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

[Anonymous]

I'm that guy.

I never tried to sell anything on ebay. I have only bought things 9 times, nothing really expensive. So, only 9 feedbacks (positive).

I have read here and other places to be careful of who you buy from on ebay. To only buy from people with lots of positive feedback, etc. To buy from established businesses. etc

I need to sell all of my train stuff, before I even got to build the main layout. I';m going to keep my used stuff I think, but I have some new stuff that I would like to get as much money as possible for. Tony's in Vermont was nice enough to take back a couple of things.

I have a brand new, never used ......... NCE Power Pro system, NCE Utility Throttle, BLI M1a Mountain Steamer, BLI SD40, and a few other electronic items, all never used. This is expensive stuff (to me, anyway). Are people going to buy this stuff from me at ebay at a fair price? Or am I wasting my time?

Do I set a minimum bid? Ebay cautions against this. But I want to get a fair price for this stuff.

Do I offer refunds? Or All Sales Final? I would hate to ship this stuff to someone, they mess it up and use it, and want to return it. Or take parts out of it , and return it to me. Am I being paranoid?

I'm a super honest person, and I am just kinda scared to get involved in the crazy ebay world. Does anyone know of a forum or someplace where people sell stuff? Or a railroad club classifieds? I realize that I have to take a loss, selling this stuff, but I wish I could just get a fair price from a decent person.

Thanks
Jim

[Anonymous]

If you feedback is 100% I dont see a problem, its up to you to have a return policy and yes if you want a certain price for your item have a reseve, in my experience the price depends on who wants it the most, and be reasonable with what you want for your goods.

your other option may be an add in the LHS or MRC..

hope all goes well for you

Mike..

[gvdobler]

If you want action on your item then I would say don't put a minimum bid or reserve. I know that can be spooky if you have an item that is worth a lot money. A minimum opening bid with no reserve is better because people are nervous about bidding on something when they don't know what the reserve is, but they can see what the opening bid is. Don't set the opening bid so high that it scares people away. I don't bid on any items with an opening bid that is more that half of what I can buy it from a store for, it is an auction. Otherwise, just put an ad in the paper.

As for a money back offer, that's only as good as your feedbacks and without any as a seller, you are at a disadvantage. Any return should be only if the item is not as described in your ad, not just because. You have the buyer's money so if it comes back in a condition other than how you sent it then you are in control. However, then it has to be shipped again, who pays for that. Offering refunds can be a mess unless you are going to be a retail store on line. I would by from you if my "gut feel" was right.

Trying to sell your most expensive item 1st may not be the best plan. I sold 4 or 5 items that I didn't care what they sold for before selling anything of value. Knowing how to take the pictures and get paid and shipping issues all take some practice.

Good luck-let us know your seller name since you can't sell here.

[Anonymous]

Yes good point...let us know your seller name when you list.............

Mike........

[rlandry6]

I wouldn't buy on eBay regardless of anyone's ratings. Two incidents of identity theft and seeing items that I can buy as cheap(or cheaper) from online merchants with a phone number and a live person that I can talk to, have left me with a pretty bad taste in my mouth about ebay. No offense meant to anyone here, I'm just done with them. When you've spent as much time as I have trying to solve problems caused by doing business there, you'll probably feel the same way.

[Anonymous]

I have a 100% positive feedback rating of 111 transactions on EBAY. Both buying and selling, although mostly buying. I've never had a problem with any of these transactions. One purchase was not quite as advertised-I emailed the seller and he was more than willing to reimburse me, after we discussed the problem.
The identity theft thing comes about if one responds to a "phishing" email. The only message that one should respond to is one on Ebay's site. They will never email you directly.
So, have I been just lucky? I don't think so. I've been careful,that's the most important factor.
So, I would not hesitate advising someone to buy or sell on Ebay. I think it's great!

[Anonymous]

No.

[rolleiman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rlandry6

I wouldn't buy on eBay regardless of anyone's ratings. Two incidents of identity theft and seeing items that I can buy as cheap(or cheaper) from online merchants with a phone number and a live person that I can talk to, have left me with a pretty bad taste in my mouth about ebay. No offense meant to anyone here, I'm just done with them. When you've spent as much time as I have trying to solve problems caused by doing business there, you'll probably feel the same way.

This is not generally the case, I mean rip-offs.. Cheaper, Yes, definately a lot of times but it's up to you to know WHAT you are buying, whether it is still available somewhere else, and what it should cost. But in over 1500 transactions both selling and buying, I've only had one go sour and it didn't take very long for ebay and paypal to resolve it.. Your constant ragging about it is noted and quite tiring to read in every ebay thread. Yet you offer no information about WHAT went wrong. How you got into a situation, nor what you did to try and resolve it and why you aren't satisfied with the results. If you gave your login info away to someone in a phishing email then it's your own fault for not keeping vigilant.

To the original poster, set a price you can live with.. Chances are you won't get your investment out of it but don't hope for action by setting a low starting price. If you only get one bid and you can live with what you get, then that's all you need. Modelrailroadforums.com has a for sale section you can also post your wares on if you don't want to chance ebay although it doesn't seem very active..

Jeff

[railroadyoshi]

I'd be a bit worried about that. I'd rather buy something small from someone like this.

[twcenterprises]

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/trainexchange/

I'm the moderator. This sort of thing is welcome there. Free service, just keep it suitable for all ages. I usually check in every day.

Brad

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rolleiman

QUOTE: Originally posted by rlandry6

I wouldn't buy on eBay regardless of anyone's ratings. Two incidents of identity theft and seeing items that I can buy as cheap(or cheaper) from online merchants with a phone number and a live person that I can talk to, have left me with a pretty bad taste in my mouth about ebay. No offense meant to anyone here, I'm just done with them. When you've spent as much time as I have trying to solve problems caused by doing business there, you'll probably feel the same way.

This is not generally the case, I mean rip-offs.. Cheaper, Yes, definately a lot of times but it's up to you to know WHAT you are buying, whether it is still available somewhere else, and what it should cost. But in over 1500 transactions both selling and buying, I've only had one go sour and it didn't take very long for ebay and paypal to resolve it.. Your constant ragging about it is noted and quite tiring to read in every ebay thread. Yet you offer no information about WHAT went wrong. How you got into a situation, nor what you did to try and resolve it and why you aren't satisfied with the results. If you gave your login info away to someone in a phishing email then it's your own fault for not keeping vigilant.

To the original poster, set a price you can live with.. Chances are you won't get your investment out of it but don't hope for action by setting a low starting price. If you only get one bid and you can live with what you get, then that's all you need. Modelrailroadforums.com has a for sale section you can also post your wares on if you don't want to chance ebay although it doesn't seem very active..

Jeff

Is that Jeff from North Hobby Dept????

Mike...

[rolleiman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mcdltd



Is that Jeff from North Hobby Dept????

Mike...

No..

If you want to write me off line at [e-mail] I'll discuss my ebay ID and practice with you but I don't want to advertise in any way on this non-sale forum..

Jeff

[Anonymous]

Be very upfront about any weaknesses and try to make your page not sound as though it contained sins of omission. There are probably more sins of omission found in advertising than sins of comission; Ebay is not alone in pleasing most the customers who bring a healthy skepticism to the fore and expect to have their questions answered (or anticipated!).

[Anonymous]

Thereis some guy selling stuff on Tonystrainexchange for real cheap. A dcc Chief System and wireless throttle when he could have Ebayed it. Here is a cut and past of his classified ads.

10.25.05 For Sale Digitrax Chief system w/wireless throttle for $140 Antonio Rodrigues 860-961-9981
I have a Digitrax digital DCC system and power unit that I had on my layout which I no longer have and no longer need. I also have the wireless DT400R throttle that will go with this and the regular throttle that came with the system. I will ship in the US for $20. Call me anytime. Thanks


10.25.05 For Sale 13 Union Pacific modern Locos w/ dcc decoders for $250 Antonio Rodrigues 860-961-9981
I will also sell 13 Union Pacific locos varying from SD70M, SD90MAcs, AC4400 and SD60Ms with installed Decoders (Digitrax and NCE) for only $250. Shipping will be $22 This is a detail list of what you will get:
4 Kato Union PAcific SD90macs
5 Athearn Genesis UP SD70M some with the flag
2 P2K SD60MS two window versions
3 Kato AC4400's


Crazy huh?

[Anonymous]

I have bought and sold on ebay for over a year now, with a 253 rating. Just be careful with whom you are dealing with. Sometimes a no rater will win your auction but you never hear from him or her again. Phishing in Paypal is common. Don't give any information if someone happens to get into your emails saying they are Paypal. Paypal never asks you to re-enter your private information through emails, they have it on file. As far as auctioning, some times you win big. Some times you don't come out that far ahead. Depends on who is out there waiting for a good item they are waiting for. Good luck. James

[joeyegarner]

I would say start at .99 and put a reserve on the item. If it's a good seller people will bid, Dont be afraid to tell them the reserve, and don't expect to get what it cost new. I am a avid eBay seller with over 450 posative feedbacks. It's all about getting seen so take time and spend a little money to promote yout item. And always follow safe internet practices. The other thing you could do is get someone another seller you may know to sell it for you. Oh! and I probably would not buy a high dollar item from someone with low feedback numberss.

[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

[accord1959]

Post your auction to run 9 days starting Saturday AM and ending Sunday PM. most action takes place on week-ends.

[cmulligan01]

The club I belong is selling a local modeler's rolling stock. He needs to sell it and went through the club. He has a number of brass engines that I will be selling on Ebay while the smaller stuff will be sold locally. I've heard of being wary of someone with low feedback or no feedback so I'm starting slow with some plastic rolling stock kits. I thought I would be more likely to sell more expensive items with at at least a little feedback. I wouldn't want to buy a brass engine from someone with no feedback no matter how good the pictures looked.

My ebay id is cmulligan01. I know selling items here is not allowed. I thought just my id might be ok. If not the mods can edit it out or I can if someone tells me to.

[Anonymous]

i have a low feedback but all positive. ebay can be a lawless land and like has been said one really needs to know what they are buying. for instance years back when i had MRR
lifelike and bachman were junk now they are good. so i would not buy engines from ebay
seller without asking about the model first in here.

its very possible to get ripped in ebay as both buyer or seller usually sellers that gig folks dont hang around long and will change id's a lot hence low numbers.

i would never buy a big ticket item without it being very local. the other thing is you are at the mercy of the shipping agent so surely define your policy well to protect yourself if you do ebay

maybe puting the items in consignment at a good online vendor might be safer for you.
there might even be a good one near to you so you can save the extra shipping?

im very sorry you have to sell your stuff and bad as that in itself is you should not have to worry about all the headaches that come along with ebay. the folks in here will guide you. i would buy from folks here if i knew they were selling.. ebay is a good place to find that certain unique item. lately it seems i can buy cheaper off of ebay. never forget ebay is out for ebay and never keep funds in paypal. beware of the phish

if they are higher end items i would also check out putting an ad in classifieds at our host.

good luck to you, john

[tatans]

So, the consensus seems to be---- Don't buy antyhing from someone without hundreds of positive feedbacks?? Just how are you supposed to start? not everyone who sells on ebay has been a member for the last 10 years, not too fair, I changed my name on ebay and went back to zero purchases, does this mean the seller will not sell to me?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by accord1959

Post your auction to run 9 days starting Saturday AM and ending Sunday PM. most action takes place on week-ends.

eBay only offers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 day auctions.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

To answer your question, Jim, I do buy from people on eBay who have sold little or nothing. I have also bought from members with 0-10 feedback. When I do buy from new/few feedback people, I ALWAYS ask a general question first, just to see if they're for real. I have seen situations where they did not respond, so I did not bid, and the person who got the winning bid did not ever receive the item. I also ONLY pay with PayPal in these situations. PayPal can get your money back if the deal falls through, a money order or check cannot. So, yes, I would buy from you, IF I needed a DCC system. [;)]

[Anonymous]

Jim,

People may be a little hesitant to bid, but that is no reason not to offer the item for sale. I would protect myself from bottom feeders by offering with a reserve. I would also follow the advice of ending the auction on a week-end day. Make sure you take into account both coasts time zones. You can choose when to start your auction (hence ending time) for 10 cents. well worth it. You may have to list it again if it doesn't hit the reserve...No big deal, I 've done it lots of times....I have also sold several big ticket items with good results.

A couple of other decisions to make. Decide what the item is worth realistically. Check closed auctions on Ebay to see if similar items have sold and for how much. I would not offer a money back guarantee. I think that if there is a problem, the buyer will be in touch and you can work it out. I think you want serious bidders who do their homework. Buyers who are looking at DCC should know what they are buying. By offering a no-fault option you may be enticing the wrong buyers (those who buy the item not knowing what it is and then return it when it is not what they expected).

Set a time limit on payment something along the lines of "payment must be recieved in X days"

Decide if you want to take paypal. Many sellers do. Many buyers won't bid if the item isn't paypal friendly. I don't use it because they charge the seller a fee and I'm cheap. Many of my fellow Ebay friends/sellers think I'm nuts (they may be right ...on lots of levels).

Lastly In my experience most buyers and sellers on Ebay in the TRAIN category are like the guys on this forum....Honest, decent people who like trains...Now other categories...watchout!!!

[Anonymous]

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

Very bad advice..............

[Anonymous]

"Roadrats" advice about setting up a second account in order to shill your sale is the type of thing that makes some people hesitant about using Ebay. MOST model railroaders are too honest for that sort of crap!

[roadrat]

Hey guys I was just kidding about the " shill " account, I guess I should have put in a few Smilie's.
Not that e-bay isn't already filled with scammer and shills already.

bill

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by roadrat

Hey guys I was just kidding about the " shill " account, I guess I should have put in a few Smilie's.
Not that e-bay isn't already filled with scammer and shills already.

bill

Phew, that's good to know. For a second there I thought we'd have to break out the Fraud Squad![;)]

[Anonymous]

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?