Cannot Selll German Material

https://www.ebay.com/mys/active/rf/...PLX_ELIGIBLE


I have been trying to sell my German material, have sold on Ebay many times in ther past. This stuff doesn't sell. I have an OSTROPA sheet, now down to $160, few lookers, Can someone point out what is wrong here?

When I follow that link, I arrive at my own "active" page that did not even exist until yesterday.

Do I understand it correctly that you can sell German material, but are not finding buyers for the German material you are offering?

This is more info on the block.

https://de-academic.com/dic.nsf/dewiki/1061023

You are listing your block as 'used.' This, actually, would command quite a high price as the block is extremely rare used. It does seem to be be unused and have the gum issues described.

I also came to a dead page using that link.

Correct. I've been selling a lot of stuff over the past few years, just started on my German stuff- nothing, maybe someone viewing but little to nothing else.

I added comments on the Ostropa listing that it was now down to $160, just dont get it. I clicked on my link and pulled up my current sell listing. I sell under cmarsha as my Ebay ID.

NSK,

Where do you see this listed as used? The title refers to it as mint.

I did contact a German dealer who told me most Germany collectors are complete on this stuff. Theres very little interest left.

Lot # for the sheet 186121153378

Scroll down to "Item Specifics." Quality = used.
It even states Cancellation type = first day of issue.
Grade = very fine (I am sorry to say it would not qualify as such due to the gum acidification).

Speaking only with regard to the OSTOPA sheet -- it's probably the price.

I'd put mint versions of these sheets in three categories:

1. Mint with original gum, not deteriorated. 750+ EUR
2. Mint without gum, gum removed before it could damage the paper/stamps. 400+ EUR
3. Mint with or without gum, but the paper is/was damaged by the gum. Not a lot.

Yours would fall into the third category. I'd expect that to bring around 100 EUR on a good day, and then only if the buyer was willing to take a risk on "stopped the damage but created a stiffness". Been there a couple times with OSTROPA sheets. The first time that sheet gets bent trying to take it in/out of a mount or stock page, it will shatter like dropping a pane of glass on the floor. I've got the fragments to show for it.

They are selling but ones from European sellers seem to do best:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nk...H_Complete=1

NSK,

OK thanks, I will go in and update.

I bought the Ostropa sheet from a show dealer, back around 2001 or so, he's since passed on. I sort of doubt he deliberately misled me I paid a bit past $200.
I just relisted this and will today go in and reduce the start to around $135 or so.
Will see if I can get a start bid....thanks.

Simply put,
- Prices for many stamps have fallen in the last 22 years since 2001. Trends change. Supply and demand. etc.
- Your retail show dealer likely charged a retail price, as expected. He probably didn't intentionally overcharge you, just that retail dealers have higher overhead and generally higher prices in order to make a profit and stay in business. On the other hand, most people on eBay expect to pay less than retail.

Another point, in 2001 the Internet was relatively young which impacted the perceived supply and demand. At that time you may run across some items only once a year from your local circle of dealers so they appear more rare, but today buyers can find dozens of copies of the same items for sale from anywhere in the world. Competition lowers prices.

And finally, the premium for perfect NH has strengthened in some areas, where hinged (or otherwise imperfect gum) is now almost worthless. Back to supply and demand.

Hopefully you have enjoyed your collecting of Germany and other areas and weren't counting on it as an investment.

Perhaps look at it another way - you got 22 years of enjoyment of having the sheet for around $70 (assuming you sell at $135).

I am very suspicious of the Ostropa sheets that have already sold on eBay. The first 4 I saw were all sold by the same seller And all four had no gum. The seller only has a rating of 29 on eBay, and yet there were multiple bidders who have placed more than 50% of their total monthly bids with this one seller. What is so special about a seller with a rating of 29?? Just feel like something is amiss- the various metrics don't add up.

I would also add that auctions that begin at very close to the perceived retail price of a stamp item very infrequently gets bids. People who participate in auctions like to see an auction that has a somewhat lower start point, and that will receive multiple bids to find the value of the item in the eBay* marketplace.

Yes, that seller is very suspicious. Belfast is not a place where you expect to find a large amount of these sheets.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186150395436

This is a link to the Ostropa sheet I am still stuck with. Marked down to $85, no watchers, nothing.

I'm not givimg it away. This is as low as it goes. Come on, folks. Thanks!

.

Here's a tip from a frequent eBay buyer – crop your scans/photos so the sheet fills the photo, preferably at a higher resolution. As it is, it's hard to see the detail of the sheet because the sheet is only a small part of the photo. Posting good, tight scans will also make the listing look more professional, which is important when you want a buyer to have confidence in you as a seller.

Sorry, but your near give-away price is still over market based upon the last 90 days of actual sales. Yes, one sold at a higher price, but it did not have the flaws yous has. Market conditions change and then you have two choices, sell at market or hold it.


Sold at auction ($305):


Gum side full picture--


Sold at auction by same seller both superior condition--


All other sold listings.


Edit: Even the $15 and $29 examples are superior to your copy's flawed condition.