7 replies to this topic

[plasticfiend]

Hey guys,

 

You know how on Ebay you can look up "closed" or "sold" auctions to see how much something is really selling for?  How do you do that on Amazon?

 

I can't quite figure it out - or perhaps it's just not possible?

 

Thank you in advance!

 

PF

[redjarojam]

Looks like that is not an option. Sorry.
https://sellercentra...ssageID=2665263

[plasticfiend]

Looks like that is not an option. Sorry.
https://sellercentra...ssageID=2665263

 

 

Thanks Red!!

 

Even if you can't do it - it's just helpful to know that you can't.  I appreciate it.

 

PF

[Smotemotem]

One thing you can do, if you want to keep an eye on price fluctuation before committing to a purchase, is add an item to your wishlist.

 

You have to check it daily, but the wishlist keeps track of price drops, and sometimes they're pretty significant.

 

Also, if Amazon thinks they're beating the MSRP on something, they'll usually put the MSRP beside the Amazon price with a strikethrough. 

[plasticfiend]

The reason I was asking, is that my friend has some books and they are listed (by other sellers) for over $1000+ new and $25+ used, and I was trying to explain that just because they are listed at those crazy prices, doesn't mean that they are selling for those crazy prices lol...

 

But I didn't really have a way to prove or show her what I was talking about.

 

PF

[steverotters]

Buyers and sellers behave differently on Amazon as opposed to eBay. 

 

As casual buyers, you probably don't realize the differences. But as a long-time seller, the differences become apparent. 

 

If eBay is the world's flea market, Amazon is the world's shopping mall. 

 

Plenty of buyers (not browsers) come there only to buy NEW items, and are willing to pay a premium as such. 

 

I don't know about a 4000% difference, but some markup for sure. 

 

Books are tricky because, realistically, you can only confirm them as "new" if they are shrinkwrapped -- and book are almost never shrinkwrapped.

 

Any discoloration, a single creased page, a dented corner, scratches to the dust jacket, wrinkling at the edges, penciled writing on the inside cover, shelf wear, etc, will make the book ineligible to be called "new." 

 

All that said, if you can truly confirm the book as new (and thoroughly describe it as such), it makes sense to list it as NEW.

 

If "like new" lists at $25 and one person has it listed as "new" for $1000, and I also had a book that I would truly call new, I would list it as $200 or $250. 

 

I would describe exactly how it is new.  I would have it priced 4x or 5x the "like new" price but still significantly below the other NEW guy. 

 

Eventually, a buyer that has to have that book NEW may come along. 

 

Amazon is a long-game (think high end mall not desperate weekend flea market) so the item may be listed for years before the right buyer comes along.  \

 

Again, this is why the individualized description is so important.

 

Hope this helps when thinking about pricing on Amazon.

Edited by steverotters, 04 November 2015 - 10:44 AM.

[plasticfiend]

Buyers and sellers behave differently on Amazon as opposed to eBay. 

 

As casual buyers, you probably don't realize the differences. But as a long-time seller, the differences become apparent. 

 

If eBay is the world's flea market, Amazon is the world's shopping mall. 

 

Plenty of buyers (not browsers) come there only to buy NEW items, and are willing to pay a premium as such. 

 

I don't know about a 4000% difference, but some markup for sure. 

 

Books are tricky because, realistically, you can only confirm them as "new" if they are shrinkwrapped -- and book are almost never shrinkwrapped.

 

Any discoloration, a single creased page, a dented corner, scratches to the dust jacket, wrinkling at the edges, penciled writing on the inside cover, shelf wear, etc, will make the book ineligible to be called "new." 

 

All that said, if you can truly confirm the book as new (and thoroughly describe it as such), it makes sense to list it as NEW.

 

If "like new" lists at $25 and one person has it listed as "new" for $1000, and I also had a book that I would truly call new, I would list it as $200 or $250. 

 

I would describe exactly how it is new.  I would have it priced 4x or 5x the "like new" price but still significantly below the other NEW guy. 

 

Eventually, a buyer that has to have that book NEW may come along. 

 

Amazon is a long-game (think high end mall not desperate weekend flea market) so the item may be listed for years before the right buyer comes along.  \

 

Again, this is why the individualized description is so important.

 

Hope this helps when thinking about pricing on Amazon.

 

 

 

Thanks, Steve!

 

PF

[Ericnilla]

I've never bought anything new on amazon, and as for books I go for the cheapest price. And if something is priced $100 and another $10, you would be an idiot to pay the $100. I'd say go with the lowest price. Most people "our age" that buy on amazon, use ebay, exorbitant proves in a low market never sell, even though they say someone will eventually buy it.

Sellers seem to be less informed than buyers (Other than new muscle collectors that is.)

Edited by Ericnilla, 04 November 2015 - 06:03 PM.