Newbie to eBay and PayPal. Need advice

[SoCal Sam]

Most JDM sales are piggyback listings for items that are in shops. Seller charges enough on ebay to cover the item and make a profit. He then purchases the item and ships to you. This is why there is a delay. Unfortunately, there will be a lot of moving parts to your deal including what happens if the item is broken or misrepresented.

As far as checking got FF payment, FF does not net out pp fee so the whole amount will show up in your activity. If the buyer sent via goods or services, you will see a service fee deduction and a lower net.

 

[goodolpg]

That doesn’t sound like this seller. They sell mostly small light designer articles like purses, scarves, and such. It seems like they run into issues with larger items. I am buying a large turntable, and the price was a little under going rate. About what I would expect for a seller who is outside of his comfort zone in order to get a quick sale. I am pretty paranoid, especially like LuckyOrleans, when someone has my money.

Interestingly, after I did the purchase, I started questioning the fact it didn’t show on eBay sold or completed listings. That’s what first got me worried.

I agree, doesn't sound like him. Unless he's branched out into other areas.

If this is not their usual business, are you sure they know how to pack a turntable for transport? e.g. to protect platter bearings, to isolate suspension, to remove and secure tonearm counterbalance weights, secure tonearm, etc.

Oh boy.
I hope it goes well, OP you may try to subtly mention that turntables need special consideration as far as packing for shipping.
A scarf can be stuffed into an envelope and mailed. Not even close with a turntable.
What kind of feedback does the seller have for his shipping? Obviously it isn't SUPER FAST SHIPPING in this case, but feedback like "packed well" or "bomb proof" packaging are usually good things to see.

 

[BilboBaggins]

If this is not their usual business, are you sure they know how to pack a turntable for transport? e.g. to protect platter bearings, to isolate suspension, to remove and secure tonearm counterbalance weights, secure tonearm, etc.

I agree, and I left them a message about that in my first communication about it. They did read that message because they replied to it in their first email to me.

 

[BilboBaggins]

I agree, doesn't sound like him. Unless he's branched out into other areas.



Oh boy.
I hope it goes well, OP you may try to subtly mention that turntables need special consideration as far as packing for shipping.
A scarf can be stuffed into an envelope and mailed. Not even close with a turntable.
What kind of feedback does the seller have for his shipping? Obviously it isn't SUPER FAST SHIPPING in this case, but feedback like "packed well" or "bomb proof" packaging are usually good things to see.

I asked them to remove the platter and pack it under the deck, and to remove the tonearm and wrap it up before shipping the table. Finally, I said it would be a pity if this beautiful deck were destroyed in shipping.

 

[BilboBaggins]

I tested out the PayPal deposit by renewing my subscription on AK this morning, so all is good on that side. My buyer gave me an excellent review on the forum I had the item listed on. Looking forward to getting his feedback on the item.

Today, I am going to call eBay to find out what my options are for the eBay purchase.

 

[BilboBaggins]

Regarding the turntable I bought, yes, I did everything wrong as far as this transaction goes.

It was a gut decision with very little thought. If I had been thinking with my brain instead of my heart, I would have only purchased it from an experience turntable seller with good feedback, and I would have made sure I had as much protection as I could get. Now, 3 weeks has passed with no indication when or if I will get it. The waiting is hardest.

 

[Oerets]

I'd relax fit a cup of coffee pick up the phone and call ebay. They will tell you to just be patient and wait it out. Then if things go south and you are not happy with the table or never receive it.
Call then, start a claim.
Do pay attention to the time, don't let it pass and be to late.

If it's a DP37F nice PU!

 

[goodolpg]

Regarding the turntable I bought, yes, I did everything wrong as far as this transaction goes.

It was a gut decision with very little thought. If I had been thinking with my brain instead of my heart, I would have only purchased it from an experience turntable seller with good feedback, and I would have made sure I had as much protection as I could get. Now, 3 weeks has passed with no indication when or if I will get it. The waiting is hardest.

With the sellers stated shipping date you knew going in it could be a while.
At least he answered a couple messages. It sucks waiting.
Hope it works out well what ever way you go.

 

[BilboBaggins]

I spoke with eBay today, and I’ll have to wait until Nov 18. If they haven’t shipped it by then, eBay will cancel the transaction, meanwhile, they have a hold on the money so the seller can’t use it.

My understanding is if they ship it any time between now and then, it will be more difficult to cancel, but I would rather have the item than my money, provided it gets here in one piece. I’m protected until 30 days after the last date it should be delivered, since they gave me a delivery date range between Nov 7 and Nov 17th.

So I will wait, somewhat impatiently, but no longer stressed out about it.

 

[BilboBaggins]

I would like to thank everyone for their contributions to this thread.

It wouldn’t have been necessary had I done my homework before clicking on the magic button, but I was frustrated with my failed attempts to buy directly from HiFiDo and that led me to react.

Thank you, and I will update the thread when I get any new info with regards to the turntable.

Regarding the PayPal friends and family transaction, because I was shipping cross border, I needed some way to protect myself. What made it an option for the buyer, was the feedback I’ve gotten on that forum on past sales. Forum feedback is so important for buyers and sellers on transactions outside of the big auction sites. I think the feedback I got from buyer from the PayPal portion of this thread was key in receiving my full asking price on my treasured and soon gone Thorens TD-160. He will be picking it up next Saturday. That was an electronic money transfer within the same province. I’m looking forward to when the world starts using them across borders!

Did you know that they piloted the debit card here in Canada? That was a game changer. I can only imagine what will happen when emt comes to the world!

 

[Luckyorleans]

Excellent news! Even in the digital age, you need to talk to a live body sometimes! Is the transaction showing up in your purchase history now - that is what I found very odd.

 

[BilboBaggins]

Excellent news! Even in the digital age, you need to talk to a live body sometimes! Is the transaction showing up in your purchase history now - that is what I found very odd.

Yes, talking is way better than texting. The funny thing is texting started as a great way to have conversations with people and no need to respond immediately. Now, if you don’t respond right away, that can get you in trouble!

Where I don’t see my transaction is when I look at hifishark sold, or if I go into eBay and look for sold or closed deals from the past. Mine doesn’t show there. I have always been able to see my purchase, just didn’t know how to interpret what I was seeing.

 

[Luckyorleans]

If you go the My ebay and select purchases it should be there.

 

[BilboBaggins]

Yes, it is.

But should you not see sold items when you do a search on something in eBay, and then click on sold or completed auctions on the left hand side?

That is where I don’t see it.

 

[Luckyorleans]

Yes, it is.

But should you not see sold items when you do a search on something in eBay, and then click on sold or completed auctions on the left hand side?

That is where I don’t see it.

Normally, though sometimes it can be squirrely.

 

[BilboBaggins]

Yes, and I believe that was mentioned here that it had been lately.

 

[mattsd]

Something that has surprisingly not been noted here: Japan was recently hit (mid October) with one of the most devastating typhoons in more than 50 years, and it directly impacted Tokyo and eastern Japan. They had massive flooding causing lots of damage and are still recovering, so anything coming from Japan, especially in those areas has been experiencing delays, understandably. That might be the reason it is taking longer for them to ship your item.

 

[BilboBaggins]

You could have a point. I saw that someone had purchased an Accuphase A300 from the same seller and packing was bulletproof. That was earlier in the month.

 

[SaSi]

Don't do anything in a hurry. You have plenty of time from the date of payment until you can file an issue for an item not received.
If you file an "item not received" claim and the seller provides a tracking code addressed to you, the issue is closed and you can't re-open it (unless you contact paypal and explain and take your time in doing so).

Don't escalate the matter until you really have to. Message the seller, politely, and explain.

 

[BilboBaggins]

Thanks!

I was looking at my credit card statement today, and the charge was from PayPal, so it looks like I’m also covered that way.

I’m on my way to ship the item I sold to the guy in LA. The one who purchased the item through PayPal friends and family. He wanted me to wait until today to ship it. I’m going to ask him to take pictures for me as he got the box and as he unpacks. I’m always looking to get an idea of how things arrive so I can learn from it.