What price to pay? How much is too much?

[dfoulk]

You have some really nice items so far.

As far as the BST goes, on this forum the BST has changed a bit over the last several years but I think the concept has still remained the same, which would be to price items very fairly. Price wise, I think like what you'd sell something to your brother or maybe to close friend for. At the very least the price should be what most people would consider fair.

This is a gentlemanly forum and the push back you get on a higher priced item would likely be some of the users here looking out for the less experienced. Or maybe just someone looking for something to complain about as unfortunately we get some of that too. Either way, a less experienced buyer can purchase from the BST and get a fair to really good deal without being up to date on the latest pricing information. Good or bad that depends on who you ask but in selling it's more of a place to take care of your friends and share some items that maybe didn't work out for you. It's not really meant to be a profit center or intended for guys to flip things and make a few bucks. If it were then the site would likely take a percentage and call it what it is. We know that there are places for that or even other shaving sites that have more of a "let the buyer beware mentality".

As far as getting top dollar goes there are other shaving forums that have BST areas with different pricing strategies and there's always the popular auction site. If I wanted top dollar for an item, or to minimize my losses on something that I may have overpaid for, I'd likely seek out these other resources and not get the push back that you might get here. If I wanted to quickly pass a few items to someone that might appreciate them more than I do then I'd likely post there here.

Anyway, just my thoughts and likely worth what you paid for them.

 

[It's Hedley]

Remember to kiss your wife! You have a keeper there. Enjoy life, and take big bites is my philosophy.

It''s Valentine's Day Thursday, so lots of kisses this week!

 

[It's Hedley]

You have some really nice items so far.

As far as the BST goes, on this forum the BST has changed a bit over the last several years but I think the concept has still remained the same, which would be to price items very fairly. Price wise, I think like what you'd sell something to your brother or maybe to close friend for. At the very least the price should be what most people would consider fair.

This is a gentlemanly forum and the push back you get on a higher priced item would likely be some of the users here looking out for the less experienced. Or maybe just someone looking for something to complain about as unfortunately we get some of that too. Either way, a less experienced buyer can purchase from the BST and get a fair to really good deal without being up to date on the latest pricing information. Good or bad that depends on who you ask but in selling it's more of a place to take care of your friends and share some items that maybe didn't work out for you. It's not really meant to be a profit center or intended for guys to flip things and make a few bucks. If it were then the site would likely take a percentage and call it what it is. We know that there are places for that or even other shaving sites that have more of a "let the buyer beware mentality".

As far as getting top dollar goes there are other shaving forums that have BST areas with different pricing strategies and there's always the popular auction site. If I wanted top dollar for an item, or to minimize my losses on something that I may have overpaid for, I'd likely seek out these other resources and not get the push back that you might get here. If I wanted to quickly pass a few items to someone that might appreciate them more than I do then I'd likely post there here.

Anyway, just my thoughts and likely worth what you paid for them.

Excellent observation and insight on the B&B BST. I feel like the items I purchased on BST were very fairly priced and now I have that bond between myself and the sellers. I cannot say that about the items I purchased on Etsy or Ebay, although I paid what I felt they were worth to me. There is no brotherhood or bonding on Etsy or Ebay that's for sure. Purely a business transaction.

 

[It's Hedley]

my kit has a bit of both extremes. just the way it turned out. for now, i am glad i am getting the opportunities to handle and use some fantastic gear.

The only thing i wish i had was a really great way to display kit like a small spa/ museum-ish / workshop room thats not a typical bathroom that probably most of have.

Ha! Me too. My wife and I downsized this past year in anticipation of retiring in a few years. My personal space is half of what it once was, so my stash is stashed out of sight in a drawer for the most part.

 

[domingo3]

You have a very nice collection. I personally wouldn't refer to it as an investment. As you point out, should you choose to part with some of these in the future, you'll likely recoup a significant amount of what you paid, and in some cases more. I think it's completely fair to sell at whatever the market value is. I don't mean to equate the resurgence in classic shaving to tulip mania or beanie babies, but there's surely a chance second hand values could drop, especially on the pricier items. If you have the funds and it brings you joy, that's what really matters. This is quite a respectable hobby, and one wouldn't have to look far to see people spending much more on a variety of things with lesser benefit.

 

[BigJ]

Nice collection!!

The point is to find what makes you happy!

Compared to other hobbies, this is a real bargain! There is ZERO maintainence on a razor. Zero!

Compare that to a sailboat or vintage car, for example!

 

[cw62803]

Nice collection!!

The point is to find what makes you happy!

Compared to other hobbies, this is a real bargain! There is ZERO maintainence on a razor. Zero!

Compare that to a sailboat or vintage car, for example!

Amen.

 

[It's Hedley]

Nice collection!!

The point is to find what makes you happy!

Compared to other hobbies, this is a real bargain! There is ZERO maintainence on a razor. Zero!

Compare that to a sailboat or vintage car, for example!

Thanks BigJ.

I was always told the key is to have friends with sailboats!

 

[Macfrommichigan]

IMO:

One should have a friend with a good bird dog, a cottage, and access to a trout stream. And you should buy them lunch frequently!

If all your hobby kit will fit in one duffle bag, you are right sized. If you need a garage or storage area, you have too much *#@&$=.

 

[Hannah's Dad]

Excellent observation and insight on the B&B BST. I feel like the items I purchased on BST were very fairly priced and now I have that bond between myself and the sellers. I cannot say that about the items I purchased on Etsy or Ebay, although I paid what I felt they were worth to me. There is no brotherhood or bonding on Etsy or Ebay that's for sure. Purely a business transaction.

Well said, my brother.

 

[It's Hedley]

Well said, my brother.

Well said, my brother.

Thank you Dan!

 

[Clay S]

Nice collection!!

The point is to find what makes you happy!

Compared to other hobbies, this is a real bargain! There is ZERO maintainence on a razor. Zero!

Compare that to a sailboat or vintage car, for example!

DE, SE, and shavette maybe, but SR . . .

No fiscal maintenance once you have your hones and strops though.

 

[Tanuki]

You have some really nice items so far.

As far as the BST goes, on this forum the BST has changed a bit over the last several years but I think the concept has still remained the same, which would be to price items very fairly. Price wise, I think like what you'd sell something to your brother or maybe to close friend for. At the very least the price should be what most people would consider fair.

This is a gentlemanly forum and the push back you get on a higher priced item would likely be some of the users here looking out for the less experienced. Or maybe just someone looking for something to complain about as unfortunately we get some of that too. Either way, a less experienced buyer can purchase from the BST and get a fair to really good deal without being up to date on the latest pricing information. Good or bad that depends on who you ask but in selling it's more of a place to take care of your friends and share some items that maybe didn't work out for you. It's not really meant to be a profit center or intended for guys to flip things and make a few bucks. If it were then the site would likely take a percentage and call it what it is. We know that there are places for that or even other shaving sites that have more of a "let the buyer beware mentality".

As far as getting top dollar goes there are other shaving forums that have BST areas with different pricing strategies and there's always the popular auction site. If I wanted top dollar for an item, or to minimize my losses on something that I may have overpaid for, I'd likely seek out these other resources and not get the push back that you might get here. If I wanted to quickly pass a few items to someone that might appreciate them more than I do then I'd likely post there here.

Anyway, just my thoughts and likely worth what you paid for them.

+1!

B/S/T ... enablers enabling enablers. We all may be differently-abled, but we are a fine bunch of people. [pats self on back] Of course, YMMV.

 

[Canadian Mountain Man]

Awesome first post and some great comments from the rustlers, cut throats, murderers, bounty hunters, desperados, mugs, pugs, thugs, nitwits, halfwits, dimwits, vipers, snipers, con men, Indian agents, Mexican bandits, muggers, buggerers, bushwhackers, hornswogglers, horse thieves, train robbers, bank robbers and Methodists. edited for content

My own purchasing experience has my mind is aglow with whirling, transient nodes of thought careening through a cosmic vapor of invention. With my collection I lean to the "if you can afford it, why not" train of thought but that's similar to most of my other hobbies. And like other hobbies once I've dialed in on those things I enjoy I tend not to deviate. As an example with shaving, while I appreciate that for vintage razors there's a whole host of manufacturers other than Gillette but I have no interest in collecting them.

As for the budget of shaving, as its been mentioned here and elsewhere often this is an affordable hobby and the barrier/cost of entry is quite low. That said, I don't think its completely analogous to other activities like boating, cabins, etc. I can't imagine the circumstance where I'd ever invite buddies or other couples to spend the weekend shaving together. Point being, aside from the camaraderie on B&B this is a largely solitary activity. Not that there's anything wrong with that. For me so is fly fishing and at times I have zero interest in riding with anyone, just want to get on the bike and burn through blacktop.

You have a wonderful collection, however a question..where are the SE razors at?

harrumph....harrumph.....my post is adjourned

 

[les24preludes]

I find the motivation for buying something is simply curiosity. You want to know how your target buy performs for you in your own home. You read how it performs for others, and your dormant cash reaches escape velocity and catapults through the ether into someone else's bank account. I think attaching ideas like wisdom and economics to this phenomenon is a bit fanciful.

 

[Rhody]

Having a watch (appreciated value) that is as much as some used cars doesn't bother me as much as a the cost of a new or ebay wolfman. ymmv and everyone makes their individual judgment. i dont care how others justify spending money unless im looking around a casino. Then i just cant help but judge.
I have a cousin who "works" for her family's business. She gambles between 5&10 k a month.

 

[John Rose]

I've devise what I call my Rule of Collectibles.
When some versions or models of a collectible are more readily recognized at a distance, those models shall almost always fetch a higher price, regardless of their intrinsic value or historical importance.
for example:
This Truetone "Boomerang" radio, has a standard 5-tube chassis, and a painted Bakelite cabinet.

Pretty cool, huh? (I have one, BTW.)
Here's another, with the essentially the same circuit and cabinet material:

Stand 50 feet back from the monitor and you can still recognize the unmistakable outline of the Boomerang. It will bring at least double or triple the price of the Zenith, which resembles dozens of other models.

Then think about a Fat Boy Toggle, versus a regular Fat Boy. It would seem that the Toggle is not a superior design, because they stopped making them so soon. Yet it demands a higher price, mostly because of its distinctive appearance. The Bottom Dial too, but to a lesser degree.
Of course there are always exceptions, like the Red Dot Fat Boy (which requires close inspection), but I think my theory is generally true. The unique shapes make them more valuable as an investment, but not as a daily driver.

 

[Rhody]

I've devise what I call my Rule of Collectibles.
When some versions or models of a collectible are more readily recognized at a distance, those models shall almost always fetch a higher price, regardless of their intrinsic value or historical importance.
for example:
This Truetone "Boomerang" radio, has a standard 5-tube chassis, and a painted Bakelite cabinet.

Pretty cool, huh? (I have one, BTW.)
Here's another, with the essentially the same circuit and cabinet material:

Stand 50 feet back from the monitor and you can still recognize the unmistakable outline of the Boomerang. It will bring at least double or triple the price of the Zenith, which resembles dozens of other models.

Then think about a Fat Boy Toggle, versus a regular Fat Boy. It would seem that the Toggle is not a superior design, because they stopped making them so soon. Yet it demands a higher price, mostly because of its distinctive appearance. The Bottom Dial too, but to a lesser degree.
Of course there are always exceptions, like the Red Dot Fat Boy (which requires close inspection), but I think my theory is generally true. The unique shapes make them more valuable as an investment, but not as a daily driver.

very cool looking radio!

 

[Clay S]

Then think about a Fat Boy Toggle, versus a regular Fat Boy. It would seem that the Toggle is not a superior design, because they stopped making them so soon.

While I think your "Rule" has some merit, rarity often makes it more interesting to collectors as well. The toggles short product run and failures has left relatively few working ones.

 

[ajkel64]

Great post, thanks for sharing.