How would you rate Ebay for train purchases overall

[2343]

I've made lots of purchases on Ebay:

a TW Transformer that was completely reconditioned for about $85;
a 2343 AA set that is a great runner (although the horn does not work - my fault not the seller's)
a 675 Loco that is out of this world as far as being serviced and a great runner
a searchlight car
a 3457 caboose
a Sunoco tank car
a Lehigh Valley Hopper, etc. etc.

and accessories:

Billboard set from the early 50's
Lionel Flagpole
Diesel Horn shed (the old 9V battery type).

I can say that Ebay has provided a much better pricing point than my local train shop that sells many of these postwar items. For example, they want want $159 for the TW Transformer alone.

[cmrj]

on a scale of one to ten a five . over the past few months, I have seen a lot of junk sell for big dollars. even if it's for parts,the restoration guy's must be able to get it back.I also see the other end go higher than some repro. listed in the cat. you can't look at the older piece's as money in the bank.when the older baby boomers start dieing off . the market is going to change . sure there are young people up and comeing to the hobby.but not in the same percentage's as we are.Iwould not buy ahigh dollar item with out prsonaly check ing it my selfand test running it. I looked at a bridge several weeks ago and stayed away from it. Iplace amax bid and watch.

[Anonymous]

I always try to buy the cheapest so I lose out a lot. I do see a lot of unrealistic opening bids on some things and high shipping & handling costs. I just enjoy looking at what's for sale - I know I can't buy everything that I see. I guess I don't pay attention as to who else is bidding on stuff, if I get it fine, if I don't it'll always be on sale again sometime. I look for mostly wabash and t,p& w stuff so i see the same pieces over and over. John

[Anonymous]

Hi, I am new to this buying trains thing, but I enjoy it and like looking around, for
the few things I have bought I got a good deal, The biggest problem I have is
getting people to respond to questions, wanting pictures, and even conformation of purchased items.
I bought two items from one place-they were very nice, sent money orders, they
in turn said I didn't know how to use e-mail---every one else got there e-mail--
Only two ways that I know of is "ask-seller" & "contact-seller""
For the most partt I see the trains going for as much or more than Greenbergs
has price listed. Unless it is a rare item or a good set I don't pay retail. I realize the book is just a guide but I take it for what its worth and valuable.
Seems the beer cars go way overpriced for most part-but I might just get lucky--
Thanks for all your views!![:)][:)]

[Anonymous]

Hello Forum.:
First time I am on this forum. Just to let you know, I had some great deals on home
and pro audio - video equipment. Problem was both UPS and USPS. They dropped
an Expensive Vintage Reel to Reel Deck. Which Burned Up with Pluged in. USPS
shipped me an AMP that was in Mint Conditions as I had Photos from the Seller. The
USPS Actually Backed over the Box and BENT the AMP CASE ! Took Three Months for
me to Settle the Case with USPS to get my Money Back.

As Far as Model RR Trains go,,,,,,, Seems I don't have Luck trying to Find Specific
Items.. End up with page after page of items instead of the Items I typed in Search
by Specific Name, came back, they could not find. Is there a Specific Way to Find items
by their name or Road? Spent Hours trying to find a HO MDC Shay that was already
to run with No Luck.

Am Looking for the Best Deal on Model RR Publications, such as "How to Build
Detailed RR Scenes" and "Building City Scenery For Your Model Railroad". ?

Had Tried to locate a decent price for the Newest top of the Line Dremel Motor Tool
Kit with no luck. Have had Much Better Results going to Local Model RR Shows.
Where I can meet the dealers Face to Face. Waiting for a Reply,. And the Big Snow
Storm that is Predicted on the East Coast. ~ Mike

[Anonymous]

To all of you who don't think sellers bid on their own items. I am bidding on a tyco ho scale track. I set my max bid to 20.00. I was the only bidder and the bidding started at 1.00. One day I noticed 5 new bids. I was suprised to see that I was now the current high bidder. Someone had placed five bids 2.00,5.00,10.00,15.00 and 20.00. Since my bid was placed first I am the lucky winner. The bids were all placed by the same bidder. The bidder did not have the same name but it was the seller or a friend of the seller. I sent a message to the bidder and told then all they have to do is bid 20.50 and the item is theirs. I have recieved no reply and I am still the high bidder. It is like the bidder knew what my maximum bid was and did not bid above that.

[Sturgeon-Phish]

Almost all of my AF stuff came from ebay and I have had all positive outcomes. I agree with the quoted suggestions posted previously. In addition, expect the item to be as described and no better, if it is great, but if there was misinformation, work it out with the seller., if you miss something in a photo, that's your problem. Above all ask questions, examine photos, know the item you are biding on. All sellers I have delt with are honest folks and ifa mistake is made, will reconcile the issue.
Jim

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by macaste

To all of you who don't think sellers bid on their own items. I am bidding on a tyco ho scale track. I set my max bid to 20.00. I was the only bidder and the bidding started at 1.00. One day I noticed 5 new bids. I was suprised to see that I was now the current high bidder. Someone had placed five bids 2.00,5.00,10.00,15.00 and 20.00. Since my bid was placed first I am the lucky winner. The bids were all placed by the same bidder. The bidder did not have the same name but it was the seller or a friend of the seller. I sent a message to the bidder and told then all they have to do is bid 20.50 and the item is theirs. I have recieved no reply and I am still the high bidder. It is like the bidder knew what my maximum bid was and did not bid above that.

Your max bid should not be seen by the seller.

I refuse to play that game. I withhold my max bid until less than 30 seconds prior to end of auction. Dailup requires 20 seconds to complete a bid and DSL less than 6.

Snipe the darn thing and be done with it. Win it fast and give them no time to react or drive up the price.

True bidders who actually want to buy the item will be bidding you for it. These would display consistent historys for a variety of items.

[Anonymous]

Here is a comparsion I have made. If I sell a like new lionel type Z transformer on svc trains the most I can expect to get out of it is about 100 bucks.
When then are on ebay and do not guarantee they work like mine, they will go for over 200. Dave.

[philo426]

To Mike Balog.I have an assembled MDC 2-truck Shay that runs great.If you are interested e-mail me at [e-mail]

[Anonymous]

I buy and sell on ebay all kinds of items closest sale was 15 miles from home longest distance was JAPAN. Overall great time only one problem and they had a 100% rating never got item or money back, used a money orer now I will only pay if they accept PAYPAL I never had a problem that way.
I do wi***he rest of you fine Gentleman and Ladies (if any) would stop out bidding ME!?!?

[Anonymous]

I have got a couple of nice sets including my Lack., and a small collection of cabosses.
The problem I have is communication, very rarely do I get any answers, or a congrad. note.
Bought one item from guy in NY, never did hear from him by e-mail or otherwise, although
the item was very nice. He in turn gave me a + rate., but said I didn't know how to e-mail which
was totally wrong!!
I think like most overall--Not bad deals, I use Green. guide on everything.[:)][:)]

[Anonymous]

To Buy: Bad, too many bidders to get good purchase price.

To Sell: Good, lots of bidders to get good selling price.


Charlie