AusBonsai

I check ebay for bonsais the odd time in case something nice ever comes up. There seem to be a few genuine sellers and then others who look like they are extorting money or something.

I won't link incase its another members tree, but theres a "10 Year Old English Oak", which isn't styled and looks like at stick in a pot. The asking price is $420

You might say a bonsai is worth what someone is willing to pay etc. but, i can't help but feel some people are getting ripped off badly on there.

People seem to believe that as soon as something is in a bonsai pot it's suddenly extremely valuable. It's why bonsais often get stolen too. People look over the fence, see bonsai pots and think it's an open goldmine. The other thing they think increases the value is the age - the older the more valuable. I've looked on ebay and gumtree from time to time, I get sick of seeing figs with one leaf on them, almost certainly on their deathbed being sold for $800.00. I'd rather walk around a Bonsai Nursery any day...

Imagine if it were a "wedding" bonsai! $$$$$

I would never buy a live tree on ebay

OK guys we normally delete any threads about ebay as they always degenerate. We can let this run and see where it goes. I have bought several trees and pots on ebay and have been very happy with them. It's like anything - if it looks OK then bid on it and if it is overpriced just move on. I see it as being no different than buying a used car - the buyer should do the research and know what something is worth.

I have wanted to buy some on eBay but haven't. I've bought a bit of bonsai accessories and one pot on eBay. I see little trees with wire in oversized bonsai pots going for $50 and just wonder whether anyone buys them. Also you see stock that is old but hasn't had much work done but the price attached to the plant seems to be all based on how many years old it is.

The thing on eBay that makes me suspicious is listings with stock that is not too bad, semi styled in bonsai pots where the seller makes no mention at all of the species of the tree. The description merely says gorgeous bonsai tree, x years old.

Well said Tony. Sites like ebay, gumtree etc will always have over-priced items or lack of quality, but its no different from going to the local markets and buying plants. You have to look around and know what you're after, sometimes you'll find that gem that is healthy and cheaper than the rest, other times you'll pay more for the better looking stock.
I have bought 3 trees off ebay now, all deciduous. 2 were from the same seller and were shipped bare rooted. The last was potted and just breaking bud. I couldnt be happier with the purchases.

Know your limits, know what price similar stock would go for at your local bonsai nursery, and make an assessment. Easier for us bonsai enthusiasts, its the people who have not studied, or perhaps don't have a good eye for stock that get suckered in.

I've purchased a few nice pots through Ebay, a couple from a potter on the east coast that has some really nice pots, for really good prices. He just puts them up now and then, but I really liked his style so buy them when I see them.

Haven't purchased any tree's though, unfortunately (or luckily) I can't due to customs, and there aren't any sellers in the state. That being said, I think I'd prefer to get them in store so I can look and touch, and see every detail.

So my is that its good for pots, and accessories (tools as well sometimes), but I wouldn't risk it for a bonsai tree personally, just too risky

Hi all,
What worries me about some of these bonsai sellers is not so much the price asked, but the quality of trees.
I worry that this gives bonsai in general a bad name, and that as long as there are sticks in bonsai pots being sold as 'bonsai', then the general public and those new to bonsai will have a poor understanding of and introduction to what can be a truly wonderful art form.

trident76 wrote:Hi all,
What worries me about some of these bonsai sellers is not so much the price asked, but the quality of trees.
I worry that this gives bonsai in general a bad name, and that as long as there are sticks in bonsai pots being sold as 'bonsai', then the general public and those new to bonsai will have a poor understanding of and introduction to what can be a truly wonderful art form.

I agree.

I wasn't knocking ebay. I look for trees on there all the time. I just get irritated by a certain few sellers, selling overpriced crap. It is the people buying their first bonsai or beginners etc that get caught out. Especially people that don't live near a nursery.

On a side note: How do you put a value on your trees?

Some will add 10-30$ish per year they have cared for it + what they have paid. I suppose it is very much like pricing art. Whatever someone will pay is what its worth. People spend big money on crap art too.

Eusto wrote: I wasn't knocking ebay. I look for trees on there all the time. I just get irritated by a certain few sellers, selling overpriced crap. It is the people buying their first bonsai or beginners etc that get caught out. Especially people that don't live near a nursery.

Definately a trap for beginners, I would have fallen for it if they were available to me... instead I fell for the 'bonsai seeds' trap

I agree that there are some ridiculous prices for sticks in pots on eBay, but it's no different to the crap sold at the big green shed or normal plant nurseries as bonsai. Specialist bonsai nurseries are the go (but even some off these are on the steep side for some plants) but not everyone has one of those just round the corner!

I have bought a few trees off eBay now and have only been stung once. Tree was dormant and sent bare rooted and had dried out to much in the post....never burst a bud in spring! But I have also bought some crackers at reasonable prices.

It is difficult to see exactly what you are getting with some dodgy photography sometimes, but after you get your eye in, there are some very good trees sold on eBay. In reality it's probably 1 or 2 out of a 100 that are reasonably priced once you add the postage cost.

but after you get your eye in, there are some very good trees sold on eBay. In reality it's probably 1 or 2 out of a 100 that are reasonably priced once you add the postage cost.

I agree. I think remarks stating that ebay bonsai trees give 'bonsai' a bad name are a little over dramatic. If you look and like, then buy. Otherwise don't look.. and steer clear of ebay and the big green shed.
I have purchased some great stock on ebay, from bonsai enthusiasts that are unloading stock from time to time. After a few years you develop an eye for bonsai and can find some good bargains if you keep your eyes open. There are some opportunists out there and if they can sell crap and get away with it good on them

Buyer beware! A fool and his money are soon parted. This is a once in a lifetime deal. etc. etc.

Just as there will always be someone willing to sell a product above its value, so there will always be someone willing to pay an exorbitant price.

I don't like seeing anyone taken for a ride but then again some people just don't listen to good advice.

i have bought/sold some good trees off ebay for reasonable prices

Fleabay's good for pots, books, tools and seed. Didnt realise you could buy live trees from there I can imagine they'd be of the same caliber as bunning's 'bonsai' would rather dig anyday.