eBay

iamonourside · ‎05-19-2018

Saw the strangest thing just now. Two sellers with the same about 15 listings for expensive lots of unique vintage items. One id existing since mid 2017. One id existing since end of 2017. Listings are the same photos, same description (different font). Slightly different titles. Prices under old id about $20 lower than on the newer id.

Of course, multiple ids are allowed and not uncommon. Makes sense if wanting to specialize / segregate markets. I just wonder why do it only to duplicate listings. Why do you suppose?

I thought possibly:

Circumvent duplicate listing policy?? Are listings for the same item but different titles/different prices considered duplicate listings under the policy?
Importance of a name? (Older id has a name with a childish word bordering on vulgar. Newer id is more appealing name. Newer id has about twice as many sales as the vulgar word id.) But why not end listings under one or the other id.

Is there some strategy I'm missing?

dhbookds · ‎05-19-2018

Used to be common............ one store upscale with higher prices, one common every day with lower prices.......

theory is perception of value....... some think higher prices equate "better" product, service, whatever. Others want "deal"....same item at lesser cost.

Used to work well. Frankly, I've no idea if it violates rules. I think if price is different they could probably get away with it......but just a thought........

gulfcoasttrends · ‎05-19-2018

Its to circumvent the duplication policy. This allows their product to be displayed more with the chance of reaching more audience.

buyselljack2016 · ‎05-19-2018

If me, I would be concerned about problems with the item selling from both spots at the same approximate time.

If actually the same item, and no duplicate, there would be some fancy footwork needed to keep the account "above standard" .

orangehound · ‎05-19-2018

eBay cycles listings between sellers ... one day you are at the top of search and the next day you are toward the bottom (it also regional). With multiple accounts, you now get two opportunities to put your products high in the listings before buyers.

ed8108 · ‎05-19-2018

@buyselljack2016 wrote:
If me, I would be concerned about problems with the item selling from both spots at the same approximate time.

Some sellers believe financial success is more likely by not playing by all the rules and taking risks other sellers may not be taking to gain an advantage.

I doubt those sellers are losing any sleep in fear of possible consequences of being caught. IMO

buyselljack2016 · ‎05-19-2018

@ed8108 wrote:
@buyselljack2016 wrote:
If me, I would be concerned about problems with the item selling from both spots at the same approximate time.
Some sellers believe financial success is more likely by not playing by all the rules and taking risks other sellers may not be taking to gain an advantage.
I doubt those sellers are losing any sleep in fear of possible consequences of being caught. IMO

I agree.

Thing is, from the OP's post, it is not clear if this is a high volume seller with 15 dup's, or low volume. As we all know, just one unagreed to, or OOS cancellation can cause big problems on the seller dashboard, and eBay's "naughty list" if not selling regularly.

luckythewinner · ‎05-19-2018

@iamonourside wrote:
Is there some strategy I'm missing?

No idea about strategy, but it not unique.

There is a vinyl record dealer in the UK who has listed the same $5 record every month - on three different accounts simultaneously - for about five years now.

It's the same photo in every listing, right down to the former owner's name written in pen on the label.