Ebay - A protovdo dissertation

At 27, I consider myself an adolescent in lieu of other collectors on this board. However, even at my age I realize that there is a major fault amongst some collectors, both old and new – Ebay. I browse these forums frequently, and I feel that collectors have become overly dependent on Ebay for their collections. I understand the service Ebay provides to those without a local shop, however I feel collectors are heavily reliant on the site albeit it’s not a necessity.

To me, Ebay is not collecting. The constant complaints from those who are disgruntled after being misled are becoming tiresome. Many of us know this and provide guidance in such matters. Collecting is so much more than scouring Ebay and outbidding other by pennies at a time.
Go to a shop. Oh, it’s too far? Make a trip out of it. Some of my fondest memories are of me and my father driving to the “local” coin shop 30-45 miles away. Buy a calendar, find the dates of some coinshows, and make it a point to go to them. That’s how this works.
Selling on Ebay is another matter altogether.

 

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That is nonsense. Collecting is getting coins from whatever source one desires. Going into a coin shop or going to a show is no more noble than doing online purchases. I have been collecting for 40 years, and have used every single resource to get my coins. If it makes my life easier to use online auctions of any kind, how is this NOT collecting?

 

Considering the plethora of Morgan's on Ebay. I am not surprised. I guess jack Lee and M L Moser were huge Ebay advocates?

 

What does that have to do with the price of Tea in China? I disagree with your silly premise in the first place. Collecting is collecting, and you, sir are no Jack Lee.

 

eBay is okay.....that's all I will say

 

Driving to a store isn't an option for everyone. To get to a coin shop, I would first have to cross 30 miles of ocean.

 

I don't see any difference of comparing E-Bay to a coin shop. They both give you what
you are seeking, and after all aren't most coin sellers on E-Bay coin shop dealers ?

Dave

 

I like your ideas of getting out to coin shops and coin shows, but some people can't do that due to their work schedules and/or location. Or they just don't care for the shops in their area or going to coin shows. I also liked your image about making insulting offers (since sometimes the BIN price is way out of line, and the worst the seller can do when he gets an offer that is "insulting" is decline it or make a counter offer). So you got my like on your post.


But.....

Ebay can be a good way of adding to a collection. I have a collection of items (not coins) that I add to almost exclusively through eBay. I haven't done much on it lately, but that's neither here nor there. I also buy books on ebay and other items.

Ebay has it's pitfalls, but its there and is an alternative to B&M places, local estate sales, and coin shows. Why say someone doesn't really collect coins if they primarily buy off eBay?

 

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You could say the same thing about pretty much every other business and advertisement. Everything in our world is shifting towards electronics and the online world (such as this site! ). I don't think it's "wrong" to find most of your collection on eBay -- after all, if you find a really good deal that you want, would even the fact of being considered "not a collector" stop you? I think not!

I think we've all gotten at least 1 item that's coin-related from eBay

 

To each his own. If that is the way you feel, go for it. That will mean less competition for me on eBay (and apparently Heritage, TT, etc.).

 

I think however one gets his/her coins works for them, and no source is negative, as long as the purchaser knows the limitations and benefits. Ebay is no exception.

 

I buy a lot on eBay because there's more for me to pick from than at any coin shop, or show for that matter. Not only that, but I usually pay less for what I pickup because I'm a careful bidder. I also go to shows (just went to Baltimore today) and do well there too. I enjoy all avenues that allow me to buy nice pieces for my collection. There's no right way or wrong way to buy, just what's best for you.

Bruce

 

I have VERY rarely purchased coins on ebay. I like to see my coins in hand so shops and shows are best for me. Perhaps I'm quite fortunate to have many shops and shows near me.....but it's my preference. Pictures of coins, no matter how good they are, only tell a tiny fraction of the story. In my world, there is no substitute for holding a coin in hand and I've only resorted to using the web when I can't find what I'm looking for or a great deal presents itself.

 

My problem isn't so much with eBay, but like protovdo mentions in his post, the constant complaining about this or that deal or seller that permeates this and other message boards. From "the picture wasn't of the coin I bought" to "I expected MS and got AU, the picture was really doctored" to "I won this item, but spent the money on something else so I should be able to just cancel the bid" to even "I bid while sleepwalking, now I want out". Don't forget the posts where a member is accusing an eBay seller of selling fakes and the link turns out to be genuine, or "wow, this guy's charging way too much"; you can ask any price you want for items. I'm not a big eBay fan; I've actually only bought one coin from that venue (and it was a good experience, good deal, etc. No complaints). I just prefer to see the coin in my hand and know what I'm getting before forking over the cash. And the instant gratification of taking possession immediately, without depending on the USPS or FedEx. This is why I prefer shops, shows, flea markets, and live auctions. But I wouldn't discourage anyone from using that venue if they so choose. It's another option. Like anything else, you pay your money, you take your chances. But don't complain simply because the deal wasn't exactly what you expected. You are buying from an anonymous seller, relying on pictures and descriptions that may or may not be accurate. If you're not satisfied, okay. Stuff happens. No need to rant. Use eBay's return policies to your advantage and correct the problem.

 

The closet coin store is one hundred miles round trip. I'm not going to blow $15 in fuel just to look at coins.

I can look at all the coins I want, at home, for free.

If I see something I want, I can have it in my mailbox for usually two dollars or less.

 

Well - I don't think from he post he just dismissed ebay. I do agree some collectors rely too much on it alone - no comparison shopping, no going to shows or local shopping. They just assume ebay is always the best place to get what they are looking for. I also do not see where he mentioned tt or heritage at all. I think the whole point was to get out and look - don't just sit in an electronic vacuum. And he did understand about those that do not have a close local dealer.

And I agree most of the complaints you read about are buying on ebay. I read it the original post as - don't just rely on ebay. There are some excellent dealers out there that provide nice pictures. I am lucky I have an excellent local dealer - the only problem is they do not have everything I look for.

 

Ebay is good, but coin stores are better, mainly because you get the coin right away, and you can see and even hold the coin your about to buy. I like to look at ebay sometimes when I'm bored, and once in a while I find something that hasn't gotten to a ridiculously high price and I bid.

 

Not a very well thought out post. Maybe the irony is lost on you...that you just posted a rant opposed to posts about eBay rants?

 

I think what no one else has eluded to is that some items on ebay especially attractive toners are not ready available in shops or other venues. Try and find high grade slabbed ikes???? I live in New Hampshire and have found none at my local coin stores. Some things just have a foot hold on Ebay and yes can be found other places just not in the numbers found on Ebay. I think also that Ebay is an invaluable tool as it allows you to search completed sales which can serve as a realistic price guide. But wait it doesnt stop there, many times i find myself searching Ebay for slabbed coins to research and it doesnt cost me a dime. Ebay has its pros and cons like any other form of buying and selling but for me it has actually become an invaluable tool, you dont always have to have buying in mind when you log in.