We seem to be luckier in the UK. Most of the typers on eBay UK have a reasonable starting price, and I've seen a good selection of very nice machines posted at 99p. There's always a lot of interest in the better models, so it's not often you get a bargain, but it can happen.

I'm always amazed by sellers who value their typewriters in the £200+ range when the most rudimentary research would show them that the most they can reasonably hope for is £20+. I'm not sure who they think they're selling too; a casual buyer who just wants a typewriter to use is not going to spend that sort of money, and a collector will have a more realistic idea of the true worth of the machine.

I'll say one thing in their favour: their typewriters are always presented well - good enough to eat (shame about all the chopped keys though). You don't get the grainy cell-phone photos that are increasingly the norm on eBay.

It's the classic marketing dilemma; whether to go for volume sales at modest prices, or stick out for a smaller number of high-priced deals. The latter is riskier, but reduces your overheads. I always spend a lot of time researching my purchases (to the point where it becomes a chore), but I suppose there will be many who will see something they like and buy it on impulse.

If I has the money, I'd spend a fortune there.