Be advised that VCP is capturing inaccurate "best offer" data
nam812
Posts: 10,602 ✭✭✭✭✭
This thread is not meant to bash VCP, but more to inform the members here who buy and sell based solely on VCP's data that they may be doing their potential customers a disservice.
In this thread from about 8 months ago I explained that VCP's data was not accurate with regard to store sellers that offered "XX% off" sales. I didn't bump the other thread with my new findings because this is a slightly different problem now, and possibly even more damaging to VCP's accuracy.
This new problem I've discovered is with VCP capturing accurate "best offer" data. Those that have a subscription to VCP can look up the 1962 Topps #1 Roger Maris PSA 4 that sold on 5/11/10 and see VCP has reported it as a $110 sale (a big thank you to the member that supplied me with that VCP info). The actual price was $82.50, and I know this because I was the seller. With best offers being so prevalent on eBay, what if they are all being captured inaccurately by VCP? Just think of how many eBay listings end via best offer.
In fairness to VCP, the eBay sale page shows "sold for $110", but that doesn't help those paying good money for VCP's data. Here is a screen capture from my paypal page showing it to be an $82.50 sale.
Like I said, I didnt start this thread to bash VCP, but rather to let the members here know that they should use VCP as a guideline instead of gospel.
In this thread from about 8 months ago I explained that VCP's data was not accurate with regard to store sellers that offered "XX% off" sales. I didn't bump the other thread with my new findings because this is a slightly different problem now, and possibly even more damaging to VCP's accuracy.
This new problem I've discovered is with VCP capturing accurate "best offer" data. Those that have a subscription to VCP can look up the 1962 Topps #1 Roger Maris PSA 4 that sold on 5/11/10 and see VCP has reported it as a $110 sale (a big thank you to the member that supplied me with that VCP info). The actual price was $82.50, and I know this because I was the seller. With best offers being so prevalent on eBay, what if they are all being captured inaccurately by VCP? Just think of how many eBay listings end via best offer.
In fairness to VCP, the eBay sale page shows "sold for $110", but that doesn't help those paying good money for VCP's data. Here is a screen capture from my paypal page showing it to be an $82.50 sale.
Like I said, I didnt start this thread to bash VCP, but rather to let the members here know that they should use VCP as a guideline instead of gospel.
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Comments
I think Nick will agree with you on that ... and so do I. I noticed that eBay listed items that way and wondered how VCP would pick it up. Now I know ... thanks Nick. Does VCP differentiate between a regular auction and a Best Offer? (I don't remember, as I have subscribed only a few times when I had a large amount of cards to sell.)
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
A) Swear by it.
C) Think it's saving them money when they use it for buying purposes. They arent saving anything because if best offers are captured wrong (too high) you're overpaying for cards if you buy cards according those inaccurately reported best offers.
Edited for spelling.
Finally!
An error/glitch that might actually benefit sellers.
lol
Thanks for the info.
Jeff
Steve
Nick took a best offer for 82.50 and ebay claims on the page it sold for the listing price.
A person would have to look at the bidding page to see what it actually sold at.
VCP got inaccurate data from ebay.
Steve
<< <i>Nick...not sure what I am missing here? Why does the ebay page say it sold for $110 when it did not?
Thanks for the info.
Jeff >>
I could be wrong but I think the "sold for" price for any Best offer is shown on eBay as the original asking price not the actual price paid.
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<< <i>Nick...not sure what I am missing here? Why does the ebay page say it sold for $110 when it did not?
Thanks for the info.
Jeff >>
I could be wrong but I think the "sold for" price for any Best offer is shown on eBay as the original asking price not the actual price paid. >>
If that is true, it makes no sense whatsoever
<< <i>I'm here to rip you on your 3.50 shipping fee for 1 PSA graded card.
Steve >>
Thank you for your respectful post.
I need to work on that part, lest people here think (if they don't already) that I'm FOS.
Steve
Jeff
<< <i>OK...as hammered said "that makes no sense at all". If this is true, does that mean that ebay fees are assessed on the $110 shown on the sale page or the $82.50???
Jeff >>
FVF based on actual sale price.
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<< <i>Nick...not sure what I am missing here? Why does the ebay page say it sold for $110 when it did not?
Thanks for the info.
Jeff >>
I could be wrong but I think the "sold for" price for any Best offer is shown on eBay as the original asking price not the actual price paid. >>
If that is true, it makes no sense whatsoever >>
Welcome to Ebay.
He found the error. He posted it and even made concessions that it may not be totally your fault.
It is incumbent on your site to check for accurate pricing. That is what members of your site are paying for, after all.
I don't think he was bashing you at all. Good luck in fixing this issue.
Robert
<< <i>With all due respect, Nick has done your work for you.
He found the error. He posted it and even made concessions that it may not be totally your fault.
It is incumbent on your site to check for accurate pricing. That is what members of your site are paying for, after all.
I don't think he was bashing you at all. Good luck in fixing this issue.
Robert >>
Sorry Robert, but I believe Bobby is right -- this seems like bashing to me.
Nam could have PMd Bobby about the error instead of making a thread first. A thread would be necessary if Bobby couldn't fix the problem.
only good will come of it...
although I believe this has been happening for longer then people know...
check out the link...
Complete Panels
Looking for 1970 MLB Photostamps
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<< <i>Nick, You say you are not bashing VCP and sounds like you are to me............. >>
I couldn't care less what it sounds like to you Bobby, or Mullins5 who is a known seller of counterfeits. Making this community aware is all I care about. If people choose to still spend their money with you after seeing these continuous problems then that's their business.
"...You say you are not bashing VCP and sounds like you are to me....."
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It may read that way, but if the issue was spoken to you
I doubt it would "sound" like bashing. Written words often
seem harsh when they convey any kind of headsup.
Posting a thread is the easiest and most useful way of letting
folks know when there is an issue. It helps the community to
know there is a problem and a solution.
He has every right to inform us and you through this forum.
You of course have the right to think whatever you choose.
Maybe Nick should use my sig line next time?
Steve
I believe Nick is doing the board a service by openly discussing issues regarding your site.
1) I'm willing to bet 95% of your 500+ posts here have been about VCP. You're either advertising, asking others not to abuse free requests, or discuss problems.
2) Since this is a major flaw in your calculations, potential Buyers should be advised ASAP that their reliable averages could be skewed in the Seller's favor. Seriously doubt you made your subscribers aware of this; would have fixed the problem and then swept it under the rug.
Don't get me wrong, it's a flaw within eBay, but when you rely on a 3rd party for information, you are just as responsible for the errors. No one is perfect but when you charge a monthly fee for a service, especially one that involves numbers and potential investments, calculations better be dang close to perfection.
<< <i>"...You say you are not bashing VCP and sounds like you are to me....."
//////////////////////////////////////
It may read that way, but if the issue was spoken to you
I doubt it would "sound" like bashing. Written words often
seem harsh when they convey any kind of headsup.
Posting a thread is the easiest and most useful way of letting
folks know when there is an issue. It helps the community to
know there is a problem and a solution. >>
I have also read dozens of thread praising VCP. It VCP can take a little praise for what they are doing right...they can take a few comments on what is not working.
Raw: Tony Gonzalez (low #'d cards, and especially 1/1's) and Steve Young.
<< <i>There are a number of members here that contact me all the time to fix things or help them out and I do so gladly. If there is an issue contact me and we will take care of it and get it fixed. I am very easy to get in touch with and usually respond back to people within minutes of receiving the email. And yes if I don't respond or we don't fix the problem then air it out on this board or any other board. But that will never be the case because in 5 years of operation I would like to think we are doing a good job of taking care of our members. As well I do not always check this board at all times of the day but do so with my email, I only found out about this is because a member emailed me telling me about it. >>
I suppose you are going to ask us not to give you praise either on the board?
Raw: Tony Gonzalez (low #'d cards, and especially 1/1's) and Steve Young.
Ebay is making everything hard.
Not being able to see who wins auctions is bull crap also and leads to an Elvis and Jerry Lewis hit song---Come on a baby, a whole lotta shilling going on.
How does anyone know what prices are accurate.
In my opinion alot of the big boys are shilling. It's bogus.
And yes VCP is far from Gospel. In a chitty economy sellers have to not be desperate.
Mickey71
PR has never been a strong point of VCP.
If VCP was to double check every buy it now listing that ended with a best offer then the service could easily be much more than the current $12 per month. They took a lot crap for going from $10 to $12 per month and if they upped the price to offset the labor it takes double check every best offer then the complaints would be even worse.
<< <i>PR has never been a strong point of VCP.
If VCP was to double check every buy it now listing that ended with a best offer then the service could easily be much more than the current $12 per month. They took a lot crap for going from $10 to $12 per month and if they upped the price to offset the labor it takes double check every best offer then the complaints would be even worse. >>
There is no reason a human would have to check to see if numbers match. A computer program could do that.
Of course, VCP appears as if they were unaware of the problem....I am sure they will get it fixed, or attempt to, now that they are.
Raw: Tony Gonzalez (low #'d cards, and especially 1/1's) and Steve Young.
<< <i>
<< <i>Nick, You say you are not bashing VCP and sounds like you are to me............. >>
I couldn't care less what it sounds like to you Bobby, or Mullins5 who is a known seller of counterfeits. Making this community aware is all I care about. If people choose to still spend their money with you after seeing these continuous problems then that's their business. >>
$12 shipped and stamped "REPRINT" on the back.
Just a few suggestions, Bobby: Stop being so defensive! It appears EVERY time someone says something critical (whether a bash or constructive feedback -- and almost always a legitimate concern), you take it the wrong way and act defensive.
You provide a nice product. However, with the changes that go on with eBay, the issues with access to some of the major auction house's hammer prices and more end users expecting better accuracy reflected by the total sales spectrum, you should expect some feedback when something isn't as it should be.
Rather than acting like the parent of a perfect child, accept the feedback and work on it. A reaction isn't always necessary. Sometimes it would be nice if you just responded, "Thanks for the heads-up. It's something we were unaware of and will address immediately. Thank you for letting me know." That wouldn't be too hard, would it?
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<< <i>Nick, You say you are not bashing VCP and sounds like you are to me............. >>
I couldn't care less what it sounds like to you Bobby, or Mullins5 who is a known seller of counterfeits. Making this community aware is all I care about. If people choose to still spend their money with you after seeing these continuous problems then that's their business. >>
$12 shipped and stamped "REPRINT" on the back. >>
Selective Memory
Attempted auction on eBay with NO reprint stamp.
Got caught and cried about being outed on the board in PM and eBay pulled auctions (and they have done so repeatedly).
Or maybe you forgot about that?
Jeff
Miscut Museum
My Mess
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<< <i>Nick, You say you are not bashing VCP and sounds like you are to me............. >>
I couldn't care less what it sounds like to you Bobby, or Mullins5 who is a known seller of counterfeits. Making this community aware is all I care about. If people choose to still spend their money with you after seeing these continuous problems then that's their business. >>
$12 shipped and stamped "REPRINT" on the back. >>
Selective Memory
Attempted auction on eBay with NO reprint stamp.
Got caught and cried about being outed on the board in PM and eBay pulled auctions (and they have done so repeatedly).
Or maybe you forgot about that? >>
What does this have to do with anything?
<< <i>Amazing how quickly some people will get their panties in a bundle.
Just a few suggestions, Bobby: Stop being so defensive! It appears EVERY time someone says something critical (whether a bash or constructive feedback -- and almost always a legitimate concern), you take it the wrong way and act defensive.
You provide a nice product. However, with the changes that go on with eBay, the issues with access to some of the major auction house's hammer prices and more end users expecting better accuracy reflected by the total sales spectrum, you should expect some feedback when something isn't as it should be.
Rather than acting like the parent of a perfect child, accept the feedback and work on it. A reaction isn't always necessary. Sometimes it would be nice if you just responded, "Thanks for the heads-up. It's something we were unaware of and will address immediately. Thank you for letting me know." That wouldn't be too hard, would it? >>
__________________
I couldn't agree more with you Scott. I subscribe to VCP and thinks its great to use as a general guide, but once again here is another example why we should not use it as the sole guide of price. I have complained over and over on the boards about potential buyers who ask how much a card I have for sale is, then say my price is too high and that VCP average is this much... so I will give you this. I have a pretty large graded vintage football collection and I would estimate that 90% of my buys do not show on VCP...we all know the limitations of it.
I think that posts like this are positive for the hobby (maybe not for Bobby) and should not be discouraged.
View Vintage Football Cards For Sale
Tell them the average price id for an average specimen, the one you have for sale is above average
and you will take the highest VCP listed sale.
Or tell them to buy it from VCP!
Scott as usual you said what many of us were thinking.
Steve
<< <i>
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<< <i>Nick, You say you are not bashing VCP and sounds like you are to me............. >>
I couldn't care less what it sounds like to you Bobby, or Mullins5 who is a known seller of counterfeits. Making this community aware is all I care about. If people choose to still spend their money with you after seeing these continuous problems then that's their business. >>
$12 shipped and stamped "REPRINT" on the back. >>
Selective Memory
Attempted auction on eBay with NO reprint stamp.
Got caught and cried about being outed on the board in PM and eBay pulled auctions (and they have done so repeatedly).
Or maybe you forgot about that? >>
What does this have to do with anything? >>
It means you can not dispute being called a known seller of counterfeits and relates directly to your reply.
Raw: Tony Gonzalez (low #'d cards, and especially 1/1's) and Steve Young.