Why Do Ebay Sellers Do This?

[joko]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-x-Empty-CD-DVD-Storage-Cake-Tub-Case-With-Twist-Lid-Holds-25-Discs-NEW-/271025412223?pt=UK_Home_Garden_CD_DVDStorage_SM&hash=item3f1a5f987f

I have occasionally seen this sort of thing - a cheap random object for a a ridiculous price ... but for what purpose ?
obviously no-one will buy it, and they're paying fees on listing it - so why do it?
its surely not for 'comedy' because its not remotely humourous ...

I am assuming their is some benefit in number to them to have lots of listings active - but I can't think what.

if anything it would put me off dealing with them.

any ideas?

[Kathyan]

They may be out of stock but leave the listing on and put the price up to deter buyers from buying until the new stock arrives. I've seen it a few times.

[flump1]

I wonder if a well meaning family member has hackeheir account for a giggle ? I mean, I know E Bay sellers try and sell you all sorts but ,,,!

[grasscarp]

There is nothing wrong here. It is not out of stock. Says more than 10 available. This is a trader selling a huge amount of buy it now items. This probably is realistic for what this costs and includes free postage.

[B00]

Realistic??

*Wonders what piece of tat she's got lieing round her house she can sell to Grasscarp for over 200 quid!*

[mrs_overall]

In the past I have listed two spectacularly cheap, hideous and naff ornaments. I did a humourous description and sold them for a good amount of money. I said on the listing the money was to go to my favourite local charity.
I was surprised at how much money I made and I assume the bidders entered into the spirit of things as it wass for a good cause

[EDDIE51]

i can only assume it is a misprint for£20 which would still be a lot more than it is worth.

[rockyracoon]

I reckon it's a misprint, the first page of his history suggests most sales are under a tenner.

[EDDIE51]

Just checked their feedback all the other stuff they have sold is normal price around £6 to £7 so this has to be a mistake. The listing says they have 10 available so not out of stock.

[douglas9401]

If one could control one's outrage for a second and check the '1 sold' it was for £2.95.
It's.....a.....typo.

[grasscarp]

I misread this and thought it said £20!!!

[grasscarp]

Stop searching Boo.

[B00]

Shhh, im still lookin'!

Half packet of fruit polos found under sofa? Yours for £205.00 Grasscarp??

[EDDIE51]

I have just sent them an ebay message pointing out the mistake.

[keyplus90]

This CD box was once owned by a well-known Egyptian pharaoh. It’s an historical item and is being sold on a discounted price as all of the profit will go to charity.

[boxtops]

LOL @ keyplus!

[DrFilth]

some do it because they have an amount of free listings , they can change the item and price at a later date.

[boxtops]

DrF - if I've changed the price after the original listing, there's been an additional fee popping up....

[DrFilth]

boxtops my friend has done it and never been charged but if you notice ebay have stated they are changing things ie you must post a photo, you can now put up 12 pictures free but in the near future you will pay a total fee on the sale price and postage

swings and roundabouts

[Khandro]

The seller has entered the two noughts by mistake, real price £2.99, easily done, I nearly did it myself once, I think the box in which you enter the price has noughts already in it which need eliminating; am I right?

[boxtops]

DrF, yes I know - Eddie51 and I have been having very non-productive discussions with eBay about the legality of charge a final value fee on postage (since it's not theirs to profit from) The "man in the street" is likely to suffer because a few sellers profiteer on p&p. Not fair.