Just exclaimed out loud over this price

[Stephanie]

So the aladdin on ebay just went for 525, and it supposedly had bad wax. However it only had two bids. Does that mean the value of these is has gone way up, or it was just a unique situation?

Does anyone have a lamp collection they have insured? 

[Erin]

What is Tollhaus?

Gwen Williams said:

Having looked him up on Toolhaus, he seems to get aggressive for small indiscretions and attacks people, not someone I would be willing to sell to. Seems to by mostly games, or did at least.

[Gwen Williams]

it is a negative/neutral feedback scanner, looks at all past transactions and brings up all of the negs and neutrals.

[fog rider]

Here's another one. A series 800 Continental. Typically goes for around $100. This one is up to $700 with 4 days to go. That's twice what I paid for a Music Box, and nearly as much as I paid for my Imperial.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Lava-Lite-SERIES-800-CONTINENTAL-Li...

This bidding madness happened about 6 years ago when a few hard core bidders decided that they both wanted to own every vintage lava lamp on the planet. Instead of enjoying the hobby, their egos demanded that they create an instant colection so others could "ooo' and "ahh" over their vast collections! 

I'm guessing that this current bidder recently came into some money. I'm predicting that he will burn out in a year or so.

 

[Erin]

There's been a lot of this going on lately. You can check out some of the ones I've been tracking here. There are a couple of bidders now that, like you said, must've come into some money. Though I very much would like to have that Continental, there's no way I'd pay that kinda money for it. What bugs me is that other people see that and think all lamps should be getting that kind of money. These bidders are really messing with average prices! 

[Jim]

I don't know if there really is such a thing as "average" price.  There is only market value and currently the market is red hot for certain lamps.  How many continentals have you seen up for auction on eBay?  This is the 2nd one I have seen.  Lost on the first one to Chow (glitter) and then this one.  One bidder has a bid in of who knows how much - the leading bidder has padded his bid a number of times so it could be over $1000.  There was a 2nd bidder who was willing to go $689.  I am interested to see the final price as I do have a glitter Continental sitting at home right now with the original box. 

Bottom line - its all about perceived value.  What may be too expensive for one bidder may be appropriate for another.  What's it worth?  Whatever someone is willing to pay for it.

[Erin]

I do see your point, but I also think these two bidders are overpaying for these lamps. They are artificially inflating the cost of these lamps based on their stubbornness. 

[Dr. WHAT?!]

This is quite ridiculous really.... I seen a few of those continentals sell over the years and never once did they ever go over $250. I got outbid  $.50 on one, for $225 so ya, I bet the seller is shitting himself right now lol. Now I am tempted to post my 2 boxed mystiques and see what these guys would do to each other

Its like the thunderdome of the lava lamp collectors,. Two man enter, one man leave!

[Keith]

I remember several years ago Ford came out with a newly designed Thunderbird.  The waiting list to get one was months long and people were paying 10's of thousands of dollars over the sticker price.  They were paying for perceived value, a value which didn't hold up.  That model was discontinued after a few years because of low sales.  The point is that the overall market for used lava lamps can't sustain these high prices long term.  And while overall prices may go up, we may also see some of the more rare lamps come up for auction with people willing to cash in on the higher market.

Erin said:

I do see your point, but I also think these two bidders are overpaying for these lamps. They are artificially inflating the cost of these lamps based on their stubbornness. 

[fog rider]

While I can't put an actual number on it, I've seen several Continentals for sale over the last 12 years, both lava and glitter. Not a common lamp, but not particularly rare either. Just my opinion.

[kiramarie]

My lamps are insured... as I have lost my entire collection twice to Hurricanes.. but this new inflated price on older lamps has me wondering if my insur. dude needs to re-figure my policy.. especially since it is officially storm season .. but again.. if I think one is headed this year I will evacuate will my entire collection...because who needs clothes..

[kiramarie]

thank you... and unless they are die hoarders like most of us... they will get over their new found fondness..and I still think there is something funny about this sudden price jack and it being same bidders..

Keith said:

I remember several years ago Ford came out with a newly designed Thunderbird.  The waiting list to get one was months long and people were paying 10's of thousands of dollars over the sticker price.  They were paying for perceived value, a value which didn't hold up.  That model was discontinued after a few years because of low sales.  The point is that the overall market for used lava lamps can't sustain these high prices long term.  And while overall prices may go up, we may also see some of the more rare lamps come up for auction with people willing to cash in on the higher market.

Erin said:

I do see your point, but I also think these two bidders are overpaying for these lamps. They are artificially inflating the cost of these lamps based on their stubbornness. 

[kiramarie]

only scarey thing in that is this... these two mad bidders may not have a clue as to maintaining these lamps in the long run.. I know any lamps I sell I want them to go to a good home with a true lava lover

Dr. WHAT?! said:

This is quite ridiculous really.... I seen a few of those continentals sell over the years and never once did they ever go over $250. I got outbid  $.50 on one, for $225 so ya, I bet the seller is shitting himself right now lol. Now I am tempted to post my 2 boxed mystiques and see what these guys would do to each other

Its like the thunderdome of the lava lamp collectors,. Two man enter, one man leave!