posted on January 20, 2001 08:28:58 PM new
I dunno, maybe I'm cheap.
Well, I am cheap but I'm not easy!
Anyway, I read threads here on AW and newsstories all over the place of people getting ripped-off or scammed for hundreds or thousands of dollars on ebay or other online sites.
Now, I have purchased a memory card for my camera on ebay for about $45.00, and an adapter for about $35.00, but when it came time to shell out $300.00 for the camera itself, I went down to a B&M store where there is real person to yell at if necessary. I would not send that much money to a relative, much less someone I don't know.
So my question is (if you don't mind sharing): What is the biggest purchase you've made on ebay and what kind of research did you do? Or did you just cross your fingers?
posted on January 20, 2001 08:47:48 PM new
My largest total was $260, which might I add, was nothing but a scam...still working with the local police from the seller's town as well as the FBI on that one...NEVER AGAIN!
Kaffro
[ edited by Kaffro on Jan 20, 2001 08:48 PM ]
[ edited by Kaffro on Jan 20, 2001 08:49 PM ]
posted on January 20, 2001 08:50:05 PM new
My only large purchase was one of the first Sony Digital Cameras when they weren't even available yet out here in the stix. Think it was $530 and from a low feedback newer seller. I had almost turned blue from holding my breath by the time it arrived, but I've never been happier. It was as advertised new in the box with all the extras.
posted on January 20, 2001 08:52:11 PM new
My most risky one was a $250.00 piece of cranberry glass from a newbie with no feedback.
I e-mailed before bidding and asked him a few questions, I paid with Visa and he promised me if it wasn't as described I could return it. I trusted him.
I got it and it is gorgeous--one of my most favorite pieces. I have had it for about 1/2 a year now and brought it to my shop the other day to show someone and I may sell it again. Then I can buy some more "stuff".
I also purchased about $400.00 in china and cutlery from another seller and that transaction turned out great also. Most of my other purchases have been under $50.00.
posted on January 20, 2001 09:07:01 PM new
Sent $301 to a seller with over 300 feedback got scammed and have pretty well lost all my money. Several in the $200-300 range that turned out okay. Receieve about 10 packages a week, the last 2 months only 4 out of 10 on average have turned out to be as described. My cousin buys the same thing I do, but also buys crystal, he is running the same averages I am on broken, damaged, misdescribed packages. So, tired of buying and getting screwed, what is so hard about mentioning every flaw in a piece of Pottery?
posted on January 20, 2001 09:31:33 PM new
My largest purchase was about $4,000.00.
I've had quite a few purchases over $2,000.00. Many over $500.00.
My purchases are usually complete or partial dish sets for inventory. I am an expert at telling the sellers how to get the dishes packaged and shipped.
When I mark an auction and I know I will bid to win and the amount will be more than a few hundred dollars, I always find a reason to email the seller, get a feel for who the person is. I usually exchange quite a few emails before making my bid. I've never had a problem (with the exception of a recent $150 BIN.) I've sent the sellers their funds by money order, paypal and Billpoint
However I am comfortable buying fine porcelain on eBay and spending some significant dollars. Electronics, hmmm, I have no expertise there and I would probably buy new from Sony online.
posted on January 20, 2001 11:45:18 PM new
Hmm - interesting thread. I once spent $1,200 on a diamond bracelet that was complete junk. Worked out ok, the seller said to *keep* the bracelet *and* refunded my money. (Trust me, it was complete junk.)
Bought a $700+ fur coat - very nice.
Bought a $500+ necklace - very nice.
Bought a $400+ diamond ring - not as described and seller was a complete idiot. I wasn't ripped off but I was not happy either.
All in all, I've been very pleased with my purchases. I always check eBay first - I haven't bought clothes retail in quite a while. But I have to admit that I would be hesitant to buy electronic equipment - too much can go wrong with it and I am not an expert in the field.
posted on January 21, 2001 12:09:52 AM new
I have sold an $10,000.00 item, and purchased as high as $1500.00, only been riped of once in 300 buys, but I have 12 negs for not buying after seller failed to send phone number on $300 plus items, I will not pay over $200.00 for an item unless we talk. Ed
edhdsn
posted on January 21, 2001 11:29:47 AM new
I don't blame you Ed, but if you request their contact info from ebay, and the phone number is wrong, won't ebay take care of 'em? I don't think they take to kindly to that.
Especially since prices at local BM auctions are beginning to decline.