Sometimes you come across a listing (or listings) that have an error in them. The error could be misleading to the sellers benefit. However it's not quite clear whether the error is intentional or not. I thought it would be a good idea to start a thread on this topic. This way we can learn what to look for in order to prevent us from making a mistake. It would also call out the seller to correct the mistake, and if not, risk their reputation and being blocked or banned. Okay so here's my first one... Seller has multiple proof Eisenhower dollars listed for sale. The years vary, but in item specifics each one is marked "1973". The significance of this is that 1973's clearly sell for more money. Since year in item specifics is incorrectly marked 1973, search results for 1973 include the seller's listings of non-1973 coins (1971, 1972, 1974, etc). The title description and photos are correct, so it's possible they are using a template and forgetting to change the year in specifics (although most conveniently the priciest one). http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=Ike Dollar&_in_kw=1&_ex_kw=&_sacat=0&_udlo=&_udhi=&_ftrt=901&_ftrv=1&_sabdlo=&_sabdhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=15&_stpos=&_sargn=-1&saslc=1&_salic=1&_sanli=1&_fss=1&_fsradio=&LH_SpecificSeller=1&_saslop=1&_sasl=tuckermooney2010&_sop=15&_dmd=1&_ipg=200 So... honest mistake or scam? What's your opinion. Regardless, lesson is never assume search results are accurate. I know it sounds simple and obvious, but check all descriptions, specifics and photos. If you spot one, please post it here.
I've sent a message to the seller notifying them of the error in their listing. Lets see if they fix it.
That's an interesting dilemma. While I don't sell on eBay frequently I do suppose that purposely changing the item specifics to a key date coin will allow your coin to be seen by more people when they are searching. Whether or not they click and bid is the question. I'm not so sure if such a thing would benefit the seller. Perhaps it is just an overlooked error or one they noticed and decided not to fix. Who knows but I don't think you can say that an error listing such as this is a scam. a scam would be listing 1973 pictures and putting in the description in the small print that you get a picture of a 1973 half and a 1974 half coin. That would be a misleading scam.
This is a very old trick to try and increase visibility. All it really accomplished is to annoy people and sometimes get the seller added to people's seller exclusion lists.
I recently made a mistake. I had a coin (graded VG) listed. In my title & description I wrote VF. I received a message about it (I had the coin pictured which clearly read VG on the label). As soon as I read the message I went and saw my mistake and corrected my information and replied thanking the sender for informing me of the mistake. Sometimes it's just an honest mistake.
I agree, sometimes it is intentionally deceptive. I just know I've made mistakes, so I try and work on not being so quick to attack somebody. It's easy to make somebody out in your head to be somebody they are not.
I agree, I would not report this seller as a bad seller, unless he doesn't change the information after about 48 hours of messaging him.
I didn't attack the seller and made it clear in my opening post that it may be an honest mistake. With that said, I am now convinced this is a deceptive ploy. Shortly after I messaged the seller I received a reply thanking me for bringing it to their attention and that they would "change it now". Well that was yesterday and still today no changes. I am also convinced because the title and description wording use "rare" and "key date". This is done to further obscure the actual date of which is neither rare or key. I would honestly have no issue with this if it were simply to get more views. However, this type of deception also benefits from receiving more bids and getting bids higher than it would normally receive (if it were properly described). I know some will scream "it's the bidders responsibility to read everything!", but the fact of the matter is that not everyone does. Even some folks who are normally cautious may overlook it. This type of deception preys on peoples carelessness - and although people should be more careful - I find this selling tactic unethical. eBay also agrees. Their terms prohibit search manipulation.
Most people search by title the 1973 does not show up in the titles so it isn't keyword spamming. Frankly I'm surprised anyone pays any attention to the "item specifics" as they are typically just generic information and VERY frequently inaccurate. When I look at an auction I want to see specific information about the coin offered. Most of the time nowadays all you get boils down to "Look at the picture"
I think this particular seller may be guilty of search manipulation AND keyword spamming. Item specifics are loaded with keywords, as well as the incorrect year.
