Hi All,
I bought a 1960s Frejus for $500 about 2 years ago, just before I joined the CR list. The seller was moving, had another Frejus (that was too small for me to ride, but offered at $2500), and he even offered me some built Dura Ace wheels --since the Frejus had Campies. I turned down the extras, since I felt I was getting a deal. It was a deal for me because I wanted to recapture a Frejus from my youth. The price was secondary. I would have paid more. Anyway, I did research on the bike and sent it to the seller, as well.
Anyway, after I joined this list, I got a better idea of how prized these bikes were and the prices people were willing to spend. I don't feel guilty about my pruchase, at any rate. However, a few weeks ago, I saw on ebay a Frejus (frame only, in relatively poor --imo-- condition) that the seller wanted $1700 for. At the time, I thought it was a rip off; I almost posted on it. However, was the seller right? Was he following the market trend, and assigning his bike the market value? Who exactly determines the value of the item, except the buyer? I'm not sure if it's ethical to tell a seller that he/she should raise his price. Imo, third parties have no business in the transaction. If someone is offering something for a low price, simply offer more or what it is thought to be worth. There are people who might desire an item but really not have the kind of cash to buy it at market price. That's often why they hit craigslist and ebay in the first place.
Fwiw, I do agree that it would be unscrupulous to haggle with a widow who's selling her husband's Confente for $25. But, I think that'd be cheating on the verge of theft. I couldn't say exactly where the line is.
Regards,
Steve James
Bronx, NY USA