Kevin Harmon at Starting an eBay Business Blog:
Many people ask me when its time to implement your holiday plan on Ebay - this year, I’ve got a simple answer - TMX Elmo.
So, what happens when a company releases a hot product in limited amounts? Please turn to page 9 of your freshman economics book - guns vs. butter. Remember that?
Here is where Ebay has completely changed our economy. In the past, when a hot item sold out in stores - tough luck, Mr. Parent! Your kid’s gonna get another hula hoop for Christmas and like it. Remember Cabbage Patch Dolls?
Enter Ebay - the most efficient marketplace on planet Earth. Look how the ecomony has changed.
About a week ago, the Tickle Me Elmo TMX toy was released to retail. The cost of the TMX at Toys R Us? $40.00. The toy was released with a limited number of units, and immediately sold out nationwide.
Luckily for daddy, there’s now this thing called “Ebay” where you can sell stuff, and if your stuff is hot, you’re getting a convertible for the holidays.
National Retailers with Tickle Me Elmo TMX’s @ $40.00 = 0Number of auctions on Ebay for the TMX @ up to $500.00 = over 6 THOUSAND.
Photo by eBay.
Eddie on October 13th, 2006 at 10:57 pm
Hello Kevin. My name Is Eddie. My Dad and I were talking one day and he told me about the elmo doll being a hot item for christmas this year , I went to the Local store and to my luck there were two left. I figure that I was just extremely lucky. I want to sell on ebay but I’m not too sure when the best time would be, Week or Two after Thanksgiving? Any imput would be helpful.
Thanks Eddie B. Medina Oh.
Catherine on October 15th, 2006 at 11:06 am
My question is how did the folks that went out and purchased all the Elmo Dolls know how and where to get them? And that they were gonna be a hit on ebay? It is as if they knew ahead of time that they were coming out and prepared at the crack of dawn.
TMX Elmo on October 24th, 2006 at 6:10 am
I am one of those guys selling the ridiculously expensive TMX Elmos, but my question is: Why buy them? Tell your kids “NO!”,and get it after Christmas. Or, listen to your kids and help take some Elmos off my hands. : )
Red on January 22nd, 2007 at 11:48 pm
I can’t believe how high the prices went during christmas for the tmx elmo. If you did buy one at the regular retail price your one of the lucky ones.