Oh boy, ebay buyers are REALLY looking for bargains.......
thebeav
Posts: 3,922 ✭✭✭✭✭
Years ago, I collected gold coin gift boxes. The kind banks used to give away,
Well, I've since listed many of them on ebay. I pictured them with a coin, but clearly stated the coin was NOT included. It's never been an issue. That is, until today......
Here's the sale.....https://ebay.com/itm/133248743615
Moments later the buyer emails me to cancel. "I thought I was buying the coin".....
Do ebay sellers routinely sell twenty libs for less that 15 bucks ?
I'm going to have to start looking.......
"Hey honey, I just made 2 grand on ebay " !
7
Comments
I have been told by eBay "customer service" that buyers are not expected to read the listings. That being the case, you would be well served by not picturing the coin if it is not included.
I believe it's technically a violation of eBay rules to include the coin in the photo. Even if not, it's a bad idea.
Don’t some of those TV commercials sell “tribute” gold coins that are “layered” in genuine gold for about that price? Tons of unknowledgable people fall for those thinking they are getting real gold coins. I remember a relative asking me how they were able to sell those so cheap one time
Mr_Spud
Like these https://www.propertyroom.com/l/americas-gold-heritage-layered-in-24k-gold-1848-2-12-dollar-replica-33-mm-in-diameter-in-sealed-plastic-holder-with-original-coins-history-by-the-american-mint-only-20000-struck-/13163675?source=SIMILAR
Non coin collectors Sometimes foolishly think these are real gold coins
Mr_Spud
next time, use one of those foil wrapped chocolate coins?
I'd suggest adding "Coin Not Included" to the image showing the coin.
This or use a zincoln and include it.
Or the listing title.
I’d suggest not showing a picture of a coin at all.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I agree with @MFeld....There are always a few that will not read, or not understand the listing, and trouble will ensue. Cheers, RickO
Only an idiot would assume that a $15 box would include a gold coin but unless you read the listing it’s easy to get that impression with the picture having a gold coin in the box.
I would not picture the coin with it. The buyer sees the coin and the brain automatically races ahead. Also, would not hurt to mention NO COIN in the title.
Sad truth is that many do not read the listing completely or carefully. Sometimes I myself have caught myself skimming too quickly......
Well maybe the buyer thought he was buying an ounce of gold for $15?
There are people that stupid out there. More than you imagine, trust me on this one.
What has hosed me is the dirt bags that hides the cost in shipping. 100 bucks for the coin plus 300 shipping etc. zip right past the shipping to the pay now...holy heck game on then...
100% positive transactions with SurfinxHI, bigole, 1madman, collectorcoins, proofmorgan, Luke Marshall, silver pop, golden egg, point five zero,coin22lover, alohagary, blaircountycoin,joebb21
Report such sellers to Ebay. That sounds like fee avoidance and unless something has changed, is contrary to their rules.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Why would you have a photo of the coin in the first place if you’re just selling the box?
And everyone on eBay is looking for a bargain.
eBay started charging final value fees on the shipping cost years ago, so whether the item is $100 + $5 shipping or $5 + $100 shipping, the seller pays the same FVF on $105. Maybe a seller thinks you won't see the shipping cost, but as far as fee avoidance goes, there's no incentive anymore. Perhaps it can benefit orders going to a state with no sales tax on shipping, in which case the buyer pays tax on $5 vs. $100.
Thanks, Jeremy.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Some good suggestions given thus far, but I think your original listing was just fine for anyone that can read English (the language of our country - and of ebay).
It was clearly stated that the coin didn't come with the box. Anyone that expects $2000 worth of gold for $15 is a fool or an extortionist. (And to think these people actually get to vote as well).
Having vented, I do think it is important to try to idiot-proof the listings for the low-lifes on ebay. I'd put one of those gold foil chocolate coins in the ad and also tell the morons it isn't included either. Or, up the price by a quarter and include the foil covered coin.
I am so glad I gave up selling on the flea bay years ago.
“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My digital cameo album 1950-64 Cameos - take a look!
One additional thing to consider is the possibility that the winning bidder bid far more than $15 as a maximum bid. Regardless, other than potential trouble, there was virtually nothing to gained by including an image of a coin.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
so I gotta quit showing my table top in the pics?
No Way Out: Stimulus and Money Printing Are the Only Path Left
Don't be fatuous.
I read a post here on the board, about a dealer doing a show, and had a box of $20 gold Liberties labeled "$20".
A toothless guy pulled out 5 - 20 dollar bills, and placed them on the counter and said "I'll take 5 of those'.
Dealer quotes they are $1600 each, and guy walks away embarrassed.
Many tire kickers on bay (just like shows). One fellow said he would take a coin asking $19.50 for at $10. This coin priced less than a lap dance and he wanted 50 pct rip off discount. A real trash PL (Pathetic Loser) buyer. I simply tell them unless bin / make offer already at our best price. At shows just tell PL’s “go find one.”
Nope. Years back fleaBay changed the rules to include shipping in the FVF.
ANA 50 year/Life Member (now "Emeritus")