Thread Number: 25372
Something I've noticed on Ebay
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Post# 285222   6/18/2014 at 12:25 (3,571 days old) by marks_here (_._)        

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Why is it that when a vintage vacuum or any other vacuum that is listed on there with rust on bag springs, a brush roll & bag full of filth & not even an attempt has been made to clean anything on it and they have the nerve to ask what they are asking for it and no make a fair offer?? They expect the person that buys it to clean it up?? At least they could clean up something on there to make them a little more presentable then they might get what they think it's worth, or take $25 off or more for my trouble. I have thrown out & donated better things then what people are trying to sell on there. At least on craigslist you get what you pay for, you check it out before you buy it, not depending on pics that sometimes have been falsified .That is only my opinion & what I have observed. Sorry for that, just pisses me off makes me want to stop looking at Ebay. Mark D.

Post# 285241 , Reply# 1   6/18/2014 at 14:58 (3,571 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

dysonman1's profile picture
Hey Mark:
Something that really bothers me is how some sellers troll the Vacuumland site, and then list vacuums for astronomical sums based on current conversations. Just 2 days after the whole Kirby thing with the VCCC, there are multitudes of vintage Kirbys on eBay with astronomical (and comical) price tags. They are not really 'for sale' (unless someone wants to spend $1000 for an old Kirby), but were put there to 'show off' their collection. This happened when the VCCC went to Hoover. I'm sure that there will be tons of Simplicity and Riccar vacs on eBay after the St. Louis convention next year.


Post# 285246 , Reply# 2   6/18/2014 at 15:16 (3,571 days old) by DesertTortoise ()        

You never grew completely sick and tired of a car and just sold it, as is? Same with houses. Sometimes you just want to get rid of something and take whatever money you can get without putting a lot of time and effort into cleaning it up. I sold a house that way, glad to get it out of my life and happy to take whatever money someone was willing to pay for it. I might have gotten more if I had painted it up and cleaned everything, but I didn't have the time or energy at that point in my life.

Post# 285247 , Reply# 3   6/18/2014 at 15:32 (3,571 days old) by ornery (Northeast Ohio)        
I KNOW The Answer To This

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I'm living this Ebay nightmare from the seller's side. Our company just purchased another, and we have piles & piles of items to auction off or discard. Somebody had the bright idea to "sell on Ebay", and guess who got stuck with the task?

There's a fellow taking crappy pictures of these items and sending them to me, and somebody else setting prices. I get to list it all and it SUCKS! Nothing is cleaned in any way. There is nobody to do it, and no time either. If the item is at our facility, and I take the pictures, I make it as presentable as possible in five or ten minutes. Some of the stuff I have no idea what it is or what it's used for!

I have a feeling it's the same case for vacuums being sold from flea market finds, or estate sales. Imagine getting left with a dead relative's house full of... junk to you. You throw it on Ebay and get as much as possible with the least amount of effort.

And, where "vintage" items are concerned, I'd prefer they not be "cleaned up" "reconditioned" or "refurbished" by an amateur. If I get a vacuum with a dirty bag inside, I can be pretty sure nobody has screwed with it!


Post# 285309 , Reply# 4   6/18/2014 at 21:44 (3,571 days old) by marks_here (_._)        
SNAP

marks_here's profile picture
Well I guess I got schooled !!!

Post# 285318 , Reply# 5   6/18/2014 at 22:47 (3,571 days old) by Paul (USA)        

I can see your point for this thread, Mark. Although I can sympathize with those who have lots to sell, I think your point is valid that the prices should reflect the dirty and unkempt condition of the items.

Tom, I have also found that when certain cleaners or parts are mentioned on this site the items tend to appear shortly thereafter on eBay at inflated prices--as if all of a sudden they are a must have for people just because they were discussed.

What also sometimes bugs me about the eBay experience is the lack of business acumen some listers have. They would rather list an item for months on end at the same price than lower it--or they say that their hefty shipping rate "can't" be changed. That type of stubbornness turns off my desire to bid on their item. Nothing on eBay is a "must have" for me but "nice to have". Then, there are those who simply ignore price offers or message requests for more information--very rude. Also, a few that do give information avoid specifics (even though they encourage you to look at their photos and ask them questions before bidding, because they do not accept returns). I actually had one such lister tell me that the item had already been packaged and s/he couldn't remember what the exact condition was; all s/he could tell me was that it was in good condition for its age (which probably meant stains, rips, tears, fading, and wrinkles were part of its age). haha

By the same token, though, there are listers who are friendly, ready to negotiate, take pride in how they present their items, eager to be of service in providing more information, list their items at reasonable starting bids, and provide shipping rate options.

Going back to your original comment, Mark, I personally think that a once-over with a dust and wipe is not too much to ask in most situations. I can't imagine that the majority of listers are selling large amounts of estate or business items. I had to laugh at one recent lister who commented in the listing that s/he chose not to clean up the item for fear that it would fall apart (it was all rusty)! The price, though, amazingly wasn't commensurate with the condition.

I think the Golden Rule should be followed in most cases (with the understanding that there are sometimes extenuating circumstances that may prevent it): "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."



Post# 285324 , Reply# 6   6/18/2014 at 23:49 (3,571 days old) by marks_here (_._)        
There are a lot of vacs I would like to get

marks_here's profile picture
But I learned my lesson on one 2 speed rainbow that I was giving a spa treatment to then 3 days later almost died from contracting MRSA from it where a sharp piece that ripped my shirt & gave me a small puncture just to the left of my belly button. 2 weeks in the hospital, surgeries every other day, 168 internal stitches & 64 outer ones & I'm still alive but more cautious then ever!!! That's why I was saying it doesn't take much just to wipe something down, it may just save someone's life!

Post# 285330 , Reply# 7   6/19/2014 at 00:26 (3,571 days old) by Gr8DaneDad ()        

The vacuumland effect is strong on the bay... Michelle has been inquiring about a 1401 Olympia... and all new listings on eBay are now 2x and more what they were last week. I'm seeing Kirby's and Electrolux's in fair to good condition suddenly being listed at insane prices with inflated shipping. Watching to see what sells if any of it does, but if it does, I may suddenly have many listings cool


Post# 285480 , Reply# 8   6/19/2014 at 22:03 (3,570 days old) by constellation86 (Roy, UT)        

I hate having to pay more to ship a bag packed with dirt.

Post# 285583 , Reply# 9   6/20/2014 at 16:01 (3,569 days old) by ornery (Northeast Ohio)        
Shipping Costs

ornery's profile picture
It's pretty rare to see sellers offer shipping "Calculated: Cost varies by buyer location" In that case, it might make a difference if there were a few extra ounces.

What I find amazing, is the number of people who are afraid to break the handle down. I've gotten at least two units in boxes the full hight of the vacuum! Imagine trying to find a box that big. A helluva lot more work than loosening a wing nut or two!

Imagine selling a bulky, somewhat complicated appliance, you're not familiar with. I now know the feeling after selling an assortment of office, electrical, electronic and shop equipment. You err on the side of caution, which may seem comical to the buyer.


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Post# 285591 , Reply# 10   6/20/2014 at 17:12 (3,569 days old) by dysonman1 (the county)        

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Beautiful Royal.

Post# 285593 , Reply# 11   6/20/2014 at 18:17 (3,569 days old) by fan-of-fans (USA)        

fan-of-fans's profile picture
I too get annoyed with the ridiculous and overpriced buy-it-now listings that go for months being relisted at the same price. If it was me, I'd just take a lower offer to get it out of my house. It seems there are no good deals there anymore. I just stick to estate sales and thrift stores. It's more fun that way, as you never know what you will find. And the prices are usually better and no shipping.

Post# 285613 , Reply# 12   6/20/2014 at 20:10 (3,569 days old) by Gr8DaneDad ()        

There are still deals to be had on eBay, though they are fewer all the time. People still take lousy pictures, identify things incorrectly and don't make the effort to even minimally clean things up and those auctions end at very low prices. My best eBay finds of late are items identified as for parts and not working. I've scored 2 very nice Electrolux vacuums that had absolutely nothing wrong with them that couldn't be put right in a few minutes - 1 that just had a full bag and wouldn't run. I've cleaned em up, made full sets of attachments and sold them on for tidy profits. I paid $0.99 for the full bag machine plus $15 shipping and it came with the PN, all the tools and a fairly new replacement hose. I sold it 2 weeks later and financed a parts shopping spree.


Post# 285796 , Reply# 13   6/22/2014 at 12:19 (3,567 days old) by portapower (BRUNSWICK)        
Filthy Items for Sale

It never fails to amaze me how incredibly lazy some people are when trying to sell items. A clean and shiny item will attract more people and go for more money.
A damp rag and a spray bottle of Fantastik go a long way and only take a few minutes to use.


Post# 285848 , Reply# 14   6/22/2014 at 22:44 (3,567 days old) by marks_here (_._)        
Just tonight listed

marks_here's profile picture
Under vintage vacuum cleaner tonight is: Vintage Hoover Portable Portapower Vacuum Cleaner Hose/Attachments and on the box says GE Accessorry Kit model A4. Did I miss something here, am I seeing this correct??? LOL

Post# 285852 , Reply# 15   6/22/2014 at 23:11 (3,567 days old) by DesertTortoise ()        

The old Kenmore 3.9 I have posted images of in my Kenmore Porn thread is the exception to the rule. I bought it for $39.95 on eBay to use as a parts source for my really nice 4.1 that uses the same body. It looked rough in the images and the seller didn't try to over sell it at all. I was stunned when I opened the box. Aside for some battle scars on the faux wood grain (how 1970's Plymouth Valiant can one get?) and a previous owner trying to touch up the letting (really squiggly) the vacuum was spotless and runs flawlessly. Even the inside of the bag compartment was scrubbed clean, and the seller even went to the trouble to put new foam on the secondary filter. This one is much too nice to part out, and while the Avocado Bomber is down for a broken lid hinge (I'll will have a good story on that, we're using innovative modern materials to revive this old warhorse, so stay tuned kids) the 3.9 is pulling duty for it.


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