Acquiring Neofinetias Via EBay

[AnonYMouse]

Although I've not won a Neo auction yet, I contributed a bit to the rise in bids.

I got my first Neo last September so not so long ago.

[Pilot]

I've definitely helped drive up the prices, and why not? Perceived value is an elusive thing and what one person says "isn't worth it" to another is "a steal!" Perspective is everything and sure there have been plenty of auctions I did not win but like many here, I also research to see where I should stop at my bid and will stick to that unless there is plant that is exceptionally unique. I bought a plant off ebay recently that many here said wasn't worth it but to me, it was, and possibly worth even more. Of course, bid wars are never good-- meaning people are bidding against each other just to win-- but good for Satomi! In the each person needs to choose where they're comfortable for their level of skill, level of commitment and finances.

I won't stop looking (heck, I'm always looking), but if I can trade with another chid-keeper, or buy from Glenn or Satomi, whether over the phone or ebay, so be it. These plants are worth what they are-- if they bring joy to the one keeping it, price is usually soon forgotten.

[rangiku]

And, please put me on the eventual waiting list for a fan of that one, Ryan. Worth every penny of what you paid x 2 or 3.

[MattWoelfsen]

The MANJUSHAGE 曼珠沙華 is still a no bid situation on eBay. So who is going to bite the bullet and claim this plant? Come on people, there are Neofinetia Falcatas available....take a little time from grilling that hot dog, and bid.

The ASAHIDEN 朝日殿 has 12 bids and it has only 3 bidders slowly raising the price up to $35 from starting price of $18. B***B is the highest bidder. Shows only 1 star for that bidder. I hope s/he wins.

The HIGASHIDEMIYAKO 東出都 has 24 bids with 3 bidders. B***B was high bidder but D****R outbid by $1.00.

The other plants available have only one or two bidders and are not much more than the asking price. I guess this is not a good day to auction anything as precious as Neofinetias. Neo fireworks NOT!

SHISHIOU-NISHIKI 獅子王錦 and TENSHIN-天心 still no bid.

[Red Orchid]

Originally Posted by MattWoelfsen

The MANJUSHAGE 曼珠沙華

The other plants available have only one or two bidders and are not much more than the asking price. I guess this is not a good day to auction anything

You are cracking me Matt up you sound like the auctioneer. I say grab that Manjushage it is a good price and it's in bloom. Mine comes tomorrow and I don't think it's in bloom. They just said it was guaranteed to bloom true.

[Jayfar]

Originally Posted by MattWoelfsen

The MANJUSHAGE 曼珠沙華 is still a no bid situation on eBay. So who is going to bite the bullet and claim this plant? Come on people, there are Neofinetia Falcatas available....take a little time from grilling that hot dog, and bid.

Originally Posted by Red Orchid

You are cracking me Matt up you sound like the auctioneer. I say grab that Manjushage it is a good price and it's in bloom. Mine comes tomorrow and I don't think it's in bloom. They just said it was guaranteed to bloom true.

One thing I've suggested before about bidding is that I think smart money waits until final seconds before submitting ANY bid. I haven't always adhered to that theory, but that's my current modus operandi. No sense provoking interest among other potential bidders. If I put my max bid out there in the final 5 seconds only a pre-existing higher max bid or the pros using automatic bidding software can beat me. Sometimes I'll put a feeler bid in in the final 20 seconds, just to get a sense of other max bids.

That said, I can accept that a good single-growth Manjushage with 3 spurs proven may be worth around a C-note. Do you guys think that this specific specimen justifies that price or up to about 120, plus shipping? Nice clean leaves without a lot of blemishes are always a big plus for me and this looks pretty good in that regard. And it has a well-developed baby growth that is well on its way to making this a 2-growth plant.

I arrive at work at about 10:20pm, so I'll have about 20 mins to get strapped in and logged in to snag this, *IF* I decide to go for it. Of course adding to my cost would be the $20 express mail option, which I prefer during extreme heat waves. Hopefully they'd get it to the post office in time Friday for Saturday delivery, rather than have it in the clutches of USPS through the weekend.

So what say you all?

Edited to add: Ginger, I was just looking at the pic on Seed Engei of the sold out Manjushage, which is presumably the one you are getting. Very nice plant I think. I notice the profile of the leaves on these has a sort of wave shape bend. what's the term for that leaf form?

http://www.seed-engei.com/manjushage1000626.jpg

I also see coffeecup has one that bloomed with 4 spurs last September. Looking forward to an update on that one.

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...anjushage.html

[s.kallima]

Originally Posted by Jayfar

Edited to add: I notice the profile of the leaves on these has a sort of wave shape bend. what's the term for that leaf form?

According to the orchid digest article, it is called tuyuukeba if i am not mistaken...

[Becca]

Originally Posted by Jayfar

One thing I've suggested before about bidding is that I think smart money waits until final seconds before submitting ANY bid. I haven't always adhered to that theory, but that's my current modus operandi. No sense provoking interest among other potential bidders. If I put my max bid out there in the final 5 seconds only a pre-existing higher max bid or the pros using automatic bidding software can beat me. Sometimes I'll put a feeler bid in in the final 20 seconds, just to get a sense of other max bids.

That said, I can accept that a good single-growth Manjushage with 3 spurs proven may be worth around a C-note. Do you guys think that this specific specimen justifies that price or up to about 120, plus shipping? Nice clean leaves without a lot of blemishes are always a big plus for me and this looks pretty good in that regard. And it has a well-developed baby growth that is well on its way to making this a 2-growth plant.

I arrive at work at about 10:20pm, so I'll have about 20 mins to get strapped in and logged in to snag this, *IF* I decide to go for it. Of course adding to my cost would be the $20 express mail option, which I prefer during extreme heat waves. Hopefully they'd get it to the post office in time Friday for Saturday delivery, rather than have it in the clutches of USPS through the weekend.

So what say you all?

Edited to add: Ginger, I was just looking at the pic on Seed Engei of the sold out Manjushage, which is presumably the one you are getting. Very nice plant I think. I notice the profile of the leaves on these has a sort of wave shape bend. what's the term for that leaf form?

http://www.seed-engei.com/manjushage1000626.jpg

I also see coffeecup has one that bloomed with 4 spurs last September. Looking forward to an update on that one.

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...anjushage.html

I didn't win the bid for this Manjushage, but I do know it is going to a good home where I will be able to see it in person if the blooms don't blast before opening!

[Red Orchid]

The one I ordered from Seed Engei came today but it had a rough trip. It was dry to the bone and most of the spagh just fell off. I watered it and will pot it tomorrow guess it will be okay. Looks pretty bad for $100.

[Jayfar]

Originally Posted by Becca

I didn't win the bid for this Manjushage, but I do know it is going to a good home where I will be able to see it in person if the blooms don't blast before opening!

My reverse engineering of ebay feedbacks and bids tells me which Orchid Board member got it, but I won't blow his cover.