Market trends, pricing, and availability

[G3]

This is a recurring thread theme, somebody sees what they consider an outrageous price for a knife and then concludes that people are somehow being taken advantage of.

1. If you see a knife available for an outrageous price, the key word is not 'outrageous,' it is 'available.' By definition that means that so far everyone else agrees it is overpriced, which is  why it's still available.

2. There is always someone who misreads what the market value is on their consignment knife. Many consigners will have a price they want for the knife, and I know the major knife consignment place in the southwest is happy to let you insist on a high price as long as you're happy to see it unsold.

1. Fair enough but for clarity the listing was recent within 24 hours so it remains to be seen how long before 'everyone sees and agrees'.

2. Who's happier to see it unsold?
We or they?
Since they are in the market to sell, it behooves them to hold out until there is no other option but to wait indefinitely.
Supply and demand.
Is it a disservice to the community when it holds and becomes the norm?

Consigners can still make a profit without having to double the price and I've seen that with some, not with others.
Question is who is driving the price, we or they.

 

[sgt1372]

Many consigners will have a price they want for the knife, and I know the major knife consignment place in the southwest is happy to let you insist on a high price as long as you're happy to see it unsold.

I agree with the 1st but not the 2nd part of this statement.

Unless ACK has a listing fee that I'm not aware of, they don't make anything (nor does the seller) unless a knife sells. So, there really is no incentive to overprice a knife from ACK's POV but ACK nonetheless allows the seller to set the price for the knife whether it's a "realistic" price or not.

I'm sure that, if a knife goes unsold for a long time, ACK will encourge the seller to price it "better" but, based on what I've read on ACK's site, it does not require sellers to do so.

So, if a knife goes unsold there, it is only because the seller has set a price for the knife that no one (who has seen the listing) is willing to pay.

 

[Blues]

We've pretty much exhausted this topic.

TL;DR: The market sets the price. People will pay what their pocketbooks or enthusiasm for a knife will allow.

Some sellers will try to wring every cent they can get out of a knife they put up for sale, while others will accept what they feel is fair or ethical depending upon their points of view.

Many so-called trends are illusions. Many knives can be had for "reasonable" prices, (the definition of which itself is up for debate), while others may be offered at what the seller feels is a premium he or she can add on due to the piece's popularity or rarity.

Choose wisely and not beyond your means.