I would like to add something to Harvey's observations about the prices which some overseas collectors may be willing to pay for classic cycling merchandise. It may be that they are "overvaluing" these goods. On the other hand, it may be that they have a considerably larger savings account to tap and are therefore more inelastic to moderate price fluctuations than some Americans might be.
My two cents. (Figuratively, of course. The real money is tied up in my credit cards).
Jon Cowden Ithaca, NY
On Tue, 7 Nov 2000, Harvey M Sachs wrote:
> Lads & Lassies -
> There have been a couple of interesting thoughts expressed in the responses
> so far, so I want to put in my 2c.
>
> 1) I'm really glad there are serious collectors, and I don't care
> where. Yes, it means that some stuff that I want I can't justify buying ,
> but high prices most likely mean that the things will be treated seriously,
> and not just tossed into the boxes (where I find them). This is the best
> possible assurance that examples will survive.
>
> 2) There are questions about why collectors in Japan are willing to pay
> premium prices on EBay. Let's start with the assumption that it's true,
> which we can't know, because we don't really know the flow from European
> and US sources to our esteemed counterparts in Japan. If it is true, it
> just brings out again what is obvious to everyone, except perhaps Orthodox
> Economists: Markets aren't perfect. Not only do different things have
> different values to different folks, but "barriers" like trust and
> knowledge come into play, too. Not to mention language issues.
>
> So, I'll remain more grateful that the items are being valued than rueful
> that they aren't in my tender mercies...
>
> harvey sachs
> who makes his living helping emerging energy efficient technologies enter
> the market by overcoming barriers.