly I dont sell overseas.Had to many I want-I want -I want then to just have them disappear or bitch about shipping costs or it has a crease in it. :rolleyes: Shipping to me is a no brainer.Say for $12.90 for shipping it comes right to the door. Plus I dont have 12-14 hours of my day shot,$60 in fuel,plus other small issues as a couple hundred miles of road time often in not to nice weather (this time of year).So $12-$20 even is a no brainer.Sorry for the rant just wanted to add to your observation.Glad you brought it up

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doinworkinvans

 

Daniel

 

Take a read on the "people of ebay thread" as for the selling here.Many things there apply here as well and as JK stated...well couldnt say it better....

 

Kinda like the things on ebay will sell at silly prices at times but here you cant get a third of it here(or at a show).We all know everyone watches ebay but wont pull the trigger on a decently priced item here.(generally speaking.)

 

Personally I would rather sell and buy here and support the people who are members.Admittedly I dont sell overseas.Had to many I want-I want -I want then to just have them disappear or bitch about shipping costs or it has a crease in it. :rolleyes: Shipping to me is a no brainer.Say for $12.90 for shipping it comes right to the door. Plus I dont have 12-14 hours of my day shot,$60 in fuel,plus other small issues as a couple hundred miles of road time often in not to nice weather (this time of year).So $12-$20 even is a no brainer.Sorry for the rant just wanted to add to your observation.Glad you brought it up

 

Doyler - these are my thoughts as well. I cant afford to travel states over just to attend a show. I can mostly only go here in Raleigh 3 times a year. So besides here and ebay I really dont get to see majority of what is out there. And when you drive out its really a crap shoot as to if you find anything.

 

The other is supporting those on the forum. I guess I just have a soft spot for it, call me silly, but I feel like I would much rather sell it for 10-15 bucks less and know someone good is getting it. I know not everyone here is an angel, but I feel like most respect the items and will appreciate them.

 

But at the end of the day, I understand that some of this is people's way of life and how they make a living so if they can afford having an item sit on ebay for 6 months before it finally sells at some high price, then I suppose you cant really complain.

 

I guess my point being is I know alot of members are dealers and sellers at shows and yet we dont have too many high end items here, but I do see both sides as to why...

 

Just thought it good discusion :)

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Here is my take...

 

Remember not everyone is a member of the forum. At a show like the SOS there are plenty of dealers who have never logged onto the forum.

 

People bring better items to the SOS because they know that buyers are bringing every dollar they can to the SOS. I collect medals and at the SOS this year I saw some great medals for sale.

 

I don't list a lot of things on the forum because I can make a phone call and sell the item. It saves me time in taking photos and resizing them.

 

It seems like people like to buy things that aren't or have never been on the forum also, maybe so they can do the look what I found thread.

 

Pete

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For me in all honestly its because people here frankly want to buy everything cheap as H#!! and low ball the crap out of you. I deal with less hassle with my own site.

 

 

With regard to the SOS, it's probably because if you have a table, you get behind the velvet rope early and get the first crack at the steals that lurk out there. For some, I think that's the only reason they get a table.

 

 

 

 

In my opinion, these two descriptions are of the same people. There are some people who will always want to buy for as cheap as they can so they are always working an angle. There are also people who will always ask top dollar. I see people selling items on here stating "It is worth between $300 - $500" and they have it listed for $550.

 

...Kat

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Daniel,

I do the SOS each year to receive the wonderfully designed name card (I do believe Jeff handles the design )...then all during the year if I forget who I am...I just pull out the name card and refresh my memory :)

But truly it's the "SUPERBOWL "..."WORLD SERIES "..."NBA CHAMPIONSHIP "...and whatever the Hockey guys play for?? Of the Militaria World...all rolled into one...now there is a competitor. ..the newly bought MAX show ...owned and operated by OVMS...a good show that will be catapulted into the "Great" status also...

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In my opinion, these two descriptions are of the same people. There are some people who will always want to buy for as cheap as they can so they are always working an angle. There are also people who will always ask top dollar. I see people selling items on here stating "It is worth between $300 - $500" and they have it listed for $550.

 

...Kat

The SOS is just the best of all things Militaria. ..the High Rollers...the Tight Wads...the cautious. ..free thinkers...every year in February ...our societies colide at a makeshift international city called SOS...Let the games and barter begin...
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The SOS is just the best of all things Militaria. ..the High Rollers...the Tight Wads...the cautious. ..free thinkers...every year in February ...our societies colide at a makeshift international city called SOS...Let the games and barter begin...

 

I think the same thing exists here on the forum. The only difference is that on the forum, members hide behind the anonymity of the internet. Rather than readings someone's facial expressions/movements to gauge the person, we use their posts to gauge the person.

 

...Kat

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I think the same thing exists here on the forum. The only difference is that on the forum, members hide behind the anonymity of the internet. Rather than readings someone's facial expressions/movements to gauge the person, we use their posts to gauge the person.

 

...Kat

Absolutely correct...SOS is an "Event" ...so it has the feeling of a "Reunion" of sorts...all get together for the same general reason...the more you put into it...the better the return...
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doinworkinvans

I like the points made and understand them completely. I understand that SOS is THE #1 event to be at to buy/sell.

 

However that is once a year for a weekend.

 

what about the other 51 weeks.....I still havent heard a real reason as to why more selling goes on outside the forum than amongst.

 

 

To make this simple, lets take away those we know have store front stores, websites, etc...people hold on to things for a whole year just to get a table and make a few extra bucks? Or not even SOS, jsut a table at a local show to try and make a few extra bucks?

 

Is it really worth the time, gas, reservation fees, effort to sell other places than our own classifieds?

 

If it really is the money that drives it, dont be ashamed to admit it! I certainly can sympathize with that :P

 

Just seems to me that more effort would be made to sell here....but maybe im just a dreamer!

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I like the points made and understand them completely. I understand that SOS is THE #1 event to be at to buy/sell.

 

However that is once a year for a weekend.

 

what about the other 51 weeks.....I still havent heard a real reason as to why more selling goes on outside the forum than amongst.

 

 

To make this simple, lets take away those we know have store front stores, websites, etc...people hold on to things for a whole year just to get a table and make a few extra bucks? Or not even SOS, jsut a table at a local show to try and make a few extra bucks?

 

Is it really worth the time, gas, reservation fees, effort to sell other places than our own classifieds?

 

If it really is the money that drives it, dont be ashamed to admit it! I certainly can sympathize with that :P

 

Just seems to me that more effort would be made to sell here....but maybe im just a dreamer!

The SOS is a yearly event...the Forum offers a free venue to sell...I tell and remind people that all the time...I cannot think of a better opportunity offered anywhere...I utilize that as much as possible myself...

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Total sales at the Show of Shows for many table holders are in the thousands, tens of thousands for some. Honestly, if you have at least one table and don't sell $1K+ each day you are doing it wrong. It is also nearly all in cash for most of them. The SoS also attracts motivated buyers from around the globe who have already paid their own shipping. The general level of motivation for buyers seems higher than it is here on the forum.

 

As for me (I don't have a SoS table), I offer things for sale here on the forum from time to time, but most of the stuff I sell is through my ebay store. With what I sell (insignia), time spent listing things in my ebay store gives me quite a bit more return than I could ever get through this forum. There is no "smooth" system for selling any sort of volume on this venue. I think most people who have tried to sell lots of small items through the "For Sale" forum understand the amount of time that it can consume. Time spent managing PMs from people who want to know if I would take $5 for the item listed at $8 or debating shipping costs to Europe could be better spent stocking my ebay store. I'm sorry if that offends people who swear by the for sale section, but it is the truth.

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I have a website and I always let forum members know when I add new items. That is essentially the same as listing them for sale on the forum. The vast majority of my customers however, are not forum members.

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1) Sadly, many of our forum members are cheap so, we don't usually get what the item is worth.

2) The SOS brings in a large number of specialty collectors from all over the world. In my case, helmet collectors and sellers. Some of the rarest helmets I've ever seen were at this years SOS, I would have never seen those for sale here or on eBay. Plus, I can barter, haggle, trade and/or banter with the seller. I grabbed one this year that blew my mind and it took a few of those things to do the deal and it was done in about 15 minutes(Thanks Jeff Shrader!)... and when it was complete we both smiled and shook hands!

3) I meet up with many friends at the SOS.The selling and buying are only part of it. There is the fellowship amongst your friends that can't be beat.

4) Shows are just plain fun and you get to hold the item in your hand and discern quickly that it is legit.

5) I don't sell much here because I get a broader audience on eBay.

6) I also have my circle of collector friends whom I contact long before an item ever goes up for sale to the general collecting community. Thus, a lot of stuff is sold amongst many of us here without ever getting in the For Sale section.

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That is a large part of doing shows compared to the internet...renewed friendships...telling stories (or making them up)....having a beer. ..seeing those things you just don't want to ship...and doing business face to face...if you live by the internet...you die by the internet.

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To add to Scotts insights...I like a bargain or fair price just like anyone but it seems people treat the forum as a thrift store.We all know what things can go for on eBay but even myself when I offer something here for even half or $100 or less than something online or on a website it will just sit here and founder. I'm not necessarily interested in selling an item but I try to offer it at a fair price.There are also expenses in tracking some of this stuff down and there are times I'm sure I am NOT even making 10 or 20 dollars on an item but I offer it here just to either get some ridiculous offer and then to find out a guy don't want to pay shipping because it's too expensive. To me something as I've stated before to be shipped right to my house for less than 15 dollars it's a no brainer don't need a college education to figure that one out. I think there could be a lot of nice items to be sold here on the forum but as stated by others it is not worth their time here to bother. I do know people who go to the SOS and that's fine it is their thing. One individual I know here will basically by all year long from local auctions and even from Proxibid and auctionzip to try and just resell everything he buys. Often he will sell items here locally but at times he will not even drop the price one little bit as he feels he has to double his money on everything so in the end he takes it to the show of shows. Granted he does have a bigger audience and more than likely vast opportunities to resell the item but he also fails to realize he has incurred much more expensive as well travel, fuel, motels, food but with him it's more of a type of gambling like going to a casino and pulling the alarm on a blackjack machine. I guess with this individual it is the unexpected thrill of possibly selling something and it's like gambling. He would much rather haul it out there and haul it back than make$50 on it here. It's really just kind of a vicious circle with him as he often over pays for things on an online auction but would not buy it from you or I at half the price at a show or off of your table at a flea market or here on the forum.His whole existence is the thrill of the auction and then trying to resell it and make money which there is nothing wrong with making money but often I see him pay way over what something is worth even after calling and asking for opinions on an item he will still buy it thinking he can make money on it based on what someone else has told him he just never learns his lesson.

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short answer: lots of people are too lazy to list stuff online. taking photos, dealing with messages, etc etc.

 

the lowballing on here is a little crazy sometimes too. I tried to sell a WW2 aircrew wing on here and couldn't hardly give it away.

I listed it on WAF and a guy in the UK bought it right away for $10 more than I was asking on here.

 

-Brian

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So many factors...many have been brought up above.

 

The ones from my opinion (which are duplicates of many of the above...)

 

1. It takes time to list something online. If you have a box full of insignia, you can either list them one at a time online, and then deal with having to make a photo, edit a photo, post a photo, accept messages and/or e-mails about it, answer questions, take and edit more photos to answer questions, conduct the deal (after negotiating, of course) accept the electronic payment and either take the 4% PayPal fee or have the buyer suck it up, or pay the 10% eBay fee, find a box, find packing material, pack the item, print a label, either take it to the post office or have them pick it up (some of us live in the rural areas where they don't pick up, and a PO might be a 30+ minute drive...) then wait for feedback about the item in about a week when the purchaser gets the item. Then, if something bad goes down, then it could be months of additional drama, especially if it's an overseas buyer.

 

OR...you can take your box of insignia to the show, make up a label with a pen and piece of scrap paper that says "$10 each" (or not even price them and just "follow your gut" when asked about a price) and then sell the item to someone for cash, in person, at the show.

 

Now of course, I left out the part about getting the table, getting to the show, getting a hotel, food, etc., but if you're going to the show anyway...those are already sunk costs.

 

2. Getting a table is by far the best way to get into a show. Personally, if I know I'm getting a table, I will go and accumulate "sellable" items in order to fill out a table for the show.

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