An eBay What Would You Do

airplanenut · May 30, 2004 1:16AM

Ok, you've probably seen me ranting about not having a counter show up on my auction.... well, here's what's happening.

I started the auction on the 26th (Wednesday) to run for 10 days and end Saturday night. From the auction's start, nouw 3 1/2 days, I haven't gotten a counter to work. Finally, today, I was able to register with Andale and add another, which means I can see the results at Andale's site, even if not on the eBay page.

...BUT, I have no idea how many people have seen the item--I know how many people are watching, but I have no clue if others may or may not have a mental note/book mark created to bring them back and bid. As it is, the bid is quite low right now.

So, what would you do? Let the auction run and hope for the best? Add a note that the counters weren't working, which was important, and say the auction will be relisted next week? Something else?

I don't want to piss people off, but I also don't want to get burned on the sale.

Thanks for your help,

Jeremy

braddick · May 30, 2004 1:19AM

Without getting into how much of a bummer ten day auctions are (!!

!!), let the coin (blue toned proof Lincoln?) run. I'd image there are lots of folks watching that one (myself included) that'll quickly become aware if you kill the auction early.

Honestly, I didn't know counters were that important.

CoinHunter2003 · May 30, 2004 1:27AM

What braddick said - ho humm for the counter.

sTONER · May 30, 2004 1:32AM

let it run NUT

CarlWohlforth · May 30, 2004 1:45AM

I almost never use counters. I guess they can be usefull when comparing differing auction formats for the same item. What would I do if I felt not enough people were looking at my auction? Nothing. I can't force people to look. What do you do if the counter seems low? How many hits are low anyway? I'm asking because maybe I'm missing something and maybe I should start using counters more often...

RYK · May 30, 2004 1:57AM

Agree with above sentiments...counter, schmounter.

DorkGirl · May 30, 2004 1:57AM

If I find a coin I'm interested in buying, I don't care how many other people have seen it. I don't even care about the counters. It doesn't make any difference to me whether they have a counter or not. Do you ever bid more than a coin is worth because a lot of other people looked at it? Nobody would, IMHO. Don't worry about the counter thing, you still have almost a week to go. I'm sure that your coin will do just fine, it's beautiful!!!

Coins101 · May 30, 2004 2:12AM

According to ebay rules, you have to let it run:

Reasons for ending listings early include:
The item is no longer available for sale.
There was an error in the starting price or reserve amount.
There was an error in the listing.
The item was lost or broken.

I suppose you could lie and say it is no longer available. I don't believe the counter not working would qualify as an error as it is only an optional service. Remember, signing up with ebay is a contract and you agree with their terms!

Sorry, but you seem to be standing on a soap box about abiding by ebay rules and here you are talking about breaking them. What do you call a person who does not follow their own preaching?

airplanenut · May 30, 2004 2:18AM

<< <i>There was an error in the listing. >>

Something not working would be an error

Louis · May 30, 2004 2:26AM

Will the counter affect the outcome of the auction ? I don't think so, let it run it's course.

flaminio · May 30, 2004 2:31AM

I don't even use counters on my auctions anymore. I find them more annoying than useful -- rarely does it equate with bids.

wildjag · May 30, 2004 2:33AM

I admit I like to watch the counter and see how many people have visited my auctions also. But a low visit number might just mean that we are all waiting to snipe this auction at the last second. I would just let it run and see how it turns out.

astrorat · May 30, 2004 2:49AM

What is the relevance of having a counter? Do people actually change their bidding based on how many folks have VIEWED the item? If so, please explain the strategy as it does not seem intuitive to me. Thanks.

Lane

solid · May 30, 2004 3:04AM

Counters can be good for sellers, as it can give you a relative idea of
the interest in an item.

I don't think counters mean beans to buyers.

tggr · May 30, 2004 3:09AM

nice looking coin let it run

airplanenut · May 30, 2004 3:09AM

I could elaborate--part of the reason I sold this coin is to test the waters... I want to know the interest in toned proof lincolns... without counters, I'll have to gauge it on bids only, as opposed to views of people who might be interested in the type of coin, but not the one I'm selling.

Jeremy

Russ · May 30, 2004 3:15AM

<< <i>I want to know the interest in toned proof lincolns... >>

Unless the coin is an uber-grade or extraordinary true rainbow toning, interest is low.

Edited to add: I just looked at your auction. Cool coin that will bring about $20.

Russ, NCNE

mgoodm3 · May 30, 2004 3:20AM

Run it.

Craton · May 30, 2004 4:36AM

Let it run. As others have said, counters will have zero affect on the outcome of the auction. I use counters but if I had one that was not functioning I wouldn't be concearned. As a seller I like them just to get a feel for who has checked it out and as a buyer I could care less how many numbers were on the counter. As a seller I consider them nothing more then a novelty ... they are fun to watch.

airplanenut · May 30, 2004 10:05AM

I see the light... the auction will run

mkrone · May 30, 2004 10:09AM

Trying to guage the interest in a particular coin is shown by what people are willing to pay, not whether they browsed or not. The winning bid will give you the answer.

An eBay What Would You Do

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