F/S Sony Playstation 3 20GB

[eschmunk]

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to let everyone know that I have a 20GB Sony ps3 for sale to the highest bidder.  I accept paypal only and I am looking for at least $1000 plus shipping.  Let me know if you are interested.  You won't have a chance to get one in a store by Chirstmas so make someone really happy.  Picture is of both systems but only the 20GB one is for sale.

Later

e

[AlanS17]

On one hand, that might be better than Ebay. On the other, that's still double retail.

[eschmunk]

Like you said better than Ebay.  Double retail due to limited release, common sense I suppose.  You just have to realize that you won't be finding one before xmas on your own unless your real lucky.  Anyways thouht that I would post up that I will be taking the best offer so if someone does want it and it goes at 1500 or more that there will be an extra controller and game of your choice sent along with it.

Later

[Circo]

The demand on Ebay is dropping fast, the market of folks to overpay (considerably) for the PS3 is dwindling.  I quit buying the first batch of a system anyway, always bugs still needed to work out. 

[2PacMan]

The wording of the post is what gets me:  "You won't have a chance to get one in a store by Chirstmas so make someone really happy"

Is that what Christmas is all about?  Taking a PS3 from a parent waiting in line to buy one to give to their kid on Christmas day?  And then holding it above their head saying "you can still make your kid happy on christmas, just give me 2 grand for it.  I'm against these people that went out and bought these for the sole purpose of reselling them at huge price increases.  Every PS3 that was sold to a price gouger is one taken out of the hands of a kid that genuinely wanted one to play.  I really hope all these people that bought these for the sole purpose of price gouging people get stuck with all of them in the end. 

[ChadTower]

Chill.  It's a consumer toy.  It's not freakin' insulin.

[tetsu96]

Every PS3 that was sold to a price gouger is one taken out of the hands of a kid that genuinely wanted one to play.  I really hope all these people that bought these for the sole purpose of price gouging people get stuck with all of them in the end.

Well, with pre-orders pretty much limiting the speculators to only 1 console each, I doubt anyone is going to be stuck on a signifigant ammount.  That said, I hope the prices of these things drop quickly and reduce the total return on the waiting / fighting / stealing / etc to near zero.  As you noted - every one purchased for resale is a console which a kid (or adult) wanted to get for themselves.

This isn't that different from ticket scalping which is illegal in most municipalities.

[ChadTower]

It is completely different.  The ticket is worthless the day after a show.  There will be an unlimited amount of PS3s available.  It's only limited now.

[shardian]

I guess I'll play the .

This is a BST thread people. The guy is trying to sell something. Go start a thread in EE linking to this thread if you want to whine about the pitfalls of capitalism.

[AlanS17]

I guess I'll play the .

This is a BST thread people. The guy is trying to sell something. Go start a thread in EE linking to this thread if you want to whine about the pitfalls of capitalism.

Agreed.

[2PacMan]

You're right, i'm sorry for posting my commentary in this thread, it was not the right place to do so.

[eschmunk]

The wording of the post is what gets me:  "You won't have a chance to get one in a store by Chirstmas so make someone really happy"

Is that what Christmas is all about?  Taking a PS3 from a parent waiting in line to buy one to give to their kid on Christmas day?  And then holding it above their head saying "you can still make your kid happy on christmas, just give me 2 grand for it.  I'm against these people that went out and bought these for the sole purpose of reselling them at huge price increases.  Every PS3 that was sold to a price gouger is one taken out of the hands of a kid that genuinely wanted one to play.  I really hope all these people that bought these for the sole purpose of price gouging people get stuck with all of them in the end. 

Worst case scenario, I take the unit back to the store and return it losing nothing but the time.  The loss of time is not thing, it was actually fun hanging out with a bunch of people.  We played football in the parking lot in the middle of the night it was crazy.  Nice thing about it was, we didn't worry that everyone would complain if you moved out of line.  We went and got food and did pretty much whatever we wanted.  As for selling for a profit, that is what free commerce is all about.  I don't feel it is wrong for charging what the market will bear, this is the point of free commerce right?

I guess I'll play the .

This is a BST thread people. The guy is trying to sell something. Go start a thread in EE linking to this thread if you want to whine about the pitfalls of capitalism.

I know people are going to have their comments and I agree with them, I just so happen to be the person on the money making side of it while many of the people complaining are the ones who wanted to do the same.  Oh well.

[payment_due]

It is completely different.  The ticket is worthless the day after a show.  There will be an unlimited amount of PS3s available.  It's only limited now.

Right.  So it's limited now... (before the concert) but soon it will be then (after the concert), the 'ticket' called a PS3 sold for 10 billion dollars will be worthless because you will be able to get one anywhere.

It's still scalping. No matter how you rationalize it.

[eschmunk]

It is completely different.  The ticket is worthless the day after a show.  There will be an unlimited amount of PS3s available.  It's only limited now.

Right.  So it's limited now... (before the concert) but soon it will be then (after the concert), the 'ticket' called a PS3 sold for 10 billion dollars will be worthless because you will be able to get one anywhere.

It's still scalping. No matter how you rationalize it.

I suppose.

[AtomSmasher]

No shortage of them available in stores around here

Wait, theres no shortage of PS3's in the stores around you?  Where do you live because thats just bizzare.  If I ask any stores around here for a ps3 I just get laughed at.

[hypernova]

So can we all agree that this thread is hopelessly derailed, and continue on the morals of buying a ps3 only to resell it for a profit?

[hypernova]

It's an investment.  Practically like stocks, bonds, or mutual funds.

"Scalpers" are merely people investing their money AND time to make a profit, which may or may not be worthwhile (which is subjective.)  Most of the people who DID want one didn't have the 24-48 hours to spend sitting in some stupid line.

I was under the impression that scalping is generally legal, so long as you don't do it on the grounds of the event being held.

[miles2912]

This is just supply and demand...  simple economics.  It will balance itself out in a while and if you have the cash to blow on toys you are gonna pay a premium here.  Like a hot selling new car that the dealer marks up because HE CAN.  If you need one of these and don't want to pay a premium wait.  Prices will come down, I guarantee it.  Personally I wouldn't pay retail for one but I don't have the time for a console.  If I want a game.. MAME works fine.

D-

[Banacek]

Every PS3 that was sold to a price gouger is one taken out of the hands of a kid that genuinely wanted one to play.  I really hope all these people that bought these for the sole purpose of price gouging people get stuck with all of them in the end. 

BS. Who in their right mind is buying something that expensive for children?

[Thenasty]

by Chirstmas so make someone really happy. 

you forgot to include yourself being happy



Good luck....Lets us know how it turned out.....

[eschmunk]

I just really suprised about all the drama this is turning out to cause.  It is somewhat entertaining just to read the post.  I am glad though there are a few that are on the same side I am, looking to make a sound financial decision.

[ChadTower]

Right.  So it's limited now... (before the concert) but soon it will be then (after the concert), the 'ticket' called a PS3 sold for 10 billion dollars will be worthless because you will be able to get one anywhere.

Show us a PS3 that sold for $10billion.

And show us a PS3 that is worthless after the Xmas demand.  They will still be worth retail price at that point.  Not worthless.

It's still scalping. No matter how you rationalize it.

So?  Scalping isn't morally wrong.  It's supply and demand.  I can get something, you cannot, I'll buy it and sell it for what you are willing to pay.  It's just a toy.  It is not an item that is necessary for anyone for any reason.

[payment_due]

Well, it isn't morally wrong for jerks that want to hike up the price but it is for people that get ripped.  As for the 10billion dollar PS3... *somebody* can't read exaggeration in print.

You were trying to convince people that doing this with the PS3 is 'completely different' from scalping. You were wrong. I corrected you. You then admitted it was wrong. (see your "So?" comment)

As for the PS3 being worthless, that's not what I meant. I meant selling them for $1500 or whatever this guy is asking will be worthless because they will be readily available.  It helps to read sometimes.

[AtomSmasher]

Well, it isn't morally wrong for jerks that want to hike up the price but it is for people that get ripped.  As for the 10billion dollar PS3... *somebody* can't read exaggeration in print.

You were trying to convince people that doing this with the PS3 is 'completely different' from scalping. You were wrong. I corrected you. You then admitted it was wrong. (see your "So?" comment)

As for the PS3 being worthless, that's not what I meant. I meant selling them for $1500 or whatever this guy is asking will be worthless because they will be readily available.  It helps to read sometimes.

The buyer knows they will soon be readily available and made the decision to pay the premium to play the system today instead of in a couple of months.  You act as though the buyer doesn't realize the system will eventually be readily available and that they are being ripped off by the seller, when that isn't the case.

[payment_due]

Only problem is, the 'premium' you guys are talking about is actually $600.  Not $1500.

[ChadTower]

So?  Willing seller, willing buyer, luxury item.

You're acting like these people are gouging a flu vaccine.

[AlanS17]

To original poster:

The average price on Ebay has started coming down. You might want to reconsider your asking price. (Just a thought.)

[ImaTest]

Well, it isn't morally wrong for jerks that want to hike up the price but it is for people that get ripped.

ahh yes, because eschmunk is clearly holding a gun to a buyer's head.  Poor poor buyer... made the conscious decision that he/she felt the system was worth the price and paid it.

Damn you eschmunk, damn you!!

 

[tommy]

Although he has every right to post what he wants at any price he wants it does seem kinda low to try to rip off our fine members and just the thought of this thread would have no doubt caused a big stir as we all have seen here at the price he stated.

I can't say it's wrong but it is offensive if you care about the board and  the people who see it.

[eschmunk]

Lets consider it this way.  For someone that does not have the time to wait in line to be able to have a new toy right away they may want to pay for the service of someone else doing so.  Well lets say my time is valuable, which it is, I won't get into figures because that is beyond the point.

Here is what I am selling and it is not a rip like some may think.

I have a 20GB PS 3 for sale for $500 plus the tax that I paid.  As a fee for standing in line so you didn't have to I will charge an hourly rate, lets say $15/hr.  Well I stood in line for 35 hours which is what was required to get my hands on this fine piece of machinery.

Peace Out.

Lets Calculate
$500 + 6.5% sales tax = $530
35 hours * $15/hr = $525

Total = $1055

I will be honest $15/hr is less than 1/2 what I get paid so I believe that I am being fair to someone who wants a ps3 near release time and before xmas.

If you don't like it, oh well, cant say I really care. You don't have to buy it nor do you need to be in my thread.  Why don't you go post in the EE boards how you hate people who are trying to make some extra cash.

[payment_due]

lol@charging $15/hr to stand around

[monkeybomb]

If you can make more than $30 an hour, why did you do it?  It seems like a waste of your time from the figures you gave us.  I'm just asking.  I don't care that you are trying to make money.

[AtomSmasher]

Only problem is, the 'premium' you guys are talking about is actually $600.  Not $1500.

What exactly is the scenario that you wanted to happen?  That everyone who bought a ps3 would not resell it, and therefore the only people who own one are those who could take several days off work to wait in line?   Or that those people who waited in line should resell the ps3 for the price they bought it for?

You can not just walk into a store right now with $600 and buy a ps3 which is why there is a "premium" on top of the retail price to own one.  To own a ps3 today you either had to wait in line for several days or pay the $1500 to somone who did wait in line.  Since it is cheaper for most people who really wanted a ps3 to pay $1500 then it is to take 2-3 days off work, they are willing to pay that much to get one.  I'm not sure why this upsets you so much.

[eschmunk]

If you can make more than $30 an hour, why did you do it?  It seems like a waste of your time from the figures you gave us.  I'm just asking.  I don't care that you are trying to make money.

Well, I took leave from work (got paid for the time off) and enjoyed the time I spent with others hanging out and doing some fun stuff.

[ChadTower]

I don't see how asking a price is ripping people off.  Don't like the price, don't pay the price.  If someone paid the price they obviously don't mind it.  We are educated consumers here.  If anything, this is the best place to sell one without ripping someone off.

[arzoo]

I have no problem with what eschmunk is doing – supply and demand, capitalism, bla bla bla. My question is; why is there a limited supply in the first place? Does Sony do this on purpose, or can they truly not produce enough units? I’m guessing it’s intentional. I’m just not sure what the financial benefit is – by keeping low supply and high demand, do they sell more over the long run? Or maybe they really are factory limited. Just seems odd that every new console game system to come out lately has the same scenario.

[ChadTower]

Almost no other products produce a demand of millions of units on the first day.  It probably really is a manufacturing shortage.  There isn't much profit in not satsifying consumer demand here.

[Thenasty]

I think like a new program/hardware, they need guinne pigs to try it out so they work out the bugs and fix it. They don't want millions of product for re-call, so just make a limited batch so any re-calls will be quickly replaced. But thats how I see things.

Anyway, if you get stuck with yours and willing to get rid of for $50.00 (maybe 6 months or 1 year) I get first dibs

[2PacMan]

I just didn't like the line about him saying "make someone happy for Christmas and buy this"

I always thought members of the BYOAC board sort of looked out for each other.  We try not to price gouge each other like that.   We are always selling things to each other at good prices and oftentimes give things away for free to help the hobby of arcade collecting.  Just doesn't seem like a real nice gesture, especially around the holidays.  I guess i don't mind so much the fact of him trying to sell it at whatever price he wants, but it irks me that he brought it to this board trying to price gouge one of our own.  I know other times when new people post things like "Working Capcom Bowling game, rare, $2000.00", they get flamed like crazy, this feels like the same thing to me.

p.s.--i'm seeing tons of these on cragslist and ebay on a daily basis for under 1000.00, so i'm not sure how 'rare' these PS3s are anymore.

[eschmunk]

Alright everyone,

Here is the deal I waited in line for 35 hours for a unit that cost $500 plus tax.  Let me turn around and offer it up for $250 to the first bidder because I am looking out for everyone elses interest and not my own.

Later