Why are 49 people watching this 101?

[Steve]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/146991785099?

I find this puzzling. It's not especially cheap, it's a very common black example, the condition is average, it's collection only, it's a Buy It Now for Pete's sake and the soundbox has pot metal disease and yet 49 people are watching it. Apart from possibly a local dealership connection, I can't understand why so many people could be interested in this, let alone bothering to watch a Buy It Now listing? Or is this typical of the skewd market at the moment?

"bjosephineb" must be wondering what he's doing wrong. With his multiple black and coloured 101's failing to sell at the same price point, week in, week out, what is special about the one above?

[jamiegramo]

I see what you mean about the pot metal issue!

Very often when you get a high number of people watching an item it’s because they have a similar example to sell. They are seeing if the item sells and what it sells for and whether they should sell their own machine.

This machine has been listed since at least November last year which may have helped it pick up a lot of watchers. It is also well titled to get as many hits as possible. The seller has exploited the characters available for the title with words like ‘antique’, ‘vintage’ and ‘pre-war’ and has not only used the word ‘gramophone’ but also ‘record player’. A far cry from those people who only use one or maybe a few words.

This is my theory anyway.

[Steve]

I see what you mean about the pot metal issue!

Very often when you get a high number of people watching an item it’s because they have a similar example to sell. They are seeing if the item sells and what it sells for and whether they should sell their own machine.

This machine has been listed since at least November last year which may have helped it pick up a lot of watchers. It is also well titled to get as many hits as possible. The seller has exploited the characters available for the title with words like ‘antique’, ‘vintage’ and ‘pre-war’ and has not only used the word ‘gramophone’ but also ‘record player’. A far cry from those people who only use one or maybe a few words.

This is my theory anyway.

An interesting theory, definitely, and I'm inclined to agree but with that said, there are many, many black 101's on Ebay that people can watch, most sold via a real auction as opposed to B.I.N., so why hang on to this one?

Thx for confirming how long it's been for sale. That just shows how over-priced and unremarkable it is.

[drh]

I see what you mean about the pot metal issue!

...which is carefully camouflaged, showing up in only one photo well down in the long string (but not at the bottom), with the reproducer conveniently tucked away out of sight otherwise. So it's there if an impulsive or unwary, surprised buyer complains, but it's easy to miss if someone just skims the first few shots, maybe scrolls quickly to the end, and takes the "it's been well looked after" description at face value.

Very often when you get a high number of people watching an item it’s because they have a similar example to sell. They are seeing if the item sells and what it sells for and whether they should sell their own machine.

Or perhaps they have one they're keeping and just want to see what it brings out of idle curiosity. Indeed, I've put things on watch from time to time for the same reason. If this is a common machine, it's quite possible there are lots of window shoppers like that out there.

[poodling around]

Well, it is 'black leather casing' apparently ...................................... or so it is described ..........

[Steve]

18 photos and only 3 show any of the sides of the case, the great faux pas of many Ebay listings. Why do most sellers simply not understand that collectors, and even general buyers, will be concerned about such trivialities as the condition of the case?

If I'm selling a portable I always without fail show at least one photo of all six sides and then I make certain that the photo is straight on each side not at a flipping angle so reflections and shadows conceal any marks / wear.