What do you guys like/not like to see in a Vintage Seller?

[Mark17]

When I did shows in California during the 1988-1991 years, the main thing I did not like to see in a vintage seller was a huge gut protruding from a too-small t shirt.

[Michael B]

Originally Posted by Mark17

When I did shows in California during the 1988-1991 years, the main thing I did not like to see in a vintage seller was a huge gut protruding from a too-small t shirt.

There are still plenty of 'tm' (third trimester) guys in the hobby. These days it seems like most of them wear the XXXL jersey of an player who would top out 225 pounds max on a good day.

[ClementeFanOh]

Adam- No, we aren't "both right". The original post topic was someone
seeking information about what annoys buyers/customers most, NOT
sellers. You just turned in two rants about what you dislike as a seller, you
went far afield...

I used the phrase "the customer is always right" not as a personal
manifesto, but instead to emphasize that too many sellers have abandoned
basic notions of buyer/ seller dynamics in commerce. Just imagine a
scenario in which you were the customer- at a restaurant, buying a new
lawnmower, looking for a pet. Answer honestly (to yourself, not to me- I
don't care) how you'd react if the seller vomited forth a laundry list of what
they wouldn't do to make the sale. This is precisely what you have done.

Lots of commenters are making reference to ebay in this thread, and rightly
so. It's common knowledge that ebay is closer to being an outhouse than a
penthouse for card folks. If it twerks you off that someone may actually
"bother" you with a question before they buy something from a stranger
who lives 1500 miles away, maybe you are in the wrong place. In any
case, on this venue perhaps you can start a "customer hatred" thread and
bash the lifeblood of your card enterprise. Sounds about as much fun as
waiting at the DMV, but have at it. Geesh...

Trent King

[Exhibitman]

Wow, Trent, I guess someone has a case of The Mondays?

A customer walking into a store or restaurant would never engage in the shenanigans that we get with e-commerce. Would you pepper the clerks in a store with demands to reduce the price? Would you ever expect a store's management to accept your word that something was damaged and to give you a partial refund instead of insisting on bringing in the item for a full refund or replacement? Demand that the store not collect the sales tax? Bitch out a store manager because the store collected sales tax? Demand that the store fake customs paperwork? Buy an item with a stated shipping price, then insist that the seller reduce or waive it? Buy something at a place with an "all sales are final" stated policy, then demand that the seller accept a return NOT because there is something wrong with the item but because you just changed your mind a few days later? Insist that a seller honor a return after expiration of the return window? Nope. But these are the sorts of things that are typical behavior in e-commerce, especially eBay. The internet emboldens bad behavior, whether it is cards or politics.

What I want from an e-commerce seller is simple: good images and accurate identification of the item, prompt shipping in a secure package, stepping up and making good when something is wrong. We aren't dating, we aren't making friends, we aren't saving the manatees; we are engaging in a business deal, which I want executed in a businesslike manner on both sides. Period.

Buying and selling is a mutual exchange, not a one-way dictatorship. I publish my terms and conditions so that everyone has a clear understanding of the manner in which I conduct myself. If someone takes offense, they can buy somewhere else. If I offend enough people, my business will fail and the market will teach me a lesson. Guess what? It isn't. I've got lots of happy buyers because I use good images, accurately identify the item, promptly shipping in a secure package, and step up and make good when something is wrong.

[savedfrommyspokes]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

I publish my terms and conditions so that everyone has a clear understanding of the manner in which I conduct myself. If someone takes offense, they can buy somewhere else. If I offend enough people, my business will fail and the market will teach me a lesson. Guess what? It isn't. I've got lots of happy buyers because I use good images, accurately identify the item, promptly shipping in a secure package, and step up and make good when something is wrong.

Completely agree. IMO, there are two types collectors in this market. 1) collectors who only collect and 2) collectors who both collect and re-sell.

Clearly some different prerogatives between these two groups can be seen here in this thread.

[homerunhitter]

I like combined shipping costs!

[Eric72]

Originally Posted by homerunhitter

I like combined shipping costs!

Greg Morris Cards on eBay has a fairly efficient system worked out with combined shipping. I believe they can combine shipping for cards purchased within 7 days.

[Snowman]

I want to see high-quality scans, not some photo taken at some random angle, and I want to see creases and wrinkles called out. I also wish sellers would put "CENTERED" in the listing title for well-centered cards (and NOT put it in there for off-centered cards).

There is no such thing as free shipping.

[toledo_mudhen]

Originally Posted by Snowman

I want to see high-quality scans, not some photo taken at some random angle, and I want to see creases and wrinkles called out. I also wish sellers would put "CENTERED" in the listing title for well-centered cards (and NOT put it in there for off-centered cards).

I avoid all sellers who post cards with less than stellar images - If you are going to be a card seller - it is essential that you invest in a high quality scanner and take the time to learn how to use it. Phone images and crappy scanner images just dont cut it (for me anyway).

[Yoda]

For me, it is the transparency of the listing with the integrity of the seller, as evidenced by his feedback.

[LEHR]

I guess I'm simple. All I want is:

1. Clear front and back photos.
2. Well packed BOXED shipping.
3. Realistic pricing for the current market.

[HercDriver]

My #1 pet peeve is the seller that says "I have $XX into the card can't let it go below that." That's irrelevant, I don't pay for your mistakes.

Cheers,
Geno

[Johnny630]

Originally Posted by HercDriver

My #1 pet peeve is the seller that says "I have $XX into the card can't let it go below that." That's irrelevant, I don't pay for your mistakes.

Cheers,
Geno

Me too it's like they want to use it as a guilt/leverage in their negotiation.

We are talking about the price now not what you paid for it. No bearing.

Next lol

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by HercDriver

My #1 pet peeve is the seller that says "I have $XX into the card can't let it go below that." That's irrelevant, I don't pay for your mistakes.

Cheers,
Geno

Another side of that one is I really paid that much and won't sell it for less. If you really want it pay the price or move on. After all I was nice enough to say why I wanted the price I did.

[BobbyStrawberry]

I do not like when I make a reasonable offer and it is countered by something like 0.5% off. Just don't list it as "or best offer" then!

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Originally Posted by BobbyStrawberry

I do not like when I make a reasonable offer and it is countered by something like 0.5% off. Just don't list it as "or best offer" then!

One of many reasons I don't list with OBO. But then, buyers still message trying to get a lower price. It's a little annoying. If I wanted to entertain offers...

[Gorditadogg]

Originally Posted by bnorth

Another side of that one is I really paid that much and won't sell it for less. If you really want it pay the price or move on. After all I was nice enough to say why I wanted the price I did.

True, there's a clear message there.