STOP THE INSANITY

[mrclark321]

Can you believe this????

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7513977110&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEDW%3AIT&rd=1

[Carzee]

Can't believe the counter is nearly a thousand... isn't it a price more than 200mm f2.8 L prime?

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

holy crap! $700?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!??!?!?! That's SO MUCH! Omg, that's 150 more than they could have got it for at bhphoto.com! Jeeeezzzz might as well just start buying these things from bhphoto.com for resale if they're sellin for that much!

[cdhender]

Seriously, are people that dumb? Do they even check the price new?

[cfcRebel]

Seriously, are people that dumb? Do they even check the price new?
Unfortunately yes, no. Some people really live in eBay world. If they need toilet papers, they go to ebay.

Dan, let's start a 70-200f4L business on eBay. I have 43 feedbacks on my account, all 100% positive.;) Should be a good start.

[napolar]

My 70-200 F4 L is coming tomorrow. If anyone out there wants to give me $700.00 for it, I'll even pay the shipping. Please note for another $1200.00 I'll ship my Digital Rebel and for $500.00 you can take my EOS 630. :D I will make a concession and sell you the whole deal for $2200, but at that price I will require the purchaser to pay the shipping as well. :lol::lol::lol:

[mrclark321]

Hard to believe everyone!!!!
Hey Rebel it might be a good idea, maybe we can sell some swampland in Florida to go with it....seems like there is a lot of carp out there...lol

Rebel...you really don't want this lense anymore??

Dan

[tommykjensen]

The price may seem high for US buyers. However do remember that in some countries the prices are much higher than in US.

For example this particular lens cost approx $1000 in Denmark!

That said, I would not buy it via ebay from USA at that price.

[Citizensmith]

Ebay is fantastic. I sold my 50 1.8 and 100 2.0 on there, both at a profit. I thing they provide a great service getting all the stupid people and putting them somewhere you can find them.

Inflatable dart board anyone? Comes with free can of snake oil.

[fetching]

does anyone have any idea of what the 50mm 1.8 MK I is going for on there these days? I'm tempted to put mine up there and then put the money towards my 17-40L and then buying another 50mm if/when i want one.

[Wazza]

That's cheap in comparison to NZ.

Canon EF 70-200mm f4 L USM $1,335.90 NZ (961 USD)

So who is really getting ripped off? :rolleyes:

[LesE]

You guys in the States don't know how good you've got it! This lens went for $770 including international shipping which is around GBP420. The average discounted price of the lens in the UK is GBP490 so that's a reasonable saving if you don't get stung for import tax and VAT. Granted it might be cheaper to buy from a US retailer (if they will ship to the UK) but not too many users will know who to go to.

If we could find a way of shipping it over here we'd buy petrol (gas) at twice what you pay and save ourselves a fortune!

[Rob612]

Unfortunately yes, no. Some people really live in eBay world. If they need toilet papers, they go to ebay.

Dan, let's start a 70-200f4L business on eBay. I have 43 feedbacks on my account, all 100% positive.;) Should be a good start.

I have a 100% positove feedback for a total of 61 even to expensive stuff (up to 650 EU, that makes about 850 US$). Let's start it :D

[Ikinaa]

I think this ebay-auction isn't bad either ...

http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=80372&item=7514440417&rd=1

it's in german, but here's what he's selling : he's selling a cash-back-check for the canon ef300mmL4
A cash-back check which can be ordered for nothing by canon here (http://www.canonextrapromotion.com)
Canon even pays the postage for sending it to you...

The guy in the auction asks 1euro postage for sending it...

[Ikinaa]

For those interested in the 70-200L4 in Europe, I found the cheapest at www.fotomeile.de (http://www.fotomeile.de), it's 621 Euro + postage.
They're in Bonn in Germany.
As I'm not too far away from there, I guess in the next month or so, I'll go there and get it in personal (no postage to pay) and combine it with a visit to Cologne which is just a few kilometers away :D

[tommykjensen]

I think this ebay-auction isn't bad either ...

http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=80372&item=7514440417&rd=1

it's in german, but here's what he's selling : he's selling a cash-back-check for the canon ef300mmL4
A cash-back check which can be ordered for nothing by canon here (http://www.canonextrapromotion.com)
Canon even pays the postage for sending it to you...

The guy in the auction asks 1euro postage for sending it...

Remember some countries are excluded from this cash back. For example Denmark. Now if all that has to be done is to send that voucher to the address listed to get a check then I could be tempted to buy it. Obviously it would be a total bummer if Canon sends the money to the person that requested the voucher on the website. On the website danes are excluded from requesting this voucher.

[Ikinaa]

Remember some countries are excluded from this cash back. For example Denmark. Now if all that has to be done is to send that voucher to the address listed to get a check then I could be tempted to buy it. Obviously it would be a total bummer if Canon sends the money to the person that requested the voucher on the website. On the website danes are excluded from requesting this voucher.

If you are excluded from requesting the voucher, how could you possibley get the money with a 'grey-market'-voucher?

[tommykjensen]

If you are excluded from requesting the voucher, how could you possibley get the money with a 'grey-market'-voucher?

I don't know, thats the catch.... And I believe the lens also has to be purchased in one or the participating countries so I would not be able to get it anyway :mad:

[lomond]

$700, thats cheap here.
I would have to pay around £500 in the UK, thats abot $900.

I agree........... STOP THE INSANITY

[fetching]

That's cheap in comparison to NZ.

Canon EF 70-200mm f4 L USM $1,335.90 NZ (961 USD)

So who is really getting ripped off? :rolleyes:


okay, but wouldn't it still be cheaper if you ordered it from B&H, the same place americans are buying their cheap lenses from?

[pierrot]

This lens is officially around $ 1,000 here in France though one can find it @ $ 850 :?

[Wazza]

okay, but wouldn't it still be cheaper if you ordered it from B&H, the same place americans are buying their cheap lenses from?

Yeah I've thought about that. But I'm not looking at getting any new lens for a while.
I purchased my 2 new lens, locally, and paid a LOT for them, by international standards, but lower than most other NZ New retailers. My 17-40, I paid NZ$1550 for (US$1100)... I had only just got the camera, and I needed lens to be attached quick.

The problem though, is I've then got to add 12.5% tax, and about $100 US in shipping for larger, heavier products. When I was looking at the 17-40L, it only worked out about 15% cheaper from B&H and it wasn't worth the wait.
However, some certain lens, could be better off getting from there, even after the extra charges. Particularly the 100-400L, which I may look at getting around the end of the year.

[tommykjensen]

The problem though, is I've then got to add 12.5% tax, and about $100 US in shipping for larger, heavier products.

You are still lucky. If I order from B&H I have to add 25% VAT.

[Wazza]

You are still lucky. If I order from B&H I have to add 25% VAT.

Yeah, that is pretty steep. What would be a funnier laugh, if we compared GDP or average salary against these astronomical prices. The price gap of 20-50% on most lens, would certainly go beyond 200% when the average wage is considered as well.

I might just stick to a 2nd hand lens, and end up still paying more than retail price in the States.

[cfcRebel]

Rebel...you really don't want this lense anymore??

Dan I think it doesn't give me enough reach for that price. I know, i'm comparing L with non-L(Bigma) but i'm afraid if i buy it, it ends up sitting in my bag most of the time due to the reasons I mentioned in another thread of yours.
So far the one that will fit is either a 100-400L or Bigma50-500mm. Man, my dream lens is getting more and more expensive. :oops:

[JereMIA]

Judging by the winning bidder's EBay rating, he is located in Massachusetts (by looking at past items which he has sold) Assuming this is where the lens is being shipped to, the seller also hit him $25.00 to ship it from Maryland, + another 10.00 for the optional insurance!

[Andy_T]

There are some HK sellers on eBay that sell new-in-box high-value EOS lenses (e.g. L and Sigma EX) that advertise that they will write everything on the package to help you minimize your duties, e.g. commercial sample with no value or else (but they also state that it's your risk if you have to pay VAT and duty).

They have very good feedback, with many buyers remarking 'good transaction with no surprises :wink: ', but also the occasional 'good price, but with VAT+duty it was more expensive than local ... but I knew that before'.

Might be tempting.

Best regards,
Andy

PS: Tommy, if you have relatives in more civilized EU countries (I have a colleague who is from Denmark, and when she told me that you have to pay 25%VAT + 60% registration duty on a car like in an average third-world-country, I was quite shocked :shock: ), they might buy the lens for you and cash in the rebate.

Best regards,
Andy

[cdhender]

I didn't realize how much non-Nort'h Americans got screwed on prices. 25% VAT? That just sucks, especially on a $1000 purchase.

Hell, it might be cheaper just to fly over here yourselves and buy a bunch of stuff :lol:

[tommykjensen]

There are some HK sellers on eBay that sell new-in-box high-value EOS lenses (e.g. L and Sigma EX) that advertise that they will write everything on the package to help you minimize your duties, e.g. commercial sample with no value or else (but they also state that it's your risk if you have to pay VAT and duty).


I heard that some HK dealers would write their cost price on the customs declaration which would seem a bit more "honest" way of doing this. You would still pay VAT but it would be of an smaller amount.



PS: Tommy, if you have relatives in more civilized EU countries (I have a colleague who is from Denmark, and when she told me that you have to pay 25%VAT + 60% registration duty on a car like in an average third-world-country, I was quite shocked :shock: ), they might buy the lens for you and cash in the rebate.


60% registration duty on a car can't quite cut it. Some cars are 2 or 3 times more expensive in Denmark than in other countries!

I think my next lens *need* to be bought in the USA. The next lens on my wish list is the 70-200 f/2.8 IS to replace my f/4 lens. This lens cost $1640 at B&H, in Denmark the lowest price is $2400 !

[tommykjensen]

Hell, it might be cheaper just to fly over here yourselves and buy a bunch of stuff :lol:

Yep, look at my last post.

[Andy_T]

I think my next lens *need* to be bought in the USA. The next lens on my wish list is the 70-200 f/2.8 IS to replace my f/4 lens. This lens cost $1640 at B&H, in Denmark the lowest price is $2400 !

Cheapest prices in Germany are EUR 1700-1800.

Best regards,
Andy

[pierrot]

Average VAT is more or less around 19% in Europe (still depends on a per country basis). That's the cost we decided to pay to fund our global educational system, health system, social aid and pensions system (also still variable from one country to another).

That's the reason why our level of living is not as high as in the USA for instance, but our social protection the best in the world.

That's also the reason why we european quite often decide to buy from "over the pond", which has now become especially interesting since the currencies parity has turned much in favour of the € against the US$.

And that's also the reason why there still will be a lot of non-american buyers on this POTN Marketplace: we're not that insane... :D

As far as I'm concerned, I bought 3/4 of my equipment second-hand here or at the cousins' f***m :mrgreen:

[tommykjensen]

Cheapest prices in Germany are EUR 1700-1800.


Which still is 500-700 $ more than US.

[Andy_T]

That's the cost we decided to pay to fund our global educational system...


Good point.

That just *might* explain that Massachusettes guy paying 725$ (including shipping) for that lens on eBay that he can have for 600$ at a legitimate shop.

I watched Jay Leno on CNBC yesterday evening, but missed the start of it.
They had a quiz show that *had* to be a setup (can't really be true :shock: )

Q: Which American president was a Peanut farmer before?
C 1: Lincoln!
C 2: Washington!
...
Q:Which American president - that is still living at the moment - was a peanut farmer before?
C3: Clinton!
C2: Bush!
... and so on :lol:

Best regards,
Andy

[rdenney]

Ebay is fantastic. I sold my 50 1.8 and 100 2.0 on there, both at a profit. I thing they provide a great service getting all the stupid people and putting them somewhere you can find them.


Auctions are used to get the highest price by finding the stupidest person in the room. The price goes even higher if there are two stupid people in the room. The bigger the room, the better the change of finding stupid people.

Ebay is a mighty big room.

Rick "who has bought many things on ebay" Denney

[S230]

I believe to sell a high price on eBay, it really depends how good your story is. People buy and sell almost anything from eBay. Anyone remember on the news about a piece of cheese that looked like someone and sold for thousands of dollars...
Also if you look at Haunted Dolls, if your story is good enough, there are some that also sold for thousdands. I personally believe people buy more about the story than the product itself.

I should put up my S230 for sale....
hmmm...
"Very Used Camera, abused but still working.... Been through a lot and shared many memories... etc.,etc.,... asking $1000 start".. any offers? hehe..:)

[Belmondo]

The Greater Fool Theory: The thought that even though an asset is overpriced, investors will still buy it, knowing they will be able to sell it at even a higher price to so-called Greater Fools.

[karusel]

An item getting sold for a higher price than at the store is pretty normal for ebay and that's why I get p*issed off everytime I hear someone got a 'steal' at ebay. I've lost several auctions for used lenses, and the winning bid was much too high to be called a 'good deal' much less a 'steal'. So you gotta be extra lucky or what? :/ One lesson I've learned, place only one bid, with the MOST amount of money you want to pay for the item and don't feel bad if you were outbid for $1.

[Jon]

I believe to sell a high price on eBay, it really depends how good your story is. People buy and sell almost anything from eBay. Anyone remember on the news about a piece of cheese that looked like someone and sold for thousands of dollars...

Hey! I've got a "Nifty Fifty" with a fungus patch that looks just like Ansel Adams. What am I bid?

[skyphix]

I paid 140 for a 50mm Mk1 and EOS 650.

I am just obsessed with the metal mount, I guess :rolleyes:


700 for a 70-200F4L means someone got a bit competitive.

[JSolie]

Several years ago, my wife was starting to get interested in rubber stamping. She found various forums on the internet which helped her slide down the slippery slope even faster (sorta like this one for lenses, etc). She bought a couple of stamps on ebay, then followed a link to the sellers main web page, and found that they were cheaper there! :evil: The seller was making quite a profit from her web site, and was making even more profit from ebay.

Ever since then, if we ever looking for anything remotely new, ebay is the last place we'll look.

Unless it's for manual focus Minolta lenses for an old SRT201... ;)

-- John

[Andy_T]

Well, talk about steals on eBay ...

last week, I was loosely following a MC Sonnar 180/2.8 Pentacon six lens (normally a 150~200$ lens if in usable condition).

Offered by an incompetent seller that didn't know what lens it was ... so I figured out it might be a good deal in the end.

I did not follow the auction, as it was the weekend and I spent some quality time with my family. Only logged on to the net 3 hours after the end of the auction.

What had happened in the meantime ?
- The seller posted an additional image that obviously showed that something was not ok with the lens. What? I don't know. I couldn't see the picture. Maybe fungus or a scratch or some missing part, though the pictures posted before were ok.
- the 2 highest bidders (bidding was at 5$ at that time :shock: ) withdrew their offer '.. realized the item is defective ... '
- and it sold for 1$ :shock:

I don't know what went wrong, but had I followed that auction, I would definitely have picked up that item for 5$ ... and if it was completely unusable, resold it in parts for $ 50.

So somebody made quite a steal :confused:

Best regards,
Andy