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Are fruitcakes running rampant on eBay lately? Selling, buying, listing, feedback, etc...


jaisonline

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Hello, I am not sure if this is the right place to post this but here it goes. Is it ok to sell big ticket items ($500+) on ebay right off the bat? I have not sold anything on ebay as of yet, so I'm worried about seller feedback and being scammed by buyers. Are there any stories around here of how people started selling on ebay?

Tbh you're going to have a hard time shifting sets for a premium with zero feedback. Put yourself in their shoes, would you pay $500 for a set from a seller with nothing to go on?

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1 hour ago, Armor said:

This is not the correct thread to be asking this question. This thread is more for humor and not advice giving. You will need to read other post and look at post from a long time ago for some advice on starting up topics. I would not sell a $500 item right now, my guess is that you are trying to sell at 10188 death star, I would recommend starting small and not selling a large set, you will be seen as a scam to other buyers. For tips and stories on starting put, you will need to read older posts from other threads.

Sorry for the bother, I wanted to edit my post to share a story appropriate for the thread but there's no edit button :mda:Thank you very much anyways!!

33 minutes ago, plastic passion said:

-true, if you have not sold or purchased anything on ebay, you really should build up your rating ( i would say to at least 30-40 ) before trying to sell a $500 item.   Buy a bunch of garbage for cheap and make sure you ask the sellers for positive feedback.    Also, I am pretty sure ebay will hold your funds for 12 days to make sure the transaction went smoothly (something to think about for the new sellers)      Lastly,  you will lose 12.5% in selling fees of the purchase price (and that goes for shipping also)  (make sure you know how much it will cost to ship that oversized box and add it into your selling price (if offering free shipping) or make sure your are charging enough in general.    pp

Ah, thanks for the info! I've seen somewhere you get a discount on selling fees if you offer free shipping, how much is that?

Anyways something to contribute to the thread, I once received a package padded with candies and socks... In the seller's defense they were new socks that still had their tags on lol

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I need some help. A buyer popped opened the seals, claimed I did not package properly, and is requesting a refund. He can alter the product all he likes now and can send eBay all kinds of bullshit... I'm scared I'm going to lose out on this one because of a dishonest buyer... Any possible solutions?

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Sold a TFA Black Series wave 1 complete series tonight.  About 5 minutes after the sale, I get this from the buyer; " Can you please pack this with care. I am going to have it graded. Thanks."  

 

I'm thinking, "Greaaaat."  Thought about cancelling it because people like that are not going to be happy with anything you send them.  4 minutes later he sends this; " Sorry can I please cancel this order? I suddenly see a crease on the top corner of finn's box on your listing. You can charge me $5 for the inconvenience."  3 minutes later I get this; " Sorry please cancel this order, I won't be able to have finn graded with the crease on the top box corner. I am hoping for your consideration. Please do not ship. Thanks "

 

Of course I cancelled it.  He did me a favor, really.  ******** is the name if you would like to avoid him.  Nevermind.  I guess it's frowned upon to inform other sellers of buyers like these.  If you'd like his username, feel free to PM me.

 

 

Mod edit: Deleted name of eBay user

Edited by Loghamel
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27 minutes ago, Loghamel said:

Sold a TFA Black Series wave 1 complete series tonight.  About 5 minutes after the sale, I get this from the buyer; " Can you please pack this with care. I am going to have it graded. Thanks."  

I'm thinking, "Greaaaat."  Thought about cancelling it because people like that are not going to be happy with anything you send them.  4 minutes later he sends this; " Sorry can I please cancel this order? I suddenly see a crease on the top corner of finn's box on your listing. You can charge me $5 for the inconvenience."  3 minutes later I get this; " Sorry please cancel this order, I won't be able to have finn graded with the crease on the top box corner. I am hoping for your consideration. Please do not ship. Thanks "

Of course I cancelled it.  He did me a favor, really.  ******** is the name if you would like to avoid him.

Mod edit: Deleted name of eBay user

Yeah, I'd be relieved with a cancellation too. You would think they'd contact before purchase if condition's that important, but that wouldn't make a fruitcake thread. :P Surprised he offered you to keep $5. That's a new one to me.

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5 minutes ago, lodibricks said:

Yeah, I'd be relieved with a cancellation too. You would think they'd contact before purchase if condition's that important, but that wouldn't make a fruitcake thread. :P Surprised he offered you to keep $5. That's a new one to me.

The thing that gets me the most is I always take high-res pics of everything I sell.  They usually average around 8MB (even after cropping).  This means you can see every detail on whatever it is I'm selling.   I've blocked him, so I don't have to deal with the headache.

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Yeah people who want something arriving in mint condition which they paid their hard earned money for are the scum of the earth!!! I can't believe people actually care about packaging.......I blocked him, he is a loser. Plus I just want to make as much money as I can without dealing with any of the headaches that come with making money off of kids toys!!

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11 minutes ago, stephen_rockefeller said:

Yeah people who want something arriving in mint condition which they paid their hard earned money for are the scum of the earth!!! I can't believe people actually care about packaging.......I blocked him, he is a loser. Plus I just want to make as much money as I can without dealing with any of the headaches that come with making money off of kids toys!!

Good morning, and  how is the happiest moderator on the block on this fine Wednesday morning?  :D

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Yeah people who want something arriving in mint condition which they paid their hard earned money for are the scum of the earth!!! I can't believe people actually care about packaging.......I blocked him, he is a loser. Plus I just want to make as much money as I can without dealing with any of the headaches that come with making money off of kids toys!!

If he had wanted mint, he should've purchased mint...

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7 hours ago, stephen_rockefeller said:

Yeah people who want something arriving in mint condition which they paid their hard earned money for are the scum of the earth!!! I can't believe people actually care about packaging.......I blocked him, he is a loser. Plus I just want to make as much money as I can without dealing with any of the headaches that come with making money off of kids toys!!

I've really been biting my tongue when you post, but damn you are cranky. Always. Oh, and good morning. 

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Fruitcake - sending me a $180 set and requiring a signature??!!?!

Also, lately I've been running into a lot of listings where critical information on the condition of the item is missing.  EG  I recently considered purchasing a large lot of Star Wars mini figures ($500+).  I contacted the seller just to check on condition because there was not much noted (not asking for mint, just gently used).  Well, lo and behold, it has bite marks, cracks, etc...  And seller bit my head off for asking.  No mention of this in listing.  No "as is", nothing.

And then I purchase a $200 set with the comment "manual shows some wear".  In the pictures, it looked just like general wear to the covers - nothing big.  But then when it arrived, the first manual has the first 5 pages missing.  No way to see this in the pictures and definitely omitted by seller.  I emailed them saying that the manuals are $30 to replace.  They sent me the link to the online manual.  Not really the answer I wanted.

Where does the line draw between responsibility of seller vs buyer when it comes to SNAD, etc.  Sorry if this is for another thread.  But I would have been beyond irate to receive a huge mini figure lot to then find condition issues throughout with no disclosure by seller.  Yes, buyer beware but...

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I was sent 4 Indiana Jones Lego Sets this week (7620, 7621, 7622, and 7623) and they came entirely disassembled as loose lego pieces mixed in with all of these packing peanuts.  It suuuuuuure was fun picking this out of the box...

 

Also got a Sopwith Camel this week that was partially disassembled but also packed in a box without using any bags or ziplocks...  not sure why people can't just stick it in a bag first before packing it with peanuts or paper.  Makes it so much easier to lose a piece.  

IMG_2218.JPG

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11 minutes ago, trstnkn said:

Fruitcake - sending me a $180 set and requiring a signature??!!?!

Also, lately I've been running into a lot of listings where critical information on the condition of the item is missing.  EG  I recently considered purchasing a large lot of Star Wars mini figures ($500+).  I contacted the seller just to check on condition because there was not much noted (not asking for mint, just gently used).  Well, lo and behold, it has bite marks, cracks, etc...  And seller bit my head off for asking.  No mention of this in listing.  No "as is", nothing.

And then I purchase a $200 set with the comment "manual shows some wear".  In the pictures, it looked just like general wear to the covers - nothing big.  But then when it arrived, the first manual has the first 5 pages missing.  No way to see this in the pictures and definitely omitted by seller.  I emailed them saying that the manuals are $30 to replace.  They sent me the link to the online manual.  Not really the answer I wanted.

Where does the line draw between responsibility of seller vs buyer when it comes to SNAD, etc.  Sorry if this is for another thread.  But I would have been beyond irate to receive a huge mini figure lot to then find condition issues throughout with no disclosure by seller.  Yes, buyer beware but...

If seller clearly states in the listing they will ship with signature confirmation (regardless of price), then it is not their fault when the item arrives requiring signature.

I could not argue against your other points.

I'd say it is in the sellers' best interest to disclose known imperfections on the items they are selling.

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1 hour ago, trstnkn said:

I purchase a $200 set with the comment "manual shows some wear".  In the pictures, it looked just like general wear to the covers - nothing big.  But then when it arrived, the first manual has the first 5 pages missing.  No way to see this in the pictures and definitely omitted by seller.  I emailed them saying that the manuals are $30 to replace.  They sent me the link to the online manual.  Not really the answer I wanted.

How could the seller possibly know that the first 5 pages "show some wear" if they're not included...? Sorry but that's completely unacceptable to me...

Edited by dcdfan
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28 minutes ago, Darth_Raichu said:

If seller clearly states in the listing they will ship with signature confirmation (regardless of price), then it is not their fault when the item arrives requiring signature.

I could not argue against your other points.

I'd say it is in the sellers' best interest to disclose known imperfections on the items they are selling.

No mention of signature confirmation.  Just received the lovely slip on my door to then make the out of way trip to PO.

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1 hour ago, trstnkn said:

Fruitcake - sending me a $180 set and requiring a signature??!!?!

Also, lately I've been running into a lot of listings where critical information on the condition of the item is missing.  EG  I recently considered purchasing a large lot of Star Wars mini figures ($500+).  I contacted the seller just to check on condition because there was not much noted (not asking for mint, just gently used).  Well, lo and behold, it has bite marks, cracks, etc...  And seller bit my head off for asking.  No mention of this in listing.  No "as is", nothing.

And then I purchase a $200 set with the comment "manual shows some wear".  In the pictures, it looked just like general wear to the covers - nothing big.  But then when it arrived, the first manual has the first 5 pages missing.  No way to see this in the pictures and definitely omitted by seller.  I emailed them saying that the manuals are $30 to replace.  They sent me the link to the online manual.  Not really the answer I wanted.

Where does the line draw between responsibility of seller vs buyer when it comes to SNAD, etc.  Sorry if this is for another thread.  But I would have been beyond irate to receive a huge mini figure lot to then find condition issues throughout with no disclosure by seller.  Yes, buyer beware but...

Sounds to me you have a perfect case of SNAD - he didn't tell you there were 5 pages missing, he should have known/inspected, so I'd try to negotiate that $30 discount needed to get the manual, or just return the whole lot as SNAD. Unless you still want to keep the set - but then you cannot really complain (except for leaving negative feedback mentioning the missing pages).

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I shipped a small item to a customer using first class mail. Using a stamp. There is no tracking.

The buyer contacts me and tells me that he gave me the address without an apartment number. The complex seemed large #900 or so. I probably will refund him the purchase as it wasn't very expensive but I feel like i shouldn't have too. Just wondering if i'd win the case because he provided me the wrong address.

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2 hours ago, landphieran said:

I shipped a small item to a customer using first class mail. Using a stamp. There is no tracking.

The buyer contacts me and tells me that he gave me the address without an apartment number. The complex seemed large #900 or so. I probably will refund him the purchase as it wasn't very expensive but I feel like i shouldn't have too. Just wondering if i'd win the case because he provided me the wrong address.

Your outta luck, especially if he lodges a Paypal claim. I have had a similar experience with a buyer in Germany (from Australia), sent the item off to his paypal (& eBay) address only to receive an eBay message a couple of days later accusing me of sending the items to his old address.

Paypal sided with him even though I supplied eBay messages, postage receipts and other correspondence.

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The problem with ebay is that there are people trying to scam and or intentionally falsify the quality of items. The perception of good condition will vary wildly from person to person. A seller (a sale person) may be over optimistic of quality while buyer who is begrudgingly parting with cash will always be more pessimistic.  Also the fact that you can not actually see the item before you buy means that you are left sellers honesty and attention to details to give the buyer a true reflection of the quality of what is actually being purchased.


One solution for ebay would be to create a list of elite buyers and sellers, a gentleman lives and dies by his word as it where, but given that people can be dishonest the promotion and or demotion of individuals from such a list would be outrageously difficult to manage for any one organization.


Hence the only true solution is to buy new sealed never used items. The quality is indisputable. If you needs to buy a used item for lack of cash or lack of supply you are taking a risk...

Yes I have been burnt.

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It struck me this AM that this thread has really made me a better eBay seller.  Reading the snafus that others run into has given me Invaluable insight to what works, and more importantly, what doesn't work when dealing with buyers and shipping Lego.  

Here's a hearty thank you to all who contribute. 

This should probably be filed under a "Fruitcakes are running my shipping company" thread - on a recent package, the Post Office neglected to scan one of my packages when it was picked up. For whatever reason, USPS also didn't scan the package anywhere along the route until it reached the buyer's home state over a week later. Meanwhile, my buyer was rightfully concerned I never shipped the package out since no scan was made.  For over a week, the tracking read the package hadn't even been received by the Post Office.  After a reassuring e-mail and another 5 day wait, the package magically appeared.  Crisis averted (hopefully)...

 

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7 minutes ago, Quacs said:

It struck me this AM that this thread has really made me a better eBay seller.  Reading the snafus that others run into has given me Invaluable insight to what works, and more importantly, what doesn't work when dealing with buyers and shipping Lego.  

Here's a hearty thank you to all who contribute. 

This should probably be filed under a "Fruitcakes are running my shipping company" thread - on a recent package, the Post Office neglected to scan one of my packages when it was picked up. For whatever reason, USPS also didn't scan the package anywhere along the route until it reached the buyer's home state over a week later. Meanwhile, my buyer was rightfully concerned I never shipped the package out since no scan was made.  For over a week, the tracking read the package hadn't even been received by the Post Office.  After a reassuring e-mail and another 5 day wait, the package magically appeared.  Crisis averted (hopefully)...

 

A whole-hearted "I concur" on the first part - this thread is worth its post count in gold.

On the second part: I don't understand the scan logic at USPS either ... dropped off 2 packages yesterday, 2 through the mail slot and one by knocking on the door and passing it to an employee (this was a few minutes before they opened but the last package didn't fit the off-hours dropoff slot). Two of them show as not scanned (one from the slot and the one from the door) but the other one not only got scanned - it already got delivered today (ok, it was sent to EBay's Global Shipment Center which is a stone-throw away from where I live, but still, that's FAST for package dropped off on Saturday morning).

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