Fishing for hardware on eBay - help?

[scdemandred]

Apparently the danger of late-night system maintenance windows when you're a project manager is that there's nothing to do when you're not bugging people for status updates - thus, I ended up poking around on eBay looking at DE razors for sale and auction. I've noticed there are some definite price leaders (the Fatboy of course, and the Black Beauty), but there seems to be a wide range of prices for the more highly regarded razors, and I'm wondering what's reasonable?

For example, one auction has a SuperSpeed that was around 6 bucks when I spotted it last night. Now, with the auction due to end in 6 hours, this "in fairly good condition" razor is at around $12 - I've read a lot of positive feedback about the SS and would like to get one, but I'm wondering what's a reasonable price, what's just right, and what's overpaying? The razor has the case, and looks a little grimy, but physically all in once piece.

Thanks!

 

[AsylumGuido]

Apparently the danger of late-night system maintenance windows when you're a project manager is that there's nothing to do when you're not bugging people for status updates - thus, I ended up poking around on eBay looking at DE razors for sale and auction. I've noticed there are some definite price leaders (the Fatboy of course, and the Black Beauty), but there seems to be a wide range of prices for the more highly regarded razors, and I'm wondering what's reasonable?

For example, one auction has a SuperSpeed that was around 6 bucks when I spotted it last night. Now, with the auction due to end in 6 hours, this "in fairly good condition" razor is at around $12 - I've read a lot of positive feedback about the SS and would like to get one, but I'm wondering what's a reasonable price, what's just right, and what's overpaying? The razor has the case, and looks a little grimy, but physically all in once piece.

Thanks!

It depends upon condition and which era of Super Speed. Check out the link in my signature. The 40's styles are more desired and run a little higher. Anywhere from $15-$25 depending upon condition. Add about 20-30% if case is included. 50's and 60's styles usually range from $12-$20 and 70's styles $10-$18. Condition and case rules still apply. Now this is just based upon my excessive monitoring. Outliers do appear that go higher and lower.

 

[T Rick]

Range will be too wide to predict. Best way would be to watch them for a while. Put a bunch in your watch list, track what they sell for. If you like the one you are looking at, figure your top price, and then if you really wish to grab it, your best bet is to confirm your bid within the last 10 seconds of the auction. Otherwise, someone will probably just do that to you (unless, but sometimes even if you've over bid).

You can also do an advanced search on eBay and check the box that says "completed items", that will limit your search to ended auction, so you can see what they've sold for.

Dirty, but no or not much brassing with case could go anywhere from $12 (very low) to $30 (over bid unless it's been cleaned IMHO). You might also want to look at lots, where there is more than one (I spotted one with a case earlier today, had two others with it). They tend towards good deals as many simply pass them by.

Then there's the BST here... great deals often, but you usually need to be fast, they get snapped up!

 

[ouch]

Yep- check the b/s/t. You'll do better.

 

[redbike]

There's been a huge price increase in eBay prices for good condition vintage Gillette razors. I bought a very good condition '47 superspeed 18 months ago from a very reputable seller. My winning bid was around $25. That razor today from the same seller would likely bid up to $40. There are fewer good deals to be had overall.

 

[scdemandred]

Thanks for the advice, all!

 

[Hoos]

Another vote for the B/S/T here. And watch prices in eBay to start getting a sense.

There are some razors that get horribly overpriced, IMHO. And there are, occasionally, razors of dubious distinction posted.

Here's my very very very general rule of thumb of what I would consider "reasonable":

Razor by itself (no case, nothing) - $2 - $35

Razor and case - maybe another $10

Scarce or highly-collectible razor - up to $75

Scare or highly-collectible razor with case - up to $125

A lot of variables come into play (condition of the razor and/or case, how currently desirable the razor, etc.) and those numbers aren't firm but they are generally where my thinking is at in terms of purchasing razors for either use or for collecting.

It's one of those things you get a feel for, especially as you focus in on razors that you like.

 

[Antique Hoosier]

Yep- check the b/s/t. You'll do better.

absolutely

 

[scdemandred]

Well, I just won a Superspeed (Looks to be '50s-era notched, non-TV) on eBay.

/me feels forehead, checks temperature.

Dang it, I think it's the beginnings of a case of RAD.

 

[groc426]

With almost anything on e-bay I find the quality of pictures has a strong relation to high prices. For instance, watch fatboys with a low quality picture and one with a high quality picture and see the huge difference in prices, despite the quality of the razor.

And as mentioned, the B/S/T forums are wonderful. People won't allow others to sell items for too much.

 

[scdemandred]

A belated update.

The SS I got on Ebay is for sure a 48-50, as it has no date codes. Shaves wonderfully. Thanks again for the identification post, AsylumGuido!

 

[tater_salad]

Just for an FYI on e-bay.

If you aren't in a rush to get a razor.. just keep your prices low, and wait.. I picked up a 60's SS for $11 incl shipping.. I just tossed in a Who cares bid of 6.50 and 3 days later I got an e-mail that said.. you won.

If you are just looking to pick up a few razors to difersify your collection I'd recommend.