From: "Peter Hurd"
Subject: [CB] EBAY SACAMS
Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2005 16:31:51 -0800
Dear List,
I "filed" a
suggestion with Ebay about a year ago to ask that all serial numbers be
listed in the auction titles AND that photographs of the serial
numbers be mandatory in the auction descriptions of every musical
instrument auction.
Nothing has come of this...
Ebay DOES have a 1-800 number, and I have actually talked to a
live person once, perhaps twice.
I think that it is possible that some ambitious entrepreneur
(likely not me, but talk to me anyway) could start an auction site for
musical instruments ONLY. All serial numbers would be disclosed and
photographs of the serial numbers included. Perhaps when a seller
offers something for sale, some form of bond could be attached to the
auction to cover the value of the instrument. 1% or so would be a usual
amount to post. I think such an auction service would be welcome, and
some folks could actually make money by accomplishing this. The ability
to talk to a "live" person would be a huge "plus" as well..
Further, I think that PayPal is blowing it. PayPal transactions
should be covered up to (at least) $10,000.
Some way of insuring against high dollar auction fraud should be
available. Ebay has been wildly successful. It is time that they
cleaned up their act, or someone else should provide the service to
truly meet the exigencies of the marketplace.
Truly,
Peter
---------------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 09:23:14 -0500 (EST)
From: kingtuba
Subject: [CB] eBay Auctions
I've been reading the complaints about eBay's system on this
forum, but I think that it is important to remember that it's merely a
tool through which one can sell one's wares.
The validation of any given item is really up to the Buyer -
just as if an item was discovered in a Pawn Shop or Retail Outlet.
I would hope that anyone considering a purchase of
multiple-thousands of dollars on eBay, be it a sarrusophone, a bass
sax, a contrabassoon or what have you, would take the time to contact
the Seller and ask a myriad of questions.
Any time I've wanted an item that was expensive and legitimate,
I've had no problem contacting the Seller - I've had questions answered
to my satisfaction, and I've received detailed pictures of anything
I've asked for. I've even spoken to Sellers over the phone!
If someone is trying to sell you an expensive item, and they are
legitimate, they want to help you as much as possible to make a
decision in their favour.
When I've wanted an expensive item that's not legitimate, I've
had difficulty contacting the Seller, or I've recieved one word answers
to my e-mails, or (as in a recent case) they offer to meet me in a
public place and describe what they look like, but they won't give me
their name! I've sold a sarrusophone, a bass sax, a few tubas,
xylophones, marimbas, and all manner of items on eBay.
I think it's easy to differentiate between the legitimate
Sellers and the scam (scum?) artists.
Beware of the fellow from Singapore that will offer you the
exact same instrument you've bid on and lost through a "Second Chance
Offer"!! ;)
Best Regards,
Steven
(from Farfl's House....yes, I'm back!!)
***End of Contrabass Digest***