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 Replies: 10 / Views: 1,031 |
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Valued Member
United States
420 Posts |
Hello, As a beginning collector I have purchased coins through my local dealer and at a coin show (something I though I would never do.) In both those situations I was allowed to look at the coin before I purchased it but what about purchasing through places like ebay? Yes, they have pictures so in a sense is that the same thing if the seller has a good rating? I know in some cases I'll pay to have the coin shipped but I can figure that into the total price paid for the coin. Will I be more comfortable with ebay buying after I have tried it a time or 2? Do I just trust the pictures and seller rating? Thanks, Rich |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2217 Posts |
Just try it, and stop vaccilating! The infamous quasi-auction site is good for picking up bargains but it is the sellers who will suffer from ebay's new unfriendly and ungrateful policies. The only problem you have is most of it's junk you have to wade through: fun for a newbie buyer?! Just dive in! Edited by NumisMattyUk
11/03/2008 5:02 pm
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Moderator
 United States
188130 Posts |
I almost never buy a coin without "holding" it first, the exception being some mail-order purchases I made many, many years from a trusted dealer with a generous return policy. Although I am more comfortable buying a coin in person (I have yet to take the plunge on ebay or anything similar), many people here have had great success buying online. If you are contemplating a purchase, you are welcome to post it here and let everyone help out with determining how good it would be.  Edited by jbuck
11/03/2008 5:11 pm
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Moderator
United States
16679 Posts |
Some sellers including myself, offer a 7-10 day return privilege on coins(the only exception being proof and mint sets). My stipulation is as long as it's kept in the original holder. You may have to pay s/h to send it back, but on some higher priced pieces, I'd say it's worth it. I will not buy from anyone who does not offer a return policy. That's just me.
swcoin.ecrater.com
Edited by vermontensium
11/03/2008 7:53 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3098 Posts |
Or...you can post a buy ad on the forums and see if any of the other members might have what you need
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Pillar of the Community
United States
812 Posts |
I'd make sure the seller has good feedback, a decent picture, and a reasonable return policy (and make sure you are prepared to return it if it is not a coin you really want to keep).
Then I'd start with a relatively low-dollar purchase to get comfortable with the process.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
830 Posts |
I agree completely with Bilbo. Start slow and low, ALWAYS read the fine print and make sure the return policy is adequate. I personally wouldn't buy a coin from anyone with a feedback rating of less than 99.5%. Also, watch out for outrageous shipping and handling fees. Other than that, have a blast!  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1151 Posts |
I have had great experiences buying on ebay, coins, silver and gold. As mentioned above, make sure the seller has a high rating, good return policy, and adequate pictures. Always set your max price, including shipping, and stick to it. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Good Luck. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
666 Posts |
ebay gets a bad wrap on here... is it perfect? most definitely not. could it be improved? Certainly. BUT, I'm with collect4fun on this. I've bought and sold hundreds of coins on ebay and I've had exactly ZERO bad transactions. Once again "make sure the seller has a high rating, good return policy, and adequate pictures. Always set your max price, including shipping, and stick to it". This is great advice. I'd go a bit further with it and say get a sniping program like jbidwatcher. This helps me not get emotionally involved in an auction. I set the auction up with my max bid and then forget about it. I end up bidding fewer times, bidding lower amounts, and winning more auctions.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
14454 Posts |
I have bought atleast 90% of my coin purchases from ebay sellers. I always make sure they have a return policy and I usually also read their feedback and see what others are saying about the coins they have received. I will also look at their other coins they have listed or ended auctions to see if any of their other pictures shows luster (if the coin I am looking at doesn't show any) because sometimes scanners doesn't show luster very well and if their other pictures shows coins with cartwheel and the one I am looking at shows a flat washed out look chances are its been over dipped |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7123 Posts |
As has been stated very well by the previous posters ebay is a mine field and requires patients and an eye for detail not only in the pictures but in the ad for the coin . a slow approach is best and one with a very pointed and well defined idea of what you are looking for ,not only in the type but grade and price . If you take your time find the good sellers and utilize those sellers for your purchases you will do fine , build a repoure with them over time and as much as can be a personal type internet relationship much as you would with a dealer in an actual coin shop , ebay is enjoyable . when I find a coin I want from a new seller , I always send them a question about the item and see how they handle communication, if I don't get a reply I pass on the coin, if I get a hurried and short answer , I consider them but with less confidence , If I get a friendly informative answer then I bid on their coin and try and win it and go from there on shipping and packaging ,and care in the sale whether I buy from them again . If you have questions and want some opinions on a seller or auction post them in the ebay and auction forum and I'm sure you will get honest answers from those who are experianced on ebay . |
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Replies: 10 / Views: 1,031 |
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Posted 11/03/2008 5:09 pm
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