posted on December 8, 2000 10:29:22 PM
Hi, I'd like to ask your advice and help.
I agreed to sell an old clock for a friend. From looking at it, I guessed he'd be lucky to get $40 or $50 for it. My friend claims the clock is worth around $250.
I looked around eBay and found on guy that sold a couple of similar clocks last month. One sold at $280 with reserve met, and the other closed at $220 with reserve not met. So my friend was right.
Anyway, now I'm stuck with a rather expensive, delicate item. I'll need to take some care with this one. Please look at the description. I'd appreciate any suggestions. I know absolutely nothing about this type of collectible.
I also wonder about insurance. I'd like to guarantee that the clock arrives in working order. Or should I sell it as "all sales final?" How carefully do I need to pack it? I've got plenty of peanuts and shredded paper, thanks to Shoshana's suggestion. The clock face is a piece of fairly heavy glass. I never ship glass or breakables so any help or suggestions you can offer would be appreciated.
My friend suggested a reserve of $250. He pretty much wants to get what the clock is worth.
posted on December 8, 2000 10:55:49 PM
DESCRIPTION:
Just my opinion here:
I would delete the following paragraph as it doesn't 'exude condfidence' and (to me) makes it sound less desireable than the 'other clock'!
"In researching this clock, I found a similar one that sold last month at eBay for $280, with the following differences: This clock is not illuminated. It does not take light bulbs and does not light up. It is plain and hangs flat against the wall, making it quieter, cooler and more attractive. This clock is in better condition and I guess that it is older."
Also, I would replace last paragraph with just the following sentence. "Clock will be securely packaged and insured."
If you guarantee it to arrive in good working condition, then I (if I was one of 'those' buyers ) would want you to refund my money rather than file an insurance claim if something happened to it enroute! Absolultely YES on the insurance .. keep your slips (I'm sure your know that .. just being thorough)!
PACKAGING:
I would recommend double boxing. Wrap securely in bubble wrap (several layers) then place in a box that fits securely (ie is not to big) to avoid movement. I would then put that box inside another box and surround it with peanuts or those foam blocks that computers, etc come in. Make sure the inside box is packed tight so it doesn't move around inside the outer box. Also make sure that there is protection (peanuts/foam/?) between all surfaces of the inner box and outer box! I didn't notice any 'loose parts' (ie, such as a pendulum on a mantle clock) but if there are any, they need to be 'stabilized.' Clearly mark the box FRAGILE on ALL sides!
Hope this helps! Packing these types of things can be a pain but it's less painful than handling complaints and/or insurance claims! Might want to try 'buy it now' for $10 above your reserve .. Christmas is coming soon and some folks might like to have it quickly! Good luck with your auction!
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I have a memory like a steel trap .. unfortunately it's rusted shut!
posted on December 8, 2000 11:04:02 PM
Thanks for the suggestions. The BIN is a good idea. I was trying to figure out how to work that in.
You're probably right about that paragraph. I guess a collector will know what to look for. It looks just like the illuminated clock (except the other clock has a white face). Should I mention that it does NOT light up, or just leave that part out?
posted on December 8, 2000 11:19:45 PM
I think I would state it in the positive .. "Light on the glass is a reflection .. not from the clock itself." Something like that? No need to point out that some ARE lit and yours isn't I bet it will do well!
Another thought .. I just did a five day auction (first time) on a big item (because Christmas is approaching fast) and it did GREAT!! Got bids right away and just kept going up! Don't think folks were as inclined to put it on 'watch' since I put in description: THIS IS A FIVE DAY AUCTION!!
Because your clock is a specialty/collector item, I think people are either going to be looking for it (or not?) .. as opposed to someone just browsing and finding something that 'catches their eye'. That was my thinking on doing a 5-day .. it was in demand so I wasn't worried about needing the extra time for people to 'find it'. I knew they'd be looking for it. Just a thought .. FAR from a proven method!
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I have a memory like a steel trap .. unfortunately it's rusted shut!
posted on December 8, 2000 11:25:00 PM
Hi. I'd like to add just one more thing to the packing part of the suggestion. Okay. More like the email after the packing. I found mention here in the messages recently, that I've been passing on to my customers concerning the glass in winter. they love it. I just ask them to please resist the temptation to open the package ASAP, and let it come to room temperature first, to avoid any cracks, or breakage from the temperature change in the winter.
posted on December 8, 2000 11:30:43 PM
Thanks for the tip, Carolann! I've had that thought/question in the back of my mind lately (have a lot of glass to list .. yuck!) LOL
I have a memory like a steel trap .. unfortunately it's rusted shut!
posted on December 8, 2000 11:31:10 PM
T44, thanks those are all good suggestions. Thing is, there was a thread here couple days ago where the poster claimed that seller should have known she was expecting a different item, and should have warned the buyer this was NOT, etc. Oh well, that poster apparently turned out to be a shill artist and left in disgrace. Nevermind.
posted on December 8, 2000 11:35:43 PM
You're welcome, TS! Didn't you read the part of the ebay agreement that says you have to be a mindreader to list?
Off to bed .. waaaaay to late again!
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I have a memory like a steel trap .. unfortunately it's rusted shut!
posted on December 9, 2000 03:36:12 AM
I recently sold a pair of very fragile vases. The buyer was extremely worried about packaging (she had received 2 items broken in shipping). I triple boxed the pair with plenty of bubble wrap in all boxes. They arrived in perfect condition. I taped the note about opening due to cold weather on the top of the box holding the vases.
) would want you to refund my money rather than file an insurance claim if something happened to it enroute! Absolultely YES on the insurance .. keep your slips (I'm sure your know that .. just being thorough)!