"What's it worth?"

**427TJ** · #1 12-02-2014, 06:37 PM

Lots of these threads on various car forums these days, both cars and parts. I suppose it's a form of advertising (getting around classified ad fees) and/or genuine lack of knowledge of value. Why not list something on eBay with a reserve that's up there and see who bites? If it's truly valuable or needed by someone then the market should tell you? Yeah, that can be called fishing but isn't that kind of what a "what's it worth" question seeks to do--'fish' for an answer?

Thoughts?

**Mr70** · #2 12-02-2014, 07:20 PM

Although you have a valid point,it's also asked by those looking to purchase the item and wondering what the going rate is.

**John Brown** · #3 12-02-2014, 09:22 PM

I have noticed that quite often items with a high starting price or a reserve won't get even a single bid, while a like item with no reserve and a low, low, low, starting price that is sure to sell often brings more in the end than the opening price of the same item with a high starting price or a reserve. Ideally, if you just want an "appraisal", start with a ridiculously opening bid to start the action and a high reserve.

**427TJ** · #4 12-02-2014, 10:42 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: John Brown</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Ideally, if you just want an "appraisal", start with a ridiculously opening bid to start the action and a high reserve. </div></div>

This is what I was getting at. Low opening bid but high-ish reserve to protect yourself, like at high-dollar car auctions.

twertsy · #5 12-03-2014, 08:16 AM

On the other hand, some of us aren't as knowledgeable about these cars as you folks and I, for one, like to hear the opinions of the more informed. I can look at Hagerty's guide and ebay comps all day long and still be way off from what you folks say. I can honestly say that when I ask a WIW question to this forum, it's because I truly don't know and respect the opinion of the guys who live it daily. I may have a good one in the next couple hours/days as a matter of fact....... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif[/img]

**Salvatore** · #6 12-03-2014, 01:44 PM

Can always look at the Ebay "completed items" for a reference.
A lot of times you can list "needed" or parts you think are "rare" and should be needed on the Site and get no bites and then you can list something that may just represent about 5% of the people and get the sky for it. Its all about timing and knowledge of the parts you are listing IMO.

twertsy · #7 12-03-2014, 01:48 PM

I did mention "ebay comps" above. Based on observations though, I see way more accuracy here than by looking at those, but that's just my observation.