Auctions ending significantly higher than available BIN's?

[Casey2884]

This isn't the first time I have noticed this trend, and I was wondering if anyone has any insight to this.

Recently an auction ended for ~20% higher than the BIN/BO price I have with a listing of the same card (I actually have 4 of the card available in the BIN/BO listing).

Do people search by AUCTION items only? Or skim past BIN/BO listings? What is the logic behind this? I, for one, prefer BIN/BO listings when I am looking to buy something - it's a more immediate way to get the card you want, without having to worry about being outbid.

FYI: the listings in question:

Auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/UPPER-DECK-USA-...d=ViewItem&pt=US_Baseball&hash=item27b214ee44

My BIN/BO listing that's been sitting there for a week with a 20% lower BIN price: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110540653723&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Am I missing something? Does anyone understand this phenomenon that is surprisingly common?

 

[matfanofold]

As I read this thread, I was convinced that I would easily find the reasons after comparing the auctions. However, there simply are none except for one. His "Top Rated Seller" distinction. And considering all else being equal, I have to assume this may have a barring in some form.

 

[asmth312]

I suspect that it is not people searching by auction only as much as it is overlooking the BIN items. I imagine the way it goes for cards that are not extremely rare is this:

1. search for card
2. skim BIN listings, see that none is a steal
3. see auction listings with current prices lower than BIN items
4. add auction item(s) to watch list in order to bid near the end
5. hours or days later, receive e-mail notification that auction item is ending- or check "My Ebay"
6. go directly to item and bid without re-checking BIN listings

 

[Casey2884]

As I read this thread, I was convinced that I would easily find the reasons after comparing the auctions. However, there simply are none except for one. His "Top Rated Seller" distinction. And considering all else being equal, I have to assume this may have a barring in some form.

Very interesting! I did not notice that little "Top Seller" medal in the other listing. I didn't even know such a thing existed, but I want one! Apparently you have to sell a certain volume and attain powerseller status, while also maintaining excellent feedback and detailed-feedback-ratings. There is no way I could ever sell the volume needed to attain the powerseller status needed to qualify.

I suspect that it is not people searching by auction only as much as it is overlooking the BIN items. I imagine the way it goes for cards that are not extremely rare is this:

1. search for card
2. skim BIN listings, see that none is a steal
3. see auction listings with current prices lower than BIN items
4. add auction item(s) to watch list in order to bid near the end
5. hours or days later, receive e-mail notification that auction item is ending- or check "My Ebay"
6. go directly to item and bid without re-checking BIN listings

Also a great point that I overlooked. I tend to search daily for things I'm looking for and not use the "watch" feature in fear of missing something new. But what you said makes a lot of sense. It still seems silly though, for someone (in this case 2 different bidders) to snipe an auction for a higher price than 4 current BIN/BO listings are sitting there at!

 

[uniquebaseballcards]

If it helps, this is the winning bidder:
http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.d...tor&completed=1&all=1&rows=200&sort=10&_rdc=1

I wonder if the guy is a member here.

This isn't the first time I have noticed this trend, and I was wondering if anyone has any insight to this.

Recently an auction ended for ~20% higher than the BIN/BO price I have with a listing of the same card (I actually have 4 of the card available in the BIN/BO listing).

Do people search by AUCTION items only? Or skim past BIN/BO listings? What is the logic behind this? I, for one, prefer BIN/BO listings when I am looking to buy something - it's a more immediate way to get the card you want, without having to worry about being outbid.

FYI: the listings in question:

Auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/UPPER-DECK-USA-...d=ViewItem&pt=US_Baseball&hash=item27b214ee44

My BIN/BO listing that's been sitting there for a week with a 20% lower BIN price: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110540653723&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Am I missing something? Does anyone understand this phenomenon that is surprisingly common?

 

[Casey2884]

If it helps, this is the winning bidder:
http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.d...tor&completed=1&all=1&rows=200&sort=10&_rdc=1

I wonder if the guy is a member here.

Also interesting - his user name suggests he has ties to the Mets & Florida Gators, and has won 10+ Whitson auctions in the past month. Whitson is a Floridian high schooler (though 3 hours from Gainesville) who has been linked (though not as much recently) to the Mets as a potential #7 pick. Now it seems the Mets are off of him though and will draft someone more easily signable.

 

[uniquebaseballcards]

Maybe the guy saw the BINs but wanted to increase the price of the card given his other holdings?

If it helps, this is the winning bidder:
http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.d...tor&completed=1&all=1&rows=200&sort=10&_rdc=1

I wonder if the guy is a member here.

Also interesting - his user name suggests he has ties to the Mets & Florida Gators, and has won 10+ Whitson auctions in the past month. Whitson is a Floridian high schooler (though 3 hours from Gainesville) who has been linked (though not as much recently) to the Mets as a potential #7 pick. Now it seems the Mets are off of him though and will draft someone more easily signable.

 

[maxpower]

Auction and BIN listings appear toether, but Top Rated Seller difference is big. It plays a role in the prioritization of search results.

Also, the auction seller states 'Mint with flawless signature'. Your listing says 'NM-MT+'. Yours might actually be in better shape, but his stated condition is better.

Finally (and perhaps most likely) is that eBay buyers aren't perfectly efficient at getting the lowest price. Once they find the item they're looking for, they'll often just stick with that item rather than shop around. I do it all the time in real life (I'll buy something at Best Buy instead of going to Target to check and compare prices).

 

[Casey2884]

Auction and BIN listings appear toether, but Top Rated Seller difference is big. It plays a role in the prioritization of search results.

Also, the auction seller states 'Mint with flawless signature'. Your listing says 'NM-MT+'. Yours might actually be in better shape, but his stated condition is better.

Finally (and perhaps most likely) is that eBay buyers aren't perfectly efficient at getting the lowest price. Once they find the item they're looking for, they'll often just stick with that item rather than shop around. I do it all the time in real life (I'll buy something at Best Buy instead of going to Target to check and compare prices).

Great point. I use a blanket "All cards in NM-MT+ condition or better unless otherwise stated" statement in all of my listings to avoid people complaining about not getting a BGS 10 pristine raw card every time ... but you could be right about that. I also did not realize that the little "top seller" medal did anything - apparently this may be the major difference. I just checked and I am 13 transactions away from hitting 100 over the past year, which would qualify me for "top seller" status.... I'd better get listing!