posted on December 2, 2000 10:38:02 AM new
Not that I feel my ethics are in question on this deal, but I want some opinions please.
I have been selling a particular widget occasionally. I have a supply of these, but just auction one every few weeks, not several at a time or one after the other.
It's nothing more than a slightly used vintage part that fits something very popular and desirable. I found a source for these parts and have made a little bit of money on them. I've sold 4 so far and the customers have all be very happy with the part. These are original period vintage parts made by the correct manufacturer and have the correct markings. Everything about the part is authentic. Four happy customers out of four sold tells that story.
Here's the rub. I advertise them as being the exact vintage part for what I'm saying they are correct for, and no question, they are correct--exactly. However, they didn't come off of that item, but something else that used the exact same part.
It's kind of like if you had a car part that's correct for either a Plymouth Roadrunner muscle car or Grandma's little Plymouth Valiant. Of course you'd advertise that the part was for the far more desirable car because of the stronger market.
Reason I ask is that one guy asked us to stop the auction for a nice offer, then afterward asked us to confirm the origin of the part and my wife proceeded to tell him the whole story (more than he needed to know in my opinion, because I never said the part was actually removed from what he wants to put it on, but that it was correct and fit what I was advertising. All he needed to know that it was the correct part that he wants, period). Now, silence from him.
posted on December 2, 2000 11:06:56 AM new
If it truly is the exact same part, then I don't see why the origin matters. It shouldn't matter if it came off of a Plymouth Roadrunner muscle car, Grandma's little Plymouth Valiant, or an old washing machine. I'd tell anyone that asks that I bought it at a flea market or something and that's all I know. The bidder might be trying to find out your source so that he can buy them from there too.
posted on December 2, 2000 11:11:10 AM new
Yes, the exact same part. Kind of my little secret you know. Not something I want to let get out, because the market for the part will be damaged for sure. They won't buy them from me any longer, but go scrounging for the part themselves.
posted on December 2, 2000 11:14:56 AM new
If it's the exact part, made by the correctly branded company, and does not wear out, its history is irrelevant.
posted on December 2, 2000 11:32:32 AM new
When people ask questions after the sale, look out. People need to know basic spec information and nothing more.
posted on December 2, 2000 11:51:35 AM new
loose (feel I can call you that now that I 'know' you!) ... I think this would only be an issue if the part included serial numbers or other special markings that a buyer needed to make the final product completely authentic. Otherwise, I really can't see what difference it would make.
I wouldn't worry about your ethics - you have obviously found something that is working for you and at least 4 of your customers.
Good luck with future sales of your 'part'
gboy - you're probably right about the asker trying to find the source ...
All I can tell you is the only time I have ever ended an auction for someone is when I was notified by a buyer that wanted my item. I then asked him to Paypal me the offer he made and when i saw the payment in my account, I cancelled the auction.
You should never end an auction early just because someone offers you more.
Think about this, if his offer was higher than what you had it listed for, why did he not bid on it ???
