Someone explain Reserve Ebay auctions

[Gibonius]

What's the point of setting a reserve on Ebay, instead of just a higher initial bid? I hate these things, they frequently get a bunch of bids and then no one wins because the reserve wasn't met. Where's the advantage for the seller?

 

[rnoldh]

None!

I guess some clueless sellers think that will get more by setting a reserve.

Example after example shows that the opposite is true.

It is also funny when someone asks a seller how much a reserve is set for and they wont answer. The seller might think this helps their sale. I think that it hurts.

 

[NAMOR]

I just bid up the price until the reserve has been met and then retract all my bids shortly thereafter. It really is a silly selling strategy. As a seller, I would much rather find an alternative selling website/forum to sell my product than have to hold on to an item for months, relisting it time and time again.

 

[NoVaguy]

Originally Posted by Gibonius

What's the point of setting a reserve on Ebay, instead of just a higher initial bid? I hate these things, they frequently get a bunch of bids and then no one wins because the reserve wasn't met. Where's the advantage for the seller?


They're gonna be basically pointless in a couple weeks, if I understand the new ebay fee structure.

 

[Luke Banks]

Cheap items will get the attention of more people. I usually browse ebay with the sort option as Price + Shipping Lowest First.

 

[SpooPoker]

Advantage is that you dont have to sell it if it does not get there. Although, I dont see why you would not just start it at that price. Different situations make it work, but most of the time its just stupid. I never, ever use it.

 

[Steve Smith]

The theory is that bidders are stupid, that they will become interested in the item because of the teaser starting price and then get caught up in a bidding war. I don't like the format at all and usually will not participate in reserve auctions.

 

[munchausen]

Bait and switch

 

[Jr Mouse]

Originally Posted by Luke Banks

Cheap items will get the attention of more people. I usually browse ebay with the sort option as Price + Shipping Lowest First.

This.

 

[Biggskip]

Originally Posted by NAMOR

I just bid up the price until the reserve has been met and then retract all my bids shortly thereafter. It really is a silly selling strategy. As a seller, I would much rather find an alternative selling website/forum to sell my product than have to hold on to an item for months, relisting it time and time again.
Can't you get into trouble with eBay for doing this?