Profits from Purchases?

I do agree with that to a certain extent, but there are circumstances where an "experienced" seller or even buyer can take advantage of someone who is a bit less savvy, if it happened on this forum then it would undermine the " sense of community" that we have here. IMHO of course.

"Only got 25,000 on the clock guv and one careful lady owner.....honest"

It's easy to make assumptions about whether people are savvy or not, or why they ask low or high prices, and we're really just guessing.

Personally, I have sometimes offered things at low prices because I wanted to move them quickly or perhaps bought them cheaply, but whatever the price is then the buyer just has to decide if it is equitable for them too. If not, they make an offer.

Supply and demand....

Barrie, no it wasnt that at all. I was simply voicing a 'pointed' remark.


Alan, I have to agree with your 'sense of community' comment.

Nothing more to be said from me.

Paul

My view for what it is worth, is if member sell on kit they originally bought for their own use, that is fine.

If the second-hand price moves between purchase and sale that is just luck of the draw. Over time they will go up and down.

On the other hand if people buy from outside, just to sell on to forum members, that is to me is like trying to make money out of a family member.
I don’t know if people are doing this but sometimes it does look as though they are. (Multiple purchase from Heathrow duty free shop springs to mind, or multiple sales of the same lens from one person)

Jim

I think this has gone a bit sideways I believe Paul posted his message after a silly remark in another thread by a member here. The message was about Paul's new Sigma 10-20 which he got for a really good price in the classifieds section last week, basically saying that even if Paul didn't get on with the lens he could sell it for a profit. It was a light-hearted comment which IMO was just emphasizing what a great deal Paul had got. I don't think he was being serious Paul, no one's accusing you of any dodgy dealings

I am afraid Paul, that if one person on here (or anywhere else) is happy to sell at a perceived 'low' price, then whoever buys that item is totally within their rights to do exactly as they please with the item, whether it is to use it, or sell it on at a profit, burn it, or whatever else they please.

If you do not like that, then maybe you should not be living in a democracy where we are at liberty to do what we like within the boundaries of the law.

In essence your post was pointless, as you will not change the minds of any people you regard as mercenary and there is no way to police such a daft idea as making sure buyers 'use' things they buy.

sorry, Steve.M

When I was more active on eBay a few years ago I made a point of looking for items that were being sold too cheaply, described inadequately, or described inaccurately, with the express intention of selling them on in the knowledge that I might make a small profit.

That profit was then used to fund my photography (LBA mostly).

Nowadays I look only for items that I want/need as it's too much hassle, living where I do, to do regular trade.

Blimey, that's a good price Gareth. Kudos!

Was there a reason the price was so low?

Did anyone see (or buy) the Pentax ebay auctions yesterday where the
seller didn't know what FUNGUS was and after someone told him
advertised everything as having Fungus including a K2 Camera
He later changed that to lens only (with Fungus).

The stuff went for buttons inc. a

PENTAX SMC f/1.2 50mm LENS for £149 (showed the box of a f/1.7 on pic... Dumb!!)

PENTAX K2 35mm CAMERA + LENS The lens was Matt's fav 35mm 'K' f/3.5 £67.59

TAKUMAR f1.8 85mm SUPER MULTI-COATED LENS.... £162

PENTAX-M f2.8 120mm- K MOUNT- SKYLIGHT GHOSTLESS- LENS... £52.81 WOW!!!

I can't believe that all these had fungus.... probably a bit of DUST

The only shot that showed the actual glass:

135mm VIVITAR SERIES 1 AUTO TELEPHOTO f/2.3 LENS... £56

Being an idiot on ebay is certainly expensive

Bit criptic the post...

If items are sold, then they must have comercial value or the buyer is doing charity.
If items are sold then both the seller and the buyer are profiting from the sale, one with the money and the other with the item or someone is doing it for charity...

Wether the seller is making a profit from his item, meaning from the buying and subsequent selling is of no consequence to me, I just mind it the price I pay for the item is good for me or not.

Actually I encourage people not keeping every gear they have until they fall to pieces. There is plenty of rare glass out there that is hard to get.

I also have no trouble buying from or in some other manner supporting a member of this forum who might actively be trading in gear for a profit.
Heck, we buy items of ebay all the time (mostly cheaper), the reason to buy here is to buy from knowledgeable, trustworthy people, so you have more confidence in what you buy. It makes no difference wether the seller is in need for cash, got bored with the gear or is just making money.

I think your inference is unfair to Aminstar, the Heathrow purchaser. He shelled out a big chunk of his own money, and then proceeded to sell the lenses to people here for very much below shop price. If he did make any money, then it would almost certainly have been much less than the saving that the buyer made.

I bought a 12-24 from him, and was surprised (and delighted) that he despatched the lens to me before I sent the money. In fact, I think it arrived before I sent the money.

I assume he did the same for others, and that says a lot about him. My only complaint is that he hasn't done it again with other lenses.

G

I second George's comment (if indeed it is directed at Aminstar.) I know Amin actually got a lot of personal grief from the third party he was using who tried to rip Amin off. Throughout Amin tried to get the best deal he could for the forum. Unfortunately George, I think any further lenses would would necessitate the purchase of a Canon body!

Tony

Tim,

You summed it up very pointedly with a 'silly remark'

Thank you for summing it up very specifically.

Kindest Regards


Paul.

"Just tell her it was an investment.
At the price you got the 10-20mm for you could sell it and make a decent profit any day of the week."

If this is the post that has got you in a lather, I have to say that in my view there is nothing in the least bit silly about it. Light-hearted, but factual, is how I would describe it.

You appear to have massively over-reacted, and then your coyness about the cause of your unhappiness made people think you were referring to a mountain, not a flea dropping.

You should try to be less sensitive.

G

Always good advice on the web - it's only a light hearted forum comment, not intended to criticise or accuse in any way.