Being new on eBay attracts vultures

[Fransponies]

I have been collecting my little pony about 2 years. I helped my mom who likes to sell things on eBay before that. I am very familiar with all the eBay policies. 6 months ago, I decided to start my very own eBay account. I just recently got my DSRs and they were all 5 stars. I was so excited; I decided to sell a few more ponies. It seems as though everyone on eBay thinks that just because I am new that I just fell off the pony collecting turnip truck though.

I had one set worth about $20, but I was selling it for $15. I had the make offer option open and would have taken down to $10. I had someone offer $5. I countered with $12 to leave some room for haggling. They then offered me $6. However, they left a note with the offer saying it wasn't worth the $12 I was asking and telling me I wouldn't get that much for it. I kind of got upset at the note. I just declined the offer instead of countering back with $10. This is a member of the community as well who sells a lot of ponies. Then a few days later, this same person puts up for sale the exact same set I have, minus the ponies for $20  . I had a feeling this person just wanted to get mine cheap to resell it. I actually don't mind people who buy cheap ponies to resell them. That is fine with me. I just got upset because they sent me a note saying my item wasn't worth what I was asking in order to get it cheaper and then resell it. I have a feeling it is because I am a new seller.

Then I put another item up for sale for $20 and free US shipping. It didn't sell so I changed it to an auction starting at $4.99, and I was going to charge for shipping this time. I forgot to change the shipping though. It still said free. I didn't realize this until the auction ended for $10. I had to eat the shipping cost.  I didn't mind this because it was my mistake. Then the buyer sends me a message saying they would buy more from me, but my prices are too high. They asked if they could get them for cheaper. The thing is, I searched eBay and my prices seem to be right on what they are selling for. Then are tons of other sellers selling things for about twice as much as what I am charging. This is a person who accidentally got a good deal because of my mistake, and then tries to get more items for cheaper. This is yet another community member I have seen around. I just politely told the person that I wasn't going to be lowering the prices.

I have been feeling pretty bummed about all this. What is the proper etiquette for these things? It doesn't seem quite right to me. I feel as though because I am a new seller on eBay all the vultures have come out to try to get my items cheaper. I can see if it was some random eBay people, but it hurts even more when I know some of the people from here.  They seem so nice on the arena. This confuses me. I know one thing though. I won't be opening the make offer option or lowering my prices until I get more feedback on eBay. Any advice for me?

[bluerose9978]

I think I would just politely inform these people that you are aware of what these ponies are worth, thanks, and that you are a collector and that if they don't sell you will consider lowering your price when you relist them but thanks for the offers they have made.

I have had people make offers to me in similar manners on eBay and have had to make a refusal in the manner stated above. People are human and just want a deal and yes, I think they do try to pounce on people who don't know what they are listing and some are tired of overpriced ponies. But we collectors take care of our ponies. And that means the buyers are going to get nice ponies and not the manky ones from non-collectors that are overpriced for their condition that we spend hours cleaning and restoring.

[Teddy]

Yeah, like bluerose said, I would just politely let those people know that you are a collector and are aware of how much your ponies are worth. People are always just looking for a deal, especially if they are only buying to resell at a higher price (which I don't like at all, but to each their own).

[Shiromisa]

That sucks that you've had bad experiences with ebay. D: Could I suggest the Pony Corral for price checks now that you're here? Sometimes ebay prices can be inflated. I'm not saying that's what happened here, just that it happens sometimes to the best of us.

[blondee1982]

I think I would just politely inform these people that you are aware of what these ponies are worth, thanks, and that you are a collector and that if they don't sell you will consider lowering your price when you relist them but thanks for the offers they have made.

I have had people make offers to me in similar manners on eBay and have had to make a refusal in the manner stated above. People are human and just want a deal and yes, I think they do try to pounce on people who don't know what they are listing and some are tired of overpriced ponies. But we collectors take care of our ponies. And that means the buyers are going to get nice ponies and not the manky ones from non-collectors that are overpriced for their condition that we spend hours cleaning and restoring.

Ditto! I feel the exact same way, I sometimes buy ponies in large lots if there is a couple I need for my collection they are usually dirty and need some serious TLC, I spend hours cleaning and restoring these beauties as a hobby, its a labor of love really lol. I usually end up reselling the ones I already have in my collection since I don't need more than one People should never downgrade or insult others for their prices, if they don't like the price they don't have to buy it..its simple really. A little negotiating is no big deal and can be really exciting and fun but should never be offensive or rude though. It is the cut throat rude attitudes on ebay that I don't have patience for, it is just ponies, we buy them, sell them and collect them because we love them and it is FUN

[Fransponies]

Thank you for all the advice! I am feeling better about it now. I do put a lot of time into my collection as well as the extra's I have been selling. I really do think my prices are very reasonable. I am just going to ignore the people who tell me they don't think they are worth what I want to sell them for. Even if I do get two in one week. I am not going to let one bad week or a couple of people trying to trick me into thinking I am overcharging to get a deal ruin it for me. I am going to go back to having fun with it. I just wasn't sure if I was being too sensitive, but now I think I was. It had been bugging me, but reading all these responses really helped. 

[Ringlets]

*hugs*    I know its frustrating when that happens! unfortunately its quite common on ebay (especially with those wanting to get it extra cheap so they can resell! ) Dont worry about it, try and take no notice when they send those kinds of messages   you know how much the pony is worth and also the effort you put into cleaning etc, so please dont let these people pressure you into making a loss. Personally (after I've had my own private rant about the cheekiness of some buyers!! )  I usually just ignore it when people send me those kinds of messages.
 

Thank you for all the advice! I am feeling better about it now. I do put a lot of time into my collection as well as the extra's I have been selling. I really do think my prices are very reasonable. I am just going to ignore the people who tell me they don't think they are worth what I want to sell them for. Even if I do get two in one week. I am not going to let one bad week or a couple of people trying to trick me into thinking I am overcharging to get a deal ruin it for me. I am going to go back to having fun with it. I just wasn't sure if I was being too sensitive, but now I think I was. It had been bugging me, but reading all these responses really helped. 

[Stormness_1]

I'm always tempted to block those buyers, but then chicken out because you never know, they could buy in the end...