Thread: E-bay related moral dilemma

So does that mean that I should send all messages through my ebay mail system rather than my email?

Since you are with ebay, I've got to say, I hate the ebay communication system. Alot of my items are described in size, and I often ask quesitons about size. The problem is you can't use " " "'s for inches. You can't use "for quotes" either. I suppose I don't hate it, as much as it's just a PITA when I've gone through and detailed the size of several items and then I have to go through and edit out the "inches" or "quotes". (These restrictions are on the ebay communication system, not auctions or listings)

Also, extra pics can't be sent through the ebay system, can they? So I have to email pics or edit them into the auction?

Sorry to go off topic a bit. I bought a pack of mini drill bit's which showed up with 2$ postage. I got charged $10 and all of the packing was recycled material. When I emailed the seller his response was "Even with the extra fee, you still got a good deal." When I questioned him further he said "I'm an old man with only a few years left on earth. Don't bother me with your petty financial problems." What a joke!



Matt

Here's what I do:

1. Contact the seller immediately and ask whether there are any defects that may not have shown up in the photo or in the item description. It gives the seller a chance to really evaluate the items again. This may mean gently running a thumbnail along the edge to check for tiny nicks.

2. If you're not happy with the photo in the auction, ask for close-up shots. Indicate specifically which areas of the razor you'd like to see. I'd think twice about bidding on any item, whether it's a steal or not, if the seller won't at least try to send me some better photos.

3. Ask about returns, and mention that you're a collector who enjoys using the razors and that you really don't want a razor with a substantial defect. Will the seller refund your payment in full if you find a defect in the item? If so, great. If not, go with your gut instinct.

4. If you win the item, inspect it carefully the moment it arrives. If you find a defect that was not clearly photographed or described in the auction, take some photos and e-mail them to the seller with an explanation. Hopefully, a return scenario will have been ironed out with the seller before the razor arrives.

5. Make sure all communications are handled through the eBay system.

Um he has already BOUGHT and RECEIVED the razor. That was the whole "moral" dilema. he's gotten a good rating from her before receiving the product but received a product with damage not specified in the listing. I don't think the seller's going to want to fly/drive to his place to re-assess the quality and condition of something she's already shipped

Please guys I cannot stress what <censured> said here enough. I work at eBay

1) see above
2) Ebay sUx0r

And how is any of this eBay's problem or are you just trying to pick a fight? What do you expect eBay to do, buy a giant warehouse, get everything from every seller, pick through it, then post it for sale themselves like a giant garage sale?

If you think eBay sux0rz so bad, you're welcome to use one of the other competing platforms or take your chances with craigslist and the like.

-- Gary F.

One problem is with general attitude. We need to reassess our perspective on purchasing straight razors off Ebay. Most have no idea how to use a straight razor, no idea how to hone one, and no idea how to strop one. And yet, for some stupid reason we expect shave ready razors sold on Ebay by these poor old ladies, probably selling their dead husbands steel, and getting mad at them for little nicks.

What on earth are we thinking? Very, very few people ever even consider that you might be nuts enough to be thinking about shaving with these old artifacts. These are NOT shaving implements to the general public! Get that through your heads quick. You might as well start bidding on medieval catapults and get angry when they don't work well for personal protection.

We need to start giving these people the benefit of more doubt and ask questions before you buy. Questions like "Can I shave with this razor as is?" Most would reply "What, are you nuts?"

When I received my catapult, everything was in working order and the seller even included some of his home made "oil surprise" bombs. Works like a charm. No more saturday morning wake ups and no more kids at halloween. We here in Canada believe in our right to protect ourselves too!



Matt

Originally Posted by shavethebadger

When I received my catapult, everything was in working order and the seller even included some of his home made "oil surprise" bombs. Works like a charm.

So that was YOU on Canada Day!

X

It sure beats those $10 "fireworks" packages they sell at gas stations!! Nothing improves a long weekend like a flaming fireball or flying livestock!

And how is any of this eBay's problem or are you just trying to pick a fight?

I'm just giving you the ammo so you can pick one dude .

What do you expect eBay to do, buy a giant warehouse, get everything from every seller, pick through it, then post it for sale themselves like a giant garage sale?

Nah, I don't expect them to do ANYthing that would make them legally liable for their services but a little accountability on their part WOULD be nice. Of course that won't happen either since they now have enough money to buy, er lobby, a few congress members

If you think eBay sux0rz so bad, you're welcome to use one of the other competing platforms or take your chances with craigslist and the like.

Hey, thanks for pointing out some alternatives to Flea-Bay. I'll go check them out

In any case the problem was resolved amicably. It was ignorance on her part and she knows better for her future transactions. She got the positive rating, so did I, and the deal is still relatively ok. From now on, I'll make sure to ask relevant questions. Sorry if I opened a big can of worms. Don't forget that we're all friends here

The seller does offer a money back refund policy if returned in 7 days. There was an easy solution to this instead of even thinking about a less than positive feedback.

A good reason for neither party to leave feedback until the item is in the buyers hands and BOTH parties have a chance to iron things out.

Tony