What rings your alarm bells?

[lushd]

There's a lot of discussion here about unhappy experiences through Ebay. What are your favourite (favourite?) phrases that set you off thinking "stay away"? Here are mine:

1. "I know nothing about cameras ..."

2. "Shutter speeds sound appropriate"

3. "Looks to be in good condition"

4. "L@@@@K" in the description line

5. "Rare" especially if attached to something like a Zenit E or Zorki 4k

I also wonder at Ebay adverts where the description is maybe five words and the terms of business are about 500. I know people have been stitched up and are trying to protect themselves but they have to consider that some potential buyers will think their main interest is in getting the cash, not selling something they are proud to be a part of.

On the positive side, I like:

1. A specific and rational description of any faults referenced to clear photographs
2. Email me any questions
3. Clear and friendly return policy

I do also really appreciate people from abroad stating that they won't lie for duty purposes. I know where I stand.

On of my best deals ever was for a Yashica GSN that was in great condition and functions perfectly. The full item description:

"Will work"

It does!

 

[SolaresLarrave]

One you must have seen before but didin't make your list: phony or pilfered ad copy.

I mistrust those who copy and paste advertising text to promote their wares, like saying that the Nikon F100 is "engineered to exhilarate" (manufacturer's tag line for product) and follow their description with words plucked from the manufacturer's website (sometimes crediting it, sometimes not).

That alone burns my bacon. Won't buy from anyone who pilfers copy. 😡

 

[lushd]

Hear! Hear! I think it just says "I know nothing about this product and care less"

 

[Toby]

The thing that rings my alarm bells - a beautiful women with an Adam's apple 😀

 

[lushd]

The thing that rings my alarm bells - a beautiful women with an Adam's apple 😀

Never seen one for sale on Ebay!

 

[SalmanA]

The phrase that always sets alarm bells ringing for me is: This camera belonged to my father/mother and he/she used it for XX years.

Throw in the words sentimental and/or memory/memories and I don't even bother reading the listing.

 

[Toby]

Never seen one for sale on Ebay!

They normally sell very quickly to [insert abusive stereotype here] gentlemen

 

[lushd]

The phrase that always sets alarm bells ringing for me is: This camera belonged to my father/mother and he/she used it for XX years.

Throw in the words sentimental and/or memory/memories and I don't even bother reading the listing.

Yes! Could this mean "stored in attic a long time. will fall to bits if you try to use it"?

 

[jpbob100]

Really bad pictures of the item. Either out of focus or too small. That's how I wound up with a P.O.S Zorki 6 described as "Excellent." :bang:

 

[lushd]

Another translation:

Collectors item = paperweight or doorstop

 

[ch1]

Not having the equipment or expertise to ensure shutter speed accuracy I've sold on eBay with the caveat that it "sounds" okay. So it is NOT a hot button to me.

Also, I never permit returns. I willing to take the "hit" in the selling price in order to avoid Buyer Remorse scams. Buyers can be scammer too, BTW.

And, while I do not take returns, I require insurance. If it breaks in transit - the Buyer can seek recompense with the shipper. To me that's fair and it reduces the chance of the buyer "breaking" the item in order to scam a refund..

 

[SalmanA]

Yes! Could this mean "stored in attic a long time. will fall to bits if you try to use it"?

No, I think it's more likely to mean that the seller is playing upon the inexperienced/new eBay buyer by purposely trying to introduce some element of sentimentality and emotional attachment to the item (for the seller) in the hopes of roping the buyer in.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

A long time ago, I ran into an auction by a presumably professional photographer, selling a Nikon body. The pics were so blurry and OOF I really wondered about those photographic skills.

Of course, I didn't bid! 🙂

Another thing that raises a flag: high shipping costs. Reputable sellers never overcharge for shipping... like asking for $15 to send a Canonet from the East Coast to Illinois, without insurance! 😱

 

[amateriat]

This thread has helped me come up with a proper definition of one of my most-hated examples of eBayonics:

"Minty": likely held together by chewing gum.

There. I feel better already.😉


- Barrett

 

[dnk512]

'Stay Away" flags:
Slow e-question responce (more than 2 days)
Poor responce to questions (i.e. "It is good" when I ask 4-5 things)
Not enough details in description. (Seller wants to avoid responsibility
Bad feedback (it is not worth the risk)

"Conditional" flags:
Bad pictures (must have good descritpion AND good email responce)
I am not an expert. (I'll check to see what other items s/he sells)
No returns (better have GREATE description AND be good in replying to questions)
No Paypal (must be a low cost item)

No issue for me:
Speeds sound right. Item is not mine. I do not know how to use it etc IF the above conditions are met.

 

[Kim Coxon]

I haven't run a film through it but I have no reason to believe it doesn't work as it should

or

I don't have the right size battery but I think the meter works.

Kim

 

[Fred]

Bottom line even for the most savvy of eb*yers theres still a risk. I got burn't a couple of times and am always warey. I've also got a lot of good stuff as well. Given the advice from above the risks are reduced a lot though.

Ya pays your money and takes your chance.

 

[ch1]

'.....No issue for me:
Speeds sound right. Item is not mine. I do not know how to use it etc IF the above conditions are met.

This brings up an interesting note. Not all sellers are owners of the items they list. More and more things are sold by concession sellers. I see this a lot in upstate NY where a local store will also serve as an eBay seller for people in the area who are not comfortable and saavy with how to sell on eBay etc. Or, even if they are, don't want the hassle of listing and packing and shipping etc.

As a consequence, the eBay seller of the item may very well be unfamiliar with it or how it works or if it is any good etc. So long as they disclose that then it's just a caveat emptor situation. And often, if you're willing to take the risk, you can get a good deal because such uninformed sellers scare off a lot of buyers. 😀

 

[Oldprof]

... What are your favourite (favourite?) phrases that set you off thinking "stay away"? Here are mine:

1. "I know nothing about cameras ..."

2. "Shutter speeds sound appropriate"

3. "Looks to be in good condition"

4. "L@@@@K" in the description line

5. "Rare" especially if attached to something like a Zenit E or Zorki 4k

I also wonder at Ebay adverts where the description is maybe five words and the terms of business are about 500 ...

I think you covered it very well ... my reactions are very similar to yours. 🙂

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

eBay is where the mastery of "spin" shines. I was once sold a "mint" lens that had mint fog and collector fungus. PayPal buyer protection is a good thing.