Furthermore...
Does anyone know absolutely and definitively that the subject eBay
seller does indeed sell fake/painted shells? No names of people have
been mentioned that have actually been "burned" by fake/painted shells
purchased from this seller... is this the forum to "point fingers"
without absolute data?
There are three sides to every story! I don't know those who have
posted on this issue, nor do I know the eBay seller or the mysterious
bidder. I offer some further thoughts simply for that purpose:
thought! (and perhaps discussion and not to jump to conclusions
having heard one side of a story)
Other sellers (perhaps even "fake_and_painted_shell_connoisseur") COULD
be discouraging sales by "patricianashells" simply to assist in
directing sales to another/other shell dealers. It happens!... it's
eBay! Is it happening? Who knows?
Playing the "devil's advocate", and looking at this story from a
different perspective, I offer some additional observations:
The eBay seller in question has sold items to 14 different eBay buyers.
The seller has also sold 34 items over the past 12 months.
The seller has a 100% positive feedback score... 100% of the sales went
satisfactorily according to the buyers!
The seller offers: "a very liberal return policy. If you are not
entirely satisfied with our shells, you may return them to us within a
14-day period"
Having purchased 167 items on eBay, I feel that the seller has all the
features/attributes that I look for in a trusted eBay seller! I do,
however, agree with Chris's statement "many bidders don't file in fear
of "negative" feedback reprisals" ...the feedback system is a good one,
but not flawless.
Again, not knowing fake shells from others, and not knowing whether or
not the shells for sale by this seller are indeed fake/painted, and
perhaps to limit rumors, hearsay, and speculation...
It seems that someone with "discretionary funds" [perhaps someone in
the industry wanting to help keep the market "clean"] could (or should!)
purchase one or more of these shells. If they are fake/painted, you
could return them for a refund and knowledge gained (to share, first
hand!) ...with some hassle, but perhaps no financial loss. If they
are unaltered, perhaps you've purchased some nice shells!
Just a thought.
Paul
-------------------------
Chris Takahashi wrote:
>Aloha!
>Good questions. This collector has purchased shells from a friend here in
>Hawaii on Ebay under his past name so he is legitimate. Some dealers log
>onto Ebay using psedo-names to inspire bidding. Ebay refers to this as
>"shilling" and is frowned upon. This bidder has in fact placed minimum bids
>on this same faked material before but was cautious never to go higher.
>
>Ebay has very strict rules regarding fakes & copies. If a purchase is made
>through Paypal on a "faked" item a investigastion is done & in most cases
>the money is refunded with the dealer's IP address being blocked from Ebay.
>But many bidders don't file in fear of "negative" feedback reprisals. Most
>seasoned Ebayers know who to avoid online & at times has been mentioned by
>name(check past CONCH-L listings regarding Ebay).
>
>It's too bad some people out there use shell collecting as a dodge to
>rip-off trusting, honest collectors. Mahalo! CHRIS:)
>
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