Note: You may want to "View Original" to see the detail in this chart.

Background:

This morning I thought it would be interesting to try to compare prices of similar insulators at six of the major insulator websites. This was an informal price comparison. Fairly common CDs were randomly chosen as a sample of convenience ('common' is a very subjective term; some people may consider CD 131.4 uncommon). The same embossing index was used as often as possible. The sample pool was taken from the following insulator websites*, when 2 or more identical pieces were available for sale or sold:

1. Grampa Mac's Insulator Emporium 2. ICON For Sale (Sold) gallery (2005 to present) 3. The Insulator Store 4. Open Wire Auctions 5. Talking Wire Auctions 6. Poletop Auctions

*eBay was not surveyed due to time limitations.

A word about pricing: Remember, insulator pricing is an extremely subjective thing. Color, condition, junk-in-glass, etc. are all subjective variables. A flaked drip can cause quite a disagreement between two collectors. No two insulators are alike. Please keep this in mind as you look at the survey results.

Results: • For outright sale (Grampa Mac, ICON & the Insulator Store), ICON had the lowest prices overall. • For outright sale (Grampa Mac, ICON & the Insulator Store), the Insulator Store had the highest prices. • Auction prices were typically higher than the average price per CD category. • ICON had the lowest price compared to the average price in each CD category. • ICON was the only seller to include shipping. • ICON prices were lowest compared to the 2007 price guide • Grampa Mac & ICON were often lower than the 2007 price guide.

Please keep in mind: The purpose of this comparison was not to paint any of the sellers in a bad light, or to glorify one website over another. As an insulator seller, I have personally sold insulators below, at, or above price guide values! While I feel the numbers speak for themselves, keep in mind the sample pool was limited to nine different consolidated design (CD) numbers. A more comprehensive comparison would have to be done in order to substantiate this informal survey. This survey was done out of curiosity, for informational purposes only. Averages were based on actual pieces for sale in each category. AGAIN, THIS WAS A SMALL, INFORMAL SURVEY. Comments are welcomed, but please keep the hate email to yourself!

Good collecting/purchasing to all! David