Originally Posted by
Alraz
This is a tough one. I normally try to avoid posting in this type of threads but I think this one deserves some consideration as I personally have been directly affected by the lack of some sort of quality control. First of all, I do agree with Jimmy regarding the advantages for both buyer and seller of implementing some mechanism of quality control. In my very limited experience buying razors in general, and specifically in the classified section, I have mixed results. I am yet to buy a razor from the classifieds that fits the description 100% and this has not solely been the result of the seller being unable to hone or properly evaluate the condition of the razor; at least in one case, the situation was created by the USPS that damaged the razor while it was in transit. I have received razors that have arrived with cracked or dented scales and nicked blades, and at least one that was far from being in shave ready condition, although it was listed as such. With only one exception, I have been able to resolve the particular issues directly with the seller and without the need of posting about it. I am sure than in those cases, the seller did not mean to trick me or purposely misrepresent the razor, their attitude has been sufficiently clear to me. I have to say that I am grateful for the honesty of these sellers. In that instance where the seller did not offer a solution to the problem, I decided not to push the issue since I value Straight Razor Place (SRP) beyond a few measly $$$. I feel that if the seller must resort to tricks to keep my money, there is very little I can do other than not doing business with him again. The reason why these issues do not show up more often in the forum have its origin in the lack of knowledge on the part of the buyer, an interest on the seller side to preserve his reputation, a similar view as mine regarding the privilege of being a member of SRP or some combination of these.
Ray's point regarding newbies is completely valid in my opinion. If you buy your first razor from the classified and the razor is not shave ready, how do you know? Also consider that the razors offered in the classified are often used as a low budget alternatives. If they are not shave ready, they simply lose their purpose. Or better yet, as a member, I have endorsed the razors from the classified. How can I responsibly ask new members to purchase their first razors from the classified section without knowing that they are going to be fully satisfied? This is one of my concerns now that I see that my experience seems to be more common than I thought. I feel certain degree of responsibility for what I post. In the same way, I would like to ask that others, namely the sellers, approach listing in the classified with a comparable attitude and become accountable for the products that they list.
Having said that, I also have to agree that it is hard to impose quality controls to the razors listed in the classified, at least, not without increasing the prices of the razors, the load for those that would ultimately have to be in charge of performing the quality control or both. I just do not see how this could be done in reality. maybe some people would volunteer to help with this but I find it hard....
Al raz.