ummm...so don't buy bonsai on ebay? Chances are the same guy(s) has a nursery where he/she sells stuff for reasonable prices in person.

I can't speak for the US site (although I assume there are many instances), but here on Ebay.co.uk virtually all of the vendors are bonsai nurseries/shops who also have websites, selling trees online. I often see trees listed on these sites that go for a great deal less on eBay. For example, I saw a bonsai listed at £48 + postage on the vendors website, only for it to be sold for £28 + postage. Obviously the vendor has still made a profit on this (otherwise a reserve would be in place) so it shows how much the price of bonsai and related items are inflated - just because its a bonsai.

Although its always much better to see the tree in person and view it from all angles, especially if you are paying big bucks for it, I can honestly say that I have never been disappointed with a tree I've bought online (although I always request additional photos if unsure.

All the best,

Aaron

Don,t always presume that profits are being made on every tree sold on ebay. I know this from trees i,ve sold and from other vendors trees that i,ve known the origin and watched sell. Why do we do this? Basically turnover on ebay is high and this must be maintained. Potential bidders can quickly lose confidence in relisted items with high but sensible start prices, whereas starting low can generate dozens of bids which in turn can generate confidence and yet more bids. All a vendor can hope for is an average that goes into the black. An online website is a different matter. turnover and site visitors are relatively low and prices are fixed so mark ups have to be much higher. How many times have you revisited an online bonsai shop and found the same trees for sale as months earlier? As Ian suggests most people trading on ebay (uk at least) are part timers doing this for love much more than money. finally i,ve also bought quite a few bonsai off ebay as well and have never been disappointed, look for the "back yard bargains" off personal enthusiasts would be my advise for interesting stock. regards andrew