posted on March 25, 2002 02:56:25 PM
I posted this under the wrong area first. So here it is again.
It is hard to start at the beginning, but I will try. I normally list glass or china and have no problem. It is when I list items for friends that I run into problems. I listed a collectable model kit for a friend and then got stuck on the condition description. I started out listing the creases, wear marks, side tear and punched out place on the front. I decided I had killed the auction if I let it go that way. I was detailing it to death. I ended up saying "the box has taken a beating over the years".
The auction ended up exceeding my friend's expectations. When the buyer replied to my EOA message, with lots of instructions on how to pack this, I got worried. He apparently thought it was in better condition that it was. I decided I better find out before he sent his money.
No, he couldn't tell from my picture that there was a "break" or "punched out" or "hole?" or whatever it is called on the front of the box. Apparently, "beating over the years" doesn't cover it either.
Should I have taken the chance that I was over describing or should "a beating" have covered it? The pictures are on auction number 1084513870. Thanks, Guys!
posted on March 25, 2002 03:19:10 PM
Yes, I can see the creases, the mishapened box, and the punctured place in front. Perhaps he got excited and bid in haste.
To answer your question, I sold an antique board game with a mashed box. I took pictures all around. I described the side panel that was in 2 pieces, etc. I was afraid I had sabotaged my own auction! However, it sold very well in comparison to the same game with near perfect boxes. I still packaged it very carefully.
In shopping for old games, most sellers seem to put each stain and mark into the description. Even though old games are expected to have flaws, it is safer to list them. Some monitors may not be as clear as yours. Also to state, "Please ask any questions before bidding" is good.
IMO your picture was clear and using the words, "beat up", would have prepared me as a buyer to expect the worse.
posted on March 25, 2002 03:34:52 PM
Yep, I doubt the bidder even read your complete description. The only thing you could have done differently is made that your first sentence instead of one of the last. Regardless, I can tell clearly that the box is damaged just from the picture.
posted on March 25, 2002 03:41:05 PM
I think you have to list damage in detail in the description and show it in photos. A lot of bidders are on web tv and the photos don't always show good when using a tv for a monitor.
I would much rather over describe an item than have a return or a negative feedback.
posted on March 25, 2002 03:50:42 PM
I waaaaaaaay over describe. I had an older kid book up about a year ago and told of one crease on one page. The buyer thanked me and said they were glad I told them about that one crease, it was the difference between a positive and a neg..
posted on March 25, 2002 03:57:05 PM
I just send the buyer a link to this site so he can see what I have posted. We have decided to just drop the transaction. I will contact the back up bidder with additional pictures, also, and if he doesn't want it, I will relist.
posted on March 25, 2002 04:10:33 PM
I can see your concern for "killing" your own auction with a long list of negatives about the condition. I also have learned from reading postings here that most collectors like to know the condition of the box...
Perhaps you could say the box has damage, if unable to tell from photo's please email for a very complete list of even the smallest mark. Or you could list the major flaws like tears, rips, holes or missing pieces and add for a more detailed description of condition email.
That way, if a collector is looking for condition of box and can't tell from the photos he knows they exist and he can ask and get a complete detailed list. If the bidder doesn't email, you at least can point out that you did indeed say it was damaged and would be glad to furnish a very detailed list of all damage if requested.
Using this method, you haven't listed 1/2 page of what's wrong with the box before you even get to what's good about the item that comes in that box but if you have a very picky bidder, they know it's not MINT or LIKE NEW!
posted on March 25, 2002 04:17:01 PM
If these model kit buyers are so fussy, I would think they would take me up on my offer of additional pictures. Especially when I say the box is beat up! Sheeessh!! Hope the back up bidder wants it so I won't be out the fees.
posted on March 25, 2002 04:27:38 PM
when i describe the damages, i also tell them to "please look very closely at all pics. item is being sold as is due to damage mentioned and pictured" this has saved my buns on at least one occasion.
posted on March 25, 2002 05:08:27 PM
I sold a slot car dump truck that was missing it's back gate; you could see clearly in the shot both of the mounting holes for it were empty. Bidder tells me the shot is dark and he couldn't see it. Okay, but not only do I make sure scans are bright, I put white paper behind the item, and I turn the brightness up in the editor if it's dark. I should have probably mentioned it, but I included an entire second truck for parts in with it, and there were differences between the two leading me to wonder if this one came without - there were no signs of wear to the paint on it.
The bidder did use Buy It Now, so I think he just didn't look that closely. I didn't get a negative, no FB at all, but I wouldn't do that again - I'd at least make the photo a bunch bigger.
posted on March 25, 2002 05:43:01 PM
when i was a senior in high school,i use to
"beat up" 9th graders...but i dont have any pics-according to the principal...that didnt "cut it" either
[ edited by classicrock000 on Mar 25, 2002 05:44 PM ]
posted on March 25, 2002 06:50:37 PM
It's best to tell whatever it is you can see about an item's condition. If you are unfamiliar with what it is you are selling, you should state that as well. You shouldn't play stupid, but knowing that you don't know is ok.
I sell lots of books and am reasonably knowledgeable about books and book selling, but I don't claim great expertise despite my background in the field. I under rate my books condition. Buyers love it. Underpromise and over deliver. Works every time.
posted on March 25, 2002 06:58:50 PM
When I sell an item that has a definite blemish I take a picture, circle the area in red and describe what is there. Then I say in my auction "bid accordingly" It works and I am honest in my description. I sold an item that had a snag or hole and I put that in my description and it sold for more than I thought it would. So if I were listing that item I would have circled that area to draw their attention to it and then if they bid and win they can't decline.
posted on March 25, 2002 07:46:11 PM
I've got an interesting Batman video. It's clips from the TV show, interviews, commercials, promos, behind-the-scenes stuff. I don't know where the video came from by it appears to be a legit release.
This is a fantastic collector's item. Problem is, the video is in very poor condition. The tracking is terrible. What you can see is fascinating, but it's almost unplayable.
I've been thinking about auctioning it, but I'm not sure how to describe it. Great video but in crappy condition? Who knows, maybe the video can be fixed or put in a new shell? The tape itself seems to be in good shape.
This is a tough question that I haven't figured out yet.
posted on March 25, 2002 08:07:16 PMThis is a fantastic collector's item. Problem is, the video is in very poor condition. The tracking is terrible. What you can see is fascinating, but it's almost unplayable.
What is wrong with using your own words in your ad (above)? Only people who know how to handle the tracking problem would bid. I've had videos like this that only needed to be cleaned and then worked fine, too.
posted on March 25, 2002 09:53:59 PM
I sold an old wallpocket of a sassy little girl, sideways, with red and white dress. The paint was chipped in many places and I described that and showed in several pictures. But the little girl was darling and displayed well; I said that also, and added that she'd been in a lot of playground fights. It sold for a good amount.
I've always hesitated, as a buyer, to ask a seller for more pictures. Seems like an imposition in a way, although as a seller I'd do it if asked. I like the suggestion here that they look at it carefully and ask questions because it's being sold "as is." I'm going to remember that one.
Check your local video store. They might have a tape cleaner. If that video was run in a VCR with dirty heads a cleaning might really help. I have seen it work wonders.
