19 Dec
2000
19 Dec
'00
5:06 a.m.
The second-highest bidder has also placed large bids on other items,
including the Apple I ($18,475), 20th anniversary Mac ($1,925), and a MIB
Mac Plus ($1026). This bidder doubled the previous high bid for the Sol from
$1500, but lost to someone whose other purchases have been motorcycles, Limp
Bizkit CDs, and late-model scanners.
My guess: The second highest-bidder is a serious collector with money to
burn, but the winning bidder, who obviously also has a large disposable
income, might have bought on impulse.
Prices for milestone systems in good condition are going up, I think because
relatively wealthy people involved in high tech have latched onto the hobby
as collectors. A similar phenomenon has happened with Depression glass,
which my wife collects. Martha Stewart "discovered" Depression glass, and
has even had some items reproduced. Prices for rare or scarce items have
gone way up, and dealers tell us it's due to a new wealthy clientele. They
also believe that this is temporary and prices will moderate once the fad
passes.
The question for our hobby is whether the high eBay prices are a fad or a
long-term trend. I'm not sure what the answer is.
--Mike
----- Original Message -----
From: "Marvin" <marvin(a)rain.org>
To: <classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2000 1:09 PM
Subject: Re: $3551 Sol???
Wow, that is impressive! This is the Christmas season and people seem more
likely to pay higher amounts for stuff they want as opposed to other times
of the year. There were four different bidders so it isn't a case of "I
*WANT* this; NO, I *WANT* this. Also, those auctions with a lot of
pictures,
such as this one, seem to bring in more interest.
Bill Sudbrink wrote:
>
> Ok, I'm stumped. I bought a Sol on ebay back in September for
> $385.16 including shipping and insurance. I think the one I
> got is in better shape and it has a lower serial number. Why
> did this one go for so much?
>
>
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1201894666&e…
70
Bill