Buying posters on EBAY

[Clay]

I did a search on EBAY for gig posters and concert posters and there were a TON on there. I think this is a great thing for the designers... nothing raises the value of great art like the demand and counterbidding at an auction.

I am curious though .. are there actually deals on there, or is it still better to purchase straight from the designer? Who knows .. the ebay one might have a big crease or a piece of tape on the back!

[Anonymous]

Clay

There can be some good poster deals at ebaY. You should email the seller BEFORE bidding and ask whether a poster has previously been hung (ie it has staple holes, tape, etc) and what its condition is. A good seller will try to post any condition defects in the auction's text but it never hurts to ask.

Infinite

[Anonymous]

As an eBay seller as well as direct dealer, I can state categorically that there are some excellent opportunities on eBay. Be sure you check seller feedback and don't hesitate to send a questioning email before you bid. The BUY IT NOW feature is also a super tool. You can quickly pick up a poster at what could turn out to be a real bargain compared to what it might have brought in a bidding battle which often occurs. However, remember, eBay is only an auction venue. If you are a serious buyer you need to build a rapport with a solid dealer who will work with you to help build your collection (if you are a collector). We typically have in stock or access to huge inventories that are not listed anywhere.

[Anonymous]

I buy posters from e-bay all the time, and I have yet to have a bad experience. Some things to keep in mind:

1. Note the size of the poster. You may think you're getting a full-sized one, but when it arrives, it's more like a flyer.

2. Is it signed and numbered? If not, you shouldn't be paying a whole lot for it.

3. Go to the artist's website and check the price before you bid. It's safer to buy from the artist as you'll almost always be getting a signed and numbered copy in mint condition. This also lets you know how high you should bid and if you're getting a good deal. On my last auction, I got 3 signed posters for $70. The artist was selling only one of his for $75, so I knew I was getting a deal. On the flipside, I almost bid $60 for a poster the artist was selling for $30.

4. If you buy more than one poster from the same person, make sure you let them know. They will almost always charge you shipping on only one since they can consolidate.

Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

All I know is that you better be careful. Some of these EBAY guys really destroy the values of posters by the unscrupulous ways they conduct business. To them, its all dollar-signs.

[drowningcreek]

When buying on ebay..BE CAREFUL, know what your buying and have a general idea of what it's worth before you go on a bidding binge and drive up the price!!

I sell a tremendous amount of my studio's work on ebay and but for my own collection there also. It's a great marketplace, BUT I have encountered some real scam artists too, especially when purchasing flyers. They are WAY to easy bootleg...just throw one on a copier and instant flyers.

My recommendation is to only purchase Xeroxed flyers from a dealer you trust....really trust.

The old saying" if it seems to good to be true, it is usually is...." applies here.

So shop ebay, but keep your eyes open and use sites like gigposters.com and individualartist's sites to do research on posters you are looking to buy. even write the artists if you want more info. I know I answer questions about my posters all the time.

the important thing is if you have any questions...ASK. I know we cater heavy to our customers concerns such as shipping costs, packaging and poster condition. If someone gives you vague answers ...avoid them.

Thanks to all of you for supporting poster artists, such as myself, because if it wasn't for the collectors we wouldn't be able to do what we love.

Drop by my online gallery sometime and check us out. http//www.drowningcreek.com...and be sure to check us out on ebay...user ID: drowningcreek

Thanks,
Jeff Wood
Drowning Creek Studio