fittings and seller ratings

[Rickisan]

Guys,

This question is a little bit "Tosogu", and a bit "Ebay"...not quite sure where to post it, but I'm sure you will let me know if I have done anything wrong.

 

I'm getting interested in fittings...(Tsuba's at the moment) and have been looking around Ebay, and other auction sites. Have a Paypal set up and ready to go.

 

As I am new to Nihonto...I dont want to bug you guys about everything I see...and realize I need to do some homework / research as well. I guess I am up to around 12 books now, with Lethal Elagance being the only real fitting related book. Lurking the message boards is a daily thing for me also, trying to get educated.

 

I know most people give here give their humble opinions and advice freely, and are happy to do it. I also see peeps that only pop in when they want something, and dont try to do anything on their own.

 

The reason I am entertaining Ebay, is because of my meager starting budget.

 

Basically my question is for the people who purchase from Ebay. I've read many links and tips about buying there, just wondering...if the item looks ok, and the seller has 100% good feedback, do I have to worry?

 

Or is there a way for the scammers to fix a rating to make them look legit?

 

Very respectfully,

Rick

(formerly RikRookie)

[Brian]

Moved to this section as it is more suited.

 

Ratings can be artificially inflated and dealers can turn bad from once good.

eBay is a risk. Rather buy from sellers you know. There are a number of members here that sell there, and if you ask for something specific and give a budget, you will likely find something.

Milt also has a number of tsuba for sale in his photo album.

What are you looking for, and what is your budget?

This is a debate with no answer..but eBay and tsuba are very risky, and anything nice is spotted by 100 ppl before you, and don't think that because there are few bids, no-one saw it. They saw it..but had a reason for not bidding.

Many dealers have better deals off eBay if you ask around. The sword shows are also supposed to be a great place to buy at good prices. If I had one near me...that would be the route I would go.

 

Brian

[Rickisan]

Brian,

Thanks for the info...I will have to check out Milts stuff.

I finnally have the account up and going,(opened it in 2004 but never used it) but with no score, some people wont even take a bid, or let you contact a seller. Weird...

I added some cash to the Paypal account, but have never used it either, still checking into linking it to my ebay.

Is using Paypal painless?

Thanks,

Rick

[Brian]

Paypal is generally easy to use and reliable. Also accepted more and more. You should have access to it if you plan on buying anything (especially from Japan)

My feelings on it are a little less enthusiastic, coming from a country that is allowed to send payments, but not accept them. And the old timers like me that got in early and are still able to accept payments cannot withdraw them, only spend them :?

But that shouldn't worry you folks in other countries.

 

Brian