Thread: "Just like new"-pay full price!

When I tried to sell it for $425 with included shipping and insurance and taking a huge loss, one bhuzzer posted to tell me how they were cheaper at bellydancestore.biz, and I had 2 angry pms from others of how I was trying to rip people off.

(Minus shipping and insurance, the cost would have been the same as bellydancestore, but that negative reaction really put me off the swap meet and bhuz for a while.)

Oh good heavens!!! What on Earth did those people expect?? Did they think they could bully you into lowering your price??

Bargaining is reasonable -- attacking the seller is abysmally pathetic.

Originally Posted by nasila

This is key. I think a seller has every right to ask whatever she wants. It's up to the buyer to decide whether or not the value is equal to the price for her.

OTOH, I've watched an item that I sold here on Bhuz (it was new, but I took off around 15% because it was a no-brand custom order) recirculate with price bumps two different times...selling for nearly 150% of my original price!



And this doesn't really work out so well...if I buy a costume for $150 and I wear it 3 times, is it now only worth $50?

I was talking about costumes in the $600-$800 price range. Obviously something that only cost $150 would have different considerations. And I was thinking of restaurant dancing, not a 5 minute hafla performance.
Totally my opinion.

Interesting discussion.

Originally Posted by nasila

If I buy a costume for $150 and I wear it 3 times, is it now only worth $50?

Of course, I agree--the original value of the costume definitely factors into what's approriate. I also don't think one should deduct value by some equation of x$ per time worn. That would be ridiculous. When selling a costume that has been previously worn/performed in, the condition of the costume and its overall durability are VERY important to consider. An attractive, sturdy costume by a noted designer will often hold a greater percentage of its value as compared with a delicate lycra costume by a no-name creator that has been worn the same number of times simply because it will show wear less and have a longer life/greater desirability for its second (or third) owner.

I realize you were responding to Sandra's comment about deducting value, but for the record, when I referred to knocking $10, $25, or $50 off, I had in mind a gently used full costume with an original value sufficient to make that amount a relatively modest deduction (prob upwards of $500 in original value.) I also didn't mean deduct the same amount for each wearing or alteration, I just meant one deduction because it's no longer really new. And finally, I didn't mean to say that I think these are "rules" nor to say should be this way in every case, but just a suggestion of what might be perceived as "fair" in certain cases.

Bassmah-
Yikes! WTF? I mean, someone merely pointing out that she wasn't interested because a vendor was selling them for less (and that maybe people weren't willing to pay what you were asking for that reason), that's perhaps one thing. But sending you PMs claiming you were trying to rip people off? Geez--that's out of line!

I appreciate the swap meet because although I prefer to buy costlier, designer costumes I cannot afford to buy them custom--nor do I order enough to get VIP treatment & actually have the costumes arrive in a timely & accurate fashion. In many ways another dancer's loss is my gain, however I don't see why that dancer should have to discount her costumes to the point where she is taking a huge loss on her investment & expense. I generally think the pricing is fair & reasonable on the swapmeet.
When I sell a costume, I price it according to value & according to what I would consider a fair trade, knowing I will be taking some kind of loss I still want to feel like I am making a profit or gaining enough to make my next purchase.
Personally I wouldn't want to buy a costume that was too cheap--I'd worry it was a lemon.

Originally Posted by nayastrance

I appreciate the swap meet because although I prefer to buy costlier, designer costumes I cannot afford to buy them custom--nor do I order enough to get VIP treatment & actually have the costumes arrive in a timely & accurate fashion. In many ways another dancer's loss is my gain, however I don't see why that dancer should have to discount her costumes to the point where she is taking a huge loss on her investment & expense. I generally think the pricing is fair & reasonable on the swapmeet.
When I sell a costume, I price it according to value & according to what I would consider a fair trade, knowing I will be taking some kind of loss I still want to feel like I am making a profit or gaining enough to make my next purchase.
Personally I wouldn't want to buy a costume that was too cheap--I'd worry it was a lemon.

I think you said the right word: "fair" ,r:;