Author: Dick Schneiders
Date: 14:01:55 05/01/05
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>>1) there was no explicit sentence telling that the computer was working >>perfectly, >>2) the seller had only four positive evals, only one of them being from a buyer >>3) and there was at that time only one bidder that I knew >>In addition, I asked the seller more than one week ago if he would accept to >>ship to France and he only answered today. >> >>So, I did not take the chance and closed the browser (not completely as I >>watched the auction as a spectator). >> >>I'm wondering which criteria do other collectors have to decide if an auction is >>too risky. > I, too, was interested in this Connie Expert. The seller answered three different emails from me promptly. I decided not to bid because of the ultra expensive shipping cost from the U.K. and the fact that the seller was not quite certain how much it was going to be. Initially he said it would be 30 quid, or so and later he told me it would be 55 quid "or much higher"! This was only for the computer, as I didn't want the books. Usually I will bid on stuff even if the seller has very little feedback, even on expensive items, as everybody has to start at zero. If there are a large number of negatives or neutrals, compared to the positives, then I will be much more cautious. The feedback needs to be 90% positive or higher for me to bid very much. Also, I do put a lot of emphasis on how well the auction is written and how good the pictures are. If somebody does not take the care to present a decent write-up, then I do get a bit concerned. They don't necessarily need to know a lot about the item they are selling, but simply present it in a clear and complete manner. Where I get the most cautious is with items where I lack a very good idea of the items value. This is the situation with the current Novag Super Expert C that is approaching $600. I have not seen one of these sell before, so I have no personal track record. It has already exceeded what I was willing to spend on it, but it does still interest me. :-) Dick Schneiders
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