What's the catch with these auctions?

Tina20

I was doing an ebay search, specifying free delivery and price of under £1.00, out of curiosity.

There are hundreds of chinese auctions for various random things, from skimpy knickers to 'priceless chinese cup' and they all start at 0.01p with free international delivery.
Here's an example http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Hello-Kitty-Lady-Girl-Quartz-Wrist-Watch-PINK-CUTE-yike-zuan-/251049778948?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a73bb9f04#ht_1627wt_1344

Now, I've stayed away from these due to the 'too good to be true' thing, it's surely impossible for it to be that simple right???

are there hidden charges if you win one if these? What's the catch?Aside from cheap and nasty product of course

building_with_lego

I don't know, but a friend of mine almost bought something for an amazing price and free delivery when she noticed that the listing stated that whoever won the item would be charged £40 ish postage. :cool: Listing was already pulled when I tried to find it!

meer53

You ever hear the saying "you get what you pay for" ?

Unless it's delivered to my door in a carrier bag with free prawn crackers i wouldn't order anything Chinese on the internet.

Tina20

I don't mind paying 0.01p for something even if it's terrible:D Xmas gift for the mother in law

RFW

These are auctions, so the chances of actually paying a penny are remote. I can't comment on this seller or the goods, but there are plenty of penny start auctions from China and Hong Kong that have good quality items from good sellers. The penny start auctions are usually used as advertising for sellers with multiple items, even if they sell them for a penny it can still bring in trade and if they have a million items for sale, losing on one would be no great hardship.

deanos

no catch i have bought many items from HK for under £1 all been delivered

The watch you linked to will be fake BTW

forgotmyname

Totally fake and probably a decent profit for them at the current price £1.69.

Riversong

Are there any customs charges?

soolin

Riversong wrote: »

Are there any customs charges?

Not on a £1 item

hollyh

I've bought something really cheap and then when i wanted to buy a 2nd one the price had shot up. I'm wondering if they do it to hopefully get repeat business at higher prices.

steveo3002

yeah ive had several cheap items , i think stuff and postage is so cheap they can do it

dont expect it to be much quality