Thread: Code of practice for listing on ebay

I have started a new thread in responce to JohnP's reply to http://straightrazorpalace.com/showthread.php?t=18709


Quote "I believe, although correct me if I'm wrong, that we tried to get a good/bad seller list going in the past, but there were legal issues, and rumors of sellers trying to sue, that sort of thing. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to mention GOOD ebay sellers though, and ones not listed may or may not be on the bad list, so read their feedbacks carefully. 100% positive doesn't mean everything *really* went well. We've all had those sellers who, even though we've already *paid* for an item, waited to read our feedback before leaving any for us. Sometimes worse happens. I've even seen sellers give buyers bad feedback (the buyer, on our forum as I recall, had already paid btw) after he left neg. feedback for the seller.
Sorry for rambling. All I'm saying is read the feedback and read between the lines. Great feedback doesn't always mean your safe, and not 100% doesn't always mean you're dealing with a dishonest person, either. Read between the lines if you will."
John P.

I understand their may be legal implications to an approved sellers list but what about this!

SRP’s Recommended code of practice for selling Razors & the like on ebay.

This recommended code of practice is to help Sellers & buyers get the best from their transaction. The SRP members have a wealth of experience with Straight razors including one or two members that make custom blades. By following the recommendations during listing you will be giving your customers the best information for choosing your Razor to purchase.

Pictures. Pictures should be large & clear having the razor open & filling the frame.
Pictures showing both sides of the blade & scales.
Close-up of any damage.
Additional pictures of a large format can be shown on any of dozens of free picture servers giving more detail.
If you are selling several razors in one lot then photograph them all individually
As if a perspective buyer sees one bad point he may judge them all the same if he cant see them in detail.
Link to an example of a good & bad picture achievable by most people

Description . There is a minimum amount of information required to make a confident purchase.
The Manufacturer or retailer/Importer (The name marked on the tang)
Country of manufacturer.
Depth of blade from the back of the spine to the blade edge.
Condition of the metalwork, Scratched, pitted, rusty, dull, watermarks,
Condition of the edge, Breaks chips, cracks, nibbles or flea bites.
Etching on the blade & spine.
Condition of the pins i.e. are they both the same, re pinned,
Condition of the scales chips cracks stains & material.
Link to the anatomy of a razor to assist in correct description.

The box . Just describe the box in a fair description.
If it is of poor condition & not from the same maker then It may just detract from the razor

Packaging. Secure packaging is a must, One method is to wrap the razor in 2 layers of bubble wrap & securely tape it at the ends & middle & put inside a Size C padded envelope. Several razors can be wrapped individually then wrapped together & put in a box. Tip your package mustn’t make a noise when shook!

Shipping & charges. Ebay states that shipping charges should be reasonable with a reasonable charge for packaging. Dont charge for re-using packaging!
Many people overestimate the cost of shipping. Just weigh it on the Kitchen scales.
If you have overcharges you can return the amount easily by paypal.
Different countries have different charges but if you use high shipping charges it will put perspective bidders off . Try to use the most economical postage method or give the buyer the option in your listing.
Ship as soon as possible after the buyer pays & notify them that it has been shipped.
You may wish to add a note thanking them for their custom & an offer to put right any problems that may arise.

Sellers that conform to the code of practice would notify the customs of such with a link to The Code of Practice on the SRP & a link to the SRP mentioning the benefits of Joining ! (Security & abuse have been taken into account)


Now before anyone kindly pulls this to pieces it is only a rough idea but one I subscribe to. I would expect that if this idea was adopted that there would be some extended discussions & a host of ideas to sharpen this up!

I have Ideas on how to implement it & stopping abuse but these would be for discussion later if the Idea was adopted in principal.

Go for it!

Tony H

just an fyi... there are guides for buying and selling str8 razors on ebay... written by Bill Ellis and discussed on some old threads on SRP [here]

[selling razors]

[buying razors]

BTW... I didn't mean to imply anyone should stop developing SRP eBay practices... I just supplied those references in case they could be of some assistance.

I have seen the guides & they are very well written but they are passive. What I mean is that they are just there in a link for people to go look at & that’s only current SRP members. By adding a code of practice to the ebay listings it becomes active, not only to SRP members but to others wishing to improve their listings. This Active method will encourage new members by looking at the Code of practice & possibly following the link to become a member.
I have seen a massive increase in Str8ts interest & the cost of them is going up, there are an increasing number of poor quality New razors & misinformed sellers of vintage razors. It is becoming an expensive minefield for people new to str8ts.

The SRP could Lead the way in user support.

By the way I am not suggesting that Bills isn’t good enough
I thought I would just set out a suggested format sooner than just point to Bills threads
Tony


Tony H