I can't stand it when I see people spending money foolishly! If I missed something in these 2 comparisons, PLEASE point it out to me!!
I've been researching to get a printer for edible inks and papers. I saw one on eBay for under $100. Now, whenever I find something on ebay, I always switch to the internet and do a search for that item, to get an idea of what the general retail cost is, so I can tell if the eBay item is a deal or not. Here's the ebay listing: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250089192435&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNA:US:12 It started out at about $50 plus $30 shipping and sold for over $300.
I searched for "Epson CX3810" and found the manufacturer's website where the same thing (and I clicked "what's in the box" to confirm this one ALSO comes with the ink cartridges, etc) for $90 PLUS a $30 rebate! Ground shipping is only ten bucks. http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/consumer/consDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=56291069
I buy a lot of items via eBay. EBay is always the first place I look when I need something. But I always do my research do make sure it's really a deal!
How come I feel like I'm missing the eBay gravy train when I see there are some folks who will pay 3 times the value of something????? 
Again, if I'm going totally blonde and there's a major difference in these 2 items that I missed, PLEASE point out what an idiot I am![/b]
One difference is the epson link is not for edible ink cartridges which cost more (the new edible ones from KK is $72.00). Also the ebay one comes with the decorator software which costs extra. Don't know if these differences add up to $300, but it does up the price a bit.
-Rezzy
There have been many times in the past couple of years I've seen an item on ebay go for more than it would at a retail store. Some people just assume if it's on ebay, then it's a deal. You should ALWAYS google around a bit (I like www.froogle.com) to see what the lowest retail price is before you bid on an ebay auction.
And on a sort of related topic -- I really don't like what ebay has become. 5 years ago you could find great gently used stuff (I would buy formal dresses) at good prices. It was like a giant consignment store. Now it's all dealers selling mass-produced stuff at sometimes more than you pay retail. Plus, lots of people super-inflate their shipping charges to get out of paying ebay fees. It's a bummer. 
One difference is the epson link is not for edible ink cartridges which cost more (the new edible ones from KK is $72.00). Also the ebay one comes with the decorator software which costs extra. Don't know if these differences add up to $300, but it does up the price a bit.
-Rezzy
Well THERE'S a little detail I missed! Thanks for pointing that out. I'll be sure that I get the EDIBLE inks when I order mine! 
Now, whenever I find something on ebay, I always switch to the internet and do a search for that item, to get an idea of what the general retail cost is, so I can tell if the eBay item is a deal or not. [/b]
just to add, I also ALWAYS do that. I make a decision how much the item is worth and/or how high I'm willing to go for that item. I also watch other auctions for the same to see what they are selling for. And you are right a lot of the time it's not worth it. I figure, if it's going to be the same as a big name online store, I'd rather buy from them because I'll be (more) sure it's new and not mishandled and I can probably get warranties etc...
Also, I noticed that auction for the printer... It's refurbished! always a risk IMHO.
-Rezzy
I see the craziness on e-bay too and think maybe I should get in on it. I bought my daughter American Girl stuff this past year and saw the same items divided and sold for higher prices than retail from the company. And, have you ever seen what they sell cookie cutters for? Sometimes they are $.50 each from the retailer and they sell for 3 for $5 on ebay. Wait a minute!
It pays to research a little more.
I always get a good laugh on the items that are listed for a dollar but have a shipping charge of $29.95!
Ditto!
I also think that people get competitive and start bidding like crazy just so they'll "win"... doesn't make any sense to me. I always bid my maxium and if it goes higher I say "you can have it!" 
I always do research before buying Ebay!
I think the Ebay people count on the fact that many forget to shop around...or are too lazy to check their local retail first... or don't want to mess with going to other websites.
And don't forget, those of you who Christmas shop...buy EARLY! Many people find out what the big ticket items are before Thanksgiving and buy out their local stores so they can resell on Ebay for exorbant prices to those who wait until the last minute to do shopping.
The only things I have found Ebay worthwhile in are hard to find, discontinued items...or gently used items that are too expensive to buy new.
I also think that people get competitive and start bidding like crazy just so they'll "win"... doesn't make any sense to me. I always bid my maxium and if it goes higher I say "you can have it!"
As an eBay seller (who doesn't inflate s/h) all I can say is thank goodness for the bidding war! Those are fabulous for the seller and as they buyer, well they are the ones doing it and if they win, hopefully, they are very happy. I think the whole paying your max is a very good way of handling eBay so you don't get sucked into paying more then you want. 
Same here gals........I have been buying from Ebay
for over 5 years. However, I do my homework.
It use to be like a big flea market, fun to search for
piece's for my Noah's Ark collection. Not anymore tho.Also hate those reserves I don't understand why they don't just put the price the want for it.
I was bidding on a food processor, I checked Amazon.com, with the free shipping I got it from Amazon for less than the one on Ebay.
indy,
I just got my printer from a wholesale club (Epson) and it cost me, after rebate and a haggle $25 - the Epson cartridges were $74 (I think) and the paper was $28. I got the chip resetter off of ebay because they were around $5 with shipping instead of the $15 from KK. This one was new, never used, missing the box so I am good as far as using it (not refurb etc). The KK site has software for free, but I am a publisher kinda chick so that's what I use. Not bad at all, you just have to watch your margins.
As far as ebay, I have both a seller and buyer account and previously a store and let me tell you I know what you are saying. I never inflated S&H, charged a marginal profitable amount and tried to make the profit on quanitity, it doesn't work that way I guess because the fees and other issues didn't make it worth it. I do still sell, but I couldn't bring myself to rip anyone off. That S&H thing kills me, there was a guy on there selling a grandfather (wall mount) clock for a mere $10 but the S&H which was in the bottom of the listing was $89.95 ~ people bid and then were stuck, then complained and nothing happened... he was getting around his fees but inflating the S&H.
I agree it pays to shop around, I did and saved a lot of money. Good luck on getting the printer.
Thanks to all for the great advice. I am SO looking forward to getting this printer!
For the record, I don't want it to sound like I'm anti-ebay. I'm a buyer and seller, both, and it was my big addiction, until I found CC!
I don't jack up my S&H either, but I will always figure it ahead of time and post it on the listing. If it's listed up front, then I get zero flack about it later!
For the record, I don't want it to sound like I'm anti-ebay. I'm a buyer and seller, both, and it was my big addiction, until I found CC!
Hehe, not taken as though you are anti-ebay - I think most people who are on it for a while start to see the trend on the games people play to make the big smackers.... and you know, isn't it the truth - I was on there everyday until CC. Now it's only once in a while... I suppose they will be sending out the where are you emails soon....
Gotta love it. If I see any printers for a steal I will let you know. Are there any that you are partial to?
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