A Tale of Two Purses; Do Pictures, Price & Shipping Matter

I’ve talked about my love for Cole Haan totes on here before.  As  reward for a 1000 new feedback I will buy myself a new tote.

I found 2 purses on eBay that I wanted.  One of them was listed as metallic, and the other as black, but had a picture of a tan purse.  I did not think that I would win either of them, because this style of  used Cole Haan usually NEVER sells for under 75-100.00.

chpurse1

I won them both; one for $55.00 and the other for $18.00.  I paid for both, believing that I was receiving a metallic copper colored tote and a tan tote (both in the same style).  Which I love.

wpid-20150915_102132.jpgI received the “metallic” purse yesterday and the “tan” purse today.  Unfortunately they are the same color and style.  Which got me thinking – Why did one sell for $18 and the other for $55?

chpurse3Here’s the listing for the $55.00 metallic purse.

The seller of this purse has a couple of sentences for the description, and 5 photographs.  The measurements are close, but not quite accurate.  Her photos are clear and show the color of the purse on a white and black background for contrast.  She states this purse is from the late 90’s, (its not) and that’s ok. Shipping was $11.95. Seller has 24 feedback @ 100%.  Item ended September 8th at 8:00pm

chpurse2Here’s the listing for the $18.00 purse.

This has 6 photographs of a purse that looks like a light tan but the item specifics says black. Measurements are off, and there is only ONE sentence about the purse in the description.  The photographs are taken on what looks like an aqua background and  white background.  The seller calls this purse vintage, but it’s not.  Shipping was $12.20.  The seller has 271 feedback and is at 100%.  The item ended on September 9th at 8:24am.

Here are a couple of things I wonder:

  1. Do you think the $1.25 shipping cost difference between the 2 purses made  a difference in people bidding?
  2. Was the lack of description a factor?
  3. Do you think the poor photos of the $18.00 purse, combined with the inaccurate item specifics made it so no one bid on that one?
  4. Do you think ending time was a factor?

You might be wondering what I am going to do with my twin purses… Some would return one.  I hate returns. I think it puts fear in the heart of  seller.. because it does me…  I am going to re-sell mine on eBay.