[Eric Adams]

Hi Guys,

Since winter is here in Illinois, garage sales and flee markets are out until spring, I've been looking on ebay and Goodwill. I always look for radios, mostly Philco, that need repair. Goodwill's prices look to be in line but I question ebay.
Is it me or are prices getting outrageous on ebay? Here's an example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Philco-R...4abf92b138

Are they out of line? What do you think?

Eric

[codefox1]

They rarely sell at stupid prices, but unfortunately there is an a$$ for every chair, or put nicely a cover for every pot. Yeah, like that one better.

[Arran]

That's an asking not a receiving price anyhow. There a few sellers on there who regularly get outrageous prices and I believe that there is a well concealed shill bidding scheme or some other scam involved since the bids they are getting are way out of proportion to what identical items get from other sellers. Crazy stuff like $150 for a Philco 47-200, one you can find for under $30 without trying on the same site. Some sellers are either looking at the "pump and dump" auctions and getting their asking prices there, or are just making it up.
Regards
Arran

[jerryhawthorne]

To avoid the possible shill bidding, I suggest you just put in a bid of what you think it is worth. If you lose, fine. That is it in a nut shell. If the shill goes higher, oh well. I don't like the idea of shill biding but you know what you want to pay for a radio. Shills seem to only work if someone doesn't have a max price they want to pay and they can drive that bidder up. Just my dumb idea.

Jerry

[Phlogiston]

You would have a hard time squeezing $3 out of me for that radio. Forget about shipping it.

[w4rtc]

Well I think you are right, it seems like they are getting higher . I hardly win any of the ones I bid on. And some of the shipping charges are really high. I just won a bid on an Admiral combo they were asking $275, since it was here in Louisville I talked it down to $35 and I picked it up. Some of ebay items are very much out of line but that is my thougts on the subject.
Joe

[Jayce]

It seems even the few Philcos showin up on CL around my area are kinda high lately and always the same type of early 40's models that seem to be a dime a dozen.

[TA Forbes]

There have been more than the usual number of goofy priced radios on eBay and other sites recently.

Usually they receive zero bids, unless there is shill-bidding or the thing-one-sits-on factor mentioned above.

eBay is a reflection of what people are willing to pay for a radio. Fair market value. The same is true for sellers. Something out there has recently made sellers believe that they can get an unrealistically high price for an otherwise common set.

[codefox1]

Easier to do day trading.

[Eric Adams]

I agree, every once in a while I'm able to get one at a good price on ebay, even though it feels like it's getting harder to do so. I think going after the ones that don't work pays off. Besides that, it is more fun to bring one back to life.

[Paul Philco322]

So many other places to get radios, nothing like a good swap meet, shuffling through the neighborhood junk stores, other real radio hobbyists willing to sell fairly and know how to pack and ship. If you belong to a radio club ask around the old timers, tell them what you like or are looking for and I bet they can help, won't charge you a fortune, many are looking for good homes for their radios. Many older collectors like to pass things on to a younger collector.

Think outside the box!

Paul

[Eric Adams]

Thanks Paul. I just joined a club and the next meeting is in Feb. I'll give it a shot.

Eric

[KCMike]

Good topic, I have been looking at the vintage test equipment on the bay and not knowing anything about what is an resonable price for say a variac or signal generator,tube tester etc. I'am afraid to buy. Being new to the radio restoration I would rather pay more for a known good peice of equipment from someone who deals in vintage test equipment.

[Eric Adams]

Hi Mike,

I have to say that I've done real well with test equipment on ebay. So far I've aquired a tube tester, Variac, RF signal generator and a frequency counter.
They way I did it was as soon as I saw what I wanted I searched the web to see what others have said about the item. I also only bought items that had the manual and any leads needed. Then I made sure that the item was in working condition and that I could return it if there was a problem. If you're carefull you'll do OK.

Eric

[Ron Ramirez]

Eric

Smart move, joining ARCI. You are very lucky in that you live in an area with one of the largest and most active clubs in the country. You'll meet folks there who are willing to help you when you need advice. Plus, the big Radiofest swap in August - you don't want to miss that! Lots of radios, parts, and test equipment, and you don't have to ship it home, just buy what you want and take it home with you!