ebay overpaying guilt

[ams37]

Does anyone else feel bad when someone on ebay is bidding higher for something they can but on AG's website for less. I always feel like I should email the bidder and let them know. I recently saw a used Kit go for $105. Good for the seller, but I still feel bad for the bidder.

[bgeurtz]

Just a thought, maybe it was an older Kit and the buyer wanted PM (pre-mattel). Or the buyer was from a country where AG doesn't ship. Or the doll comes with a retired outfit.
Just some food for thought.

[AngieBelle]

There's no such thing as a pre-Mattel Kit. She was created after Mattel took over. I saw an auction with that label today and rolled my eyes. There are differences in the current Kits as compared to the first issue ones though. I also saw Samantha's middy dress labeled as a retired Molly dress. hehe. I hope no one actually believes that.

Back to the subject, yes, it amazes me when people pay for more than retail for something that is still available brand new. Although, I now understand that some people want older issues on the dolls. People should always research before they bid- not everything listed as retired is actually retired.

On the other hand, last night, I saw an auction for 4 MIB AGs- Kirsten, Samantha, Kaya, and either Addy or Molly (I forget which)- for only $275 BIN! Wow- that's definately a significant savings on catalogue price. I'm sure someome has taken advantage of that by now. If I'd had money to spare like that, I probably would have jumped at it. Samantha is the only one of those I already have! *SIGH* Phooey on low pay checks!

[judiaci]

I used to feel bad, but I have learned that people have some good reasons for paying a bit more on e-Bay. Sometimes, they just have reward points or e-Bay discount codes. Sometimes, they live in an area that AG doesn't ship to. Sometimes, they just feel better using their Paypal money that they earned from e-Bay selling rather than their regular debit or credit card.
As long as the auction is not mislabeled or fraudulant, I feel OK.

[ams37]

nope, just regular Kit, about a year old

[jessicasturm]

Yes! I totally feel guilty! A couple of years ago when Felicity was removed from the cataloge, ebay sellers were saying she was retired, and she was going for major $$$, I finally emailed a bidder and said they could get her new from americangirl.com, and she had no idea!

I think it is agaist the rules though, so I haven't done it again, but I do feel guilty!

[cami713]

No, I don't feel bad. If someone wants a current item enough to search for it on ebay, they probably know the item can be found on the AG site. Unless someone is mis-labeling an auction saying something like "Retired American Girl Kit Doll," more than likely the buyer knew exactly what they were buying, and was fully aware that she could get the doll, brand new, on the AG site. For some reason, buying on ebay appealed to they buyer more. To each their own.

[PhDfamily]

Yes, it always bugs me. Right now especailly with the Hopscotch Hill line. So much of it still is avilable on line and with codes it is so much cheaper. (not at the momment, but normally there is always at least a 10% off out there.)

Also AG shipping and Handleing is always so much cheaper and their customer service is great. You don't get that on ebay.

That is why you always really have to shop around and know the real value of what you are looking for on ebay.