Thread: Ebay buying

What is your opinion of buying straights on ebay?

Trust no one

I've gotten some great razors on ebay. I've also gotten junk. If you know what you're doing it ain't bad. Look at the photos, read the description carefully, ask questions and/or for more photos, if everything isn't crystal clear. Never post an active auction on a forum unless you're prepared to have more competition and to pay more than you would have. Never bid on the item before the last few seconds.

Put your maximum in then and you'll either get it or you won't. The important thing there is you won't drive the price of the auction up or be tempted to put a higher bid in than your planned maximum. Just IMHO based on ebaying since 1999.

Good Advice from Jimmy +1 to that. Also, there are some good vendors. Some have been on their a while and have solid reps. Always, Always, use paypal. You can dispute the purchase if it turns out bad for you. This is an Invaluable tool. Believe me, I've had to use it before...I'm sure many of us have....

If you are looking for your first razor and you want to be able to shave with as recieved, I would recommend going to SRP classifieds or buy new from any of the sites referenced here and in fully honed (shave ready) condition. Otherwise, like JimmyHAD stated, you can get some great deals on Ebay if you have an idea of what to look for and a decent bidding strategy (and a willingness to not win at all costs)! I am sure some members here (myself amoung them) sell razors on Ebay and there are lots of decent sellers out there. I approach every purchase like a wager in a casino...don't bet what you are not willing to lose. That approach usually leaves me room to be pleasantly surprised and rarely disappointed!

Originally Posted by jbcohen

What is your opinion of buying straights on ebay?

This could get out of hand but, another thing you could do would be to PM a member you trust and check with them on their opinion of a particular ebay razor. I have served in this capacity for a few people for razors and barber hones.

I have had good and bad results on the bay.
For example I asked for a close up of a blade and an email came back saying that that was the blade, some of the people selling straights have no idea what a user or collector is looking for. Also look at the pics well. I have purchased a Red Imp with bad warping on the bottom of the scales while the add said pics speak for themselves. It looked good from top and sides, thats my fault.

Be very cautious about the items you bid on. BE AWARE of deceptive pictures. ( Very high brightness to obscure defects in razor) Get as many clear pictures as possible. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Knowledge is power. Learn as much as possible about straight razors before purchasing your razor whether you do it on eBay or elsewhere. Overall There are some gems on the bay but there are some doozies too. LOL Have fun and happy hunting.

Some great tips on buying eBay razors are to be found in Lynn Abrams DVD "The World of Straight Razor Shaving". Lynn discusses what to look for, what to avoid. When in doubt, don't hesitate to ask the seller for more information, better pictures, etc. I'd rather pass on purchasing a razor than get a bad one.

bill