Thread: Terrible Pictures

This seems obvious to me, but I'm a newb so maybe I'm missing something. But why do SO MANY eBay sellers post pictures that show more details of the stamped metal shaft or the scales than they do the actual blade? Sure the other stuff's important, but in my opinion there is nothing worth seeing more than the blade condition. I'm real new to straights and I'm getting the fever to buy but so many that I see have poor details on the blade, but plenty on the shaft.

Am I missing something? Is the shaft data that important?
Dave

Dave,

Not as important as the blade. If you are getting
the fever to buy a razor and can afford to do so
then buy a shave ready razor from either Lynn, Bill
Joe or Tony.

Why do they show everything but the blade??
Could be different reasons.

1- Ignorance
2- The seller is a con artist and
the blade is chipped or really bad
condition.

are probably the main reasons.

I won't say stay away from ebay. But
buy with caution.


Terry

I can think of three reasons. First remember most Eboy sellers don't know didley about straights. If I wanted to hide something I would take poor shots of the blade, I might assume that most people who want to buy a razor are not shavers like us most are collectors and many collectors are more concerned with unusual scales rather than blade condition, Many Eboy sellers are just plain idiots and don't think enough about selling for the best price by writing a decent description and taking good pictures just like the genius who won't take paypal. No I'm not goin to pay paypal that 3% of my sales. meanwhile he saves a few bucks in paypal fees but instead of having 20 bids on his auction he only gets 10 so he saves $3.00 in fees and loses $20.00 in a final price in his auction.

I just got two razors from ebay. Seller would not take paypal. I emailed right after auction like I always do saying I would mail out payment the next day. He rudely told me to wait for an invoice, then waited another day to do that. He didn't tell me when he received payment or that he shipped, they just showed up a week later, wrapped in one sheet of newspaper inside a priority mail box, which was shoved in a paper envelope. Then I find out the NIB Razor was not NIB as he stated, all the hair from the barber shop tipped me off
Both razors are in nice shape, but I bid what I did cause it was NIB. Maybe he thinks NIB means Nice In Box

Moral of story is like others said, bid carefully and expect to be disappointed. Even really good pictures can not show everything. I decided I am going to get off my butt and look at the local antique stores instead.

I've actually had pretty good success with eBay. But that was buying DE razors. A different animal though. I did buy an injector from one guy who advertised PayPal, then AFTER the auction informed me he was having "problems" with his paypal account setup, could I send a money order. I told him I didn't want to do that as it'd cost me another $6, I'll wait. And wait and wait and wait. He never sorted out his problem, but oddly he continued to advertise paypal on his auctions. Eventually I told the guy I wanted out. He agreed and we both just walked away from the auction. It just wasn't worth the hassle on a $9 razor.

Originally Posted by mindspin

... why do SO MANY eBay sellers post pictures that show more details of the stamped metal shaft or the scales than they do the actual blade?

Prolly because they were burned by an eBay seller who sold them a razor based solely on the name on the box...

Alot of sellers on ebay are stay at home moms or part time sellers that know a little bit about everything and alot about nothing.

They've watched the Antique Roadshow and they know that having a piece "signed" by the maker is important in establishing value. Many are advertising pieces as prescious antiques that are "good for your collection" rather than good for shaving. In an effort to up the value of their antique, they show the signature of the maker rather than the edge of the blade.

I have noticed that MANY shots of razors are underlit. These are usually
sold by folks who are not famaliar with photographing darkish objects
close up, indoors. Things like razors need extra light. The flash on
your camera (unless it is a good one) usually will not quite do it.
Also I have taken photos that look pretty good in "my pictures" in
windows, but when loaded into ebay they dont look so hot.
I think many of you are correct. If the blade is not shown it is
sometimes because it is covered with rust, and has nicks the
size of your thumb. However I think some sellers just do not know what
is important to a razor buyer, and think that a 'frontal shot' will do it.
I have asked sellers why they have posted crummy photos in
their auction sites, and in many cases it is simply ignorance of photography
techniques....A good strong flashlight, and the razor suspended above
the background will give you a nice well lit shot...the "so out of focus
that you cant tell if it is a straight razor or a telescope" photos however
generally are done that way on purpose...The same as the folks selling
"Brand new, high quality razors" - Made in Pakistan....
I have bought razors that looked like they were taken in the bottom of
a muddy swimming pool that were wonderufl.. And well photographed
razors that did not show that crack running all the way along the OTHER
side of the blade..sigh
Tis why I do not pay lots for a SR on ebay, unless I know the seller, or
it is REALLY cheap....

jim who IS really cheap in Gold Bar