A few days ago, a postcard reproduction of the 1938 Century at LaSalle Street station in Chicago hit eBay. The picture was enough to sell me on the concept, and so I opened my bidding software to buy it.
Since I work, and am not sitting at my computer as the auctions end (and, after more than 400 successful transactions, wanting to be as effective as possible) I used my auction software - called "sniping" software, as it slams in a bid in the last few seconds of an auction.
This morning, while working, the auction software does its thing, and I win the auction for said postcard - $5.95 plus $1.00 shipping. Yeah, it's insane, but it's what I intended.
Without thinking about it, I went right over to Pay Pal and paid for the auction. A few minutes later, I get a hostile email from said seller, as follows:
I do not accept Paypal.
Cash, money order, check or Bidpay please.
Okay, I'm willing to send a money order. So, I go back to Pay Pal to CANCEL the payment I just made. Before I finish, I receive ..
An analysis of your bidding patterns strongly indicates that you are using sniping software. The fact that you attempted to pay using Paypal despite my strong warning - coupled with my warnings about using sniping software reinforce that you didn't read the listing.
I suggest you go back and read it in its entirety - at least the portions related to sniping and payment methods. I will be happy to release you from your bid with no feedback filed (so long as you assist in retrieving my eBay fees).
If you insist on purchasing this item, then I will proceed with the terms of sale clearly stated in my listing.
Okay. So, I go to the auction, and find this HUGE listing. As follows:
USERS of SNIPING SOFTWARE:
*** BEWARE *** there's a message for you near the end of this listing
DESCRIPTION
at the LaSalle Station in Chicago Ilinois, circa 1953.
Type: a reproduction postcard digitally generated from a scanned image
Size: 3 1/2 inches by 5 1/2 inches
Condition: Mint Postally: Unused
"Warhawk Reproductions" only appears on the eBay photo
(this postcard is approved for mailing by the USPS)
SHIPPING
I do not sell or ship to Germany, France or Russia
Bid with confidence!
I guarantee all of my auctions!
(See the refund offer below)
Packaging and Postage is $1.00 for shipments within the USA; Canada is $1.50; all other overseas is $2.00
Insurance (if desired and available only in the US) is $2.00- please let me know if you want it.
I strongly recommend that buyers elect insurance.
BY DECLINING INSURANCE THE BUYER AGREES TO HOLD THE SELLER HARMLESS IN THE EVENT OF LOSS OR DAMAGE DURING SHIPMENT
My items are always shipped with an acid-free plastic sleeve and stiff cardboard protection so the cards are not bent in the mail.
I simply cannot be held responsible for an item after it leaves my possession.
REFUNDS:
If you are not satisfied with your purchase any reason (other than damage by the USPS), you may return it for a full refund of your purchase cost (less sales tax, insurance and twice the actual cost of postage). Buyer must contact me for a return authorization before returning the item and must assist seller in recovery of seller's eBay fees. The original, undamaged item and packaging materials must be returned within 7 days of receipt of the authorization.
This offer is void if you use sniping software or you didn't read the listing and don't want a reproduction.
EXCLUDED BIDDERS:
Because of past problems with bidders with 0 feedback, I no longer accept bids from "just -born", 0 feedback or less than zero feedback UNLESS you contact me via email prior to bidding.
Any person with 0 (or less) feedback that bids on one of my items and has not contacted me via email will have their bid cancelled.
Questions should be directed to cpeters@tampabay.rr.com
We only sell through eBay listings
Seller will contact buyer - please do not use eBay's checkout process.
HOW TO STOP SNIPERS! --
An Important Tip from eBay's Web site:
eBay says: "Whenever you place your bid, bid your ABSOLUTE maximum. If you think you have determined your max, ask yourself if you would have bid $1 more to win in the face of a competing bid. If you are willing to spend another dollar to win, you haven't found your max.
The amount of your bid is far more important than the timing of your bid.
Decide the maximum you're willing to pay and enter this amount. Ebay will now confidentially bid up to your maximum amount.
You don't have to keep an eye on your auction as it unfolds.
A sniper can only win if they bid higher than your maximum bid."
This item may be available in larger sizes - 4 by 6, 5 by 7 or 8 by 10 inches. Check my eBay store by clicking here and if it's not listed, send me an email. If it's available, I'll list it immediately. Please visit my eBay store which contains 4 by 6, 5 by 7, 8 by 10 inch photo prints and postcard reproductions of railroads, Florida history and other US cities, as well as nature scenes and a few books
PAYMENTS
I accept:
* checks (which may be held until they clear depending on buyer's feedback),
* money orders,
* cash (I don't recommend its use and I don't make change if you do use cash), or
* Bidpay (Western Union).
*
I do NOT accept Paypal.
Payment must be made within 10 days of seller's notification of winning bid.
Late payments may be assessed a penalty fee (applied to bid price, insurance, sales tax and shipping costs).
Totals for multiple items wins:
If you request a total, there is a $3.00 service charge UNLESS you provide the item numbers, your address (so we know if sales tax applies) and your preference for insurance
Florida residents must pay sales tax.
USERS of SNIPING SOFTWARE ARE NOT WELCOME TO BID ON MY ITEMS
I DO NOT WANT YOUR BUSINESS
If I determine that a winning bidder has used sniping software, they will be placed on my blocked bidders list and will receive appropriate and unwanted (by them) feedback.
THE FINE PRINT:
* Combined Shipping: - we will ship up to three items for the single item price. We do not combine shipments of photoprints and postcards unless you purchase insurance.
* Payment Totals: There is a $3.00 charge to provide totals UNLESS you provde all item numbers, your address (so we know if sales tax applies) and your preference for insurance
* Insurance is optional, and we never have had to file a claim, but we simply cannot be responsible for an item after it is delivered to the US Post Office. We strongly recommend that you buy insurance. By refusing insurance, bidder agrees to self-insure and to hold seller harmless in the event of damage or loss.
* Notification of successful bidders will normally occur within three days of the end of the auction, and we require that payment be made within 10 days of that notification. Late payments may be assessed a penalty fee (applied to bid price, insurance, salex tax and shipping costs) or may result in cancellation of the bid, filing of negative feedback, and re-listing the item
* Returned checks require payment of a $25.00 fee.
* Feedback is neither expected or given except in rare occasions when negative feedback is appropriate. Feedback is voluntary, and this seller - because of the volume of bids dealt with - prefers to spend his time carefully packaging items and making effective communications with buyers.
* Florida Buyers who do not include required states sales tax with their payment will be issued one notice of required tax. Their shipment will be held until the tax payment is received- regardless of the amount of shortage.
* Late payments of sales tax may result in cancellation of bids
Well, okay Mary Francis.
Now, I haven't yet had a chance to review this whole listing morass, and I receive yet another email:
Have you read the listing? I really don't think you wish to buy this from me. In fact, I won't sell it to you - save yourself the time and expense of mailing me anything.
Well, how about that? Over a five dollar post card!
Okay! He canceled the auction through eBay, and that was that.
And Lance thinks that *I* am testy.
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