ebay USED tools - what am I missing?

I am trying to understand why people seems to overpay for power tools on ebay.

Case in point, there is a USED Makita angle grinder with a bid of $68 ending in two days. The buyer would have to pay an additional $8.95 for shipping. It's used, scratched up and no warranty. It may bid up even more when the item expires.

A new one of the same model number can be bought from Amazon for $77.99 with free shipping.

What am I missing here?

 

2 words. Auction Fever.......

 

..... and maybe folks not doing their research first and think they are getting a deal

 

Sometimes there may be a viable reason. Remember those blade left saws P-C used to make? After they went off the market, no one came out with a new one for a long time. Now almost every manufacturer does. The used ones sold well on E-Bay as long as they weren't beat to hell.

Personally, I wish someone would add back the thumb operated guard retractor like the old Skill Classic I used to have.

 

I bought a craftsman cordless stapler on ebay the other day. Paid more than I wanted for it, but kind of had to... they are getting rare, haven't seen one for sale for a long time, and I needed it, so I snapped it up.

 

I use to use a Microsoft wired track ball. I really loved it. I'd bought it for $25. When it finally died I went looking for a replacement and saw some for as high as $350. MS had stopped making them and none of the current wired trackballs had all the features (back and forward button plus a scroll wheel). Apparently a lot of people like them as much as I did and were willing to pay a lot more then I could afford for used or left over stock.

Finally went with a Logitech wireless trackball that had all the features. Just hope Logitech keeps making them because I can't find another manufacturer making one with all the features I want and as crappy as they are I need a constant supply. I'm on my third one and counting.

 

I'm always wary of used power tools (anywhere) because you don't know the level of use or abuse . . . . even when they look new and the boxes and Owners Manuals are all intact. Some have been worked to death and internally, commutators and non-replaceable brushes have been worn down to the quick.

But non-power tools are another story, and I've purchased some wonderful brand name wrenches and sockets and chisels and numerous other items which had been cared for by their former Owners who've often left for the afterlife and their heirs don't fully understand the treasures they're charged with disposing.

 

You have to use common sense. I needed to replace an original Fein Multimaster which cost $500 new. Found one with all accessories for about 1/4th the cost. It was a good buy. I have bid on auctions where someone winds up paying more than retail for it, AND pays shipping on top of that. You can't legislate stupid.

Of course if you need it, you need it. And that is a smart move.