posted on May 12, 2003 01:57:56 PM new
I recently started selling photo equipment. Over the six months I have had perhaps 15-20 auctions. Most have been for lens filters, though some have been cameras, lenses, enlargers, etc. I am very meticulous when it comes to listing items, and go over everything, and clean everything extremely well. I am pretty anal about listing things accurately, knowing that I wouldn't want to get something that was misadvertised.
Of those 15-20 auctions, I have had 3 people who have emailed me with "problems" with their auction items. I had one guy who complained about a lens filter. The one I listed was in perfect condition. What he described, wasn't even close to what I sent. He went on and on about scratches, dings, grime, etc. I told him to send it back, and I would gladly inspect it and verify that it was the same one I sent. I told him I mark each item individually so I know it was the one I sold. I never heard back from him.
A similar thing happened over a camera lens. This guy claimed that the lens didn't work correctly and that all of the photos came out blurred. Here is the catch, he hadn't received the item yet. Delivery Confirmation showed it as delivered two days later.
On to this past week. I sold a camera to a guy though auction. It was brand new, didn't have a scratch on it. It was never used, but was tested before I shipped it. I get an email about it being dirty, obviously used, etc. He follows up with an email that it is even worse than what he described in the first email. I tell him to return it, and that I would gladly issue a refund after I inspect it, check the serial number, and verify it is the same camera sold. Not a word.
Anyone else have experience with these kind of problems?
posted on May 12, 2003 02:15:00 PM new
Coleman lantern, $12.00 to ship, blah , blah, needed repair, buyer took to a repair shop. Repair total, you guessed it, $12.00. Send the broken part and the sales slip. Zip. They try. Oh Lordy how they try.
posted on May 12, 2003 04:01:14 PM new
The "send it back and let me verify my mark" works in 99.99 percent of the cases I've seen.
I have had a few attempted switcheroos. When I list in those categories now (which is rare) I specify that I only refund after receiving the mdse back and verifying my mark. Since I started doing that I haven't had a single problem.
posted on May 12, 2003 04:12:57 PM new
I knew this happened, but I have been selling things on ebay for 4 years now, and since I started to sell photo equipment, it started happening to me. The thing is that I am a photographer. I love ebay, mostly because I sell, but I find many things for myself as well. I wouldn't think of cheating a seller like that, but obviously others have.
Any suggestions on how to appropriately mark an item? I need to be able to mark it in very tiny areas (so it is very difficult to notice).
posted on May 12, 2003 07:40:55 PM new
The ultraviolet ink pen that Fetish mentioned is the way to go. I might add, every so often I wind up with a good deal on a camera lens or other accessories and list them on Ebay. I state in my auction that I know nothing about cameras (which is true) and the item offered is "AS IS". I am amazed at the number of emails I get from people in that category offering information about the item I have listed. It seems there are many out there willing to help a newby and offer helpful advice and information. I'm surprised to hear there are jerks and crooks in that category, but I guess they can turn up just about anywhere.
The light at the end of the tunnel will turn out to be an oncoming train.
posted on May 13, 2003 12:41:49 AM new
You could try inside on the shutter curtain...hehe, just kidding.
I think with the triumvirate: lots of images, serial number and markings, you can't go wrong.
I have bought a lot of photography gear on ebay, and really have had a blast doing it!
But I imagine they may get lucky pulling the switcheroo on photographer widows or peops who inherit gear they know nothing about.
I am going to list a camera I never use, and will actually mark it inside where the film goes. Seems like a decent way to mark it.
J
posted on May 13, 2003 09:07:09 AM new
I have a bunch of tiny rubber stamps (the size of an eraser head) that I bought a long time ago at the dollar store. I use them with invisible ink and then record where an item is marked and with which stamp. Even if the bidder has a blacklight and can find the stamp, he or she will have a very difficult time reproducing it. I also try to mark the item in a place that normally won't be touched, like the inside of a case.
It may seem like a lot of trouble, but I had the stamps already so it's not that big a deal. I use a blacklight pen to color the end of the stamp.
posted on May 13, 2003 10:00:00 AM new
I love that idea!!
I am thinking an exacto knife and an old pencil will do just nicely for me right now!!!!
whooo hooo!!!
J
