Ebay deals to be had

[techtre2003]

Since this place is dead I thought I'd start a new thread. Has anyone had any good buys lately with the Corona situation? I picked up a couple of low number Spideys for my run at what I thought were pretty good prices.

Here's a not so good pic of a #18 I received yesterday:

[MisterNatural]

Nice!

It's definitely a buyer's market, right now.
Unfortunately, for me, like a lot of people I imagine, money's tight lol

I do see a lot of complete sets, full runs, trades/omnibuses, etc. selling because people need stuff to read with no new comics and lots o free time.

[techtre2003]

Originally Posted by MisterNatural

Nice!

It's definitely a buyer's market, right now.
Unfortunately, for me, like a lot of people I imagine, money's tight lol

I do see a lot of complete sets, full runs, trades/omnibuses, etc. selling because people need stuff to read with no new comics and lots o free time.

Totally understand. I'm fortunate enough that my wife and I are both still working right now but that could change any time. I actually thought about that after my second auction win; that I better cool it for a while!

[Chris Henderson]

Originally Posted by MisterNatural

Nice!

It's definitely a buyer's market, right now.
Unfortunately, for me, like a lot of people I imagine, money's tight lol

I do see a lot of complete sets, full runs, trades/omnibuses, etc. selling because people need stuff to read with no new comics and lots o free time.

Trades are the main thing I sell and right now my sales are about double what they usually are. I keep expecting it to drop off but so far it hasn't.

[fastballspecial]

I disagree its not a buyer's market yet.
My sales have hit new highs the last 2 weeks for this year.

In a month or two or so it will become I would wait longer.

[rittdk01]

^^^^i imagine the trades are ok, but anything of value I would be real worried about getting returned. There are still people in denial or simply don't realize how bad the economy is going to look in the near future.

If selling big items that are paid for with a CC: The buyer has over six months to return the item and can say something as minor as a dirty bag and board or a scratch on a CGC case as reasoning for return. Just be aware and don't spend that money and get caught having to pay for returns Áfter the money is long gone.

[Stat Monsters]

Originally Posted by rittdk01

^^^^i imagine the trades are ok, but anything of value I would be real worried about getting returned. There are still people in denial or simply don't realize how bad the economy is going to look in the near future.

If selling big items that are paid for with a CC: The buyer has over six months to return the item and can say something as minor as a dirty bag and board or a scratch on a CGC case as reasoning for return. Just be aware and don't spend that money and get caught having to pay for returns Áfter the money is long gone.

The rationale for a return via a credit card merchant processor after a few months based on something sketchy may result in a denial to the plaintiff.

I had one buyer on eBay purposely wait past the 3 month span that eBay and Pay Pal allows to file a complaint for a return. He didn't yet file a formal eBay request for a refund.

He was pretty stupid crooked. At first he claimed the CGC case had a crack in it due to the box getting pierced. He was fishing for a refund. I asked for photos, for which he dragged his feet and suddenly became both profane and belligerent in his communication continuing to ask why I needed photos. He then just simply asked for a partial refund. My response was to help him file a USPS Postal Insurance Claim if he said it was damaged in the mail. I mentioned of course it's a federal offense to commit mail fraud, so I needed photographic evidence and the original packaging. He kept humming and hawing, then eventually send a series of low quality photos. At that point he may have or easily could have damaged the box and CGC case himself.

He purchased 2 comics, so only one was damaged, according to him. So, I filed a USPS insurance claim which takes a while to process. He became impatient, then suddenly I got a formal eBay request for a refund for the other comic he bought, with a claim it's not what he ordered.

I quickly reminded him that when he opened the box, he saw the 2 comics and if he only ordered or wanted one, he would have at that immediate point, filed the claim. But, to wait nearly 2 months to file a claim for a refund was out of the ordinary. He back-tracked, said "My bad" and retracted the claim.

After 3 months elapsed, he decided to file a case with his credit card company for the full amount of the 2 products claiming the items were not as advertised.

I called eBay and Pay Pal, they said the guy was a savvy criminal, allowing time to elapse where the Seller's Protection was no longer available and even eBay and Pay Pal's ability to approve or deny the claim was no longer available. I had plenty of messages showing his profane language, as well as inconsistent claims.

I rationalized with his credit card company, as well as furnishing all of the evidence that

1) He wanted the full amount, but his complaint was about one of the 2 items, so if anything he'd only be due part of the payment and a fraction of the value since the items was not damaged only the case which was a $40 fee to replace.

2) He wanted a refund without returning the items, intending to keep both items.

3) His historical communications shows he may be committing fraud. and the kicker is

4) The question I posed to his merchant processor who was put to task to defend and protect him, the simple fact that, if he had a legitimate complaint, and what he says was true, why did he take so long to complain, when he should have done it sooner?

The credit card company denied him and I was left alone.

I retained all of his personal information of his address, email, phone number and google searching all about him in case he became retaliatory as well.

He's been immediately blocked as a bidder and is the worst person I've ever encountered in part for being rude, in part for being stupid, but for the most part being a criminal.

So, as a seller, you can defend yourself and won't always get screwed over... so stay strong, firm, and keep all communication documented. Many times, the criminals are stupid enough to provide you with self-incriminating evidence, so feel free to bait them in communication, be professional always, but frustrate them 'til they break and go ballistic and show their cards as fraudulent con artists.

[techtre2003]

^^^That's the kind of thing that keeps me, and I'm sure many others, away from selling on ebay. Even throwing the CC chargeback out of the equation, 3 months to file a claim is just outrageous. 2 weeks is more than enough time to file a claim.

[rittdk01]

^^^yeah I only know about the returns from the sports forum. And I know if the buyer used a credit card they do have over 6 months to return. The seller has to be careful too trying to fight a return or the dirtball buyer can purposely damage the item and return it as such.

This is why I would be hesitant to sell high dollar cards and comics on EBay. I really would be careful spending money from high dollar sales, at least for a few months.

[techtre2003]

No doubt. I very rarely have anything high dollar to sell but I think if I do from now on I'll stick to forums and LCSs even if I get quite a bit less; it just doesn't seem like it's worth the hassle to mess with selling on ebay anymore.

[smanzari]

Just snagged a Hulk 271 for next to nothing! Not in the greatest condition (probably a 4 at best) but can't complain at the price I paid. Excited to see what else may be had here in the next few weeks (especially when the tax return shows up!)

[Spunky245]

User name? I wanna add him to my blocked list as well.

Originally Posted by Stat Monsters

The rationale for a return via a credit card merchant processor after a few months based on something sketchy may result in a denial to the plaintiff.

I had one buyer on eBay purposely wait past the 3 month span that eBay and Pay Pal allows to file a complaint for a return. He didn't yet file a formal eBay request for a refund.

He was pretty stupid crooked. At first he claimed the CGC case had a crack in it due to the box getting pierced. He was fishing for a refund. I asked for photos, for which he dragged his feet and suddenly became both profane and belligerent in his communication continuing to ask why I needed photos. He then just simply asked for a partial refund. My response was to help him file a USPS Postal Insurance Claim if he said it was damaged in the mail. I mentioned of course it's a federal offense to commit mail fraud, so I needed photographic evidence and the original packaging. He kept humming and hawing, then eventually send a series of low quality photos. At that point he may have or easily could have damaged the box and CGC case himself.

He purchased 2 comics, so only one was damaged, according to him. So, I filed a USPS insurance claim which takes a while to process. He became impatient, then suddenly I got a formal eBay request for a refund for the other comic he bought, with a claim it's not what he ordered.

I quickly reminded him that when he opened the box, he saw the 2 comics and if he only ordered or wanted one, he would have at that immediate point, filed the claim. But, to wait nearly 2 months to file a claim for a refund was out of the ordinary. He back-tracked, said "My bad" and retracted the claim.

After 3 months elapsed, he decided to file a case with his credit card company for the full amount of the 2 products claiming the items were not as advertised.

I called eBay and Pay Pal, they said the guy was a savvy criminal, allowing time to elapse where the Seller's Protection was no longer available and even eBay and Pay Pal's ability to approve or deny the claim was no longer available. I had plenty of messages showing his profane language, as well as inconsistent claims.

I rationalized with his credit card company, as well as furnishing all of the evidence that

1) He wanted the full amount, but his complaint was about one of the 2 items, so if anything he'd only be due part of the payment and a fraction of the value since the items was not damaged only the case which was a $40 fee to replace.

2) He wanted a refund without returning the items, intending to keep both items.

3) His historical communications shows he may be committing fraud. and the kicker is

4) The question I posed to his merchant processor who was put to task to defend and protect him, the simple fact that, if he had a legitimate complaint, and what he says was true, why did he take so long to complain, when he should have done it sooner?

The credit card company denied him and I was left alone.

I retained all of his personal information of his address, email, phone number and google searching all about him in case he became retaliatory as well.

He's been immediately blocked as a bidder and is the worst person I've ever encountered in part for being rude, in part for being stupid, but for the most part being a criminal.

So, as a seller, you can defend yourself and won't always get screwed over... so stay strong, firm, and keep all communication documented. Many times, the criminals are stupid enough to provide you with self-incriminating evidence, so feel free to bait them in communication, be professional always, but frustrate them 'til they break and go ballistic and show their cards as fraudulent con artists.

[techtre2003]

Originally Posted by smanzari

Just snagged a Hulk 271 for next to nothing! Not in the greatest condition (probably a 4 at best) but can't complain at the price I paid. Excited to see what else may be had here in the next few weeks (especially when the tax return shows up!)

Nice! Maybe you'll get lucky and it will have the Mark Jeweler's insert.

[smanzari]

Originally Posted by techtre2003

Nice! Maybe you'll get lucky and it will have the Mark Jeweler's insert.

Didn't realize this was one that would have it! Now excited I could get a surprise!

[fastballspecial]

Originally Posted by techtre2003

^^^That's the kind of thing that keeps me, and I'm sure many others, away from selling on ebay. Even throwing the CC chargeback out of the equation, 3 months to file a claim is just outrageous. 2 weeks is more than enough time to file a claim.

Ive been selling comics on ebay for around 19 years. Ive had 3 chargeback in 19 years and all 3 lost. All 3 were stupid and filed at the end guessing that
their wives gave the hell about the purchase which were all less $100 each. I gave all my documentation and all 3 were denied.

Here is the deal 99% of comic buyers are honest. 1% is not. That 1% wont mess for the most part raw comics unless they are keys. So most of don't have to deal with them. Those that do over the years like posted above know how to effectively deal with the problem. That 1% only gets away with it when sellers are stupid, lazy or just say "I cant win."

The only time I had a seller steal from me was around 18 years ago when he pocketed a money order then reneged on sending the comics. I called the county judge who then called the county sheriff and they paid him a visit. Next day got a nervous call and money sent back to me 2 days later.

You have to be persistent its as simple as that.

[techtre2003]

Originally Posted by fastballspecial

Ive been selling comics on ebay for around 19 years. Ive had 3 chargeback in 19 years and all 3 lost. All 3 were stupid and filed at the end guessing that
their wives gave the hell about the purchase which were all less $100 each. I gave all my documentation and all 3 were denied.

Here is the deal 99% of comic buyers are honest. 1% is not. That 1% wont mess for the most part raw comics unless they are keys. So most of don't have to deal with them. Those that do over the years like posted above know how to effectively deal with the problem. That 1% only gets away with it when sellers are stupid, lazy or just say "I cant win."

The only time I had a seller steal from me was around 18 years ago when he pocketed a money order then reneged on sending the comics. I called the county judge who then called the county sheriff and they paid him a visit. Next day got a nervous call and money sent back to me 2 days later.

You have to be persistent its as simple as that.

That's a good point. You see a lot of nightmare stories here and other forums but you're right, that's probably only 1% or less of all the transactions done daily. I just don't like the fact that after you sell something there that there is a possibility, although unlikely, that you're going to get a chargeback months after the fact. So what does a once in a blue moon seller like me do? Wait for 6 months to withdraw funds or take them out and keep in mind you may have to pay that back? Either way it's just something I don't even want to mess with. That being said I guess that would apply doing deals anywhere if the buyer is using Paypal with a credit card. I guess cash really is king.

[fastballspecial]

Originally Posted by techtre2003

That's a good point. You see a lot of nightmare stories here and other forums but you're right, that's probably only 1% or less of all the transactions done daily. I just don't like the fact that after you sell something there that there is a possibility, although unlikely, that you're going to get a chargeback months after the fact. So what does a once in a blue moon seller like me do? Wait for 6 months to withdraw funds or take them out and keep in mind you may have to pay that back? Either way it's just something I don't even want to mess with. That being said I guess that would apply doing deals anywhere if the buyer is using Paypal with a credit card. I guess cash really is king.

Well I cant really tell you when or where, but set up a separate checking account that is not attached to your main account. Put the minimum you need to set it up in the account. Use that account to transfer money back and forth.

That possibility is anywhere if they pay with paypal or a credit card. That's just the cost of doing business. Trust most of the time they screw up when filing. I have had one or two that I never had to do anything because the buyer never followed up on his end.

What I can tell you is this. Selling comics is a great part time income. It will pay for your collecting habits first off, secondly it can cover small house repairs or in my case almost completely fund both children's college tuition funds.

[techtre2003]

Originally Posted by fastballspecial

Well I cant really tell you when or where, but set up a separate checking account that is not attached to your main account. Put the minimum you need to set it up in the account. Use that account to transfer money back and forth.

That possibility is anywhere if they pay with paypal or a credit card. That's just the cost of doing business. Trust most of the time they screw up when filing. I have had one or two that I never had to do anything because the buyer never followed up on his end.

What I can tell you is this. Selling comics is a great part time income. It will pay for your collecting habits first off, secondly it can cover small house repairs or in my case almost completely fund both children's college tuition funds.

Good stuff, thanks!
I actually tried to get into some flipping a few years back. My problem then was that either I'd hold too long or I'd just find one copy of a hot book and then the collector in me made me keep it for myself. Maybe I need to dip my toe back in the water once the distribution opens back up. I've been pretty good lately about just buying within my collection focus and not just everything that looks interesting or has a nice cover.