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Quote: Originally posted by dezzie on 06/8/2009

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Its not really the venture capitalist thing that i get a bit miffed at, its the fact that there are loads of folks who are looking for these tents from Go outdoors and cant get them because they are out of stock. Its not right that someone is able to go into a store in a sale and buy up the stock to then sell on at a profit. Especially if it means normal customers like us losing out on the bargain. Its fair enough if there are loads of them unsold and some enterprising person decides to go buy them then sell them on at a profit, but its kind of wrong for folks to miss out on them because of this kind of bulk buying. Another way to look at it is. Imagine you take a trip to Go Outdoors to buy a Venture and as you approach the Venture display you notice someone has just filled their trolley with the remaining stock leaving you without the bargain. I know i would certainly be miffed. Still they might sell you one of them outside the shop for 99.99 Being enterprising doesnt make it right. It is better though to be forewarned about practices like this!

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As a retailer I have to say, so what?? all that is happening is that Go Outdoors are selling at a price that means they can act like a distributor/wholesaler as well as a retailer - its up to them to manage their stock levels and customer expectations - so if they don't want people to clear their shelves they should limit their 'bargains' per customer.   Obviously they couldn't care less as long as they sell to someone.   From a small business persons point of view its bl*(dy annoying that a manufacturer is supplying a particular retailer at a price point such that any ordinary business couldn't compete - this is far more damaging for customers in the long run as companies like GO end up with monopolies.

I for one would have no qualms about buying up every tent or tarp and selling it on if I spotted a bargain instore... I can't see how it is any different from me buying my nappy stock - usually I get it from distributors and manufacturers, but at one point Boots sold off their nappy stock at less than I would have paid the manufacturers for wholesale price - so guess what?  I cleared the shelves.  At the end of the day my business is buying a product, sticking some expertise and a markup on it and selling it on.

Same with Disney Violet Incredibles costumes - they were selling like hotcakes on Ebay in the states ($80+ for costumes that cost £25 in our disney stores)... I think I sold 15.  Even better is that Disney store have a returns policy - so if they hadn't sold I would have taken them back - which is better than buying from a wholesaler as once you have bought from them you are stuck with the stock even if it doesn't shift.

Same again with Fifa 08 - play.com selling it for £17 - on Ebay they were selling for £29.99 - bought 15 and sold them on - money for old rope - open envelope, take out invoice, insert Paypal receipt and stick an address label on. Not my fault people can't be bothered googling.

The only issue I have is if Go Outdoors are making a big national advertising campaign that would have people travelling well out of their way to get the items and then when they get there they are out of stock - in that case I think they (GO) should be prepared to take telephone reservations to ensure you don't make a wasted journey.

Christine

Quote: Originally posted by dezzie on 06/8/2009

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According to GoOutdoors the tent is exclusive to them.

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It's a discontinued model and Go Outdoors have bought up the last of the warehouse stock, that's all. Other camping retailers may still have the odd one hanging around the back stock room. Great little tents, btw...they were the "must have" weekender tent for years.

I have seen loads of tents on e bay for more £££ than available elsewhere! Including the gelert that was sold in Morrisons for £50 not so long ago --e bay price over £100! But as others have said if people dont check for the best deal ..its their money they are wasting and tbh I dont think everyone needs to save the pennys , and they simply dont care as long as they get what they want.  When 'Go' was selling the venture in may for £59.99 my first thaught was that e bay would be flooded with them and it is!

It isnt fair to those who cant afford the full price and maybe they should look at limiting customer purchases ..but like everything else there is a way around that too.

Quote: Originally posted by dezzie on 06/8/2009

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According to GoOutdoors the tent is exclusive to them.

(Taken from the Go website)

Please Note: the Vango Venture 500 is only available at GO Outdoors, other similar looking models are around but none have had as much thought put into the design for your enjoyment of camping.

As I've said, ive no problem with folk being enterprising, but not at the loss of people who DO go out of their way to try and get a bargain tent.    

Actually you will find that a lot of suppliers of goods are trying to stop these practices. I know that the Supermarkets now limit how many specials you can buy per customer.   Also Argos will not sell more than 1 or 2 of certain items that are discounted - I know this for fact as I used to train some of the teleorder staff a few years back.   Being enterprising is probably a wise thing to do these days - especially when supermarkets seem to undercut all the small retailers, but there should be limits if it is stopping the person on the street from getting near a discount because of all these enterprising folks in to make a quick buck.   What about the VAT and tax implications too? Surely these ebay sellers would need to declare these sales? (genuine question - I honestly dont know) Also theres the question of warranty etc.

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There may be VAT and tax implications if appropriate.   I declare the sales of anything I purchase specifically to sell on, so I pay income tax on the income, but as I don't have the turnover to need to register for VAT I don't have to pay it, or charge it.

What I don't understand is why you don't class me as a "person on the street" as opposed to "enterprising person making a quick buck" - why is one more deserving than the other????  I'm a person, I have a family to support, I run my own business so I can choose what to sell and I can buy from whoever will sell me 'stock' at the lowest price and sell it via my own website (nappies) or on auction sites.  By selling goods (whether they are nappies, PS2 games, WII fits or dressing up costumes) I make an income on which I pay tax... just like someone who goes to work.  If I buy something that I don't want but can sell on I will then use the money I make to spend on items for my family (which I will shop around for looking for a bargain).  

What makes me less worthy than someone who just wants a cheap tent?

Christine

I buy things cheap and sell them on ebay all the time making a nice tidy profit. (Cabanon tent bought for £225 sold for £475 and a MH driveaway awning bought for £104 sold for £300) are my biggest profits this year but I love looking at car boots too and will often buy a Monsson or Boden item of clothing for a couple of quid and sell it for up to £25. I love it. how else would I fund my obsession with tents and camping equipment!!!

It never ceases to amaze me what people will pay for things, I've currently got a used tent footprint for sale on ebay, new its £20 and the bidding is already up to £31 with 2 days to go. Madness IMHO

Quote: Originally posted by xtinexoop on 07/8/2009

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Quote: Originally posted by dezzie on 06/8/2009

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According to GoOutdoors the tent is exclusive to them.

(Taken from the Go website)

Please Note: the Vango Venture 500 is only available at GO Outdoors, other similar looking models are around but none have had as much thought put into the design for your enjoyment of camping.

As I've said, ive no problem with folk being enterprising, but not at the loss of people who DO go out of their way to try and get a bargain tent.    

Actually you will find that a lot of suppliers of goods are trying to stop these practices. I know that the Supermarkets now limit how many specials you can buy per customer.   Also Argos will not sell more than 1 or 2 of certain items that are discounted - I know this for fact as I used to train some of the teleorder staff a few years back.   Being enterprising is probably a wise thing to do these days - especially when supermarkets seem to undercut all the small retailers, but there should be limits if it is stopping the person on the street from getting near a discount because of all these enterprising folks in to make a quick buck.   What about the VAT and tax implications too? Surely these ebay sellers would need to declare these sales? (genuine question - I honestly dont know) Also theres the question of warranty etc.

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There may be VAT and tax implications if appropriate.   I declare the sales of anything I purchase specifically to sell on, so I pay income tax on the income, but as I don't have the turnover to need to register for VAT I don't have to pay it, or charge it.

What I don't understand is why you don't class me as a "person on the street" as opposed to "enterprising person making a quick buck" - why is one more deserving than the other????  I'm a person, I have a family to support, I run my own business so I can choose what to sell and I can buy from whoever will sell me 'stock' at the lowest price and sell it via my own website (nappies) or on auction sites.  By selling goods (whether they are nappies, PS2 games, WII fits or dressing up costumes) I make an income on which I pay tax... just like someone who goes to work.  If I buy something that I don't want but can sell on I will then use the money I make to spend on items for my family (which I will shop around for looking for a bargain).  

What makes me less worthy than someone who just wants a cheap tent?

Christine

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