posted on February 23, 2002 08:19:34 PM new
I would like to know why a seller would list the same title 13 times in the same condition and give 13 different prices. Then list the same title again in a different condition at different prices. Doesn't this drive the price down on Half.com since the computer takes the average selling price and recommends that for the next person listing a title? Why would a seller list at $30, 26, 24, 18, etc. repeatedly for the same title in the same condition?
posted on February 23, 2002 08:27:33 PM new
I don't have a clue why a seller would do that! I'm bumping this up in the hopes that someone will know. Odd.
posted on February 23, 2002 09:00:35 PM new
Some sellers actually represent multiple sellers like abebooks. Others are trying to put the exact same "like new" or "very good" book (most likely remainders or drop ship books) offered to get people to think they are getting a deal because it's a buck less or so.
posted on February 23, 2002 09:50:55 PM new
Many single sellers have multiple copies that they list on Half. The average price the computer spits out is merely a guide for sellers to use. When I consider selling a book on Half I do not go through the Sell Your Item route but instead search the book as if I were going to buy it. From there I can see all the grades, prices, other sellers feedback ratings, comments on the book ( edition number, etc. ) and almost everything except last sold at price. With that data I can judge if the book is listed at a price where I can list mine and still make some money. If the Like New is something very low and there are several copies at the low price I will go over to the new Yahoo Warehouse and try to list it there or list it with a nickel listing fee at Yahoo Auctions. If the prices are good at Half for my book I will only list it if I can have at least the best price in my condition if not all conditions. The idea is to make your book the best deal for a buyer.
I don't know if it is against the rules but it is very common to offer free shipping on music CDs and I also do that with light paperbacks that can go First Class Mail at near the same cost of Media Mail. Do whatever it takes it sell your item or it may sit there for years and may never be considered for purchase.
posted on February 25, 2002 06:35:19 PM new
Well, yes, Abebooks was one I had in mind. I'm not sure what it is, but I think it is muliple sellers.
And the idea of a book sitting for years and not selling on Half.com stings a bit, but probably true. I'll have to try the auctions too. Thanks for all the help.
posted on February 25, 2002 09:12:51 PM new
I listed about 15 books, mostly paperbacks on Half.com a few years ago. One of them has sold so far. Another one would have sold if I had acknowledged it, but by then I didn't have the book any more
I found that it was useless. There was a rule that you have to charge at least 75 cents, but the same books were available for far less than 75 cents.
posted on February 25, 2002 09:28:05 PM new
drbrown, the half listings that are less than 75 cents were grandfathered in before the 75 cent minimum was put into effect. Basic rule of thumb - if you want to list a book where there's listings under 75 cents, then don't bother. Any title in that situation is clearly a case of supply exceeding demand.
I gave up on selling books on half. If the book is in demand, I put it on ebay and let the bidders drive up the price. If the book is not in demand, then I group it with related books and push them out through ebay. I don't have the storage space to hang onto books for years on end, my main goal is to move them ASAP.
posted on February 26, 2002 03:57:36 AM new
I'm finally doing fairly well on Half after allowing the business to grow. I discovered that most of the serious book buyers (readers) have deserted eBay and I couldn't stand getting whacked with fees and not moving good product. Most of my books on Half do between 25% and 2-300% better than eBay which has become a bottom feeder market.
While I still move some slow inventory in the $1-2 range, I average about $8 for a book. My break even is two weeks or less after listing a new batch of books...after that everything is profit-- even the slowbies.
