ebay scammers?

oh1

oh1

Feedback: +17 / =0 / -0
Joined
Jun 8, 2008
Messages
189
Recently I've been checking the 'bay for knives as occasionally something will pass through that you don't see on the forums very often. As a rule, it seems that the classifieds here host stuff that goes for better prices than the auction sites but it's easy to miss a good sale and the auction format usually gives you a week to find the item you're looking for. That said, I try and minimize my ebay transactions due to the numerous fees levied and the likelihood of finding a better deal here.

I've noticed an alarming trend among some sellers of high-dollar limited production items, specifically a couple of Benchmades that have been up for sale over the last few weeks. Items have been put up for a no reserve auction (or have met reserve) and been "sold," only to be relisted by the original seller AFTER RECEIVING POSITIVE FEEDBACK from the "buyer." These have been serial-numbered items and it's pretty obvious to me that something's up.

I'm assuming that these are sleazeballs attempting to inflate the value of their treasures or at the very least they are dishonest attempts to wring a few extra dollars out of an unsuspecting buyer. I have seen two or three recent cases of this and if it's not against policy here I'd be willing to share examples. Feel free to move this thread if necessary and if anyone has had similar experiences then please share them.
 
I learned my lesson on ebay. Golden Rule = I never buy from someone who I can't call on the phone.
 
Sounds like a form of Shill Bidding, a practice as old as auctions themselves. Get some friends and family, or in the case of eBay simply get multiple accounts yourself. Then bid the price up so that other bidders not "in on it" will have to pay more.

Similarly, sell items to yourself repeatedly to boost your positive ratings.

Naturally, these practices are not allowed at eBay and you can report them. But in many cases it's difficult to prove, and only the most watchful auction goers (like yourself) will even notice. At least make a note for yourself the sellers' different IDs so that you know not to do business with them or waste your time bidding on their loaded auctions.
 
While it sounds like shill bidding, there is other plausible explanations.

One is that the seller has multiple knives of the same model, and was too lazy to take photographs of each item, or he is using a stock image of somesort.

Alternatively, there could have been a problem with a previous transaction. I encounctered a gun on gunbroker (like eBay but for guns) that had a similar situation. I noticed that a week earlier the same seller had sold the same model with the same serial number and had recieved positive feedback. I contacted him and found out that the buyer backed out, paid the listing fees and they arranged to exchange positive feedback- leaving the transaction happily ever after.
 
I agree with the ebay thing. Also I have noticed that knives at my local gun shows are waaay over inflated. For example, I saw a Finn Bear for $30 when you can get them all over the internet for like $10.
 
I've been to I don't know how many gun shows over the years. To date I've bought a couple knives, a backpack for rock climbing, a rubber band shooter, and 1 pistol. The shooter was because I was stuck in the back seat for the trip, was bored, and my buddy has a huuuuge melon :)

Broad statement follows as I've very much an enthusiast:
IME experience gun show pricing follows a pretty set formula. Take a beat up used gun, price it at off the shelf new + 20%, and sell it to people who can't legally obtain a firearm. Everyone who legally can will wander around and make conversation and leave empty handed to buy at a normal store.
 
indy said:
Broad statement follows as I've very much an enthusiast:
IME experience gun show pricing follows a pretty set formula. Take a beat up used gun, price it at off the shelf new + 20%, and sell it to people who can't legally obtain a firearm. Everyone who legally can will wander around and make conversation and leave empty handed to buy at a normal store.
Click to expand...

LOL, as messed up as that sounds, it seems quite true for gun dealers. When I go to Gun Shows, I go solely for the knives and the fun of walking around. I hope to start setting up a booth in the future, but that is a long ways off. A lot of the "inexpensive" pistols run for as much or more than local shops, but they have a somewhat "no questions asked" policy, and if you notice before you walk in, you aren't allowed to take pictures or recordings ;)
 
I don't think shill bidding is widespread as many think. Many people go into the bidding with a price they're willing to pay. I've backed off many sales simply because someone really was willing to pay more. The best way, I think, is to sneak up on the item in the last 15 seconds, then bid your maximum price. Many people do this, so max up on the last offer. If you get it, great; if not, well, other people have to get good deals too.
 
Ya, the only way to get a 'deal' on ebay anymore is to snipe. People get silly when they think they're going to lose and bid nuts. I've seen stuff go for 2x what I can buy new at walmart for. Unless it's a BIN, I don't bid a penny until the last 5 seconds. Even then I lose from time to time.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top