Question to the forum about prices...

Caught-A-Bolt-Of-Lightning

I have recently been thinking about this forum/community and the prices I am seeing for some of the items offered. I'd like to ask that we avoid the "free market" perspective/argument for a moment. I am more than aware that someone who has the money and wants an item should be able to spend whatever he/she thinks the item is worth. Also...I understand 'supply & demand' also.

I guess my concern is that people are charging what I consider to be ridiculous prices ($500 for a PJ20 Backpack for example) for items that, while they are limited edition to be sure, are simply not truly worth the money. (In the interest of full disclosure I will say that I do want a PJ20 backpack..and that is what got me started thinking about this issue.) I will admit here & now that there are items in my collection that I would not part with for anything less than ludicrous money because they mean a lot to me. The poster from my first PJ show, The poster from the BEST PJ show I've been to, etc. However it seems to me I am seeing people charge large amounts of money for items simply because they can as opposed to because the item means a lot to them or has that value associated to it based on it's extreme "collectibility" or history of fetching a similar price. To me it seems like eBay come to TenClub.

So...am I just being a grumpy (poor) old man on this or are there others who share my perspective?

Neosurfer79

Welcome to Capitolism!

boyo79

I agree with you. I think in the last 6 months, prices people are asking for has definitely gone up. There seems to be a crazy trade going down weekly and more and more people are buying items for trade-bait (definitely saw this with the PJ20 vinyl). Personally, I won't buy something for more than I value it at. I didn't think the PJ20 dvd was worth $70 so I didn't buy it. Certainly not gonna pay $200 or more for it

MattCam420

I agree with you. I have been proud to be part of this great community (I even had a giveaway recently to show my appreciation. I thought the purpose of this forum was to give other die hard PJ fans the chance to get an item they have always wanted or were not able to obtain through other die hard fans. Some of the prices are flat out ridiculous. I can totally understand not wanting to part with something for cheap but be reasonable. Remember, it is going to another PJ fan, who more than likely will cherish it for the rest of their lives. If you paid 20 bucks for something and turn around and ask for 500 bucks (nothing in particular), that just seems ridiculous to me. Who really determines the value of something, Ebay :roll: ? This is just my personal opinion and I didn't mean to offend anyone.

stickman

To me it is to a point of no turning back.... Some people have paid a pretty penny for their stuff, so when they get an item of lesser sentimental value they figure "Hey I paid a lot for (insert item here), so why would i give this up cheaply. I know for me I have paid a decent mount for items that I have wanted... I feel that I am fair, honest, and generous.... But if I have something and the going rate is $x.xx, then I am selling it for that price.... Does not make sense to give your stuff away for nothing in return....

I agree with Ian on the PJ20 DVD, I did not think the blu-ray was worth $70, so I did not buy. Nor did I join the re-stock the blu-ray thread/list, because I never would have paid $70 even if they did re-stock it.... Never mind pay a ridiculous amount for it....

I admit I have a PJ20 bag... I have never thought how I feel about the bag.... I have never even taken it out of the bad the 10C shipped it to me in.... But does that mean I should just give it to someone? In an ideal world that would be awesome...

Unfortunately in life if I want something bad enough I will save for it and pay the price.....

I feel the OP poses a great question for level headed debate, and I feel in a better word I would whole heartedly agree with his feelings, thoughts, and logic.... Unfortunately we are not presently there as a society....

So unfortunately the power of the Green Disease reigns supreme....

elwayvedder

I think that most people (not all) do what they can here on LD to give other members a chance at something first and for a lower price before going the ebay route and asking for the fair market price.

I have seen some amazing generosity by members on here to others giving them the "10c LD member" discount and chance at some amazing stuff at reasonable prices and I think that's what LD was created for and I enjoy being a part of.

Carry on!

Suziemay

There are many who share your views, so no, you are not alone. I personally get disheartened when I see people asking high prices that I expect to see on eBay.

However, I am of the opinion that people are free to post whatever prices they want on Lost Dogs. No one has to buy them if they don't want to and if it's against forum rules, report them and the mods will lock the thread. I think far too many people get bent out of shape when they see those high prices and their posts to those threads sometimes get out of hand and contribute to the unpleasantness here for me. If no one responds, those threads will just die and the ones where people are doing right by the fans will be the most visible ones.

My humble opinion

MedozK

Suziemay wrote:

There are many who share your views, so no, you are not alone. I personally get disheartened when I see people asking high prices that I expect to see on eBay.

However, I am of the opinion that people are free to post whatever prices they want on Lost Dogs. No one has to buy them if they don't want to and if it's against forum rules, report them and the mods will lock the thread. I think far too many people get bent out of shape when they see those high prices and their posts to those threads sometimes get out of hand and contribute to the unpleasantness here for me. If no one responds, those threads will just die and the ones where people are doing right by the fans will be the most visible ones.

My humble opinion

I agree completely

boyo79

Suziemay wrote:

people are free to post whatever prices they want on Lost Dogs. No one has to buy them if they don't want to and if it's against forum rules, report them and the mods will lock the thread. I think far too many people get bent out of shape when they see those high prices and their posts to those threads sometimes get out of hand and contribute to the unpleasantness here for me. If no one responds, those threads will just die and the ones where people are doing right by the fans will be the most visible ones.

My humble opinion

Nail on the head! There are far too many threads that get hi-jacked with people not liking the price. People should just walk away from that thread and look in another one! There was one thread I remember where someone had a Ten SDE box signed and they were looking at selling - that thread got completely hi-jacked.

I agree with it shouldn't be ebay prices and the element of coming here helping out a fellow member but I've seen people get slated for putting a Benny LP on here for example and people try to get the price lowered. I actually told a friend to put his Benny on ebay instead of here to save the hassle.

pjl44

Unavoidable, my friend. In wanting that backpack, you're contributing to the demand as much as anyone. The only way to avoid it is by individually abandoning that desire for stuff. Folks who still want the stuff, but at lower prices, are active participants in the free market system no matter how much they decry it.

dimitrispearljam

this forum is just to create market prices to ebay....
the half of the sales that post here arent even real...
but create the market prices of the merch at ebay..
good morning to all...

pdalowsky

stickman wrote:

To me it is to a point of no turning back.... Some people have paid a pretty penny for their stuff, so when they get an item of lesser sentimental value they figure "Hey I paid a lot for (insert item here), so why would i give this up cheaply. I know for me I have paid a decent mount for items that I have wanted... I feel that I am fair, honest, and generous.... But if I have something and the going rate is $x.xx, then I am selling it for that price.... Does not make sense to give your stuff away for nothing in return....

I agree with Ian on the PJ20 DVD, I did not think the blu-ray was worth $70, so I did not buy. Nor did I join the re-stock the blu-ray thread/list, because I never would have paid $70 even if they did re-stock it.... Never mind pay a ridiculous amount for it....

I admit I have a PJ20 bag... I have never thought how I feel about the bag.... I have never even taken it out of the bad the 10C shipped it to me in.... But does that mean I should just give it to someone? In an ideal world that would be awesome...

Unfortunately in life if I want something bad enough I will save for it and pay the price.....

I feel the OP poses a great question for level headed debate, and I feel in a better word I would whole heartedly agree with his feelings, thoughts, and logic.... Unfortunately we are not presently there as a society....

So unfortunately the power of the Green Disease reigns supreme....

perfect

Wilds

Well the issue here is the fact that stuff is limited and collectible.

In the world of collecting these items become scarce and valuable.

If you are a coin collector you are not going to discount a coin to give to a member of a coin collecting club.

And there are going to be people who buy rare coins for the purpose of selling them for a profit.

Nothing wrong with any of this.

So what is the problem on pearljam.com

It is two fold as I see it. #1. The band sells these items for far less than they are worth. So people have an idea that they missed out, and they did, if they didn't score an item at the artificially low price. Why does the band do this. Well we can only guess. Probably because they appreciate the fact that offering limited collectible stuff is exciting and fun for people. Probably to reward people for being in the fan club and hanging around the community. (as often you need to be "on" when something drops, even if being "on" means within a weeks time.) By putting out a "false" starting price people are going to hold it against the re seller because they wish they had got the great deal in the first place.

And #2 Being a part of this Club is emotion driven, There is a real sense of community sometimes, but I think the expectations that we would act any differently than the coin collector is just a false projection of what we would all like this community to be.

We are not all in it to help each other, although often times we do. We are in it to get great seats, cool merchandise, and a lot of us are in it to buy stuff to flip to make some extra cash.

within that spectrum there are some who could give two shits about community and only want to make a buck, and there are some who are totally about giving to the community. But there are waaaaay more who talk about being for the community but would still utilize some of the "unsavory" behavior if it meant getting what they want.

For me, I don't judge anyone's motives. If you scored the Backpack, and the vinyl, and the Blueray, and want to sell, go ahead, get what you can.

If you want to run a contest every week and give away stuff you bought, go nuts.

Both of those people are getting what they want.

pdalowsky

Wilds wrote:

Well the issue here is the fact that stuff is limited and collectible.

In the world of collecting these items become scarce and valuable.

If you are a coin collector you are not going to discount a coin to give to a member of a coin collecting club.

And there are going to be people who buy rare coins for the purpose of selling them for a profit.

Nothing wrong with any of this.

So what is the problem on pearljam.com

It is two fold as I see it. #1. The band sells these items for far less than they are worth. So people have an idea that they missed out, and they did, if they didn't score an item at the artificially low price. Why does the band do this. Well we can only guess. Probably because they appreciate the fact that offering limited collectible stuff is exciting and fun for people. Probably to reward people for being in the fan club and hanging around the community. (as often you need to be "on" when something drops, even if being "on" means within a weeks time.) By putting out a "false" starting price people are going to hold it against the re seller because they wish they had got the great deal in the first place.

And #2 Being a part of this Club is emotion driven, There is a real sense of community sometimes, but I think the expectations that we would act any differently than the coin collector is just a false projection of what we would all like this community to be.

We are not all in it to help each other, although often times we do. We are in it to get great seats, cool merchandise, and a lot of us are in it to buy stuff to flip to make some extra cash.

within that spectrum there are some who could give two shits about community and only want to make a buck, and there are some who are totally about giving to the community. But there are waaaaay more who talk about being for the community but would still utilize some of the "unsavory" behavior if it meant getting what they want.

For me, I don't judge anyone's motives. If you scored the Backpack, and the vinyl, and the Blueray, and want to sell, go ahead, get what you can.

If you want to run a contest every week and give away stuff you bought, go nuts.

Both of those people are getting what they want.

and even better. :thumbup:

VicSpeed

Suziemay wrote:

There are many who share your views, so no, you are not alone. I personally get disheartened when I see people asking high prices that I expect to see on eBay.

However, I am of the opinion that people are free to post whatever prices they want on Lost Dogs. No one has to buy them if they don't want to and if it's against forum rules, report them and the mods will lock the thread. I think far too many people get bent out of shape when they see those high prices and their posts to those threads sometimes get out of hand and contribute to the unpleasantness here for me. If no one responds, those threads will just die and the ones where people are doing right by the fans will be the most visible ones.

My humble opinion

Agree...

And some people needs a life... too much time here.

cowboypjfan

VicSpeed wrote:

Suziemay wrote:

There are many who share your views, so no, you are not alone. I personally get disheartened when I see people asking high prices that I expect to see on eBay.
However, I am of the opinion that people are free to post whatever prices they want on Lost Dogs. No one has to buy them if they don't want to and if it's against forum rules, report them and the mods will lock the thread. I think far too many people get bent out of shape when they see those high prices and their posts to those threads sometimes get out of hand and contribute to the unpleasantness here for me. If no one responds, those threads will just die and the ones where people are doing right by the fans will be the most visible ones.

My humble opinion

Agree...

And some people needs a life... too much time here.

This guy is a prime example that makes lost dogs disheartening. Several items you sell at your 'pj shop' are available in the goods for way less than what you advertise. Lighters, stickers, posters that are all above the cost in the goods, right now.

Apparently, someone does have too much time making up a side business to rival the bands site.

81

crazypjfan wrote:

VicSpeed wrote:

Suziemay wrote:

There are many who share your views, so no, you are not alone. I personally get disheartened when I see people asking high prices that I expect to see on eBay.
However, I am of the opinion that people are free to post whatever prices they want on Lost Dogs. No one has to buy them if they don't want to and if it's against forum rules, report them and the mods will lock the thread. I think far too many people get bent out of shape when they see those high prices and their posts to those threads sometimes get out of hand and contribute to the unpleasantness here for me. If no one responds, those threads will just die and the ones where people are doing right by the fans will be the most visible ones.

My humble opinion

Agree...

And some people needs a life... too much time here.

This guy is a prime example that makes lost dogs disheartening. Several items you sell at your 'pj shop' are available in the goods for way less than what you advertise. Lighters, stickers, posters that are all above the cost in the goods, right now.

Apparently, someone does have too much time making up a side business to rival the bands site.

not that i care, but what happens when amazon or somebody sells something for less thant hte 10c price. :?:

cowboypjfan

81 wrote:

crazypjfan wrote:

VicSpeed wrote:

Agree...

And some people needs a life... too much time here.

This guy is a prime example that makes lost dogs disheartening. Several items you sell at your 'pj shop' are available in the goods for way less than what you advertise. Lighters, stickers, posters that are all above the cost in the goods, right now.

Apparently, someone does have too much time making up a side business to rival the bands site.

not that i care, but what happens when amazon or somebody sells something for less thant hte 10c price. :?:

Probably nothing if they aren't advertising on the bands website

It's like a kick in the balls to the tenclub.

81

i've seen posters that are still in the goods section offered for less than the goods price on here....

81

honestly, i don't care....

people just take this pricing shit way to serious.

cowboypjfan

81 wrote:

i've seen posters that are still in the goods section offered for less than the goods price on here....

then you buy them for less and charge more, but wait two weeks

81

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supply_and_demand

Boxes&Books

crazypjfan wrote:

VicSpeed wrote:

Suziemay wrote:

There are many who share your views, so no, you are not alone. I personally get disheartened when I see people asking high prices that I expect to see on eBay.
However, I am of the opinion that people are free to post whatever prices they want on Lost Dogs. No one has to buy them if they don't want to and if it's against forum rules, report them and the mods will lock the thread. I think far too many people get bent out of shape when they see those high prices and their posts to those threads sometimes get out of hand and contribute to the unpleasantness here for me. If no one responds, those threads will just die and the ones where people are doing right by the fans will be the most visible ones.

My humble opinion

Agree...

And some people needs a life... too much time here.

This guy is a prime example that makes lost dogs disheartening. Several items you sell at your 'pj shop' are available in the goods for way less than what you advertise. Lighters, stickers, posters that are all above the cost in the goods, right now.

Apparently, someone does have too much time making up a side business to rival the bands site.

Crazypjfan... why do you need to ruin this thread? A lot of meaningful thought was being shared here and now you come with your crazy antics. Your one of the biggest flippers on this board, yet you want to act all holier than thou...... cut it out man... it's lame..

Suziemay

crazypjfan wrote:

VicSpeed wrote:

Suziemay wrote:

There are many who share your views, so no, you are not alone. I personally get disheartened when I see people asking high prices that I expect to see on eBay.
However, I am of the opinion that people are free to post whatever prices they want on Lost Dogs. No one has to buy them if they don't want to and if it's against forum rules, report them and the mods will lock the thread. I think far too many people get bent out of shape when they see those high prices and their posts to those threads sometimes get out of hand and contribute to the unpleasantness here for me. If no one responds, those threads will just die and the ones where people are doing right by the fans will be the most visible ones.

My humble opinion

Agree...

And some people needs a life... too much time here.

This guy is a prime example that makes lost dogs disheartening. Several items you sell at your 'pj shop' are available in the goods for way less than what you advertise. Lighters, stickers, posters that are all above the cost in the goods, right now.

Apparently, someone does have too much time making up a side business to rival the bands site.

No sir, actually it's posts like yours that makes Lost Dogs unpleasant for me, above and beyond the $500 backpacks, white Backspacer, etc. OP is trying to get a healthy discussion, please don't make this personal. If you have beef with Vic, take it to the PMs.

pdalowsky

[/quote]

Probably nothing if they aren't advertising on the bands website

It's like a kick in the balls to the tenclub.[/quote]

:roll:

a kick in the balls to the tenclub

dude your killing me......As far as i can see no one is buying the lighters....and certainly no one has to.

In fact I recall the statement in that thread being quite prevalent 'I would prefer to trade'......maybe that was lost on some.

cowboypjfan

tonifig8 wrote:

Crazypjfan... why do you need to ruin this thread? A lot of meaningful thought was being shared here and now you come with your crazy antics. Your one of the biggest flippers on this board, yet you want to act all holier than thou...... cut it out man... it's lame..

Yeah ok :roll: You don't agree with my post about running a side business, huh? It's in the rules bud.

81

Suziemay wrote:

No sir, actually it's posts like yours that makes Lost Dogs unpleasant for me, above and beyond the $500 backpacks, white Backspacer, etc. OP is trying to get a healthy discussion, please don't make this personal. If you have beef with Vic, take it to the PMs.

white backspacer is fetching 500? sold

pdalowsky

crazypjfan wrote:

tonifig8 wrote:

Crazypjfan... why do you need to ruin this thread? A lot of meaningful thought was being shared here and now you come with your crazy antics. Your one of the biggest flippers on this board, yet you want to act all holier than thou...... cut it out man... it's lame..

Yeah ok :roll: You don't agree with my post about running a side business, huh? It's in the rules bud.

hmmmm didnt you try and shift a load of non pJ records here ...somewhat contrary to the rules?

but lets move back on course, this was an interesting read until this derailment

cowboypjfan

pdalowsky wrote:

Probably nothing if they aren't advertising on the bands website

It's like a kick in the balls to the tenclub.[/quote]

:roll:

a kick in the balls to the tenclub

dude your killing me......As far as i can see no one is buying the lighters....and certainly no one has to.

In fact I recall the statement in that thread being quite prevalent 'I would prefer to trade'......maybe that was lost on some.[/quote]

Just mention the word 'trade' and its all good. :thumbup:

Suziemay

OP, I'm curious about what you think from all the posts so far?

cowboypjfan

pdalowsky wrote:

crazypjfan wrote:

tonifig8 wrote:

Crazypjfan... why do you need to ruin this thread? A lot of meaningful thought was being shared here and now you come with your crazy antics. Your one of the biggest flippers on this board, yet you want to act all holier than thou...... cut it out man... it's lame..

Yeah ok :roll: You don't agree with my post about running a side business, huh? It's in the rules bud.

hmmmm didnt you try and shift a load of non pJ records here ...somewhat contrary to the rules?

but lets move back on course, this was an interesting read until this derailment

I just commented on the prices and the fact that sumay is disheartened because of it, that's all. My example isn't a good one? :roll: