No bargains on ebay

[fiatben]

What is the deal that used parts on ebay often go for nearly as much, if not more, than new parts from Shopsmith? I'm a poor, out-of-work owner of an old machine and I can't even catch a good deal on a power coupling. I don't believe a Shopsmith wears out quick enough to generate this much demand. And there are obviously several people making moolah by finding old machines, disassembling and putting the parts on ebay. Is it that hard to get new parts from Shopsmith? I catch rumors on here that they are struggling to stay afloat. If so, then hoarding does seem to be in order, but to the extent of actually paying more than retail? I'm very interested in what you guys think about this.

[dusty]

What is the deal that used parts on ebay often go for nearly as much, if not more, than new parts from Shopsmith? I'm a poor, out-of-work owner of an old machine and I can't even catch a good deal on a power coupling. I don't believe a Shopsmith wears out quick enough to generate this much demand. And there are obviously several people making moolah by finding old machines, disassembling and putting the parts on ebay. Is it that hard to get new parts from Shopsmith? I catch rumors on here that they are struggling to stay afloat. If so, then hoarding does seem to be in order, but to the extent of actually paying more than retail? I'm very interested in what you guys think about this.It is true that Shopsmith has been struggling but then so are the banks, the auto manufacturers and you and I. This should not be a surprise. But I do not believe that to be the major problem for what you describe. There seems to be a resurgence in DIY wood workers and many of them have Shopsmiths.

Why? Because this machine just does not give up; it just keeps making sawdust. Yes, a few people out there are taking advantage of this and are buying up older machines and parting them out. I suspect them are doing pretty well for themselves and I don't blame them even though I hate to see a machine go this way. It is a function of the laws of supply and demand.

Many of the buyers of used parts apparently don't look to Shopsmith for parts and I don't know why. It is very true that these parts often sell for much more than I would think they should; especially when I know that they can be purchased from Shopsmith. Sometimes they go on back order but with patience the parts will become available.

fiatben, if you need a power coupler so that you can make sawdust along with me...let me know. Send me a private message and we can work out some sort of a deal so that you are not without. I don't want to just sell a power coupler outright (this would be my spare) but I am willing to allow you the use of one until you can replace it. You pay the shipping.

BTW Shopsmith is not about to go under. Are you aware that they are about to announce the release of a new model - the Mark V PowerPro.

[heathicus]

Great explanation Dusty. Along with that, there's also the explanation that, for what ever reason, people are willing to pay too much on eBay. Do an eBay search for coupons. You'll find people buying coupons at or ABOVE face value! I just don't understand that.

[mickyd]

Great explanation Dusty. Along with that, there's also the explanation that, for what ever reason, people are willing to pay too much on eBay. Do an eBay search for coupons. You'll find people buying coupons at or ABOVE face value! I just don't understand that.
The desire to win the bid can override logic and sense. Bidding frenzy. Kind of link an addiction.

[JPG40504]

The desire to win the bid can override logic and sense. Bidding frenzy. Kind of link an addiction.
One possible factor that has NOT been mentioned is ignorance on the part of the buyer of shopsmith's present existance.

Fiatben: PM me your snail-mail address and I will send you one - no strings!

[vzandt]

I diasagree with the entire premise of this. Sure there are those that pay too much for things, but there are deals to be had. I just bought a upgraded carraige assembly (510) for $56 in like new condition. The same part is $176 from Shopsmith. Not too shaby if you ask me. Also, entire Mark V units are there from $200 up depending on condition/age. When was the last time you saw one froi Shopsmith at that kind of price? I am not knocking Shopsmith. when rebuilding my unit I bought 1/2 the parts from them and split the other 1/2 between local and ebay sellers. I went the price route and bought cheap where I could. The biggest problem I had was the wait for parts from Shopsmith. I had everything local and the ebay stuff over a week and a half before the Shopsmith parts shipped.

[joedw00]

The desire to win the bid can override logic and sense. Bidding frenzy. Kind of link an addiction.
I agree, they are not looking at the price, just the win.

[stevespix]

A lot of new people to ebay simply do not check prices or set limits to what they will pay which is ok for sellers. Some of it is fear they are not going to get the part they need. Some of it is greed, where sellers have their friends and neighbors bid up their items to get a higher price. Some time those of you who are your own worst ememies by bidding the items up so high, having patience will pay off. Ebay is not the only source for parts, I run across deals on shopsmiths all the time, personally I'm just at my limit on space and numbers, I have 2 510's and one ER.

Also if Shopsmith were better at pricing their parts and filling orders in a timely matter, they might find out they could be come a profitable company and have a repeat business from a solid customer base.