Thread: How NOT to create an ad

Ok guys, here is an ad we pulled from our classifieds. I am withholding the name of th eperson who posted it because that is not the point of this thread. However, it is a prime example of the type of ad that we don't want. If I see more ads like this I am going to bring out my admin hammer. The text in bold red is mine.

Available are 5 straight razors that are in need of re-grinding due to chips on the blade. I think all or most of these blades could be saved; they simply need a little TLC and they should be back in service!
I don't think so. What these blades need is euthanasia.

A few of these are REALLY nice blades:
Really...?

-C.F. Wolfertz & Co 5/8" / Allentown, PA
-PAX 5/8" 189 Solingen Germany H. Eicker & Sohne
-9/16" Jessops Steel / Henry Althoff Co Geneva, NY USA
-Keith Simmons & Co / JNashville, TN / Made in Germany / Keen Edge
-Lilput / Wald Solingen / Ern 2375

These are priced at $13 each $5 for shipping. I think these are more than fair - properly restored, some of these blades could sell for $100 each.

Yeah I don't think so. There is not a single one in this lot that can be restored to a good condition. The only blade the looks halfway decent is the bottom one, and that has been shortened. There is not a single blade in this collection that could be considered even 'fair'. The above description is purely misleading and worthy of used car salesmen.

Any questions, please PM. Thanks!

properly restored, some of these blades could sell for $100 each

.
wow...what a selling line

With a little TLC and elbow grease, those could be Near-NOS one day.

Yeah, I saw that one and flagged it. For a moment there, I thought I was on eBay!

I'm not suggesting it be brought back, and I'm really not trying to stir up trouble, but I liked the days of the old BST when honest comments were common. Such an ad back then would have produced a lot of entertaining dialog, especially if, as occasionally happened, the seller got his hackles up and defended his crap.

What I want to know is where to buy the elbow grease ?

Euthanasia! Its too late for that, they need a good Christian burial! LOL

Anybody here qualified to give last rites!

Greatly undervalued tonsorial treasures. And they're no longer available for sale?

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

With a little TLC and elbow grease, those could be Near-NOS one day.

Well, whoever submitted the original ad ain't shy--ya gotta give 'em that. I'm always amazed at some of the razors that people put up on eBay--and even more amazed that people buy 'em.

As a complete Newb I appretiate knowing you guys police your classifieds.

Originally Posted by jeffy

As a complete Newb I appretiate knowing you guys police your classifieds.

As a complete noob, I'll warn you that the policing is limited to blatant cases like this. The Classifieds remain in Caveat Emptor status. Not everyone who claims to be selling a shave ready razor knows what that means, much less how to produce it. You need to do your own due diligence. You can get some sense of the seller by checking them out in the forum. Of course a high post count does not guarantee a quality seller, but they are more likely to be more protective of their reputation and will be more willing to sort out any problems.