BRAKIE Does this help in clearing things up?
Does this help in clearing things up?
Not really. We will just have to agree to disagree.
Rich
Alton Junction
maxman richhotrain We have strayed far from the original issue which was buying used model railroading stuff on eBay determining the market value of used items when buying and selling. Rich I'll say. The title of this thread was "the pitfalls of buying used engines". Nothing in there at all about determing prices, market value, or anything else. Seems to me he wanted to know if anyone else had bought an engine and then found that unexpected repairs were necessary.
richhotrain We have strayed far from the original issue which was buying used model railroading stuff on eBay determining the market value of used items when buying and selling. Rich
We have strayed far from the original issue which was buying used model railroading stuff on eBay determining the market value of used items when buying and selling.
Tracklayer
Interesting responses about what is meant by "as-is" condition. I'll just pose a question and see what the answers are:
Here's an example:
Suppose a seller lists a used BB locomotive. Takes one picture of the locomotive in its box. Of course, its only of one side. He describes it as "used Athearn locomotive in as-is condition" and prices it at a minimum bid of $30. The seller has sold over 300 train items.
Buyer wins it for the 30, gets it home and takes it out of the box. He notices the entire unphotographed side is a totally different color and has several large holes in the side of the long hood. Again, neither the picture or the description disclosed that.
Does the seller owe the buyer a refund? Should the buyer leave negative feedback if the seller refuses?
Just interested in hearing some thoughts..
- Douglas
Do you mean to tell me that people actually buy model trains USED?
About the only stuff I buy that might be considered "used" is "new old stock" kind of stuff. You know, the Proto2000 loco that has never had the shell installed and likely never been out of the box.
Or the Athearn Blue Box kit that still has a sealed parts envelope, etc.
Sure, every once in a great while, some really "cherry" item I need comes along from the days of yore - but generally, I prefer my trains not yet touched by consumer hands - or these days, not yet touched by North American hands.
BUT, then again, I don't buy stuff, use it or keep it a while and then sell it on Ebay either........
Sheldon
ATLANTIC CENTRAL Do you mean to tell me that people actually buy model trains USED?
You betcha'. I love those COLLECTORS who grow tired of a portion of their collection and dump some nearly mint stuff for 50% of the new price.
Doughless ATLANTIC CENTRAL Do you mean to tell me that people actually buy model trains USED? You betcha'. I love those COLLECTORS who grow tired of a portion of their collection and dump some mint stuff for 50% of the new price.
You betcha'. I love those COLLECTORS who grow tired of a portion of their collection and dump some mint stuff for 50% of the new price.
Oh, that explains it! - I'm not a collector either. I guess that's why I actually keep and run the trains I buy.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL Doughless ATLANTIC CENTRAL Do you mean to tell me that people actually buy model trains USED? You betcha'. I love those COLLECTORS who grow tired of a portion of their collection and dump some mint stuff for 50% of the new price. Oh, that explains it! - I'm not a collector either. I guess that's why I actually keep and run the trains I buy. Sheldon
I get what you're saying. Me, I only buy stuff that eventually goes on the layout, for the most part. The problem is....I have more stuff that will fit on the layout. So I guess there is a collector element to my game.
I also buy used stuff to paint or weather, and then resell. Or stuff that's advertised to not run, then I fix it and sell it. Painted and weathered structure kits can go for some good dough. Some of it starts off as used items from someone else. Its all a fun part of the hobby for me and it tends to pay for itself.
I have bought and sold a good amount of stuff on E-Bay over the years. Mostly locomotives. I'll agree that you need to ask questions & know the value of what you're buying.
Having said that, I usually end up buying from the guy that really has no clue as to what he is selling. The description will say something like "I have no way to test these" or "runs poorly" or "for parts or repair". I have found great deals in these auctions. I have become pretty good at determining the brand of loco from the pictures.
I buy them in larger groups and fix the ones I can and either add them to my layout or if it's not something I want I will put it back on E-Bay and re-sell it. Usually for a small profit while keeping the ones I want for myself. Most of the time means cleaning the wheels or fixing a broken wire so it doesn't get too involved. I try to stay away from bachmann & life like, the best sellers are usually AHM, Athearn, & Tyco. I know that Tyco isn't a quality locomotive, but there are actually guys outthere that collect them & will pay good money for a good running locomotive, especially if it's somewhat rare.
Not trying to make a fortune at it but so far I've been able to finance my entire railroad doing it.
Michael
Never attempt anything you don't want to explain to the EMT
richhotrain The sellers feeback rating is critical, especially on used items. For me, it always has to be 100%. The sellers feedback on new items is important but for big time sellers, the rating is almost always less than 100% because a few buyers ar always going to be sour grapes. Item not as described, delivery too slow, never received the item, seller is a moron, etc. But if the feedback is lower than 99%, forget it. Rich
The sellers feeback rating is critical, especially on used items. For me, it always has to be 100%.
The sellers feedback on new items is important but for big time sellers, the rating is almost always less than 100% because a few buyers ar always going to be sour grapes. Item not as described, delivery too slow, never received the item, seller is a moron, etc. But if the feedback is lower than 99%, forget it.
As a long time seller on Ebay, since 1998 selling all sorts of stuff, but not full time, just now and then, it can be impossible to keep 100% satisfaction. I had one occasion where the same person bought 12 items I had listed, then was created so many problems I refunded him all his money. He left 12 negatives at a time I probably sold less than 50 items a year. That was a hit on my feedback, although I never had a negative from another buyer. And I think now feedback is only based on the last year. Back then it went back forever.
So less than a very high 90's rating is definatly something to be aware and cautious of, but if the seller has something you want it should not be deal breaker on it's own.
I'll admit that more than half my locomotive stock is used from eBay. I've purchased some 'dogs' and made a steal on a 'dead' BLI that just needed the decoder reset for $50.00, which saved me $300 off retail. I bid assuming that repairs are necessary in all instances.
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site