Question
Hi,
a local auction company has started selling on ebay live auctions (this summer). I have a couple of questions.
First, is there a way through ebay to basically watch the auction? To see what this auctioneer is selling at this exact moment and then when they are done with it watch the next item? I see there is a way on an individual auction/lot to watch that auction but if it hasn't started yet, is there a way to see at what auction lot number they are at at least? Basically, I'd just like to be able to watch from my computer the auction as each lot goes off.
Anyone have any experience with a local auctioneer who also sells this way? This auction house is one I used to get practically all of my merchandise from. I haven't been since they announced they were going to start selling on ebay (I think they also are a trading assistant). Once an auctioneer starts selling this way, is there any point in attending their auctions anymore? This auctioneer also changed locations and part of the reason I haven't went back is they are now 20 miles or so farther away.
Thanks for any thoughts and experiences,
Mel-
Answer
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Once an auctioneer starts selling this way, is there any point in attending their auctions anymore? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I haven't ever bid on any Ebay live auctions. I believe that the process is a bit different, and (at least in the past) you had to register seperately to bid on them. Many of the live auctions also give inadequate descriptions and the appearance of overwhelming TOS. For these reasons I have had friends buy in the Ebay live auctions, goods that would have sold for two or three times as much in normal Ebay auctions (one friend has picked up photographs and photo albums much cheaper in the Ebay live auctions and been delighted with what he got). It may also be worth checking what percentage of what they sell will actually go through the Ebay process. You may pick up goods that they don't recognise as Ebayable, or you may have the advantage over other Ebay bidders of being able to physically inspect goods yourself.
Let us know what you learn and see from your local position.
Kind Regards, Kevin
Answer
Kevin,
thanks for your thoughts. In terms of wondering if I should attend their auctions anymore, I didn't mean bid on ebay instead of attending but flat out not even bother checking them out anymore! thought maybe they might now be a little *better* informed so no deals to be had for resell.
I clicked on their first auction lot and it said closed. Clicked on the next, view live and it showed me an entirely different auction apparently in progress and also the auction lot number so I'm going to leave that window open and see if it updates itself or what. Will report back.
So far as buying online, ewww, they add a 15% buyers premium. Unless they have changed, they never did that at live auctions before.
Mel-
Answer
wow interesting, the window updates itself as to bids, where they are from (internet or floor) and the picture of the current auction item.
Mel-
Answer
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>thought maybe they might now be a little *better* informed so no deals to be had for resell.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I recently covered an upmarket auction in Melbourne that has a good following and sells their own goods on Ebay (normal Ebay). They are savvy and have got good knowledge and style. I still picked up a couple of good lots that will break up onto Ebay very well for me. One of my theories of this trade is that everyone values with a different eye. My thoughts would be to cover a few auctions and get a feel for how they are operating, and whether they are overlooking some items that may do well for you. Since I travel 400 miles to some auctions, the additional 20 miles would not be a consideration for me, but you may have other responsibilities that make this a little harder.
If the auction is currently going can you post a URL so that I can look at how it operates?
Cheers, Kevin
Answer
http://cgi.liveauctions.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=28217&item=2209772 290
then click the view live button
Answer
Cool!
6:00 am here and I get to (sort of) watch a live auction on the other side of the world.
The life of an auction addict!!!!! http://community.here.com/infopop/em...on_biggrin.gif
Cheers, Kevin
Answer
I'm watching an auction an hour away in the comfort of my leather recliner with a football game going http://community.here.com/infopop/em.../icon_wink.gif
one interesting thing, the completed auctions show up in a completed search but not the open auctions so other than knowing a site is having an auction and going there through the live auction button, there is no exposure to the ebay audience?
Mel-
Answer
they've got some stereoviews coming up a few lots down
Answer
I spotted them in my Icollector search last week. There are too many litho ones to interest me, but they will be interesting to watch.
How are the prices compared to similar items before they moved?