Do auctions make people lose sense?

[mewalke]

Based on recent perusing at GunBroker, I would have to say yes. People are bidding $160+ for Hi-Points, then have to pay $15-30 for shipping and $25+ for FFL transfer. So yes, auctions make people go nuts.

Other examples from GunBroker are people bidding $.50/round or more for Winchester white-box .223 when you can readily get it from various online sources for $.45/round or less AFTER shipping.

It's one reason I rarely visit the auction sites when looking for a good deal. It is rare to come across one at an online auction.

[bizarrenormality]

It's one reason I rarely visit the auction sites when looking for a good deal. It is rare to come across one at an online auction.

I feel the same way about gun shows but at least the online auction sites don't hate CHLs.

[cb1000rider]

I feel the same way about gun shows but at least the online auction sites don't hate CHLs.

And they're still cheaper than a local gun show.

[bauer]

I'm pretty sure eBay produced a study a few years back that stated individuals will typically spend 20% more on an auction then they will at fixed prices. I'll see if I can find the research.

[mewalke]

I'm pretty sure eBay produced a study a few years back that stated individuals will typically spend 20% more on an auction then they will at fixed prices. I'll see if I can find the research.

I wouldn't be surprised. I would also bet that most people who buy at auction don't do their research before hand to understand that the market will pay for those items (or they don't care). The only way I can imagine justifying a 20% price premium over the market rate would be if it was a rare collectible that doesn't come up for sale often.

[VMI77]

Not to mention make the counterfeiter crazy. Who'd want to counterfeit something so awful?

Playing devils advocate, some people counterfeit US dollars.

Yeah, but they call themselves the Fed and they get away with it.

[cb1000rider]

I'm pretty sure eBay produced a study a few years back that stated individuals will typically spend 20% more on an auction then they will at fixed prices. I'll see if I can find the research.

I'll wager that it's category specific. Generally that's not going to be the case.
However, need the latest gadget *right now* and you're going to pay more than the retail price, especially if it's in high demand.