Looking for Salem's Lot 1/600 by Centipede Press

[Tommy]

Looking to pay around $200 for a VF copy of Salem's Lot published by Centipede Press.

Thank you.

Found a newly listed one on ebay currently at $91 but I imagine that will go up

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SALEMS-LOT-b...item3cd513275c

[T-Dogz_AK47]

Found a newly listed one on ebay currently at $91 but I imagine that will go up

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SALEMS-LOT-b...item3cd513275c

The seller has placed a reserve price, so grabbing a bargain may not be straightforward.

[Tommy]

The seller has placed a reserve price, so grabbing a bargain may not be straightforward.

Indeed, I did not notice the reserve price when I posted the link and furthermore, I don't really get reserve prices or rather the thinking behind them, how exactly does it benefit a seller? why not just start the bidding at the reserve price?

[T-Dogz_AK47]

Indeed, I did not notice the reserve price when I posted the link and furthermore, I don't really get reserve prices or rather the thinking behind them, how exactly does it benefit a seller? why not just start the bidding at the reserve price?

I think the seller is trying to entice the maximum amount of people to place a bid and so start a bidding war that may end up exceeding the reserve price.

Reserve pricing is a sly tactic. Say a seller wants to sell a book for $500, but knows that listing the starting bid at that price may not attract any interest because it's too pricey. The seller chooses the option to list it very cheaply with a reserve price attached (so there is no risk) and wait for the bidding war to start.

At first people think they are onto a bargain, the reality is that the seller is reeling people in like fish....

[Tommy]

That makes a sneaky sort of sense, and since I don't care for sneaky people, I will probably never bid on something with a reserve price, I mean just because I am stupid doesn't mean I should manipulated as such

[jhanic]

If it's something I want, I'll bid on it. If I don't meet the reserve, so be it. I've had instances, though, where, although I didn't meet the reserve, the seller offered it to me at my bid price. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen.

John

[T-Dogz_AK47]

The listing on Ebay has over 3 days left to run but already has 8 bids placed and has exceeded $200, yet the reserve price has still not been met.

As predicted, the bidding war has started after the seller used a bait tactic to lure people in...

[T-Dogz_AK47]

The listing on Ebay has now finished. The copy of Salem's Lot sold for $292.87 with the reserve finally being met, after 12 bids.

With an opening starting price of only $50.00, this seller has given a very good demonstration of why sellers use a reserve price as a bait to lure people in...

[RJK1981]

I don't see a problem with using reserve prices. I also don't really see it as sneaky at all since it is not hidden that there is a reserve price. I've never used it, but have no issues with those who do use it. I see it as being useful to use at times. I know I sure as hell would use a reserve amount if I were to sell some of my things, like my limited of IT. That way, if it didn't get to the minimum I want for it, then I'd have the option of keeping it for myself until I can get whatever that price is. I would never avoid bidding on something just because someone has a reserve price. If the reserve is more than I would be able to pay or willing to pay, then oh well, I won't meet the reserve price. I won't bid more just to meet the reserve.

[Tommy]

Yeah, I get all that but my point is why not have the reserve price as your minimum starting bid? keeping the reserve price secret or hidden seems sneaky to me, like as mentioned before, it is bait to lure the fish in with

[Joe315]

Yeah, I get all that but my point is why not have the reserve price as your minimum starting bid? keeping the reserve price secret or hidden seems sneaky to me, like as mentioned before, it is bait to lure the fish in with

I am selling something currently that I have put a reserve on. I am using it because I am not 100% of what the book is actually worth so I wanted to test the waters and this is a good way of doing it. I didn't want to set an auction and only get $15 for the book when it is worth $250. If someone gets close to it the reserve I will probably offer it to them for whatever there high bid was.

[T-Dogz_AK47]

I have again searched Abe Books, Betts Books and Ebay for this title and still cannot find a copy anywhere near the $200 mark.

Your best chance of securing a reasonably priced copy would be the one currently listed on Ebay. See link below:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Salems-Lot-L...item1e7f3fce34

The seller has reduced the 'Buy It Now' price from $449.99 to $355.49 and will consider a 'best offer' bid.

The only downside is that the book has a few "damp stains," which is probably why it has reduced in price.

Good luck with this though. It is a very good book if you can get it.

[Martin]

The opening bid on this one seams reasonable, if the book is as described:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SALEMS-LOT-S...item51b1ed66db

[T-Dogz_AK47]

The opening bid on this one seams reasonable, if the book is as described:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SALEMS-LOT-S...item51b1ed66db

Nice find Martin, that is indeed a very reasonable price.

I may have to jump on this edition myself if thegunslinger41 doesn't wish to bid on it.

[RJK1981]

That is a good price, which surprises me since his stuff is often overpriced compared to people selling the same items. Not sure if I have gotten anything from that seller, but they have a good rating, so I am sure the book is as described