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 Replies: 27 / Views: 3,718 |
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Valued Member
United States
355 Posts |
Good afternoon all. I was wondering what the general consensus was from the more experienced collectors out there on using services and websites like ebay. I see some sellers out there with great reviews that number in the 2-3000 reviews range so they must be doing something right. But again that could be that they are selling to newbies like me. Any advice\stories\nightmares\warnings would be greatly appreciated. In line with this question...as I mentioned in my earlier post this week am interested in the Washington quarters and just starting to look at the older coins for purchase. I have my eyes on a 1932 P for sale on ebay at 16.75 buy it now, no auction. I have been watching over the past couple of days and am seeing BU grades going for 35-41 bucks (which I believe someone actually estimated they would go for in that condition) others of lesser quality are going for a little less @ 10-15 bucks. The one I have my eye on looks to be in really great shape, maybe not brilliant, but at least in AU shape which is good enough for a newb like me. Again any advice would be appreciated. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1081 Posts |
I like ebay, it's a great way to obtain coins that are harder to find at coin shops. However, I recommend studying and researching cleaning, damage, authenticity etc. of coins you want. There are many fakes out there. I've bought some great coins off ebay, but also had a few that weren't as advertised. Look for a good return policy and good pictures. If they don't have good pictures, stay away, especially if your new. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3345 Posts |
 to this here community. I buy on ebay every now and then, and I find that sometimes you can get great deals and sometimes you can get outbid badly. Before buying anything, look at a sellers reviews, and check out the negative comments they've recived. If they have none, you are probably OK but always be cautius when buying on ebay. I almost never buy from people outside the US, just to be on the safe side. (no offense guys  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2797 Posts |
I get 95% of my material from the 'Bay, but it's an unforgiving place for the inexperienced or novice. If you intend to buy raw coins (not graded by a top-tier service like PCGS, NGC, ANACs or IGC) then you will need to learn to grade from pictures. Here are some "universal truisms" I've adopted from my 11 years of buying coins on ebay: -Do your research and know what is being offered -If you can't grade it from the picture(s) provided, don't bid. -EBay Feedback should be taken with a grain of salt. (I've seen sellers with 100% ratings who have been selling crap for years) -Avoid sellers with a zero or negative feedback rating (I know everyone has to start somewhere, but this tells me they probably don't have the goods and are out to make a fast buck before disappearing ... this is especially true of big ticket sales) -Know how to bid on ebay, not just how to place a bid, but when ... can you say "snipe" -Learn to use the "search" functions on this site to find those "horror stories" you mentioned. There are many. This site is a tremendous resource and there is even a section specifically for online auctions. -When in doubt, ask the seller questions. It's not only a good way to learn more about what is being offered, but also to learn more about the seller (how quickly they respond, their demeanor, etc) I'll probably think of more later and others will chime in also. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
759 Posts |
I love ebay, but as others have said, you need to be careful. Sometimes you can snag great deals, other times somebody will bid %50 for a $20 coin and you will be left wondering why. Just make sure you don't get caught up in any bidding frenzy. Establish your max price and stick with it. I've generally found that if you're patient, you can almost always beat BIN prices via auctions, but there are exceptions. I never buy from a seller without a return policy I can live with. Ask questions of the seller if you're wondering about anything. Evasive or incomplete answers send me walking. If you don't love the coin right out of the envelope, don't be afraid to return it. Sounds like you're on the right track, asking questions here rather than clicking like crazy, buying first and then asking questions. Post the link to the auction you mentioned for some opinions. Have you found the completed listing button? That will give you a good idea of how similar coins sold or what $16.75 could have gotten you. |
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Valued Member
 United States
355 Posts |
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Valued Member
United States
355 Posts |
one more thing - OneBowl - I do not see the completed listing button...will look for that.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
642 Posts |
I'm a long time eBayer. I agree with comments made by previous posters. Be careful as a novice. I might add to SeatedNut's list, - Don't buy 'grab-bag' or random lots. Some sellers put on pics of a big pile of coins, and say you'll get from this lot 1oz, or 1 dozen, or guaranteed $XXX dollar value in coins. Usually it's a pile of 'fools junk' and it's just that....junk. - If the exact coin isn't pictured, don't bid. - (personal pet peeve) The seller uses Long, Bold Type, flashy stories about how this coin was 'found' in some rare treasure, etc. Stick with no-nonsense sellers that dedicate most their listing to exact descriptions and clear photos of what you're about to buy. - Determine what you can/will pay for a coin before you bid. Sometimes you have a bidding war in the last few seconds, keep it about getting a deal on the coin, not winning the bid. Sometimes it's time to let it go I'm sure there'll be more. Good luck ! Edited by rjkingston
04/06/2011 6:12 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3540 Posts |
That is a damaged coin (reverse, 7:30 position). Possibly dipped or cleaned as well. Looks like a finger print on the obverse. IMHO, not really a deal. +1 for the dealer - their description does not provide any direction of what the grade may be, just a 90% silver 1932 Washington quarter. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
560 Posts |
Be patient. Look at completed listings on ebay to get a feel of what your desired coin is selling for. Stick to the 4 top-tier third party graders if buying slabbed coins. Snipe your auctions and don't get into bidding wars. If it looks too good to be true, It probably is; Be careful. There is a thread on this site for "discouraged sellers" which lists a few of the notorious bad apples and self-slabbers that you might take a look at. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
759 Posts |
Good eye, acloco. I didn't catch that at first glance. Which brings up another recommendation...gives the pics a really, really good look. I swear I've seen things after carefully reviewing and staring for 60 seconds that I didn't see in 10 seconds. phankins11...from your link page, click 1932-1964 category listing (it's between ebay symbol and pic), then click on 1932 for your search criteria, then in left column, scroll down and click completed listings under show only. 779 data points there for you at the moment, what sold and what didn't. |
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Valued Member
United States
355 Posts |
Guys...really really appreciate the help! I did not catch that damaged areas and I have stared at that thing for hours. When I get more time I am going to find that discouraged sellers. Again much thanks for the advice.
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Valued Member
United States
380 Posts |
Great advise. Now I have had a decent time on ebay and you really need to remember not to get caught up in the bidding war! |
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Valued Member
United States
374 Posts |
Check a sellers feedback for coins sold. return policy and if they are selling mostly coins. Me I sell coins and sportscards and if a customer is unhappy I will work with them. I have 100% pos feedback and a power sellers rating. So look for those also. Good luck on your ebay coin buying. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
870 Posts |
Newbis: About not getting caught up in the bidding war, the way I do that is I say to myself, "what is the absolute maximum I will pay for this?" I come up with an answer, and I use auctionsniper to keep my heart out of it! It can be INCREDIBLY frustrating because I often find myself in the top two bidders, so sometimes (very often in fact) I'm outbid by a dollar or even a few cents, but it's my best way to keep from getting over-anxious! I set my price and TRY to forget about it until later. =)
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Pillar of the Community
1283 Posts |
ebay is awesome but like others have said it is very easy to hide flaws in camera angles. Plus, for me it is hard to tell if some of the coins have been cleaned or are damaged in other ways. I do like ebay as a whole.
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Replies: 27 / Views: 3,718 |
Posted 04/06/2011 2:45 pm
