Starting to hate aBay... alternatives?

[SpringMangler]

Apologies for the upcoming rant...

I've used eBay pretty much since it started but it's now getting beyond a joke for both buyers and sellers.

Received a watch last week that was described as not working. Fair enough description and there was a picture of the movement and it did look a bit grubby. What it didn't describe was the loose parts from the dial side were chucked in the back of the watch and the back cover pushed on, the dial had been glued on and there was even glue on the dial. Obviously a sub continent special that someone had bought then decided to pass on. 

Now, this used be an exception and could be written off as the odd risk of buying off eBay. However, it now seems to be the exception that something is as described and, when challenged, the seller's usual response is 'tough'.

It's not too different as a seller. I'm currently trying, for the second time, to sell a Hasselblad camera. I've specified free postage to the UK only and will only accept bids from the UK. However, a last minute bid on the first listing was from China. Had to cancel and re-list. So, two hours to go and I start to see bids coming through from outside of the UK, mostly China. I cancel the bids, get hold of eBay and ask how this can be happening. At the same time I get an email from an irate bidder who says he is in the UK but eBay won't let him change the location. I've now got to suck it and see and wait for the listing to end before deciding if it's legit.

eBay just avoid responsibility for any bad behaviour from both sellers and buyers, citing that they're simply the facilitator of the sale. 

Lately I've started looking at traditional auction sites, but bidding online brings its own pitfalls. There is an online buyer's premium added to the final hammer price of up to 30%, usually one or two very average photographs of the item and legal disclaimers that must provide the legal fraternity with a decent income. Couple this with high postage costs, for example £55 for an 8mm lathe without insurance, and it's a bit of a lottery.

The UK charity shops have quickly found out how to dispose of items that have any value, usually via eBay, and who can blame them given their purpose.

So, where's left to buy or is it just a case of "you pay's you money and takes your choice"?  It's already hard enough trying to source parts for some movements (looking at you Swatch group) and I do fear that for the hobbyist it's going to get more expensive and frustrating.

 

Edited March 12, 2023 by SpringMangler

[tomh207]

I do feel your frustration myself. The inflated prices and parting out tools to make a huge profit really grips me. I have been really lucky throw recently low balling a couple of buy it now’s and with the current climate I expect prices will comeback somewhat.

 

Tom

[rossjackson01]

I've only been involved in watch repair bobby for just over a year. Like you, I have noticed the decline in the standard of sellers involved in watch selling. Parts missing, incorrect advertising.  There appears to be a general increase in prices. Perhaps it is people like myself who have come into the hobby since March 2020 lockdown who are responsible. Easy pickings for the experienced on the novice.

The only blessing is specialised courses by Mark Lovick, Alex Hamilton and Chronoglide. This site is indeed a great help. No-one prejudges and advice is offered and given without prejudice. Prior to this hobby I tried IT courses, Excel, Database, Photography and video. The amount of condescendence was most unhelpful. 

Ah well. Rant over. Back to my Seiko rebuild.