Ebay tool selling etiquette?

[buick64203]

Wouldnt you think that a seller should mention in the description if the tool has been previously engraved with initials? I mean, it was staring the guy right in the face. It wasnt able to be seen in the pictures. I guess I should of asked. Not reallt complaining, but it just irks me.

At least it looks like it was done lightly with a punch and not by an engraver during a siezure.

 

[outlander800]

Yeah, he should of mentioned it. He didnt because he knew he wouldnt sell it near as easily. It is annoying that people do that **** but its the risk you take buying used.

 

[boro_boy70]

It's happened to me also. Plenty of pics, but they all left out the the spot where the engraving was. My fault for not asking, but I also left him like 2 stars for the Item as described feedback.

 

[mrholeshot]

You shouldn't have to ask. Get a refund or partial refund. He should have it post clearly if any have owners marks, grind marks or etching. Thats bad business. File a complaint if he won't work with you. Post the seller ID here so we can all avoid him

 

[BQuicksilver]

Neutral feedback or refund for sure

 

[Rickster]

Yes it should be noted. Everyone makes mistakes (yes, me too) and not everyone has 20/20 vision (God knows I sure don't) so email the guy in the ebay system that he missed the fact it owners marks and it wasn't visible in the pic's and tell him what you want to do; return for a full refund or offer to keep it for a partial refund. Give him the chance to make it right. That's what I'd want if I were the seller, a chance to make it right.

 

[larry_g]

I assume that all items on e-bay or wherever are damaged goods. If I need something that is more than a used tool the I believe that it is up to me to confirm that said item is what I want. If you don't ask about marks or other damage then getting a perfect item should be considered a bonus. Most people selling are not tool collectors and wouldn't consider or even know that collectors exist.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[boro_boy70]

I assume that all items on e-bay or wherever are damaged goods. If I need something that is more than a used tool the I believe that it is up to me to confirm that said item is what I want. If you don't ask about marks or other damage then getting a perfect item should be considered a bonus. Most people selling are not tool collectors and wouldn't consider or even know that collectors exist.

lg
no neat sig line

I agree with you, but in my case the seller was "used tool emporium" or something like that. He knew about the marks, and deliberately tried to hide them. He had 5 or 6 pics of a 3/4 ratchet and they all conveinently left that section of the handle out. That being said, I think it is still the buyers responsibillity to ask. Now, unless the ad states no owners marks, I assume that there are, and bid accordingly.

 

[Daddy_Rabbit]

you bid and won a USED tool and I would bet a dollar to a donate the word USED was somewhere in the description. if I was the seller and you contacted me I would tell you to ship it back to me (on YOUR dime) and I would then refund your money.

 

[MrMark]

Just go with not as described. Holeshot gave you some good advice. Used doesn't mean defaced.

 

[crewchief888]

I assume that all items on e-bay or wherever are damaged goods.
lg
no neat sig line

this is always my assumption as well, unless it is stated NIB, then to me it's used.

FWIW owners marks make no difference to me, as long as it doesnt alter the function or safety it's good to use.
then again,
i dont buy anything i cant put my grubby hands on , removes all doubt about what i'm buying.

 

[mrb]

Used doesn't mean defaced.

this. if the seller wont do anything, id file paypal item not as described (they did not describe the engraving leading you to believe there was none)

 

[trout]

if the seller left something about the condition or appearance of the item out of the description, he is at fault.

 

[kc-steve]

Whether used or excellent condition, the fact that the seller didn't disclose that little gem of information means that you paid more than you should have because others might not have even gone to the trouble of bidding against you.

If you plan to use and keep it yourself, the only harm done is you paid too much for it. If you plan to resell it, then it's likely you won't break even, or more likely lose money in a resale.

It is ALWAYS the seller's responsibility to be upfront about all known aspects of the item being sold.

Steve

 

[buick64203]

I wrote the seller and told him that I wasnt going to break his balls about it, but in the future it might be a wise idea to list any engraving as it diminishes the value of the tool to some people. He did respond by saying he would take it back if I wasnt happy. So he gets points for that.

it was a Snap On AD6 that I needed to complete a collection. Aside from the owner stamp, it was in nice shape.

I was going to buy it new, but the picture on Snap On's website led me to believe that it didnt come in a high polish like the older ones did. I didnt want to take a chance if it had a different finish. I did save a few dollars buying it used and it matches the other ones. So its all good.

 

[gatewaysysop]

Saw a guy selling an SK Frankenstein set, similar to the ones posted here. His BIN was about twice what I paid for my mint, never-used set weeks earlier. I asked him about the price and for better pictures (you know, like not in a dark room with a flash that makes everything look like **** and obscures imperfections).

He adds more pictures of the same quality and casually mentions, only in email, that the item is engraved. Never updated the auction to note this. Whoever won that must be pissed. I'd have left negative for what he was asking in price if I got engraved stuff. Just my $.02.

 

[thrifty bill]

Item sold not as described/poorly described. I would either return the tool, or request a partial refund.

I sell on ebay every week. Every once in a while, I miss something. I am more than happy to give the buyer a partial refund as an option versus returning the item. I've only done it a couple of times, but it has been a win-win.

 

[wornoutoldman]

I'd be looking for a discount or return/refund with him paying shipping. As a tool emporium he knows what he is doing. That's just BS!

 

[airbuff101]

I assume that all items on e-bay or wherever are damaged goods. If I need something that is more than a used tool the I believe that it is up to me to confirm that said item is what I want. If you don't ask about marks or other damage then getting a perfect item should be considered a bonus. Most people selling are not tool collectors and wouldn't consider or even know that collectors exist.

lg
no neat sig line

Thats kinda painting ebay tool sellers with a wide brush though Larry.
There are lots that do it right too.
No one should have to guess if what they are bidding on is represented properly. There should be plenty of pics and full disclosure. It shouldn't have to be up to the buyer to ask all the questions to make sure something isn't being hidden.
I know that kinda sounds like a fairy tale..... but there are plenty of honest tool sellers that have knowledge of what they are listing and don't pull shady stuff.
Rob

 

[Charles (in GA)]

but in my case the seller was "used tool emporium" or something like that. He knew about the marks, and deliberately tried to hide them. He had 5 or 6 pics of a 3/4 ratchet and they all conveinently left that section of the handle out.

To do 5 or 6 pics of a ratchet and manage to avoid the engraving is no accident. It was "accidentally on purpose".

I have bought stuff with engraving on it, but at the flea market and knew it was there. While it doesn't affect the function of the tool, it does damage the chrome and devalue the tool, and you pay accordingly. As someone noted, used does not mean damaged, engraved or modified, it means it has surface wear, scratches, dirt, grease, and a little mechanical wear.

Charles

 

[Boiler]

I always give a condition rating (with a key explaining my rating system) and seperately indicate if there are owner's initials to not muddy the waters on the condition.

I'm sure I've missed a few initials in selling a few hundred tools, but I try not to. Sometimes they are so faint you need to see it just right to catch it, and if you're listing 20 tools a night you can miss it pretty easy.

I typically only photograph the best overall view to see the condition of the tool, but then add "has owner's initials" after I state the condition in the auction description.

I've been asked about initials I missed one time, and I was happy to do a 25% refund, as was the buyer.

 

[tradesmanschoice]

I'd want to know about it if I was a buyer. a) It damages the chrome plating and b) I'm wary of buying marked tools as they can often be stolen.

 

[trout]

I'd want to know about it if I was a buyer. a) It damages the chrome plating and b) I'm wary of buying marked tools as they can often be stolen.

unmarked tools are more likely to be stolen

 

[larry_g]

Thats kinda painting ebay tool sellers with a wide brush though Larry.
There are lots that do it right too.
No one should have to guess if what they are bidding on is represented properly. There should be plenty of pics and full disclosure. It shouldn't have to be up to the buyer to ask all the questions to make sure something isn't being hidden.
I know that kinda sounds like a fairy tale..... but there are plenty of honest tool sellers that have knowledge of what they are listing and don't pull shady stuff.
Rob

If I was buying from a tool seller that only sold tools then I could assume some things. I have also bought clamp thingies that were micrometers, and steel blocks that were guage blocks in a set. Lots of people out there buying estates and selling on e-bay.. Those people may have no idea of what they are selling. As a tool user I had no idea that some people were so rabid about tool condition and COO until I joined this board. I've probably destroyed many tools that people here are now collecting, I won't in the furture now that I know better. But prior to coming on this board I would have had no idea that markings devalue a tool. Some of the tools I have are marked with ancestors marks and I respect those tools a bit better than those I've bought but they still get used.

Any group of collectors, BB cards, glass, art , cars or whatever you can think of that is collected set up their rules for priceless and worthless. Most people outside of the collectors circle have no idea of what the collectors hold important. So as a collector it is up to you to determine if what your acquiring meets your standards. The seller may or may not have an idea of what the inside circle holds sacred.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Daddy_Rabbit]

unmarked tools are more likely to be stolen

you base this statement on what exactly?

 

[NY Old Guy]

Every item I've bidded on has stated new or used and if used has stated whether there were owner markings or not. If there were owner markings they were always shown. It's shady that the guy didn't mention it and posted numerous pictures all of which didn't show the owners markings. He definitely knew about the markings and went out of his way to hide them. Engravings definitely devalue a tool, he should have shown them. He deserves to have feedback left that states what happened, then perhaps in the future he'll mention the engravings not to be honest but to avoid future negative feedback.

PS, Now that I think about it more there's a lot of variables like how much did it cost, how bad are the owners markings, etc. I'd probably try to resolve it in a friendly way 1st and only if I couldn't then maybe I'd leave neutral feedback just saying "sold tools with owner markings but wasn't disclosed, refused discount afterwards", because I don't want to purposely hurt anyone's livelyhood unless they're really a jerk and other potential buyers need to be warned.

 

[amorrow]

If the tool was advertised as "Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections.", and he didn't mention anything about the markings, but took numerous pictures of other angles not revealing the markings, I'd consider it shoddy and not in good taste. However, I don't believe he was necessarily obligated to mention the markings...it would make me mad, though, and that's why I specifically ask about markings before bidding on any "Used" tools.

However, what gets me is sellers who advertise an item as "New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is applicable). Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, unless the item is handmade or was packaged by the manufacturer in non-retail packaging, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag. See the seller's listing for full details", yet the part clearly shows some wear (even if only handling wear), or the item is clearly not in the original packaging. It amazes me how many sellers are capable of listing items without knowing how to read.

 

[trout]

you base this statement on what exactly?

I've had them stolen before, marked ones were recovered. Unmarked ones I couldn't prove were mine. The police are also more likely to pursue recovery of identifiable property.

Also recently I bought some stuff on ebay, I learned after the fact that they were stolen. A set of combo wrenches and nut drivers, not a mark on one.

 

[Daddy_Rabbit]

Putting personal markings on your tools does nothing to stop the thief anymore than a locked door does to keep them out.

 

[trout]

Putting personal markings on your tools does nothing to stop the thief anymore than a locked door does to keep them out.

you're taking my statement out of context. And no where did I say it's gonna stop them from being stolen. My point was just that not buying marked tools because one might think they're likely to be stolen is a little off, since marked tools are easier for the original owner to track and easier for the police to recover.

 

[Skyline]

Yes it should be noted. Everyone makes mistakes (yes, me too) and not everyone has 20/20 vision (God knows I sure don't) so email the guy in the ebay system that he missed the fact it owners marks and it wasn't visible in the pic's and tell him what you want to do; return for a full refund or offer to keep it for a partial refund. Give him the chance to make it right. That's what I'd want if I were the seller, a chance to make it right.

This is exactly the correct way to handle this.

While I will always make every effort to mention any engravings on items I sell, once in a blue moon I will miss them. If a buyer says something and is not happy because an item is engraved, I will always give them a choice either receiving a generous adjustment to price, or a full refund, including shipping both ways. That is, AFTER I apologize.

I do understand the buyer's perspective on this, I do not like to own engraved tools. And they are worth somewhat less. And I do understand if a certain buyer does not want them at any price.