FW: [CR]Bidding on eBay with no intention of winning an auction?

(Example: Framebuilding:Paint)

From: "nick zatezalo" <nickzz@mindspring.com>
To: "CR CHAT" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: FW: [CR]Bidding on eBay with no intention of winning an auction?
Date: Fri, 9 May 2003 15:59:44 -0400


Gary,

I consider it a complement when I see pedal-professor bidding on an item I've listed for sale on ebay.He has impecable taste in vintage bicycles & components.Bid on !!!!

Nick Zatezalo Atlanta,Ga.

My policy for trying to win eBay auctions is to enter a bid, as late as I dare, that is just high enough that I won’t regret the purchase. If someone bids more, I’m relieved not to be the winner. If I do win, it feels like a fair price. I think that I probably end up as second highest bidder on 80% of the auctions I try to win, further down the list on 15% and win no more than 5% of the time. So now you have all my secrets.

I think a better way to purchase bicycle components is to do it from the people who list them here but I’ve been trying for some time to pick up a selection of items for use on some special projects. Over the next few weeks I’ll be asking for advice for which pieces to use on the black Ephgrave #1 and green #2 frames that you can see at http://www.classicrendezvous.com/British/Ephgrave_main.htm as well as a modern Bates. I think all three of these frames came from list members. Then there’s a question about brakes, saddle and crankset for a NOS! late 50’s Paramount which seems to have the correct parts except for these items. I’ll be writing more about this when I can get organized to deal with it.

Am I using too many words? I have that reputation.

Gary Chottiner aka pedal-professor
Cleveland Hts. OH