Yeah, I was kinda wondering the same thing?
I'm curious ... this guy hasn't tried to sell any fake Randalls. I don't think.
I also don't think he's hurting anyone here?
He might have found a legit loop hole. Maybe not. But why try to screw the guy?
Just an honest question.
Tony

I'm with you, Tony. Anyone who can beat eBay at their own game deserves a medal in my book.

Ebay was reasonable in their fee structure at one time, many years ago, but that ship has sailed. The incentive to list for very little or nothing at all is attractive for sure, but they back door you and ram it up you butt with the final fees. Granted, it is an individual’s choice to use ebay or not, but I think it is crazy when ebay charges around 13% (including mandatory pay-pay fees) versus Gunbroker which charges around 1 1/2% I think it is.

Ebay's none or minimal listing fees is somewhat 'tricky' (clever but tricky) in my opinion becasue I don't think many sellers actually realize how much is taken out of the final sales price by ebay. I think this particular seller is just as clever and as far as I know has not broken any existing ebay rules.

If the same sellers listed on Gunbroker, they could list knives for a minimum 10% less than listed on ebay, garner more interest in their item, probably realize better sales, and net the same money for the knife.

I won’t even get into the commie leanings of the organization that prohibits so many items they determine are politically incorrect and don’t jump in lock step with their left wing ideology. Ivory handled RMK’s ring a bell?



Curious as to why would you anoint yourself the ‘protector’ of ebay? I think they can handle the situation without your input. Like I asked the other fellow, why would you rat the guy out? So he found what we will call a unique way to list his items, what business is it of yours?

Maybe I'm just old fashioned but I think if you are going to play, you should abide by the rules. No one is forced to use Ebay and like Joe says, Gunbroker is a cheaper alternative so why not go there instead of "cheating"?

Just my opinion fellows.

Tom,
But...Tom...They're "EBAY'S RULES"!! I am in a dispute right now on a purchase that the guy won't honor, per his listing and description...Ebay's help? "Can't the 2 of you just get along?" Why? It's "EBAY" RULES"!! What are we gonna do next? Rat somebody out for finding a way to list their ivory-handled Randall?
Best, Capt. Chris

Agreed wholeheartedly. Ebay *used* to have quite reasonable fees. I'm sure there are loads of folks that list things on ebay everyday - while I had been a member for 10+ years, I can count on two hands the # of auctions that I listed. I was SHOCKED at the final value fees billed when I recently sold two Randall knives on ebay. Yeah, I probably missed the fine print. I thought about disputing the charges with my credit card company, but in the end decided that I'll never list anything with eBay ever ever again.

If eBay doesn't have explicit rules against a $0.10 auction and a $350 shipping fee, too bad for eBay. If they do, their only recourse is to close the auction and terminate the user account of the guy doing that. Not to say "pay us some of that $350".

Ebay's fees are hefty and then they get their bite from PayPal as well. All of these fees are deductible assuming you're not trying to cheat the IRS too. I don't like eBay's policies, politics, or prohibitions and I only rarely list anything but it's their rodeo and they call the shots. If you choose to list on eBay you get the absolute largest customer base on the planet and you pay for the privilege.

"Curious as to why would you anoint yourself the ‘protector’ of ebay? I think they can handle the situation without your input. Like I asked the other fellow, why would you rat the guy out? So he found what we will call a unique way to list his items, what business is it of yours?"

I never annointed myself "protector" of eBay. In fact I don't give a damn about eBay's profits. Just don't post a listing with "READ CAREFULLY". If a guy is going to screw eBay, why should I assume he is not going to screw me? What am I supposed to do, wait until the knife doesn't arrive, or find out handling charges are another $100.00?

No need to take this to a personal level, is there? Can't we consider everyone's opinions without animosity? I think Rick hit the nail on the head but if you disagree that doesn't necessarily mean he is incorrect and you are correct. I've had my moments with Ebay also and they are certainly expensive, but it IS their ball game.

tarheel, you wrote:You hit the nail on the head, in my opinion. Consider how returns are to be handled. Most returns involve returning the purchase price less the shipping. If you think about how such an eBay listing would be handled, disappointed buyers could be easily screwed.

Anyway, my own opinion about the matter.