Trade Me, like all things, has its good and bad points. I've managed to buy paperbacks in good condition for less than half the price they are new - and in many cases a lot cheaper than second-hand bookshops too. I've also managed to get rid of a pile of stuff I no longer used - like a food dehydrator! I bought it for $84 new and it eventually sold for $112 - did I feel guilty? A little, but then I set the reserve at half what I paid for it so it wasn't my fault two people really wanted it and kept bidding.
If you are buying, you have to be strict with yourself and not bid above what you think the item is worth unless it's a one-off and you know you can't get it anywhere else. As for paying $8 for something worth $4, tough, but when you factor in your time and petrol costs going to the Warehouse to buy the item, you probably didn't lose too much cash!
I have been selling some shoes for my sister and am amazed at what people are prepared to pay for them. We figured $15 at the most for them, but one buyer paid $82 for a pair she had been given for free, and were only worth about $30 new in any case!
I think it's a great place to get rid of the kinds of things that you can't get rid of elsewhere. Case in point - I had a Statue of Liberty moneybox that was a gift from a friend overseas. Absolutely hideous, made of some heavy grey metal and a real dust collector. I put it on with a $5 reserve and someone paid $31 for it! I've also sold Tupperware for more than what I paid for it - merely because people don't want to have a party or get constantly bothered by a dealer just to buy one small item.
Trade Me is like any other retail outlet - if you are buying something, shop around first to see who has it at the best price!
Yes, I am pedantic about spelling and grammar so get used to it!
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