I’ve only bought and sold a couple items on eBay over the years, but I have to say I find the place pretty fascinating. I’m always amazed by the things people do and don’t bid on. Items you think have no or very little value end up finding some funny niche and just confounding your expectations, while things you expect to do very well just sit there, ignored.
As of this writing I have three active auctions going, all of which are for old coins that came from my grandfather’s estate. I was surprised that one of the coins, a 1908 Barber quarter, shot up in price to almost $48 on its first day at sale. Meanwhile, two other sets of the same year’s coin (but different series) have gained almost no interest.
The best eBay surprise from the last couple days, though, was the auction for the old 802.11b Apple Airport card that came out of my mom’s dead iBook. Before the end of the first day at sale, it sold for $100, its original price.
I may end up selling more coins if these current auctions all go well. The nice thing about selling coins or other collectibles is that you don’t have to be a certified appraiser to figure out the value of your item. Just let the market price it for you.