Thread: Advice for Selling Straights on Ebay?

Important to know: returns are always possible, even if you don't "offer" returns. You can't get around it.

Blade measurements: if a blade is definitely, say, 21mm wide, then go ahead and say that. But do not fudge the data! Do not describe a blade's width inaccurately or optimistically. An advertisement of 25mm, for example, better darn well be 25mm when the customer measures it on their calipers, or you will likely be refunding them their cost + shipping!

The difference between 1mm can mean quite a bit of hone wear.

I purchased some Friodurs from Japan that were described as "mint" and were definitely not mint. I returned them, and would do so again at the drop of a hat. Better to be conservative in your enthusiasm for blade descriptions, and save yourself a return from an underwhelmed customer.

Make sure you spell everything out as to returns and conditions (of sale) and shipping and payments you will accepts. Most (I think) don't or can't read too well anyway but if there are issues after the sale you can refer them back to the conditions of the sale they didn't bother to read. Emphasize it's a used item and the photos (no matter how good) will not show every little defect.

You don't want to get victimized by the gotcha game where someone gets the item and goes over it with a 10X loupe and tries to claim defects you didn't disclose.

Once you start selling you will eventually run across a walking horror story.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Once you start selling you will eventually run across a walking horror story.

Speaking of horror stories. I once sold a razor that was shipped to a PO Box in Texas near the Mexican border and after I shipped it I got a message from the buyer that he wanted an invoice from me stating a lower cost/value of the item because he was going to have it transported across the border with a separate courier since he was currently there on business even though he lived in the US. Anyway since I already mailed out the razor I didn't send an invoice though I wouldn't have anyway. After the razor was confirmed with tracking to be delivered I got a message stating that the razor was never received and a complaint was opened up before I could respond. I told him that the tracking confirmed delivery and that he should talk to the courier that was suppose to transport the razor. He must have forgot he told me about the courier because after that I stopped receiving messages from him. Since he sent all the messages through Ebay they were able to check them and see he stated a second courier and they contacted him. The complaint was closed right after they contacted him. Can't stress tracking enough. You will always find someone that will try and cheat you. Granted there are many honest people out there, but once in awhile there is the one dishonest person.

Read this to start:
The straight razor - Straight Razor Place Library

And here is the blade ruler to let the customer decide the blade size:
straight-razor-ruler-print
You may download it the also as a PDF
~Richard

Originally Posted by Geezer

Read this to start:
The straight razor - Straight Razor Place Library

And here is the blade ruler to let the customer decide the blade size:
straight-razor-ruler-print
You may download it the also as a PDF
~Richard

Forgot about the ruler. I actually printed that out not too long ago so I may use it next time. You're right, it would be a good way to show potential buyers the blade measurements. Thanks for bringing that up.

Just have the camera exactly above the razor and ruler. No slant photos.
~Richard

Going back to shipping. Join "USPS "Click and ship." You make out the tag on your computer and pay for the shipping by your paypal or credit card. Priority mail and tracking included. Use the small flat rate box. Be about $6 and insurance is added to that and also signature is extra. What have you that you would prefer not to have disappear?
The boxes are free from USPS also.
~Richard
USPS online:
https://www.usps.com/ship/

I don't know about ending an auction on Sunday as the best for getting a good price for your item. I've gotten my best bargains, and sometimes outright steals, on items I've purchased on a Sunday afternoon. Good bargains can also be had on Holidays and auctions ending between midnight and 5am.