Shopsmith Forums

What is the deal that used parts on ebay often go for nearly as much, if not more, than new parts from Shopsmith? I'm a poor, out-of-work owner of an old machine and I can't even catch a good deal on a power coupling. I don't believe a Shopsmith wears out quick enough to generate this much demand. And there are obviously several people making moolah by finding old machines, disassembling and putting the parts on ebay. Is it that hard to get new parts from Shopsmith? I catch rumors on here that they are struggling to stay afloat. If so, then hoarding does seem to be in order, but to the extent of actually paying more than retail? I'm very interested in what you guys think about this.

fiatben wrote:What is the deal that used parts on ebay often go for nearly as much, if not more, than new parts from Shopsmith? I'm a poor, out-of-work owner of an old machine and I can't even catch a good deal on a power coupling. I don't believe a Shopsmith wears out quick enough to generate this much demand. And there are obviously several people making moolah by finding old machines, disassembling and putting the parts on ebay. Is it that hard to get new parts from Shopsmith? I catch rumors on here that they are struggling to stay afloat. If so, then hoarding does seem to be in order, but to the extent of actually paying more than retail? I'm very interested in what you guys think about this.

It is true that Shopsmith has been struggling but then so are the banks, the auto manufacturers and you and I. This should not be a surprise. But I do not believe that to be the major problem for what you describe. There seems to be a resurgence in DIY wood workers and many of them have Shopsmiths.

Why? Because this machine just does not give up]BTW Shopsmith is not about to go under. Are you aware that they are about to announce the release of a new model - the Mark V PowerPro.[/B]

Great explanation Dusty. Along with that, there's also the explanation that, for what ever reason, people are willing to pay too much on eBay. Do an eBay search for coupons. You'll find people buying coupons at or ABOVE face value! I just don't understand that.

heathicus wrote:Great explanation Dusty. Along with that, there's also the explanation that, for what ever reason, people are willing to pay too much on eBay. Do an eBay search for coupons. You'll find people buying coupons at or ABOVE face value! I just don't understand that.

The desire to win the bid can override logic and sense. Bidding frenzy. Kind of link an addiction.

mickyd wrote:The desire to win the bid can override logic and sense. Bidding frenzy. Kind of link an addiction.

One possible factor that has NOT been mentioned is ignorance on the part of the buyer of shopsmith's present existance.

Fiatben: PM me your snail-mail address and I will send you one - no strings!

I diasagree with the entire premise of this. Sure there are those that pay too much for things, but there are deals to be had. I just bought a upgraded carraige assembly (510) for $56 in like new condition. The same part is $176 from Shopsmith. Not too shaby if you ask me. Also, entire Mark V units are there from $200 up depending on condition/age. When was the last time you saw one froi Shopsmith at that kind of price? I am not knocking Shopsmith. when rebuilding my unit I bought 1/2 the parts from them and split the other 1/2 between local and ebay sellers. I went the price route and bought cheap where I could. The biggest problem I had was the wait for parts from Shopsmith. I had everything local and the ebay stuff over a week and a half before the Shopsmith parts shipped.

mickyd wrote:The desire to win the bid can override logic and sense. Bidding frenzy. Kind of link an addiction.

I agree, they are not looking at the price, just the win.

A lot of new people to ebay simply do not check prices or set limits to what they will pay which is ok for sellers. Some of it is fear they are not going to get the part they need. Some of it is greed, where sellers have their friends and neighbors bid up their items to get a higher price. Some time those of you who are your own worst ememies by bidding the items up so high, having patience will pay off. Ebay is not the only source for parts, I run across deals on shopsmiths all the time, personally I'm just at my limit on space and numbers, I have 2 510's and one ER.

Also if Shopsmith were better at pricing their parts and filling orders in a timely matter, they might find out they could be come a profitable company and have a repeat business from a solid customer base.

I often see prices really high on ebay one week and low another week. I suspect it has more to do with how many bidders need a particular item at any given time. Jim

Dusty and JPG,
I just want to mention that your offers of giving the coupler to Fiatben is just an outstanding gesture and the main reason why I have continued to participate here. It is guy's like you both that make this place an awesome place to be and learn. Oh and by the way I got a complete Mark V (1954) off of EBay 2 weeks ago for a whopping $99.99. It isn't perfect but let me tell you it is coming along very nicely and will be better than new in the near future.