| PM | Quote | Reply | Full Topic |
| Joined: | Wed Aug 20th, 2014 |
| Location: | North Carolina USA |
| Status: |
Offline
|
Marc Barnes wrote:
So posting it here will not affect price.
I don't think posting it here will affect the price even as an auction. Even if it does, no one will be harmed as a result. It was nice of you to share it. Thanks again.
No harm done but it very well result in more bidders which can end up with the item finishing at a higher price. Just add one bidder who is serious and has the bucks and you'll most likely have a higher price.. Maybe no harm is done but there will be disappointments to some or all who plan to bid. Would you want to add a few more bidders to an item you wanted to win? Would you walk into the Fanfare Bourse and announce to the guys "hey, I just saw a neat fan on eBay, come on out of the Bourse to my room and let's all bid on it. NOBODY needs help in finding or seeing a fan on ebay's Electric Fan Category. They are all there listed in plain sight and anyone who does not see what's listed must not be interested. I can see posting about a buy it now fan since it can sell so quickly and why not let your friends or club members know about it? But, for the standard listings on eBay, notification of the auction of a desirable piece will almost always draw more interest and bids. And that is going to make some people disappointed that the auction was posted for more to see and possibly (probably) costing them more or loosing them the auction.
"Would you want to add a few more bidders to an item you wanted to win?"
I used to have more reservations about that than I do now, but now I'm happy to share auctions with fellow collectors, even if it means I will lose the auction. No big deal. I've done that several times before and will likely do it again.
"Would you walk into the Fanfare Bourse and announce to the guys "hey, I just saw a neat fan on eBay, come on out of the Bourse to my room and let's all bid on it."
I don't know what the Fanfare Bourse is, but I likely wouldn't invite everyone there to my room. However, I'd have no issue with telling everyone there about a great fan on eBay, even if it meant I wouldn't win it as a result. I'd do so with the hope that if I didn't win it, one of them would. I also share auctions with folks who I know specifically will have an interest in a given fan.
"And that is going to make some people disappointed that the auction was posted for more to see and possibly (probably) costing them more or loosing them the auction."
Even if it's likely that fans do go for higher prices when they are posted here, it really doesn't matter, does it? Members are permitted to share active auctions here. Some members appreciate that. Some members don't. Everyone has to make their own decision and life goes on.
While some get upset when a live auction is shared here, others appreciate it. Some people get upset when I drive 70 down the highway and they want to go 90. Some people get upset at me when I disagree with them on issues at work. Can't make everybody happy. Just have to do what I think is best. And so does everyone else.
And while we're on the subject of how sharing information can lead to some members paying more than they want for a fan, why do you share all of that excellent information about fans on your blog? I'd guess that information is extremely valuable to folks who are looking to sell fans and have no idea what they have. One visit to your blog, and they can get educated enough to realize they have a rare and valuable GE pancake fan. Then the fan goes on eBay for $1,000 instead of $150, and someone misses out on a deal.
Why is there so much excellent information about antique fans on this forum? Same scenario as your blog -- a quick google search and someone who knows nothing suddenly knows much more and could even have a dollar amount for value as well. And if someone joins here and asks questions, there are so many helpful collectors who will help.
Both of these scenarios I've described are not a stretch in any way. That is EXACTLY what happened when I started getting interested in antique fans and found a valuable 1897 pancake fan and researched it on your blog and on this forum. Your blog told me I had something quite rare and valuable, and the kind members on this forum actually gave me a dollar value. And I sold that beautiful fan to an AFCA member for less than it was worth (an AFCA member got a good deal), and am still to this day very happy that a great guy got a great fan that he REALLY wanted.
And guess what happened next ... I joined the AFCA and became an avid fan collector. The AFCA mission succeeded, awareness of the hobby was elevated and the exchange of fans and useful information among its members continues.
It is not the purpose of this organization or this forum to withhold useful information from its members, but to share it. I, for one, will continue to do so for as long as I am a member.
By the way, I'm not attacking you about your blog. I think it is great and appreciate you sharing your knowledge with the rest of us. It is very helpful, and I mean that sincerely.
Last edited on Thu Jun 11th, 2015 11:18 pm by Marc Barnes