The only real "steals" or "deals" these days on Ebay are BIN listings, that were posted by non-pipe vendors or a seller that had it all wrong. And you have to be able to spot and grab them quickly.
What... Is your Ebay Threshold?
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That's true. One of my faves was a Sasieni 8 Dot Amesbury BIN for $40 that went up a few seconds before I came upon it. I was all over that. And there is the occasional badly presented listing where I've made a ridiculously good deal. Percentages for that sort of opportunity would run at about .0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001%. Okay, I'm exaggerating the odds against, but only slightly.
The basic reason to buy on eBay is because you find something that you can't find elsewhere.
Here is my funny (to me, anyway,) story about badly-presented pipe stuff listings.
I bought a handmade sterling pipe tool on the bay that was listed as an "hors d'oeuvres fork and tasting spoon" for far less than they usually go for.
The only reason that I caught it was because they listed the 'smiths name, which I occasionally search for.
But to go back to the OPs question, I have to have a set value in mind as to what I think the thing is worth before I bid/buy, and that would be my threshold.
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I bought a handmade sterling pipe tool on the bay that was listed as an "hors d'oeuvres fork and tasting spoon" for far less than they usually go for.
The only reason that I caught it was because they listed the 'smiths name, which I occasionally search for.
But to go back to the OPs question, I have to have a set value in mind as to what I think the thing is worth before I bid/buy, and that would be my threshold.
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Currently I am quite a tight-pocket and I am looking for the run down and neglected pipes that come cheap. I love doing my own refurbishments and most of those pipes can be converted back to their former glory easily.
I'd agree with both SS and Sable on "Bargin Pipes". But I collect a particular type of Pete and many of this type were only offered in Special or short run lines. In this case you're trying to purchase a pipe that is no longer available and the one before you could well be your only opportunity to grab one. I cite this example to demonstrate that there probably isn't a threshold that would be valid in all cases. My rule has always been, "what's it worth to me?" and that can be influenced by many factors. In some cases the pipe you're looking at could be worth more than its original MSRP because that's what it will cost to own it. For run of the mill pipes 50% of original for a clean example is probably a safe rule.
A lot depends on: the rarity of the item, the state, the quality of the pictures, the reputation of the seller... I usually don't buy pipes that can be bought at regular retailers on eBay. There are few bargains to be found (with the exceptional BIN now and then). I've bid up to 120% of the unsmoked value if I really wanted the pipe. But of course paying 50% or less gives you a great feeling when you get the confirmation mail.
gloucesterman:
Recently, I acquired this Peterson River Collection: Lee, on eBay.eu. Just kept searching, looking for a score. My interest in Petes is 9mm, and for the win, p-lip (not this time).
This is a B23 shape w/9mm, with lots of birdseye... so two-point conversion! Here's my trophy ---
Ah. That is my eBay mission as well. Maybe it's my twenty-five years enjoyed in Boston & vic., but us New Englanders -- native or assimilated -- are there for the duration; the full four quarters of the eBay game... even into overtime.
Recently, I acquired this Peterson River Collection: Lee, on eBay.eu. Just kept searching, looking for a score. My interest in Petes is 9mm, and for the win, p-lip (not this time).
This is a B23 shape w/9mm, with lots of birdseye... so two-point conversion! Here's my trophy ---
Snowy, that is a beauty. Peterson has its detractors but I'm not one of them. They make some of the best Bulldog shapes on the market today. My weakness is the XL 21.
Hmm, interesting question specifically relating to the price of Peterson's. At your top end Randelli you can score a new Pete from the UK via eBay or directly through UK vendor sites. The pound is really weak at the moment. In fact, you can buy a new Deluxe system for abut $160 if you look from a legit vendor. The issue imho is that you lose out on easy returns and communication with a vendor is pretty weak. I believe the price for standard systems is in $90 range.
My own threshold for eBay is zero lol. Too much gamesmanship for the amount of time I'm willing to invest.
My own threshold for eBay is zero lol. Too much gamesmanship for the amount of time I'm willing to invest.
I don't have a set amount. It really just depends on the pipe I'm looking at, and what my funds are like at the time. Of course I'm cheap, so I always try to find the best deal possible. Unfortunately, sometimes I miss out on a pipe that would be a nice addition to my collection.
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