Business Ethics?

[Singularitie]

Hello all! I am new to these forums, sorry if this is the wrong place to post.
Anyway, I long time ago I bought a product valued in stores at $90.00(I think). However, I bought on Ebay and got a deal for $45.00(used though). Firstly, was this fair?

Now, I no longer need it so I am going to sell it on ebay. The price I am going to list it for is 90.00. Is this fair? If not what should I list it for? This is assuming I am not cheating anyone?

 

[JB_Dugan]

Hello all! I am new to these forums, sorry if this is the wrong place to post.
Anyway, I long time ago I bought a product valued in stores at $90.00(I think). However, I bought on Ebay and got a deal for $45.00(used though). Firstly, was this fair?

Now, I no longer need it so I am going to sell it on ebay. The price I am going to list it for is 90.00. Is this fair? If not what should I list it for? This is assuming I am not cheating anyone?

Of course it is fair and ethical.

The true value of anything sold on Ebay is the winning bid.

The only way you could possibly cheat anyone would be to place a false description…claim that the item is new rather than used.

 

[Singularitie]

Well if it matters it’s a buy it now offer. And I guess what I worry about is that someone who doesn’t read roman numbers well or maybe doesn’t know what is a good deal and what isn’t a good deal or something will buy it and be ripped off.

 

[ishii]

Well if it matters it’s a buy it now offer. And I guess what I worry about is that someone who doesn’t read roman numbers well or maybe doesn’t know what is a good deal and what isn’t a good deal or something will buy it and be ripped off.

If you have used it, why would you expect to get the price for a new one - $90? However, I think you’d be fine as long as you mention that it is used.

Ishii

 

[Mickey_Finn]

Hello all! I am new to these forums, sorry if this is the wrong place to post.
Anyway, I long time ago I bought a product valued in stores at $90.00(I think). However, I bought on Ebay and got a deal for $45.00(used though). Firstly, was this fair?

Now, I no longer need it so I am going to sell it on ebay. The price I am going to list it for is 90.00. Is this fair? If not what should I list it for? This is assuming I am not cheating anyone?

Well very few things retain value after sale, and use. Diamonds, and Gold come to mind. As do firearms within reason. So, it really depends on the product’s individual characteristics. You bought one for half price, and wish to show a profit. If it is an item that retains value, and you just got a bargain than I think you’re ok. If you plan to take advantage of someone who is unfamiliar with the prices of this item. Then obviously you are on shaky ground.

ATB

 

[Singularitie]

While it isn’t my plan to take advantage of someone, I worry that it may happen.

 

[JB_Dugan]

Well if it matters it’s a buy it now offer. And I guess what I worry about is that someone who doesn’t read roman numbers well or maybe doesn’t know what is a good deal and what isn’t a good deal or something will buy it and be ripped off.

While it isn’t my plan to take advantage of someone, I worry that it may happen.

In that case I would advise you to not engage in buying or selling anything. Seek help from a trusted friend or relative to make purchases for you and to liquidate any personal property you want to transfer.

I would also recommend professional help in that you may have some sort of phobia.

 

[GratefulFred]

A free market is one where a WILLING seller and a WILLING buyer can meet and agree to what THEY consider a fair price. In many transactions, the price is negotiable. If too high the buyer is free to walk away.

If I need something immediately, I may be willing to pay more. If I attach some special meaning to it, I may be willing to pay more.

If it does not sell at the asking price, the seller either waits or decides to lower the price so it will sell.

Normal business is aimed at making a profit - buy low, sell high. Profit provides income which is necessary to continue. Profit is also subject to tax.

Provide a complete description - new or used; in good repair or not, etc. Set your price and respond accordingly.

Morality does demand you do not take unfair advantage - such as asking a poor hungry man to pay too much for a bit of food. Or telling a poor seller you will pay 50% of the normal price just because you know he really needs the income while you can afford to pay the normal price. Conditions such as these violate the WILLING buyer and seller requirement of a free market exchange.

 

[ThinkingSapien]

Hello all! I am new to these forums, sorry if this is the wrong place to post.
Anyway, I long time ago I bought a product valued in stores at $90.00(I think). However, I bought on Ebay and got a deal for $45.00(used though). Firstly, was this fair?

Now, I no longer need it so I am going to sell it on ebay. The price I am going to list it for is 90.00. Is this fair? If not what should I list it for? This is assuming I am not cheating anyone?

Products are typically priced at the highest value that it’s thought people are willing to pay*. Unless this is something that is a need that can’t be acquired elsewhere (monopoly) I would not worry to much about the price too much.

• • that was simpler to type, but it’s more like the items are priced to maximize profits. at some higher prices it’s known you will start to loose customers. But this may be compensated for by the higher prices that the remaining customers are paying.

 

[Sunbreak]

You can sell the item for whatever price someone is willing to pay for it. The only exception I can see is when you are gouging someone for an item in short supply than many people need (like gas) or doing something like offering an essential item like water for an outrageous amount during a drought.