In a message dated 6/7/02 10:08:47 AM, francopedia@yahoo.com writes:
<< So even on ebay standards, the collectible items are, if not reasonable, at least attainable, to the average Japanese collector. But 10 years after the economic bubble blew, how long can it last???? --Just my 2 yens worth. Scott in St. Paul, MN >>
Scott, and all members,
I have been studying Japanese bidders past 2 years in ebay for vintage bike/parts. So far there is no sign of decline. In past 6 month, there about 10 new additions. I believe there are over 40 regular bidders in ebay USA.
It is also my understaning that many of those buyers in ebay have "sub-buyers", who does not have advanced English/Ameraican language ability and computer access. For instance, one of major Japanese buyer Kauzo has a quite number of people whom he serves to get bike parts from ebay.
It is no doubt, the ebay became the world largest market place for vintage bike/parts, having regular seller from, Germany, England, Italy and USA. The balance between those who sell and Japanese bidders making the "world standard" of collector prices.
You mentioned very important fact that Japanese economic power and currency exchange rate enable them to buy what they wish at higher prices today. And, ther is one more important fact that I pointed out the other day, which is their "physical" space limitaion and bicycle as "transportation" device, rather than sporting goods.
They do collect vintage bicycles as American Car collectores, even though they have been making millions of automobles (next to USA), but there is very little car collector, because ther is simply no space to store them. I old cities established years before Amerca was found (in 1492?), street are so narrow, only a person or bicycle can go through like hallway of hotel/motel here in the US.
It is hard to imagine to pack 130 million + people in 4 small islands, (90% is mountain), size of states as CA, OR, and WA. This talk was done before so I wish not repeating again. They will KEEP buying more and more vintage parts form US, and no one can stop the flow unless American collectors are willing to pay MORE than they are willing to pay. It is a simple MARKET principle, I am not going to pay such prices posted in our "ebay high" site, where over 90% buyers from Japan.
I have to get back to my work for my dollars!
KEN TODA, High Point, NC