Making Buyers Nervous

[tarotfindsandmore]

I just had one of the oddest exchanges with a really nice buyer.  I sold her a designer toy that I made a nice little profit on despite it being under retail with my current promo.  She sent me a message to confirm that it was legit with a link to the same toy listed for five times the amount from an established seller (though definitely NOT an established toy seller).  I was at a bit of a loss.  I confirmed that it was the exact same item and let her know that I do offer free returns if she wasn't fully satisfied.

What's a little odd about this is that my listing wasn't even the lowest one (though pretty close), and I cannot for the life of me figure out how the other seller determined his/her price.  I've been selling toys here on eBay since 1997 and I've never had anyone question a toy price because it was too low.  I've gotten a zillion lowball offers, but never had someone worry because another seller was so much higher.  It's a very strange thing.

What do you all make of this? What do you say to buyers or potential buyers when sellers with the same items have such outlandish prices that your prices suddenly seem too good to be true?

[albertabrightalberta]

Price gouging doesn't apply to toys or other non-essential items. 

This is a free economy and sellers can charge as much as they want or as little as they want. Likewise, buyers have the opportunity to avoid sellers whose prices they don't like. 

If you're happy with your net after the payment of your fees and expenses, who cares what else is out there and how much they're charging? If you get another widget, maybe you can sell it for more but you may sit on it for years waiting for a buyer. (There's no evidence that the "same item" at 5x the price will actually sell for that price.)

[buyselljack2016]

could be the 5X seller does not have the item in stock. listing $$$$$ as a place holder.

just saw one of those. Adhesive sealant that sells under $10 listed as $200 because they don't have it in stock at the moment.

[robbie31415]

Not price gouging. You used it wrong.

However, so did the VP, so im not shocked.

https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/prohibited-restricted-items/price-gouging-policy?id=5106

[simba6]

Prices vary as the crow flies in venues like this.   Some sellers look at other listings. If their item looks kinda the same as another they use that price.    If your buyer has seen others for a way higher price, I suppose they could suspect a much lower priced item.

I purchased a Garurumon plush for 16.00 including shipping. The same one is selling for 300.00 often.  Got to be a wise shopper when buying in a flea-market setting.

[tarotfindsandmore]

It won't sell at that price but it's just wild that someone would question the authenticity of my item because another seller priced theirs so completely over the top.  

I'm perfectly content with the profit I made.  I was hoping to hear from other sellers who may have experienced this and get some input on how they put their buyer's mind at ease.  

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/price-gouging

It does apply to toys, especially those that are very limited and go for hundreds to thousands of dollars.  

[12345jamesstamps]

In my category...sellers selling a stamp for $50,000.+ but it's only worth a penny.

Listings that give me a good laugh.

[tarotfindsandmore]

I'm referring to the real, dictionary definition of the term, not eBay policy. 

Just to be clear, I don't care if other sellers price gouge, either according to eBay or Merriam-Webster, but I would love to hear what others say to buyers or potential buyers to put their minds at ease.  

[robbie31415]

Ebay defines terms on its site.

Since you are referring to something on eBay.

Then you are using the term wrong.

Most all government definitions are the same as eBay.

 

[tarotfindsandmore]

No, I'm not, but thanks for your input.  

[robbie31415]

You are constantly.

Just like in your imagination you think the USPS isn't being supported by tax payer dollars.

Even though multi billion dollar aid relief bills have been passed to do so.

Some people just are oblivious. 🤣

[tarotfindsandmore]

Not sure what your malfunction is, and as with the price gouging thing, I don't care.  Insulting me isn't going to change the fact that you are incorrect.  Feel free to refrain from commenting if my posts bother you.

Here are my original questions:

What do you all make of this? What do you say to buyers or potential buyers when sellers with the same items have such outlandish prices that your prices suddenly seem too good to be true?

I'd love to hear what you have to say if you actually have something useful to contribute.

[robbie31415]

Not incorrect. Photographic and policy links have shown you are wrong.

But wait. All the legitimate sources are wrong.

You are the only one right. 😂

I tell them for the most part when it doesn't relate to essential goods we have a free market.

If you are unhappy with a seller prices then don't use that seller.

It's just that simple.

[monica-sells]

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@tarotfindsandmore wrote:

It does apply to toys, especially those that are very limited and go for hundreds to thousands of dollars.  

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I completely understand your concern on potential buyers confusion/questioning your item based on some yo-yo's listing for some ridiculous price..but your statement calling it price gouging as applied to toys that are very limited is stretching the meaning of "price-gouging"

That is the "free market" at work, since a "toy" in anything BUT essential....

Example: (not considered price gouging in the literal sense)

Yes, price increases are generally allowed in a market system, especially in cases where demand exceeds supply. This situation is often described as "supply and demand." When a product is in high demand and there is limited supply, companies can raise their prices. This is a way to balance the market. For example, during the holiday season, if a toy becomes very popular and sells out quickly, the company might increase the price to maximize profits. As long as there is no government regulation against it, this practice is typical in a free market.

Heck, they even change the packaging, slap "Limited Edition" on the same item, and charge twice as much.

[tarotfindsandmore]

I've edited the original post in the hope that someone will actually address my questions.  I appreciate you taking the time to actually read the original post.