So, how's Ebay working for you?

[Anonymous]

For me, it's kind of a love/hate thing with Ebay... I love it because of the variety of items available, but I hate the auction set up and having things snatched away from me for two cents more than I bid on them. I finally got to the point that I either "Buy It Now", or put such I high bid on it that I'm sure to get it - for a lot more than what I should really be paying... I've got a couple of favorite sellers that I've gotten really good deals from, one of which is samuelmarxhimself. Anything he has for sale is either new or like new and in perfect condition. It's like gambling though, and you never know until all's said and done whether a seller is any good or not until you get your item-if you get it at all...

[Anonymous]

Thankyou Mehrlich!

Pavariangoo

[Anonymous]

Mostly it's been great for me - especially on books, old Atlas/P2K runs. I did get screwed once BIG TIME on a brass U25B. I didn't insure the shipment, sent my payment, then the guy said he shipped it but it never arrived. Then he admonished me for not insuring it. Funny, a few months later I saw a strikingly similar model up for auction from a person IN THE SAME STATE as the guy. So beware of insurance and U25Bs.

[Anonymous]

Maybe he has to shout, he's clear around the other side of the world!

m

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by pavariangoo

HI EVERYBODY

EBAYS COOL FOR ME!!!!!!

Looks like the caps lock key on your computer is permanently locked on.

Writing messages in all capitals is considered SHOUTING and rude.

BB

[Anonymous]

HI EVERYBODY

EBAYS COOL FOR ME!!!!!!

I PICKED UP 108 PIECES OF N SCALE TRACK FOR 90.85 AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS AND THAT INCLUDED POSTAGE.

I ALSO BOUGHT 6 ATLAS MINING CARS FOR $61 AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS. THAT WORKS OUT TO $10 AU PER CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I HAVE JUST BID ON A 2-8-2 LOCO STEAM ENGINE FOR $26 AU.IT MAY STILL GO UP THOUGH BUT EBAYS COOL.

THERE ARE SOME COMPLETE TRAIN LAYOUTS ON THERE FOR AFFORDABLE PRICES AND THERE IS SOME STUFF THAT IS VERY EXPENSIVE.

I SAW A TRAIN LAYOUT FOR AU $150.000 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![:0]IT DIDNT EVEN SHOW A PICTURE OF IT!!!!!!!

THE PROBLEM WITH EBAY IS THAT IT IS BUY AS IS SO IF THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE ITEM YOU JUST HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT AND THE WORST THING YOU CAN DO TO GET BACK AT THE PERSON THAT RIPPED YOU OF IS LEAVE THEM BAD FEEDBACK ON EBAY AND RUIN THERE SELLER RATING!

THATS JUST MY 39 CENTS (OR IS IT BUCKS)

PAVARIANGOO

[andrechapelon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by expogs6

Hi, I am new to this, but perhaps I could get some advice here. I use E-bay once in a while, most times surfing
the net or wait for a sale is better--
I am interested in a loco and tender on e-bay, it is a Berkshire #6-8002, is new in box and never been run, local
dealer says they go for $450, any advice would be appreciated.
Also: I was looking at a web site that said the 671 loco and tender was collectors item and it was selling for
$700 but train shop said they are only worth around $300, saw loco only on e-bay for $150--
Thanks: PH

You might want to go to the forum on Classic Toy Trains to ask the above as it seems you're enquiring about Lionel O gauge items.

Andre

[andrechapelon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by DeSchane

expogs6, I'd help you but you have left insufficient information to be able to do so. Who made the Berkshire? Who made the 671 loco. Off the top of my head the prices you've been quoted seem very/extremely high! Do way more checking before purchase. Also remember, most items come-up for sale again on Ebay! So, just lay in wait and be patient.

6-8002 is a Lionel stock number. A 671 is a postwar Lionel Pennsy steam turbine.

Classic Toy Trains would probably be a more appropriate venue for enquiring about Lionel prices on eBay.

Andre

[simon1966]

I have had an e-Bay account for about 5 years now. When I first got back into model RR I was purchasing a lot. Now I am much more selective. At any given time, there are 2 or 3 structures or models that I would like. I always know what I can get them for at retail at my LHS and may watch and bid on several examples of a kit before the right deal happens. Virtually anything with a "buy it now" price is overpriced compared to a good dicounting LHS. If you know what you are looking for, are careful to avoid dealers with high shipping prices, you can still get great deals. My BLI E7 cost under $100 before Christmas. I have purchased several craftsman style wooden kits for 50% off the list price. You have to be willing to walk away from deals that just don't make sence.

[Anonymous]

expogs6, I'd help you but you have left insufficient information to be able to do so. Who made the Berkshire? Who made the 671 loco. Off the top of my head the prices you've been quoted seem very/extremely high! Do way more checking before purchase. Also remember, most items come-up for sale again on Ebay! So, just lay in wait and be patient.

[Anonymous]

Hi, I am new to this, but perhaps I could get some advice here. I use E-bay once in a while, most times surfing
the net or wait for a sale is better--
I am interested in a loco and tender on e-bay, it is a Berkshire #6-8002, is new in box and never been run, local
dealer says they go for $450, any advice would be appreciated.
Also: I was looking at a web site that said the 671 loco and tender was collectors item and it was selling for
$700 but train shop said they are only worth around $300, saw loco only on e-bay for $150--
Thanks: PH

[darth9x9]

eBay can be a wonderful place but it is no different than going to a train show or swap meet (with the exception of being able to put our grubby fingers all over the item before deciding to buy it or not).

First and foremost: you have to be a smart shopper (and a smart seller if that is the case). AntonioFP45 points this out. Look at the feedback of the seller. READ THE DECRIPTION CAREFULLY to include payment and shipping terms. When there is the slightest doubt about ANYTHING of the item, ASK THE SELLER!!! If the auction doesn't say it has been test run - then ask before bidding. Usually from the answer the seller gives you (or lack there of), you can tell if they are knowledgeable about the item and quite often, in their answer they will tell you if you aren't happy with it, you can return it. If they tell you they know nothing about it or have no way of testing it, then you are entering into a "grab bag" or "raffle" type deal. It may be good - it may not. At what point do YOU walk away. No one is making you commit to buying it by asking questions. What I have seen over the years is that the sellers that have the most information about the item contained in the auction, do the best. Of the 5000+ transactions I have participated in (both as a buyer or a seller), I have only been 'screwed' once and that was for $26. I have had some transactions that I didn't get what was described but with using CALM and RATIONAL dialogue, I was able to come to some agreement between me and the seller (all of my buyers have been happy) to an extent we could both live with the agreement.

[Anonymous]

Tim,

You live in Southern California? Cool. When I lived there I used to love going to Reeds outside of San Diego and Long's Drug Store in Moreno Valley. I believe the guy that ran the trains at Longs has his own place now in Moreno Valley.

[TurboOne]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SpaceMouse

Generally, I've done well.

Except for the E7 where I could have done $13 better if I had known, I've done pretty well.

Hey spacemouse, just a question that I saw someone else ask, but I didn't get to see the answer. What does Mrs spacemouse think of the trains and purchases.

The reason is mine is going nuts, WHAT ANOTHER TRAIN BOX ? kind of thing. I now have a fleet of cheep freight cars, mainly billboard boxcars with items that I know. Lots of colorful cirucus cars, and popsicle, starkist, etc. I made a train so long that it went about 85% of my 4 x 8 loop. My 30 year old engine barely moved, but it did pull it. I have DCC on my inner loop, but due to lack of kadee couplers, I only have a few cars on that line. But my stock will be converted, that way as I practice, if I screw up,it was only a $1-3 dollar car.

Anyway, how are the kids doing, having fun with the trains ??

Mine are building kits cardboard, and wood. LHS had them for $2 with 3 kits inside of big box. Woo Hoo. And it is a blast playing with them while they learn how to stuff.

Most of my additional stock came from ebay, got some bad cars, but at $1-2 per car, including the shipping, I am happy. I've got billboard boxcars, that I can't find anywhere here local. Just got a tootsie roll car, kids love that one. So I say ebay has been good for me, but I am careful, watch the shipping, seams most of the stuff comes from as far away from SoCal as it possibly can be.

Tim

[skerber]

As has been said, Ebay is great to find OOP models. Since there are no dedicated HO LHS within 50 miles where I live, I frequently miss the locomotives I would like to get.

Recently I purchased two NS model locmotives within the last year off ebay. When I consider a locomotive, I look for the following: does the seller have a 99% or 100% positive feedback? Also, are there photos of the locomotive? Will he take all forms of payment? Is the locomotives either NIB (new in box) or almost NIB? Before I bid, I also ask any questions of the seller.

I recently bought a NS SD60M P-2000 from Trackside Sales over E-bay. It was in the "buy-it-now" category. I called the store to pay, talked to a very knowledgeable guy, and I found a great mail-order place in MA that stocks heavy in NS! If it wasn't for ebay, I would never have found him (since I live in KY). The product I received was well packaged and was never opened. Here is his website: www.tracksidesales.com.

[Anonymous]

I have bought several trains from ebay and had pretty good results. One engine did not work, but still cost me less to buy and fix it than it did to buy one that worked. I plan on selling some of my trains as I begin to focus on certain roadnames and eras. Definitely check feedback. This will help you out the most and also contact the seller to ask questions.

Daniel (UP fan)

[AntonioFP45]

Have done well. On one occasion I paid too much money for an FP45. Had I listened to my friend and waited, I would have seen more come up for bids that were much cheaper. I learned my lesson!

Important: Check the seller's "Feedback Column"! If there are any negative posts, I read them carefully. Both individuals and hobby shops can have negative feedback. One shop I avoid is "HOBBY CIRCLE"! Too many complaints!

A business that treats me well is "ModelTrainStuff"! They can be slow in shipping, but they're right on target and have a toll free phone number you can call. Good service.
From them I won the bid on a P2K Special Edition SCL SD45 (normally $110) for $52! She's a beauty!

Also, help the seller if it's warranted! Some of these sellers know nothing about our hobby. I e-mailed one seller and told him "IN A FRIENDLY MANNER" that the Metroliner he had advertised was actually a GE E60 CP. He e-mailed me back and thanked me and revised the listing. Don't insult the seller, as I've read that some modelers have done that on ebay.

And last, yes, DO YOUR RESEARCH! I paid $7 too much for a Walther's car that would have been much cheaper had I checked the Walther's Flyer which I get in the mail!

[Anonymous]

Over the past 6 years I've had great successes on eBay, but mostly as a seller. I think I've only bought four items myself and three were photo items and one was an airbrush. My eBay feedback is 313 out of 350 people who have bought from me (some are multiple buyers, they only count once). But I've sold many more items than this, and many buyers don't bother to leave feedback.

I've been able to get rid of old and oddball photo items I've gathered over the years, being surprised almost everytime that someone somewhere actually wanted the stuff. It was too neat to throw away, and there is a limited market locally. I've sold off some of my model railroad items, most recently some new models that I won in local model contests. I've gotten more from them that I would have if I had offered them at local shows.

I've been mostly a model builder and have been thinking lately of offering some of my built models on eBay because they just sit on the shelf gathering dust. All I need now is the ambition to start the process!

I love eBay!

Bob Boudreau

[raynbecky]

I love E-Bay! I have had great success getting items and selling them. I have gotten my share of good deals on E-Bay too, too many to list. If you are patient and don't get caught up in bid wars you can get great deals on E-Bay. I do mostly use it for locating cheap brass and out of production kits and products. My last good deal was a whale belly tank car I got for $100.00 painted and weathered. It had a broken end-rail that was easily fixed with some super glue. The weathering job was well done and I replaced the trucks with Genesis 100 Ton trucks and now I have a beautiful car that is not available in any other form other than scratchbuilding or brass.

I have had a few bumpy transactions but overall my experience has been very positive. A lot of posters have given really great advice too. Check the feedback score. Read the descriptions carefully. If someone says "as is" or "all sales final" beware. Some of these people do this because they are not honest sellers. (Some do it because they don't want to be bothered but I won't bid from them.) If you are going to become a retailer by selling on E-Bay you should act like one. (That's my personal opinion and why I have 100% positive feedback with over 450 transactions under my belt, mostly as a seller!) I have also done a lot better on E-Bay than I have at the LHS or shows. I know it's because I'm covering a lot more territory and for that I'm thankful I have E-Bay.

[Anonymous]

mwalthers, I too had a bid get away from me at the last minute. I too laid in the weeds for a week waiting and watching for a mint Riverossi (AHM) steam 2-10-2 the auction was at 40.00 and 10 minutes later it closed at well over $200- It took me 2 days go get the shakes out of my system I thought 40.00 was not bad for one itty bitty steam engine that is 30 years old. but tell that to the 12 or so bidders who all feasted on that carcass eye gouging and elbowing each other with last minute bids worthy of rail tycoons who only desire to acquire the item at any cost just to show the rest of us phesants who is boss.

After that experience I very carefully plan my purchases and cheerfully watch items sail past my maximum bid which is based on what I can get at the LHS or other location at a lower cost. I am happy to see the poor sap pay too much for the item.

Regarding the walthers barge I too paid too much for mine but wont part with it. I too hope that Walthers will take note of the sad state of affairs and the current prices these things are going. Hope that will float thier boat for a re-run.

[Anonymous]

How about this for all the conspiracy types out there. Do you think that Walthers has a couple hundred car-floats in the back room and are putting them on ebay one at a time? Hmmmmm. I bet all of them are in the same hanger as the Roswell UFO's.

[mwalther]

Well, I don't remember the good old days of really cheap bargains. I discovered Ebay 2 weeks ago after someone here replied to my quest for the OOP Walthers car float stating one was for sale there. I bid, but lost and not having a the perspective that comes with experience on Ebay, I bid too low considering the level of my desire. I've since bought several other items, but have yet to receive any of them since the purchases are so recent. I find it fun to look for OOP items that I want and measure the total price delivered to me against that of my best supplier. I am amazed to waatch items still in production go for more than the retail price+shipping. I have chosen Buy Now when I find it to my advantage. I recently bid again on another car float and made what I thought was a high ball offer to cut out the riffraff upping me by a dollar or two. I made the offer at last minute after lying in the weeds for a week waiting. My head is still spinning after watching the price quickly rise past my high ball offer in that last few seconds. I'm disappointed that I did not get it, but I'm also glad I didn't pay what my competitor did. I now know what some of my competitors do, that like a good train line, another will be coming by again. I have also made it a practice to send Walthers a copy of the bidding outcomes for the car float in the hope of enticing them into producing them again. We'll see. In the meantime, if any of you have a car float gathering dust, contact me.

[mwalther]

Well, I don't remember the good old days of really cheap bargains. I discovered Ebay 2 weeks ago after someone here replied to my quest for the OOP Walthers car float stating one was for sale there. I bid, but lost and not having a the perspective that comes with experience on Ebay, I bid too low considering the level of my desire. I've since bought several other items, but have yet to receive any of them since the purchases are so recent. I find it fun to look for OOP items that I want and measure the total price delivered to me against that of my best supplier. I am amazed to waatch items still in production go for more than the retail price+shipping. I have chosen Buy Now when I find it to my advantage. I recently bid again on another car float and made what I thought was a high ball offer to cut out the riffraff upping me by a dollar or two. I made the offer at last minute after lying in the weeds for a week waiting. My head is still spinning after watching the price quickly rise past my high ball offer in that last few seconds. I'm disappointed that I did not get it, but I'm also glad I didn't pay what my competitor did. I now know what some of my competitors do, that like a good train line, another will be coming by again. I have also made it a practice to send Walthers a copy of the bidding outcomes for the car float in the hope of enticing them into producing them again. We'll see. In the meantime, if any of you have a car float gathering dust, contact me.

[douginut]

NOT good experience with E-Bay.
likethe other person here, Broken and misrepresented.
Desire Trolley, represented as good running Bachmann,
was a static model from the trolley and cablecar set.
had bettandorf trucks with peeling chrome plated wheels.
complaint to the seller got a threat to give me bad feedback.
I have not seen anything that I wanted that was not cheaper
at the Hobby Stop in Orem Utah. down the street.

Doug, in Utah

[Anonymous]

I view eBay as a "last resort" buying venue, for out-of-production items that I can't find at my LHS or any commercial online distributor - I won't search eBay simply for a lower price. This approach has worked very well for me so far.

[Anonymous]

In the past three months I have bought about 40 items on eBay. Only one purchase was badly packaged and the couplings were buckled as a result, but esily repaired. Most items have been extremely well packaged and very promptly delivered.
A monorail set was $13 less than the discounted advertised USA dealer price and I was very pleased with my purchase - until I found the same item advertised locally in Australia at less than half the price in the USA! It certainly pays to do some detective work before bidding!
As in any auction, the bidder has to decide beforehand what his maximum bid will be and NEVER go above it!

[Anonymous]

All good things must end. The deals are few and far between these days. I have noticed it not only on Ebay but at garage sales and swap meets. You used to be able to get things are a resonable price, now you go to a swap meet and people want $5.00 under what you can buy a new one for in the store.

Bob

[MudHen_462]

I've both bought, and sold numerous items, and have had very good luck in both buying and selling. However, Ebay is hiking their prices substantially around the first part of Feb. 2005, and I have a feeling that things may tighten up even more in the coming months. It certainly will make me think longer about posting an item after their increase.

[Anonymous]

I have had good luck buying, but lately most of the offerings are at the extremes. Lots of low quality, toy train type stuff (standard LifeLike, Bachmann, and Model Power) that seem to get bid up pretty high. Lots of Tyco and AHM. Then there are the mas sellers that advertise 20-30 Athearn BB kits, but only 1 at a time, and usually above $5.99 each, which is a good buck or so more than many retailers, plus they want $5 to ship 1 car. They ned to separate the commercial sellers from the casual sellers.