The online auction house, ebay,
is a wonderful place. I buy and sell there all the time. I recommended
it highly. But as with all good things, the old motto "Let the
Buyer Beware" is especially applicable. Here are a few warnings:
1. If the seller does not
describe a photo as vintage, original, or in similar words, it is
probably a reproduction. There is nothing wrong with buying reproductions
of course, I buy and sell them myself. But do not pay a high price for a
photo thinking you are getting a vintage original unless the seller specifically
describes it as such. Ask if you are unsure.
2. All photographs are pictures,
but not all pictures are photographs. If the seller does not
specifically describe a picture as a photograph, you could get anything.
Ask for details before bidding.
3. If you are bidding on an old
magazine, e-mail the seller in advance and ask if it smells musty, is
water stained, is missing pages, or if it has any other defects. I have
had more disasters buying magazines than any other category of
merchandise.
4. If the seller does not state
specific shipping charges in the item description, ask what they are
before bidding. Else be prepared to learn how expensive "shipping
& handling" can get.
5. And finally, you are on your
own in eBay Land! Winning bidders are not always the real
"winners" in a shaky transaction. And know in advance that if
there is a problem, eBay may NOT help you out.
Recommended sellers - I have
dealt happily with all of them:
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