IndianaCarGuy Posted May 12, 2002 Share Posted May 12, 2002 Perhaps it should be demanded that E-bay pay for all the free adverts.... would rather deal with the individuals than E-bay. My biggest complaint is that those on E-bay are generally in no way knowledgable (and not always dependable) it is a flea market, and not a reputable venue. Would be an opprtunity for AACA to set up a sight and charge for selling cars, at least the persons on here have SOME background in Autos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sblake Posted May 12, 2002 Share Posted May 12, 2002 Well, not surprisingly, I disagree. eBay is just a venue-- you'll find hundreds if not thousands of individuals and business using eBay to sell things related to the automotive trade and collector car hobby. You can't find the wide variety of automotive collectibles anywere else, except perhaps at Hershey, or by browsing Hemmings.<P>Most of the sellers on eBay are reputable. You'll find Walter Miller, Ed Faxon, Ken McGee, and all the other major literature dealers on eBay. Many AACA members (and HCC members and SAH members) buy and sell using eBay as a venue.<P>I've been collecting, buying, and selling automotive collectibles for 30 years. My family has a long tradition of involvement with the Horseless Carriage Club (my grandfather was a founder), and I'm active in the Society of Automotive Historians. I buy, and sell, using eBay in order to find the widest selection of items, and to reach the largest number of potential buyers. <P>So, you don't really "deal with eBay." When you buy on eBay, at least in the antique automobile collectible field, you likely ARE dealing with an individual, and he/she is likely involved in some of the same clubs and associations that you are.<P>Steve<P><A HREF="http://www.automemories.com/" TARGET=_blank>AutoMemories Auto Literature</A> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Rohrbach Posted May 13, 2002 Share Posted May 13, 2002 Steve,<BR> I agree with you. Ebay has made available car items (that people who are not car people had), with car people who wanted that item. Yes, you need to be a little more careful, perhaps, with someone who is selling something, that they really know nothing about.<BR> It also puts people from very far away together, that otherwise would not have made contact. By the way...it jsut so happens that I have bought 2 items from you on ebay! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sblake Posted May 13, 2002 Share Posted May 13, 2002 Hiya George! Nice 'seein' you again!<P>ICG: Why do you assume that an individual that comes to this Buy/Sell forum and posts a widget for sale (whether it be a wheel, or a chassis, or a piece of antique auto literature), is any more knowledgeable, or honest, than a seller on eBay? Or one who advertises a widget for sale at Hemmings, for that matter?<P>Anyone can post stuff for sale here-- they don't even have to register. And if they do register, they can use false info. At least on eBay, eBay verifies the seller's email address, and there are other identity verification mechanisms in place as well. eBay also allows a potential buyer to view the feedback given by other trading partners, to see whether a particular seller has a reputable record of business transactions. Not so here on this Buy/Sell forum. Nor on Hemmings.<P>In my view, you stand a greater risk buying from an unknown poster here, than on eBay. Just because the board is named Collectible Automobile Discussion Forum, and the forum is moderated by the AACA, it doesn't ensure that you're protected from "computer hacks, or dishonest people". You have no more protection buying here than buying from the want ads. And probably less protection than at a flea market, where you can examine the widget and talk with the seller face to face. <P>"I have no patience with those seeking profit." Fair enuf. I'd say that profit motive drives all types of business, everywhere. Whenever you buy anything, from anyone, you're dealing at least with some profit motive. It's not a bad thing. Makes the world go 'round, ya know?<P>But since you're altruistic and don't care a whit about profit--- you got anything you'd like to give away? <P>You've got a better argument, I think, if you'd push the board admins to either restrict posts in this forum to non-dealers, or to charge a nominal fee to dealers who post here advertising items for sale. I hope they don't-- occasionally I'm running something unique and I'd like to get the word out to folks who might appreciate a heads up, like this one: <P><BR><A HREF="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2102878025&r=0&t=0&showTutorial=0&ed=1022109905&indexURL=0&rd=1" TARGET=_blank>1938 Packard/Brunn orig rendering</A><P>Steve<BR> <A HREF="http://www.automemories.com" TARGET=_blank>www.automemories.com</A><p>[ 05-13-2002: Message edited by: Sblake ] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 14, 2002 Share Posted May 14, 2002 Sour grapes is how I see it.<BR>Let me explain, Ebay, despite how one may feel about it's fees in addition to it's blatantly profit driven raison d'etre is a valid and recognized forum for those who WANT TO SELL their goods and by implication those who seek them, discount the sociological implications for a moment and simply accept the fact that if you want something Ebay is where you'll probably find it.<BR>I have benefitted both ways selling things that years ago I would haul to meets and flea markets only to be beaten down unmercifully by cheap hooples out for a bargain and only sell 7 pecent of my haul AND I've found that precious item generally at prices that are quite reasonable.<BR>Ebay is a great leveller, really rare and desirable things will always bring premium dollars but fairly ordinary items will always seek their own level and the chances for obtaining a bargain {at least compared to a swap meet or fancy shop} are very good.<BR>You will recall that many folks who advertise on the board here seem to be testing P.T. Barnum's theory with prices that are simply "overly optimistic" to avoid stronger language that may offend some. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndianaCarGuy Posted May 14, 2002 Author Share Posted May 14, 2002 For your information, I have donated things to museums, libraries and worthwhile individuals who saw fit to make use of them for educational and research purposes. Better to see significant things preserved and passed on than sold as "merchandise" to disappear into the hands of less concerned individuals. Do I have anything to just give away? Have you demonstrated any professional interest? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sblake Posted May 14, 2002 Share Posted May 14, 2002 "Better to see significant things preserved and passed on than sold as "merchandise" to disappear into the hands of less concerned individuals."<P>This assumes, incorrectly, that those who are willing to pay for an item, are somehow less likely to 'preserve and pass on' an item than someone who got it for free. And that the person who got it free will be more likely to preserve it.<P>With the exception of donations to museums the opposite is true, in my view.<P>ICG, you seem to imply that because an automotive collectible is sold, that the item is somehow tainted, and that the seller must not have a legitimate interest in the field. This doesn't square with my observations and experience at all. Most hobbyists buy and sell, and some turn their hobby into a business. Nothing sinister about it. <P>Steve<BR> <A HREF="http://www.AutoMemories.com" TARGET=_blank>www.AutoMemories.com</A> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 14, 2002 Share Posted May 14, 2002 You are to be commended for your public-spirited endeavors, I myself have given items to museums and fellow collectors in need but I feel I must take issue with your statement regarding ebay customers, those who buy are those who need, regardless of whether they are hardcore collectors with staggering knowledge or someone with a '65 mustang they want to fix up economically.<P>It is truly impossible to categorize car collectors, some blend well with others and are major assets to clubs, organizations etc, others are cantankerous isolates who just want to enjoy their cars alone.<P>While I and many others here have gladly volunteered our knowledge and goods occasionally to those who needed them there is certainly no sin in wanting to realize some profit from something germane to the hobby.<P>Believe me, you won't see anyone here offering a mint Duesenberg head free to anyone who needs it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted May 14, 2002 Share Posted May 14, 2002 I can see this thread taking a turn already. eBay is the BEST thing that ever happened to the collector hobby, and I don't care what you collect. I've bought and sold on eBay, and may have the highest feedback on this board. Where else can you you list something for sale and within a half hour have a bid from halfway around the world? I've placed winning bids on something I needed at 3 in the morning. No more lost days pay loading up to sell at a flea market. eBay has never been rained out, and there is no mud. Donating and giving stuff to friends is fine, but there is nothing wrong with selling at a profit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 14, 2002 Share Posted May 14, 2002 One of the "Features" of Ebay is it that gets stuff out of the junk drawers of America (and the world) and gets it to the people that want it.<P>I have a passion for all things "Duryea" and have found countless books, magazines and such that I'd have never found any other way including libraries.<P>Someday when im done with it it will be donated to a libary for everyone to enjoy.<P>peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted May 14, 2002 Share Posted May 14, 2002 Excellent point Peter! I'll bet a lot of those items were placed on eBay by the above mentioned "know way knowledgeable" folks. I'll make a note of the fact that you are collecting that stuff, just drove through Springfield earlier this evening. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndianaCarGuy Posted May 14, 2002 Author Share Posted May 14, 2002 The biggest problems I have with E-bay are the dishonest minority, and the fact E-bay is getting paid, and sites like this are not. It's a lot like the "Home Depot Syndrome" you can get a lot of what you need, but don't depend on the people selling it to be able to advise you in anything. So long as people treat it as a flea market venue, and do not make claims as to the reputable nature of E-bay, or compare it to other specialty places, such as Gunbroker.com, or Hemmings magazine or this site, which is run for and by collectors, and not marketing specialists, computer hacks, or dishonest people,...(example, the Sotheby's/Christie's lawsuits) then I say let people be aware of the problems, and do what they will. I'm a historian and hobbyist, so I have no patience with those seeking profit, having no research background, or purely "investing" in the hobby, or getting involved for other than enjoyment and the learning of the past. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 14, 2002 Share Posted May 14, 2002 To highlight 1937's comments where else could I have found a pinion gear for a '62 Renault for $15.00, or for that matter a rare 1859 Slater rotary valve cornet?<P>The real kicker was a mint instruction book for my 1915 Interstate! $40.00!!!!!!!!!<BR>put that in your smoke and pipe it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted May 14, 2002 Share Posted May 14, 2002 The best eBay story is about my 1937 Harley. I started with a rear fender and motor six years ago. Thanks to eBay, and contacts made through it I have every piece I need to restore the bike. They built 2032 of them, I've got one of the 12 known to exist now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sblake Posted May 14, 2002 Share Posted May 14, 2002 1937-<P>Your story reminds me of that great Johnny Cash song-- <P>*************<BR>I got it one piece at a time<BR>And it didn't cost me a dime<BR>You'll know it's me when I come through your town<BR>I'm gonna ride around in style<BR>I'm gonna drive everybody wild<BR>'Cause I'll have the only one there is around.<P>Well, It's a '49, '50, '51, '52, '53, '54, '55, '56<BR>'57, '58' 59' automobile<BR>It's a '60, '61, '62, '63, '64, '65, '66, '67<BR>'68, '69, '70 automobile.<BR>***********<P> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 15, 2002 Share Posted May 15, 2002 My biggest complaint with ebay is that I'm not the one who started it. When was the last time a photo drew your attention to buy from this forum? Or a stated price? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted May 16, 2002 Share Posted May 16, 2002 Sblake, I did think of that song while collecting all the 1937 bits. They are all correct and in all too many cases "One Year only" items, frame, oil tank to name a few. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 16, 2002 Share Posted May 16, 2002 well I must agree with all the fans of E Bay. yer it is not perfect as all the other arnt. I have nade 2500 buys and sells, thvt three bad feed backs duto the post office and ups losses and destruction. An no i dont get everything lister correctly, but the comunity of buyers ans sellars will let you know. Fint that type person at your flee mkts, I think Not. when out voted 10 to 1 may be time to reavaluate your position and look at all the reasons for selling . Like feeding the family and the new roof on the house. thanks for allowing this old man his two cents worth steam. please come see us at pre16.....Laverne Burt Have a wouderful day on Gods great earth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest leadfoot Posted May 16, 2002 Share Posted May 16, 2002 When I'm looking for cars, parts, automobilia or other collectables I tend to look at all media and venues. I've purchased items on e-bay (even from pre16), but I still go to Hershey (some years), other useful parts meets, read Hemmings, buy stuff mail order, and place want ads.<P>No one has ever given me anything of substance related to old cars. I expect to pay my way. Sure I bargain hard to get the best price, but I expect vendors to make enough to keep on coming back with the "good stuff". It's nonsense to believe that making a business profit in this hobby is indecent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sblake Posted May 16, 2002 Share Posted May 16, 2002 Thanks, Leadfoot! I was beginning to somehow feel bad for running a business! <P>And hiya up there to pre-16, who I've done done business with as well!<P>Steve<P><A HREF="http://www.automemories.com" TARGET=_blank>AutoMemories Auto Literature</A> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now