I'v read with interest the ongoing discussions lately about pricing posters and the perception of something being priced high or low and the lack of reality on the part of buyers and sellers.
As a career marketer, I can tell you there are probably at least 30 to 40 different pricing methods or strategies that have been used to price product, both new and old. Some work in some markets but not in others. At the end of the day, the price is what the consumer is willing to pay for something ( I think Kirby has reminded us of this several times). In addition, in my view, to gain high or premium prices, the seller must create the "value" in the mind of the consumer to command the price. For example, I have a neighbor that is a whiz at yard sales and makes a fortune. He advertises well, puts items in plastic bags with labels and every item is priced. He claims that he gets higher prices for similar items when he puts them in plastic, which gives the illusion of better condition. Go figure. Many consider the field of consumer behavior to be a solid behavioral science. Trying to relate buying behavior to price and product is like stock picking. What always intrigued me as a marketer and still does is the channel implication of ebay. With the advent of the Internet, it is hard to imagine a larger and more diverse channel of commerce than the internet. I'd give my eye teeth to find a distribution channel like this that is 24/7, international, works in different currencies and languages, offers different payment methods, is searchable and offers some form of buyer assurance and can handle just about any product and priced item. My products are subject to regulation (ie FDA) so we can't and don't put them on the Internet since they require a prescription or pharmacy license. Ebay and internet commerce have their limitations, but they have given consumers unprecedented access to products, pricing and markets, regardless of how flawed the product may be, how inappropriate the pricing may be or the description may be. I've had some conversations with collectors outside of the poster world. I get the sense that there is a slow but deliberate movement back to collectibles for investment purposes or as a hedge given the disastrous stock and real estate markets. But I also get the sense that in many collector markets, there is little rhyme or reason to what sells and what does not. Any thoughts? Eric Melanson 105 Duchess Place North Wales, PA. 19454 phone:(215)-368-7224 cell:(215)-275-0006 email: eric...@comcast.net Visit the MoPo Mailing List Web Site at www.filmfan.com ___________________________________________________________________ How to UNSUBSCRIBE from the MoPo Mailing List Send a message addressed to: lists...@listserv.american.edu In the BODY of your message type: SIGNOFF MOPO-L The author of this message is solely responsible for its content.