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I wasn't sure which forum to put it in..... coz it's kinda pony pertinent as it's not in regards to buying other things from there, and that need for ponies.... but yeah maybe OT in some respects too. I'm sure someone will move it if it goes elsewhere ^_^Or a Minty A (As if!)
Is taobao ebays evil twin? In some ways its no different than ebay. An auction is for one pony; if thats a rare and hard to find pony, if you dont win it on auction you could be years searching for a new one. Taobao is the same; if you miss the pony it has not vanished into the ether, its with a collector and may very well pop back up for sale in the future.
Taobao used to be great but since everyone seems to be buying from there these days it's getting harder and harder to find the interesting stuff. Since that SDCC Muffin Pony post was on EQD way-back-when I've noticed that stuff moves a lot faster - heck, I had to leave my first Taobao agent because they were overwhelmed with orders. There are resellers who must spend hundreds of dollars in one go and I just can't compete with that. (Fair game. It's their money and they can do what they want, but I reserve my right to complain. ) I've also noticed fewer prototypes/factory errors turning up so maybe Hasbro have tightened up product control. I did get my SDCC Muffin Pony from there for around $50 (sadly she was not the prototype version I wanted but the seller had run out and was using an old photo) as well as a couple of other neat things. It's also a better way to get the harder to find brushables as you're not paying eBay prices.
I cant decide with taobao if we are seeing less of the factory errors and leaks or if sellers are smarter now and put more product on ebay which combines with the resellers who must pounce on unusual looking items as soon as they are listed.
I used to be super excited to search through Taobao- hoping for a "Rarestia" or other rare prototype- but now that so many people shop on Taobao, and given the time delay between when I can make an order and when my agent (on the other side of the world) finally wakes up and can take my order- the chance of getting something cool or rare has become next to impossible. So now it's a bit less exciting- although I do still like to check out the listings to see what may be coming out next. I did also get super lucky a month or so ago with the giant Alicorn Fluttershy- but it really was luck. The seller had run out of giant pinkies (which I was ordering) and asked if I wanted the Giant Alicorn Fluttershy instead (for more $$ of course). So glad I said yes!