• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Ignorance Is Bliss

0
jackson64

1,102 views

almost 3,000 ebay transactions, never a negative experience

Far be it from me to defend ebay. I was not pleased with their paypal only stance and definitely not with the blind eye they turn to Powersellers who live by a different set of rules.

However, if you're gonna complain, at least complain about the right things...

First, ....99c listings. Are you aware that it costs extra money for varying increments, once a start bid is above $1 for a seller? The 99c start bid is very easy to explain, the seller is not trying to insinuate that he's selling for 99c--they are simply setting the highest start bid without paying an extra fee--just plain smart business.

Secondly, "who bids on 99c items?" Actually, I do. Not that I hope to win an item for 99c. What my bid does do however is put the item on my active "Bidding" list. If you set your preferences correctly, you'll even get emails letting you know that an item you bid on is ending soon. I can't tell you how many times that I used to put items on my watch list and forget to check and then the auction ends and the coin sold for well less than I was willing to pay...so again, a small, low-ball bid to get updates and notifications about an item you'd like to win at the auction's end is SMART business.

Now, thirdly...I list any sale I make with free shipping..but it doesn't preclude me bidding on an item that charges shipping..I just subtract the shipping cost from the max I'm willing to bid..same difference. Let me ask..how much do you think it costs to mail a proof set?

Well, the small USPS Priority Mail box has a Flat Rate of $4.95. I also have invested the time for labeling, the cost of bubble wrap and an 8-mile trip to the post office each way here in the country..add a few more bucks for gas...and if someone has a complaint about a $3-4 postage and handling fee they are kidding themselves.

Most auction companies charge $10-20 to ship an item that they already charged you a 15% buyers fee on. Heck, even NGC charges $20+ to RETURN a little 5 coin submission..this is after you had to pay to mail it to them--essentially you pay both ways..

I've had over 3000+ buys and sells on ebay. I've never not gotten an item and the few times that I was not happy-I've always gotten a refund or offer of a partial money return and keep the item. My sellers feedback is 1297 with 100% positive. I treat people with respect. If they are unhappy for any reason--even buyer regret--I return all of their money without question. In fact, I often throw in small bonus coins or nice notes of thanks.

Some tips for ebaying,

I have a growing list of "Favorite Sellers", people who have treated me well, sold me better than I thought coins, or just had good communication..this helps a lot to avoid getting involved with shady dealers..but in the end, we must be educated about our hobby. Don't bid on grainy photos..read the return policy..don't buy from overseas sellers..if a great coin is selling cheap, you probably missed something that everyone else picked up on..check feedback..look at their auction history...lots of common sense tools

Good luck on your bidding everyone, I hope this helped alleviate some of the "feeling insulted" some expressed..now that you understand that there is no alternative motive--just simple tricks to avoid fees and tools for remembering coins you'd like to win..

A recent ebay win..I sent the seller a note and he chopped off $50 from his BIN price, then I used $80 of ebay bucks/coupons so this $350 coin cost only $220..MS67FSB..I'm sure it would be a star too if it were in an NGC slab..

7000.jpg.09301b3be1b084bad447b36bb670e0e2.jpg

0



0 Comments


Recommended Comments

There are no comments to display.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now