This is the second post today along the same line. I did a lot of E-bay window shopping this weekend.
I almost feel compeled to send a message to the seller asking why $80
Full Version: Am I Missing Something???????
Esterbrook on E-bay
This is the second post today along the same line. I did a lot of E-bay window shopping this weekend.
I almost feel compeled to send a message to the seller asking why $80
This is the second post today along the same line. I did a lot of E-bay window shopping this weekend.
I almost feel compeled to send a message to the seller asking why $80
When I first started to look for an esterbrook to buy I looked on Ebay, and my perception of market prices is that a good looking, restored esterbrook (which probably just means a new sac) is worth about 50 dollars.
It's a bit strange that competition hasn't driven the pens to the prices of pens going on this forum, but I guess there are enough buyers willing to pay for pens at 50 dollars. I think the seller is just being optimistic here, though new buyers who don't know better may pay that price for it.
It's a bit strange that competition hasn't driven the pens to the prices of pens going on this forum, but I guess there are enough buyers willing to pay for pens at 50 dollars. I think the seller is just being optimistic here, though new buyers who don't know better may pay that price for it.
The most I have payed for an Esterbrook of this color and style was $40. What's worse, said seller is not showing pictures of the nib which tends to make me leary.
There are others on E-Bay now starting at about $9.
While I'm on a role, this is a copy from an auction for one of the pens I am watching. I find it kind of....rude for some reason.
"AT Auction is this Vintage Esterbrook Fountain Pen burgundy with silver trim. It is 5 inches with the cap on. It has the Esterbrook 2556 nib. Like all pens that come from estate sales, we just buy them and sell them as is, restoration is your responsibility. Please look at the photos and make your decision accordingly"
There are others on E-Bay now starting at about $9.
While I'm on a role, this is a copy from an auction for one of the pens I am watching. I find it kind of....rude for some reason.
"AT Auction is this Vintage Esterbrook Fountain Pen burgundy with silver trim. It is 5 inches with the cap on. It has the Esterbrook 2556 nib. Like all pens that come from estate sales, we just buy them and sell them as is, restoration is your responsibility. Please look at the photos and make your decision accordingly"
| QUOTE (zicheng @ Mar 26 2007, 12:46 PM) |
| When I first started to look for an esterbrook to buy I looked on Ebay, and my perception of market prices is that a good looking, restored esterbrook (which probably just means a new sac) is worth about 50 dollars. |
I think, with a little patience, you can do much better than that (if we're talking J's). I've purchased some 14 or so J's from ebay over the last two months and the average cost I've paid per pen is under $15. 5 or 6 of these pens came fully functional. 2 or 3 are not so good cosmetically (mismatched cap, teeth marks, etc.). The rest just need new sacs.
From what I've seen prices on Ebay are quite variable. Deals can be had if you're willing to wait and perhaps replace a sac, etc.
| QUOTE (EventHorizon @ Mar 26 2007, 10:17 AM) |
| I almost feel compeled to send a message to the seller asking why $80 |
You're paying for the honor of buying a pen from him.
Don't laugh too much, I've seen well known and respected dealers actually sell common dollar pens for $100.
Personally, I think it's rape. Sure, someone's going to tell me there's a warranty, or the comfort of buying from someone known and not Joe Blow on ebay, or that this is all about economics and a willing buyer and seller. Humbug. Esterbrook were made to be usable by the common man, and the price on the common pens (which there are oodles and oodles of) should reflect that.
Just my $.02 though-
Brian
| QUOTE (Brian Anderson @ Mar 27 2007, 06:16 PM) | ||
You're paying for the honor of buying a pen from him. |
Now that's a good way to put it. I am really beginning to lose my patience/like of E-Bay. I love the auction aspect of it but that has become about it. The more I have learned over the past few years has put Antique dealers in the same boat as E-bay....for me anyway.
| QUOTE |
| You're paying for the honor of buying a pen from him. |
I've bought several J-models from dealers we all know and prefer knowing they will work on arrival. I don't think I've ever paid over $45 or so for restored. I will buy NOS nibs on EBay, but not pens.
| QUOTE (FarmBoy @ Mar 28 2007, 09:36 PM) | ||
|
Nice price on a restored Estie with a 9XXX nib
| QUOTE (FarmBoy @ Mar 28 2007, 08:36 PM) | ||
|
If I had the cash I would jump on that one. I think I've bought from that seller before.
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