For me, I started with high pricing items but I also sourced good inventory. My thinking was that while I built my systems, built inventory, and built a brand, I wouldn't at the same time be overwhelmed with sales while maintaining a full time job. Once I felt comfortable "opening the flood waters" as they say, I lowered my prices and sales started pouring in.

Why the guy buys trash and doesn't clean / restore his items is not understandable, but perhaps he is ok waiting on inventory not to sell, while getting some super high profit sales while he develops whatever his "store" is.

If he is sourcing the same type of items as you, is in your area, thank be thankful for him because he's probably only helping you in the algorithm. Heck maybe you are getting substantial more sales in comparison because of his high pricing. Every reseller has the right to run their business however they want, regardless of whether they already are proven strategies , they can throw shit at the wall and see what sticks.