Just a quick counterpoint to all the EBay seller bashing by forum members, myself included: Obverse Reverse KM#16.1, Meiji 7 (1874) 2 sen bronze with square dragon scales, 14g, 31.5mm, combined 1873-74 mintage slightly under 4-million. I grade it VF+, probably cleaned at some time. (The picture makes the rim ding on the obverse look worse than it is.) If not for EBay how would I have ever found it in Tasmania? The point is, I knew what I was looking at, the seller wasn't located in an area with a reputation for scumbag sellers, posted clear pictures, had excellent feedback and a history of selling world coins, and the price was low enough to be worth taking a gamble. I'm glad I did, just as I'm glad I've passed on about 10-15 coins that are missing from my collection for every one I've bid on - successfully or not. In other words I'm one emptor who is very, very caveat!
Another nice one for the collection And you're right - ebay isn't all bad. I love ebay ! I find a great many wondeful coins there. But no matter how wonderful the coin - if I don't know the seller or am reasonably certian the coin is genuine - I don't buy it. EVER !!
Another beauty, Roy. Congratulations. It's always refreshing to hear of a fellow hobbiest's good fortune in obtaining the pieces that are important to them. And yes, you are correct, eBay is a great place to do business. But, it's only a great place for those who have put forth the time and effort required to make informed decisions. For those hoping to do it a faster and easier way, well, I'm afraid they are destined to be added to the eBay "victims" list.
Well as a regular Ebay basher, I am also aware of a few good sellers. Sometimes I forget that some people view all coin dealers as charlatans and crooks. A couple of members here make their living using Ebay, and I am always quick and proud to deal with them. TraderNick and Susanlynn9 set a good example of what to look for when choosing an Ebay seller. I am sure that there are many others, and I shouldn't bash the whole system because of the bad sellers.
You are not alone, sir. I will not hesitate to call things as I see them, as well. Yes, I do business on eBay, and no, I don't get burned. But there is a reason for that. Still, for me, the majority of my purchases are outside of eBay. I have made enough contacts, and established enough relationships, that I don't have to risk the unknown.
Ive loved the coins Ive gotten off ebay so far. I got quite a few that are worth $60+ for around $10 plus shipping. The Condor Tokens I got were in fanatastic shape, almost all the detail is there, even tho the color is really dark. But for $10 each, there was no beating the price. Theres only been one i didnt like, but it was in a package deal, and there were very good pics and a good desciptoin, so I cant complain. Ebay has been wonderful so far for me with coins, Platinum and silver.
I've always said that with ebay buyers should always tread cautiously. Know as much about the seller as possible..communicate with them beforehand if you can. Ebay is a wonderful marketplace where almost anything can and is traded regularly. Tis true that I do sell on ebay. The shop is so busy these days that I have a hard time keeping items listed. My monthly sales keep dipping below the 10k range and I STILL need an ebay lister but haven't found one yet...sigh. My ebay sales make up about 25% of my business, currently. Some days I think about trying to grow away from it, other days I think I should focus more on the auction platform...the fact is I love the shop, shows, buying trips, AND ebay. I just need to create more time in the day...like everyone else I suppose
