I am absolutely astounded at the reserve price of goods required by some of the sellers on E.Bay. When I compare some of the inflated prices on E.Bay to those in other various scources in the UK the mind boggles. I use as an example a frame now been currently bid for and has reached in my opinion a reasonable offer but much too far away from the reserve to be met. So what is it makes some sellers appear to be anxious and exploit a market particularly to the customers in the USA where demand appears to be at its greatest.
My comparison of the foregoing is based on my own example on a near indentical frame I have offered for sale here in the UK at less than the reserve price advertised on E.Bay and to date no buyers.My frame has a high specification and in NOS condition with only some of the orignal clear varnish discolouring in places. Whilst I am not really worried whether mine sells or not it does lead me to wonder where the buying and selling at what I consider inflated prices will end. I do realise the pricing and buying of goods has always been a personal matter between seller and buyer and the final outcome is there own business alone.
Maybe I should'nt be so concerned over such matters but it really gets to me personally when I see this type of thing going on in our interest of restoring and collecting the classic bikes. The monitory thinking and actions by the few appears to spoil a pastime and hobby that is enjoyed by the majority who for some reason or other cannot always afford to buy in the present so called market!
Doug Smith
North Dorset
UK