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
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