Would You Buy a DCC System Off Ebay From Some Guy With Only 9 Feedbacks (Buying)?

[AggroJones]

QUOTE: Originally posted by uspscsx

QUOTE: Originally posted by roadrat

Don't forget to set up a second ebay account, this will be your "shill " account were you can bid up your own items, Honesty don't pay on ebay.

bill

Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT follow this advice. eBay has your coputer's IP address. If they see anu similarities in city, state, and name from one ID to the other, they will investigate. If they find you to be guilty of doing this, you will be booted off, no questions asked. BOTH ID's.

Honesty DOES pay on eBay.

I hope they DO investigate things like that. I HATE shillers. They are likely responsible for some of the inexplicably crazy bidding I see.

[Anonymous]

Personally I wouldn't buy a big ticket item from a person with few feedbacks. I'll happily buy smaller items though - I check what else they have for sale, and if it's all model train equipment then they're probably legit. Scammers tend to lurk in the electronics and designer clothing sections over here, the model rail section seems to be 99.9% honest fellow enthusiasts. I've managed to bag at least one bargain in this way though I'm not sure I'd recommend it for all.

I agree about the second account - people who do that sort of thing should recieve a lifetime ban to my mind. If they want a given price, either set a reserve or a starting bid that's the lowest you'll accept. One successful dealer over here lists LGB locos starting at 99p and never fails to get high prices for them, so there's clearly no problem with shifting popular items.

[TomDiehl]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FlipStar

uspscsx

Why do you have to respond three different times in a row? Is it to get more post numbers? I do not understand? You do this often too. Should I do the same so I may get higher numbers?

Flip, I do this, too, and it looks like for the same reason. I haven't figured out how to do those multiple quote things other people have done, so I have to respond to each one separately. Also, if I'm responding to the initial question, I'll put that in as a separate entry, people have a tendency to "skim" the replies, and wouldn't see that if it was just added to the end of the last quoted message.

[Anonymous]

I frequent the forums on ebay, and the advice we give to new sellers is simple and effective:

1. Start the bidding at the lowest, absolute lowest price you would accept, and no reserve. 99 cents is WAYYY to risky because if you catch a slow week you might have to sell it for that price.

2. Don't use a reserve. It'll drive people off, and with only 9 FB it'll set their antenna twitching that something's amiss. If you DO use a reserve, state the reserve in the auction description. Remember, you want it to sell so it's not a state secret.

If you start at the minimum with no reserve, some people will argue that you lose the interest a 99 cent starting price would gather. But if anyone seriously believes they'll get it for 99 cents they must be insane. Starting that low will also encourage low, nibbling bids. If you start at a reasonable minimum, you'll weed these lowballers out and only attract serious bidders with serious offers.

This is our time-honored, field-tested, 100% proven advice we give out to any new seller who asks.

[Anonymous]

Would I but a DCC system from someone with low feedback? No

Will someone else do it? Yes

So you'll sell it eventually, just not to me....[:D] But I already have a DCC system I'm happy with. [:)]

[TomDiehl]

To Jim's ORIGINAL question. There are certain things you can do to increase bids and sales. 1. Set up a PayPal account. The convenience of this (for the buyer) will help you get more and higher bids, usually more than enough to offset the small fee. READ AND HEED the PayPal page on phishing scams for your own protection. PayPal also offers buyer protection so more people are willing to take the chance on you rather than someone that only accepts money orders. 2. Specify where you will ship to, what methods you will use, and an estimated shipping cost, don't go overboard to cover what you think the thing is worth. 3. Your opening bid should be the minimum you will sell the item. Reserve prices can be more of a PITA than they're worth. 4. Post a picture or two. The old saying "A picture is worth a thousand words" is certainly true here. 5. Describe the item to the best of your ability, be honest about defects and breakage. 6. List that you'll refund only for items not as described, and have them return the item to you.

If I think of any others I'll post them too.

[Anonymous]

I have had great luck on eBay, But I will only buy something if the seller uses paypal. That way not only can you call your creidit card com, but paypal will also help back you up on your purchase. Money orders and checks no way even if they have 5000 POSITIVE feedbacks!

[icmr]

I might buy it, if I had the money.



ICMR

Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]