8 cents for a natural black onyx pendant in a silver plated setting

[DaysofYoreTreasures]

True, but not true.

This is what came up in my search results today. When I clicked on the listing it showed a price of AU$0.08+.
As my boss used to say, there is no such thing as a free lunch. 
The price was for 1 piece with a 75% sale active, original price AU$0.31. BUT - the one piece (first variation) showed [Sold out, waitlist available].
The next option was 2 pieces for AU$15.89 (original price AU$63.59 with 75% off), sale ends in 9 hours.

I checked a few other listings under 10 cents from the same search results and, sure enough, that first item at the low price was always Sold out.

Etsy, shouldn't you should be showing the price of the first AVAILABLE variation?

[CryzalisDesigns]

Many of these mass resellers use these kind of tricks no doubt masquerading under handmade

[FallsAveVintage]

Handmade - LMAO So true!! I see this tactic a lot with supplies too and the first couple of variations are always sold out.

[Amaradorn]

Yeah, bad programming is allowing 'bait & switch' tactics - but don't worry, I think most buyers get wise to it pretty quickly. What is annoying is if the buyer is searching according to lowest price, then these listings will appear first and push all the legit items out of the way.

[SeasideRoseCreations]

The problem is, buyers will leave.

[FallsAveVintage]

Makes me sick - it's no better than a bait and switch scam. Etsy should list the price range like other marketplaces do rather than display the lowest price only. Many sellers have complained about this tactic but it's still allowed.

[JJewellerySuppliesUK]

This is all over Ebay!  They get seen first if anyone filters to lowest price first.  It might backfire on their conversion rate though as hundreds may click but not buy.

[8rwt4aarbqc4r1uw]

I was just going to post this reminds me of Ebay.

[barkrock]

*

[AnnaleasFinest]

Sellers in the jewelry branch show the Ali express item as the lowest option, and per added design/ embellishment, -which would be mandatory to begin with- they charge extra.

So fake.

Gemstones:

Tiny itsy bitsy gemstones show up first and cheap and are sold out...

it would be only fair if the next available item's price showed up.

Suggest it to Etsy?

[anythinggoeshere]

Buyer, beware.

[JMOldeVintage]

I've seen these .08 cent items on Etsy's home page under the 'Sponsored by Etsy Sellers' display section. 
In a way I find it amusing - what would happen if I bought only one (if it really were available).
On the flip side, it's so annoying to see these listings given prominent placement. Paid for or not, imo it doesn't help Etsy's image. Especially when most buyers probably see it for what it's worth - questionable bait to capture their attention or an over-the-top loss leader.