Re: [CR] Dead Horse? It's eBay: Deal with it!

(Example: Production Builders:Peugeot:PY-10)

From: <GPVB1@cs.com>
Subject: Re: [CR] Dead Horse? It's eBay: Deal with it!
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Date: Wed, 6 Nov 2002 13:41:44 EST

Again, I'll ask that if all we want is to learn about the item(s) in question, what difference does it make if that learning occurs after the completion of the auction? That way, we aren't pimping for the seller....

Additionally, to comment on Walt's previous post re: non-Fentes and un-Nagos: I hear you, but I think that 99+% of the misrepresentation on eBay *does not* fall into that clearcut of a category. It's generally unintentional and much more subtle IMHO, e. g. "Super Record" pedals in the title, but "with steel axles" in the details. This type of listing is obviously incorrect, but it's a common misconception, and how many potential buyers think they are getting something more than what the item really is? About zero I think... The pictures tell (or don't tell...) all on eBay.

Let's stop and reflect for a moment: in our little corner of the (eBay) world, the CR list is collectively immensely knowledgeable, and knowledge is power. We are, by promoting others' current items on eBay to our 700+ member base, whether we like it or not, singlehandedly driving up profits for eBay and it's sellers of vintage lightweight bicycles and components. If that's what we want to do, fine, but let's be honest about it. EBay is a *auction* site, not a fixed-price site!

Food for thought: does everyone feel that Confente 019 was the real deal at this point? I'm starting to wonder if it was at least repainted and assembled with non-original parts. I've never seen a Confente with just "Pro" on the chainstays - don't they always say "Pro Strada?"

Cheers,

Greg "keeping my Nomex firmly in place" Parker A2 MI USA


> Message: 11
> From: RaleighPro531@aol.com
> Date: Wed, 6 Nov 2002 09:23:33 EST
> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Subject: [CR]Dead Horse? It's ebay: Deal with it!
>
> Everybody knows how ebay works.
> There's no secrets, it's all there for public consumption.
> Do I see parts I'd like to have go for more money than I can spend? You
> bet.
> Can't be helped.
> The secondary use we've put ebay to is probably more important to this
> list.
> Countless items of varying ages and scarcity right there in front of you to
>
> look at that you'd seldom see outside of someone's collection or the good
> swap meets.
> I think I've learned a lot from being pointed to the unusual bike or
> component, especially if there is commentary on the sellers description or
> the origins of the article in question.
> I say keep 'em coming!
>
> Pete Geurds
> Douglassville, PA