What do I do with this seller?

XanaduNow

Two weeks ago I purchased three tobacco cards from a seller in the UK. The total was $159.89 and I paid about $3 for shipping. I was a little concerned about the inexpensive shipping cost but have received other similar charges on items from the UK and the cards always showed up nicely protected. I get the "package" yesterday.

The envelope was thin cardboard on one side and paper on the other. Inside it was a standard letter-size white envelope folded three times with the three loose cards sliding around inside.

Envelope



Envelope side view



The white envelope the cards were dancing in



Now, I do not believe for one instance that there is any malice involved on the seller's part. This is a clear example of two different culture's approaches to collecting cards. They don't really get cards professionally graded over there and a lot of things that we consider vital aren't taken into account when it comes to grading nearly as much as we do (centering, for example). But if I drop $160 on 3 cards I would think that it's blatantly obvious that I want the cards in the best shape I can get them.

I don't plan on negging the guy but at the same time I can't see leaving positive feedback either. I'm sure he's going to eventually wonder about the lack of feedback. I'm thinking the best option is to write a polite letter to the guy and explain that I expect some better protection for $160 worth of cards.

Should I just let it go or am I not reacting strong enough? Any input is appreciated.

Thanks

Arthur

jskirwin

<< <i>
This is a clear example of two different culture's approaches to collecting cards. >>



No, this is a clear example of a seller not thinking and trying to maximize their profit.

I recently purchased a 3.5" 80gb harddrive from a seller that arrived in a plain white business envelope with its sides taped - after paying $11 for shipping!. Luckily the drive booted up and did what I needed it to do before I sent it to a client - in a static proof bag, wrapped in bubble wrap and surrounded by peanuts.

I emailed the seller after he posted + feedback and told him straight up: "Don't do this again!" I didn't leave him feedback.

What you do is really your call. I wouldn't neg him, but at the same time I wouldn't make excuses for him either. He's lucky your purchase arrived okay. What if it hadn't? Given the way he packed it, you would have every right to receive a full refund.

chaz43

<< <i>Two weeks ago I purchased three tobacco cards from a seller in the UK. The total was $159.89 and I paid about $3 for shipping. I was a little concerned about the inexpensive shipping cost but have received other similar charges on items from the UK and the cards always showed up nicely protected. I get the "package" yesterday.

The envelope was thin cardboard on one side and paper on the other. Inside it was a standard letter-size white envelope folded three times with the three loose cards sliding around inside.

Envelope



Envelope side view



The white envelope the cards were dancing in



Now, I do not believe for one instance that there is any malice involved on the seller's part. This is a clear example of two different culture's approaches to collecting cards. They don't really get cards professionally graded over there and a lot of things that we consider vital aren't taken into account when it comes to grading nearly as much as we do (centering, for example). But if I drop $160 on 3 cards I would think that it's blatantly obvious that I want the cards in the best shape I can get them.

I don't plan on negging the guy but at the same time I can't see leaving positive feedback either. I'm sure he's going to eventually wonder about the lack of feedback. I'm thinking the best option is to write a polite letter to the guy and explain that I expect some better protection for $160 worth of cards.

Should I just let it go or am I not reacting strong enough? Any input is appreciated.

Thanks

Arthur >>




Write the polite letter and don't leave any feedback. Always, always do your best to be the nice/good guy in a tough situation. I learned that from a Captain in the Green Berets. chaz

sagard

Did the cards arrive in the advertised condition?

Estil

Reminds me of the not one, but TWO times I ordered a complete set off Ebay and the stupid seller shipped them by just wrapping the set box in brown paper with no protection of any kind. Needless to say, the cards were RUINED on arrival. And the second time was when I bought a 1982 Donruss set that had the last 50 or so cards practically destroyed, and when I went to the post office to make the insurance claim, the stupid people there tried to tell me I could just buy the last 50 or so cards to replace them, even though it probably would've cost more than the set itself amounted to. That's why I feel like I have to be extra careful about who I buy sets from on Ebay.

XanaduNow

<< <i>Did the cards arrive in the advertised condition? >>



Yeah, I think. There weren't scans on the auctions just digital pictures from an angle so I could see the centering but I didn't have close-up view of the corners. There are no creases or bends in the cards so that's good but I would have to imagine that the trip from the UK to the States in a plain white envelope sliding around wasn't exactly good for them.

Arthur

baseballfanatic

I've received cards neatly wrapped in paper towels inside of white envelopes, wrapped in sandwhich bags, tissue paper, you name it. All without toploads or even penny sleeves. Like you stated, I dont think its about maximizing profit, but just about shipping three pieces of old cardboard to someone who was interested in purchasing them...

storm888

Most of my Liebig cards and tobacco cards came from the UK;
the rest from other Euro spots. The quality of packaging was
all over the map.

When you go to Europe, even today, most of the guys in the
postcard shops handle even valuable stuff a lot "differently"
than we do. The phenom is cross-gereational because the
new dealers were all "trained" by vendors that learned their
chops just after WWII.

Cultural differences aside, serious American collectors have
a right to expect that their items arrive here in acceptable
condition. My policy is to waive the appearance of the
packaging, IF the items arrive without travel-damage. IF
the stuff arrives hurt, I politely complain and explain how
to do it right.

Euro-folks have a different view of the value of packaging
materials than we do. During WWII, a piece of clean paper
or a nice envelope was like gold to those people. Using
too much "gold" to protect a picture card in transit to the
colonies does not seem wise to sellers who were trained
not to waste paper products.

Since the cards arrived OK, I would let the guy off the hook,
leave POS FB after he does, and move on. If you buy anything
else from the guy, tell him - b4 you pay - how you want the
stuff packaged.

I am sure you know this, but for those who do not: One has
to be REALLY cautious about not paying too much for the
Euro cards. The cash market for the stuff in the US is very
limited, and it is hard to get your money out of all but the
most recognized cards. There are still some collectors of the
movie-cards in the film-capital, but buyers of common AND
obscure screen-star cards are starting to go extinct. The
cards may have great value 40-years from now, but
probably not 40-months from now.

Much of the EURO stuff on EBAY is priced arbitrarily and is
targeted at spendthrift Americans. Card sets can often be
grabbed away from Americans who bought the stuff a few
years ago on EBAY, and just want to blow it out.

storm

NYYDM23

I spend a lot of money overseas and with many things they have a different way of life. When I purchase items where I do not believe it is obvious the way it should be packed I send them a note politely explaining how I would like it done. I always end it with a quick apology saying that I am sorry for the detailed instructions if they are already aware but that I do it because I have had a few bad experiences. I also tell them that I would send an extra few bucks if necessary. This is especially important if the seller does not usually deal in that type of item. I would just let this experience go since the cards are ok unless you just wanted to give a polite heads up note. If you follow my instructions in the future you should do well. The people in Europe are very friendly especially when compared to most people in the US.

jradke4

I had a similar problem. But was charged a lot more for S&H then you and was sent from the US. I left neutral feeback for the person and they respond with the same for me saying I cant read that their S&H is more than just postage. I replied, well I dont think that wraping a card in a 8x10 sheet of paper and then putting it in a business sized envelope is any special treatment other than slapping a 39cent stamp. My $5+ in S&H was pure profit for them.

In your case I wouldnt complain much. Maybe send him an email saying you got the cards, but that in the future he should take a little time to wrap them for overseas shipping. Explain that the USPS isnt the most carefull/concerned lot like they might be in the UK.

chaz43

<< <i>Reminds me of the not one, but TWO times I ordered a complete set off Ebay and the stupid seller shipped them by just wrapping the set box in brown paper with no protection of any kind. Needless to say, the cards were RUINED on arrival. And the second time was when I bought a 1982 Donruss set that had the last 50 or so cards practically destroyed, and when I went to the post office to make the insurance claim, the stupid people there tried to tell me I could just buy the last 50 or so cards to replace them, even though it probably would've cost more than the set itself amounted to. That's why I feel like I have to be extra careful about who I buy sets from on Ebay. >>





Always, always do your best to be the nice/good guy in a tough situation. I learned that from a Captain in the Green Berets. chaz

bishop

Your Captain likely knew that anything worth saying is worth saying at least 3 times. One to go.

chaz43

<< <i>Your Captain likely knew that anything worth saying is worth saying at least 3 times. One to go. >>




Absolutely. It helped me alot dealing with difficult people especially in business. chaz

jimq112

was the seller brit-cards?


I bought some cards from him a while ago and the cards were beautiful but the packaging was awful. They got here safely. He charged me $1 for each shipping no matter how many cards it was.

XanaduNow

<< <i>was the seller brit-cards?


I bought some cards from him a while ago and the cards were beautiful but the packaging was awful. They got here safely. He charged me $1 for each shipping no matter how many cards it was. >>



No, it wasn't. I've bought from brit-cards before and was pleased. I don't want to say the name of the seller because, like I said before, I don't think there was any malice in their actions and so I want to be careful to not do anything that would even remotely resemble malice.

Arthur