Ebay "auction" site

[db95]

Moderately cohesive ramblings ahead; one thing I've noticed across multiple hobbies/interests (tech, gaming, cycling, etc) would be the impact of 2020/the pandemic across used markets. The phenomenon of supply issues combined with flippers/scalpers who have the buy low sell high methodology created a perfect storm of people happily willing to pay over the odds for x product, and then three or four years down the line they want to recoup the money spent at the time. Pair that up with the retro/vintage market in general which don't get me wrong isn't a new thing, but in the last few years it's taken off solely for inane profits. Both of these together has lead to people with dollar signs for eyeballs offering up any old tat for absurd amounts because they've seen similar items sell for thousands - TCGs are another good example of this; obviously card grading has been around since afaik early 90s? but mostly reserved for enthusiasts of said games (bar a few outliers). Average joe then sees a top quality graded card in mint condition go for a significant amount, thinks his childhood collection of played battered cards are worth something and they end up on the bay at stupid costs, or on the other side of that people will see cards selling for high values and start clearing out the shelves of them at stores/online/etc in the hopes one will be a golden ticket.

 

[bikeworkshop]

I would totally agree except I've got no idea what a tcg is.
TGC is tandem group cycles, owner of Dawes and Claud Butler.

Traditionally, sellers would have been business traders who price stuff to sell, and private sellers who want to get rid of stuff.

Now you've got the dreamers, don't need to sell, don't need to make money, but are trying to do exactly that. Some have posy photographs and florid descriptions

 

[Grabster]

I've got 4 bikes and two of them need building and one is getting built within the next two months, none of my bikes are "Built to sell" they are all staying here (Well in my lockup) I couldnt fork lots of money or 100's of researching hours for parts to then just sell the bike on? some people do and thats just not me. I agree the pandemic dragged the scalpers out and at the time I were looking for a new GPU but had to pay £800 for my RTX3080Ti cause the scalpers helped push the price up, im getting a new build shortly the AMD 95503DX when its released and again the scalpers ull be waiting...

 

[bikeworkshop]

It was noticeable how prices climbed fastest in Bristol in the pandemic in the "(stolen) bikes on Facebook" ads.

Early covid days, the thieves were breaking into the nurses' bike parking at the hospitals here to nick bikes, as there wasn't much choice at the uni, station or city centre.
I'd say those prices doubled.

 

[Tootyred]

Im sure nobody ever looks at the actual ebay sold prices....if they do, then that means 80% of sellers now fall into either the wistful dreamers category or those praying on the desperate and well heeled gentleman bike creators with a private incomes and a coots account!

I dont bother really looking so much any more as there seem to be very few genuinely priced items. Especially given the climate. But they must sell from time to time....else why bother.

 

[Tootyred]

Especially as im now stuck with their windows 3.1 desktop site .

I was half expecting to see that paperclip appear and ask if i needed help!

 

[highlandsflyer]

I've got 4 bikes and two of them need building and one is getting built within the next two months, none of my bikes are "Built to sell" they are all staying here (Well in my lockup) I couldnt fork lots of money or 100's of researching hours for parts to then just sell the bike on? some people do and thats just not me. I agree the pandemic dragged the scalpers out and at the time I were looking for a new GPU but had to pay £800 for my RTX3080Ti cause the scalpers helped push the price up, im getting a new build shortly the AMD 95503DX when its released and again the scalpers ull be waiting...

Is the AMD a carbon frame?

 

[CassidyAce]

I would totally agree except I've got no idea what a tcg is.
TGC is tandem group cycles, owner of Dawes and Claud Butler.

Traditionally, sellers would have been business traders who price stuff to sell, and private sellers who want to get rid of stuff.

Now you've got the dreamers, don't need to sell, don't need to make money, but are trying to do exactly that. Some have posy photographs and florid descriptions

What? Florid descriptions don't sell bikes for exorbitant prices? I might have to think again. I was hoping a little verse in the style of Billy Shakespeare might shift a bike or two:

Hark, adventurers! A noble steed awaits, a mountain bike of sturdy frame,
Pre-owned, yet valiant, ready to tame
The roughest trails, the steepest, craggy climb.
With gears well-tuned, and brakes that halt on time,
This trusty metal beast, though gently used,
Will carry thee where'er thou art amused
To roam and wander, explore the wild outdoors.
A bargain 'tis, no fool could ask for more!
So hither come, and claim this noble prize,
And let your cycling spirit truly rise!

How could anyone resist?

 

[bikeworkshop]

What? Florid descriptions don't sell bikes for exorbitant prices? I might have to think again. I was hoping a little verse in the style of Billy Shakespeare might shift a bike or two:

Hark, adventurers! A noble steed awaits, a mountain bike of sturdy frame,
Pre-owned, yet valiant, ready to tame
The roughest trails, the steepest, craggy climb.
With gears well-tuned, and brakes that halt on time,
This trusty metal beast, though gently used,
Will carry thee where'er thou art amused
To roam and wander, explore the wild outdoors.
A bargain 'tis, no fool could ask for more!
So hither come, and claim this noble prize,
And let your cycling spirit truly rise!

How could anyone resist?

It's you!
I thought it was AI!

 

[bikeworkshop]

I used AI to list a button that had fallen off my shirt:

https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/splatter-cinder-cone-with-a-i-description.480413/#post-3589301

Post #6

It'll give @CassidyAce a run for his money