Why do bitcoins sell for so much on ebay?

[Bitcoin Swami]

I see this market falling, but then I look at the completed listings on Ebay.  Some are going for 40 bucks a pop.

Is ebay the real value or are the markets the real value?  HMMMMM

[1715459786]

1715459786

[Lugard]

Harro... has every post of yours been about that bitcoinboom thing(Which, according to some threads, is a scam), and bitcoin7?

[BookofNick]

I think it's a few things:

eBay does not allow sale of a virtual item. So #1 it is against eBay policy. Also, sellers risk chargebacks through PayPal. As a result of these things, there are few listings. Even fewer run the gauntlet without being flagged. Small supply = high prices.

Also, people who have just discovered BTC are waiting on Dwolla, etc and want in before a potential price spike. High demand = high prices.

FYI: I have sold Bitcoins on eBay. Not worth the risk of chargebacks or having my account shut down.

[fascistmuffin]

I think there's a lot more stupid people buying on ebay. Just look at the computer sales area. Old P4 computers are selling for $350+.

[Littleshop]

some of the bids were placed when bitcoin was $22.  So they were high then, low now.

Selling bitcoins or anything virtual is a bad move on ebay.

[ktomi]

What if I put up something for sale and I say if you buy this item, I'll give you 1 Bitcoin as a free gift for your purchase?

[tymothy]

Lots of people just want a low barrier entry into getting into bitcoin. It's not really a currency or an investment asset to some people, just a cool thing to have. Ebay is a platform most people are comfortable with and people are ok with paying a premium just to get into the game. It's the difference between the forex trader and the tourist paying +15% at an airport currency exchange kiosk.

[Littleshop]

What if I put up something for sale and I say if you buy this item, I'll give you 1 Bitcoin as a free gift for your purchase?

then they can return the item, get their money back and keep your bitcoin.