: but why use bank wire which is certain to result in poor economics?:

That's where some international nous comes in Jeff. Transfers are generally free within Germany (and quite a few other Euro countries - I can do an instant transfer to certain UK accounts at no cost to either party).

And if that's what the seller is used to, that's what they ask for, potentially without knowing that sometimes hefty fees apply internationally. Take a look at items on eBay.de and see how many ask for Überweisung rather than PayPal. Just the way the market works there.