eBay seller etiquette question...

MULLINS5 · April 7, 2009 3:18AM

I listed a PSA graded card on eBay and later that evening somebody else listed the exact same card, grade and with the same opening bid (.99)

I am just curious what people think about this: is it okay to list something that somebody just listed? I usually wait until a current auction ends before I list a card if it is precisely the same card and grade, to me it just seems like it is the right thing to let somebody’s auction run its course before you take bids from them.

Patrick

lsutigers1973 · April 7, 2009 3:19AM

<< <i>eBay seller etiquette >>

I am unfamiliar with this term.

storm888 · April 7, 2009 3:27AM

Seller's can list whatever they want, whenever they want.

Might not be smart, but it's not rude.

AkbarClone · April 7, 2009 3:50AM

With thousands of sellers and multi-thousands of auctions, I doubt many sellers even look to see if a same type/grade card is for sale (unless it might be a very rare/low pop/expensive card) before listing--especially for 99 cent auctions. EBay is a worldwide market place--neighborhood etiquette does not apply.

JVette · April 7, 2009 4:06AM

I, like many others I am sure, use a listing service (I use Auctiva). This allows me to create and save my listings, and schedule them to post at whatever date and time I choose. Many times this is done days in advance. There have been times when I have listed an item that overlaps another card of the same grade and type. I had no idea it would happen when I scheduled the listing to post. I find this disappointing and would prefer that it didn't happen, but am willing to accept this as a price of the convenience of scheduling listings in advance. No lack of courtesy intended.

- Jack

mtcards · April 7, 2009 4:09AM

I have no problem with it. Like was mentioned before, a good amount of listings have multiple items of the same listed.

TheTalkingWalnut · April 7, 2009 4:10AM

As an online seller for 14 years, this has never crossed my mind - I wouldn't undercut a friend (if aware) but I wouldn't hesitate to list something at a specific time if it was likely to make me an extra nickel. Capitalism is war.

I have other reasons for not listing things opposite other auctions, but etiquette is not one of them.

KbKards · April 7, 2009 4:20AM

"I listed a PSA graded card on eBay and later that evening somebody else listed the exact same card, grade and with the same opening bid (.99)"

If the other guy really did list the exact same card down to the serial number you should report his auction to Ebay. Otherwise, welcome to Ebay. If your card gets a big jump due to early bids get ready for 10 more auctions and BIN to be listed with free oven mitts.

swartz1 · April 7, 2009 4:24AM

link please...thanks

mike92694 · April 7, 2009 4:33AM

"All is fair in love and war" and on eBay too.

WinPitcher · April 7, 2009 5:30AM

What Akbar said...............

Steve

PowderedH2O · April 7, 2009 5:40AM

If I am listing 100 items, I don't have time to check all 100 to see who else might have listed it. Plus, 99 cents is a pretty common opening bid. Don't sweat it.

minnesotahusker · April 7, 2009 5:49AM

I see no problems. Free enterprise. I don't see companies who offer similar or identical products in the business world waiting for the other business to quit selling before starting to sell a product. Would be a bad business decision.

jivan · April 7, 2009 6:57AM

Are you really serious????? on ebay there is no "right thing" as long as auction is honest...people are not going to wait for auctions to run their course and then list things... you would be waiting forever.. millions of sellers.. millions of buyers...on the other end of this.. I have seen sellers sell 10 of the same cards and list them all at the same time.. how does that make sense?? I have listed loads of cards and then see others list them as well.... this ain't the boy scouts.. just my 2 cents { imean my life savings}

MULLINS5 · April 7, 2009 7:02AM

Usually when I list a card I check to see if somebody already has a current auction going. If they do then I wait for their auction to end before I list mine. This has an advantage as I can see the bid activity on a card that I am about to list. But more importantly I do not want to take bids from the other seller which can drive down bids for both auctions.

I also agree with the people who say that anybody can list cards even in these circumstances, it is fair game, but it’s not something that I participate in personally.
And I am not in any way upset with the seller for posting his item as he can post whatever card he wants, I only wanted to bring it to the attention of the board for opinions on eBay posting “etiquette”.
Here is the link to my auction:

Gretzky OPC 1980 PSA 8 Link

Thanks for everyone’s view so far,

Patrick

RonBurgundy · April 7, 2009 8:45AM

It happens on Ebay. You might contact the other seller if he's listing a group that's exactly like yours so you don't cannibalize each other. If it's just a card or two I wouldn't worry about it.

WinPitcher · April 7, 2009 9:41AM

Some might say you breached the etiquette of this board.

Steve

MrVintage · April 7, 2009 9:46AM

I don't believe that you should have to ask anyone if you can list a card that you want to sell. Did you check and make sure that their wasn't the same card already listed before you listed yours? If so why?

eBay seller etiquette question...

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