eBay Store Oddity: Best Offers

I usually start my auctions low to save on fees, & because I am hoping to start a bidding war. If something doesn't get any bids I usually flip it over into my eBay store. I raise the price a bit then select the "Accept Best Offers" option. The buyer can make an offer lower than what I am asking, usually what I really expected to get in the first place. They feel like they get a better deal. You do occasionally get ridiculously low offers.  Just counter offer with a more acceptable price. 

I wonder why buyers don't always use the option when it is available?  Last night I had an auction end with no bids. It was for some books I bought to read to my boys. I paid $4.25 for them. I read one or two each night then when we were done I listed them for $9.99. No takers. The auction ended last night. I put them in the eBay store for $14.99 with a "best offer" option. I was surprised when they sold this morning for $14.99.

Obviously I didn't make much money on this one. $14.99 - $2.34 fees - $4.25 paid = $8.40. Hmmm. Wrong way to look at it. I need motivation to list all the stuff lying around here. On second thought, minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.  I bought these for my kids, so shopping time isn't included in the calculations. Besides, I shop thrift stores for fun, that is my entertainment. I spent five minutes on the listing and packing. $8.40 earned for five minutes of my time is $100.80 an hour. Wow, that is awesome! The time spent with my kids reading the books - priceless. :)