Anyone had dealings with this Ebayer?

[Guest Aristeas]

Anyone here done businesst with this delaer?

 

http://stores.ebay.com/World-Armor-Antique-DAIMYOU

 

World Armor Antique DAIMYOU

 

Thanks, Aristeas

[Yoshii]

Hi,

 

I have bought several items from this seller.

He is a reliable seller

Most of the time the description are accurate.

 

Jos Bonsel

[Marius]

Hi,

Most of the time the description are accurate.

 

I have bought from him as well. Honest and trustworthy. Arguably the best pictures around, high-res and disclosing all details. Description is usually the same "Edo period" and whenever he refers to a particular smith, he refers to the smith whose signature is on the sword and not necessarily to the real maker of the sword But he never guarantees the authenticity of the mei. Definitely on of the few "good guys" on eBay.

[Agudi]

Hi, I had dealing with him, he's all right, pretty accurate.

Cheers,

Radu

[Guest Aristeas]

Thanks Guys.

[Henry Stewart]

Dear Aristeas

 

I have just bought a complete Yoroi(suit of armour) from this gentleman at @£912.00gbp.

In his advert on ebay he stated in one sentence "the exact age is unknown it seems a old item." He was not more specific than that. Two sentences later he used the phrase "since it is an old item".He stated under emphasis by a change of colour "Full" suit. Yet the gloves are missing(something I didnt notice).

After I paid I sent him an email thinking I would like to know if he could be more precise so I asked him the age again. Back came the reply "It is a modern reproductioin". I immediately replied "you didnt mentiion the word modern or reproduction in your advert,youre advert was misleading.He replied by email saying he was sorry he had confused me but what he meant was it was an "old" reproductioin about 40 to 50 years.

Caveat Emptor; I have to look at my age and conclude 'theres no fool like an old fool'.

Still the asking price should have told me all,especially from Japan.

Make of this tale what you will.

[Marius]

In his advert on ebay he stated in one sentence "the exact age is unknown it seems a old item." He was not more specific than that. Two sentences later he used the phrase "since it is an old item". (...)

Make of this tale what you will.

 

Henry,

 

daimyou54eb posts the most detailed pictures on eBay (maybe only historian333 matches the level of detail in his pics). The description of all his (daimyoiu54eb) items is basically the same and means nothing more than: "I don't know what age, I don't know if gimei or not, look at the pics and decide for yourself". Also, I suppose there were NO gloves on his pictures.

 

I mean, eBay is full of shady dealers, but this one is honest. I have bought a cast iron tsuba once from another reputable eBay seller and I hold no grudge because everything was visible in the pictures. One really needs to know what one is buying. Bashing an honest dealer for one's own mistakes does not help this Forum's members to make the right choice when trying to buy something on eBay. Your story is a cautionary tale about hasty purchasing decisions. I guess it was worth posting it here so others can act in a more thoughtful manner.

[Guido]

Mariusz, although I'm the first to use the phrase "caveat emptor" (especially when it comes to dealings on eBay), daimyou54 is obviously misleading in his descriptions, and his photos never show flaws, damages or other negative aspects - that's for the buyer to find out after he receives the item. I've only dealt once with him, and returned the item because in his Yahoo!Japan auction he only showed the "glamour side" of the Koshirae I bought, but not the damage on the other side (and it wasn't mentioned in his description as well). Fortunately I was living in Japan at that time, and returning wasn't a problem, but I'd never deal with him again. Even on Yahoo!Japan, where people are *very* hesitant to leave negative feedback, he got quite a few, mine included. I guess that's why he's now selling abroad.

 

My opinion: stay away from him as far as you can!

[Marius]

daimyou54 is obviously misleading in his descriptions, and his photos never show flaws, damages or other negative aspects

 

Guido,

 

you are obviously more experienced than me and I have learned a tremendous amount from your articles and posts for which I am very grateful

 

But in this case here, allow me to defend the seller against your judgment...

 

I have never dealt with this seller on Yahoo Japan, so my experience is limited to his auctions on eBay. I have purchased twice from him (a naginata naoshi and a wakizashi). All the flaws of these two blades could be seen on the photos (one of the blades was gimei, which I knew from studying relevant posts on this Forum). I look regularly at his auctions and I see stuff shown in high-resolution, with all detail, including flaws. Swords are being shown on both sides, with close-ups of each area, the sheer number of pictures is amazing....

 

Might it be that he has improved since the time of his Japanese dealings?

[Brian]

Mariusz,

I have dealt with them before too, and the transaction was fairly ok. But make no mistake at all..they are a dumping ground of mediocre stuff that is excess to the Japanese market and easily won't sell there. No treasures, just the usual fair to low grade stuff that isn't worth trying to sell in Japan. Many dealers know full well that low stuff fetches more to us in the West than it does in Japan, and are cashing in. I find his pics are pretty good mostly, but easy to miss a flaw.

They are no better or worse than most of the dealers acting as clearing houses in Japan. You think they are going to list on eBay when there is a chance it would fly off the shelf in Japan?

 

Brian

[Henry Wilson]

"caveat emptor"

 

What does that mean?

[Marius]

I have dealt with them before too, and the transaction was fairly ok. But make no mistake at all..they are a dumping ground of mediocre stuff that is excess to the Japanese market and easily won't sell there. No treasures, just the usual fair to low grade stuff that isn't worth trying to sell in Japan. Many dealers know full well that low stuff fetches more to us in the West than it does in Japan, and are cashing in. I find his pics are pretty good mostly, but easy to miss a flaw.

They are no better or worse than most of the dealers acting as clearing houses in Japan. You think they are going to list on eBay when there is a chance it would fly off the shelf in Japan?

 

Brian,

 

I appreciate your remarks and I agree with them. I am not looking for treasures, to be sure ("If it looks to good to be true, than it is") Hence, my expectations are not too high. I don't mind the dealer making money with low grade stuff that nobody in Japan wants. I don't mind buying this from time to time.

 

What I expect from eBay sellers is: no misleading item description, no beautified or low-res or blurry pics, no b....it like "I know nothing about Japanese swords, but some expert told me this might be...."

 

I want a fair description, even if its only something along daimyou54eb's lines, I want high-res pics of every detail of the item sold. That is what I seem to get with this particular seller. What should I ask more? The topic of this thread has been whether this dealer is OK or not. IMHO he is, and if I choose to buy low grade swords, then it is my choice and that is fine unless someone sells me a sword full of undisclosed flaws.

 

Or is there anything else one should expect from dealers like him? Seriously, what could daimyou54eb do to be called an honest dealer? He is in the business of selling his stuff, he does not hide anything (does he? give me an example, please), he does not mention flaws explicitly like Danny has doen recently with his hagire sword, but he is not misrepresenting either. I mean, his buyers are not children, but grownups, so it is Caveat Emptor, even if we would all like sellers to shout loudly "this is a junk sword"...

 

My opinion is - he is OK, you can buy from him and you will not be ripped off (as long as you accept the item as what it is). Am I missing something?

[Marius]

"caveat emptor"

 

What does that mean?

 

Good question, Henry :-) It should be Caveat Vendor :lol:

[sencho]

Caveat Vendor.... yes!!!

 

Caveat Emptor.... "Let the buyer beware"

 

i.e. generally (these days) refers to private sales between two people.... you buy it at completely your own risk..... can't complain if it is piece of junk... unless it has been totally mis-represented, that is... otherwise legally speaking the onus is on the buyer to take all necessary precautions and due dilligence, to protect him/her self when buying said piece of junk..

 

cheers!

[Marius]

Caveat Vendor.... same thing!!!

 

What I meant, somewhat ironically, was that (eBay) sellers should beware lest they get a lot of negative publicity here on the NMB :D

[Henry Stewart]

Henry;

Caveat emptor = "let the buyer beware". It is generally a way of the vendor showing he/she accepts no responsibility for the article they are selling. You see it,you buy it,you take all the responsibility for buying it

Mariusz;

In this instance Aristeas asked a simple question which I answered. What happened is a chronological order of FACT all backed up by hard copy.all sequence dated. No opinions. There was one remark I made to him that I missed out, it was to the effect that I accept the sale as all I was looking for was a display stand.The real thing might have been nice but I am satisfied. He knows this.

At 71 yrs plus ,not in the best of health I am past bashing anyone I can assure you.

 

kind regards

 

Henry

[Marius]

Henry;

Caveat emptor = "let the buyer beware". It is generally a way of the vendor showing he/she accepts no responsibility for the article they are selling. You see it,you buy it,you take all the responsibility for buying it

Mariusz;

In this instance Aristeas asked a simple question which I answered. What happened is a chronological order of FACT all backed up by hard copy.all sequence dated. No opinions. There was one remark I made to him that I missed out, it was to the effect that I accept the sale as all I was looking for was a display stand.The real thing might have been nice but I am satisfied. He knows this.

At 71 yrs plus ,not in the best of health I am past bashing anyone I can assure you.

 

Henry,

 

point taken, you were not bashing anybody, just telling about facts about a transaction of yours. Please accept my apologies.

 

To make sure, I am not a spokesman for the dealers on eBay, and I know that we, the buyers who rely one eBay are ultimately very low in the nihonto food chain. It is just my sometimes contrarian spirit which led me to defending the dealers. Maybe I have voice my opinion too "loudly". Sorry about that.

[Guido]

"caveat emptor"

What does that mean?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caveat_emptor

[Henry Stewart]

Mariusz;

 

Accepted. Shall we consider all feathers blown,the ground all clean and move on to pastures new.

 

With kind regards

 

Henry

[James]

It looks like Guido's evil twin hacked into his account again... :D

[shan]

Hi,

I have just bought an item that was classified as the usual "its an Old thing" and " a high grade item" The item was not " a old thing" it was NEW and It was not "a high grade item" nor does it have "finely carved and inlay of silver" that is clear once in my hands.

The item is a New and Very very Badly made "Samurai koshirae" and the parts are of very very Extremely poor quality.

It does photograph well though.

I am sorry that i bought the item and will not buy again from this seller.

The responce was:

 

"Hello.

I feel sorry for your disapointment.

we will accept your returning the item.

Please send it by EMS Only (EMS is not a UK operating company)

We will refund you your payment.

Please afford for the tax and handling."

 

I guess this means ,In my translation,

Please Pay even more to send it back with a courier EMS who does not work from the UK,When we get it ,we will deduct the import taxes and customs handling charges and give you whats left from your original purchase price,Then we will sell it to another unsuspecting buyer!

It cost $200 of which $60 was shipping and non refundable (leaves $140) and the return costs by UK mail to Japan will be $70 (leaves $70)and the import costs in Japan may be (well if it was anything like i paid here for this item.)$80 so thats Minus $210. for a return of $60.

Why On Earth would i bother to send it back?

Just another Tricksy seller hiding behind the odd good deal and a very poor description and False Professed "lack of knowledge" IMHO.

I will not buy from the seller again.

I will admit they are polite and offered a sort of refund(if thats what you call it)

You would not believe how nasty this item is Close up.

regards

Shan

[Brian]

Shan,

How about a link to the auction? If it "cost $200 of which $60 was shipping" then the koshirae went for $140, which makes me think that a whole lot of viewers didn't see it as being very good in the first place? I don't think they are too out of line offering a refund less their expenses. You could always make a counter offer that you pay shipping one way, and they cover it the other way. EMS for the rest of the world is the most reliable method, and is trackable. I am sure if you have another secure postage method that can be insured and tracked, they would accept that.

Not saying they are right in this, but not conning you I think. I just think they have little knowledge themselves of what they are selling.

 

Brian

[shan]

Hi Brian,

I can understand your tact and yes, maybe the item did not sell for a vast amount, but then i do not know who is going to outbid me anyway,so until the hammer falls (so to speak) no one knows what the sale price will be.

I bid $350 on what i thought was a period piece or "an old finely carved ,high grade item" (even if tourist targetted).what i got was something knocked up in a sweat shop in thailand or Hong Kong around last week.(or similar)

I know its always a risk and i know the people who will say "you get what you pay for" and "caveat emptor" but we can only judge people by our own beliefs in whats right and ethical values.

If i were to sell 5 good items for every 1 clearly fake item,would that make me a good seller and reliable and honest? (no, it would make me cunning)

The seller has enough knowledge to put very high "buy it now" prices on the other items he sells as well as high starting bids so they are not "novices who know nothing" they just try to make you believe they are.

Its like i have always said.the sellers that Claim that they "Know nothing" about an item are not being totally honest.

In almost all cases they know exactly what they have for sale and exactly how to get the best price even if this involves inacurate descriptions.

It took my Wife (who knows and has no interest in my Nihonto) exactly 5 seconds to say "its modern isn`t it...... its not very well made..how much did you pay for it? (GULP!!! £20 dearest) well send it back its crap!!!.(i rest my Case,your honour)

It looked ok in the images, but the seller had it in hand and knew it was modern Junk.that in essance is my problem.

"its an old thing ,a high grade item ,finely carved,but look at th images an decide" does not work, as we all know judging by images is very hard to do,the metal looks different and the colours and detail we tend to make Excuses for.(must be the flash)

No IN MY opinion this seller is Knowledgable and if an item turns out to be complained about they offer return policies that are not advantagous to the buyer in the hopes that they wont bother to return the item.

After all its the sellers description that is incorrect here.........perhaps i should offer it up to a shinsa panel.

P.s with a feedback score of 14802 i would guess they know more than most do about Nihonto and related items

 

 

regards

shan

[sencho]

Shan,

 

Was this the 'tourist piece' koshirae that you spoke of previously?

 

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4390

 

cheers...

[pcfarrar]

I've had a few decent things from Daimyou54. I'm waiting for a tsuba to arrive from him at the moment. I paid on Sunday and the tsuba was in the post Monday. You can't fault his service. Any of his auctions that say "age unknown" are best avoided.

[shan]

I've had a few decent things from Daimyou54. I'm waiting for a tsuba to arrive from him at the moment. I paid on Sunday and the tsuba was in the post Monday. You can't fault his service. Any of his auctions that say "age unknown" are best avoided.

 

Porblem is its worded "age unknown but it is an old thing" which due to translation can mean anything.

Its too Tricksy for me.

On a good note the item was packaged brilliantly and the seller seems a nice person.I expect some of his deals are good and some are bad.

However i still believe that they know more than you give them credit for with that many traded items.

I am not opposed to tourist pieces if well made and from the late Edo or early Meiji but this is a yestedays buit item and badly done at that.

regards

Shan

[pcfarrar]

However i still believe that they know more than you give them credit for with that many traded items.

 

They are knowledgeable about armour. Not so much on swords, tsuba etc.

[dhusker]

I have been well pleased with my 2 purchases from this ebayer. The service is first rate as is their shipping. It took 4 days from Japan to my doorstep in Nebraska. The Fuchi Kashira were nice as was a tsuka. No, they are not great collector items but they suit my purpose. Incidentally, Takashi Hanamoto is a good communicator, his English is very good.

Just my 2c worth.

[b.hennick]

Unfortunately my experience was not a good one. I won a pair of menuki that turned out to be dirty reproductions. I asked to return them. I did send them back but he says that they never arrived. I emailed him several times in the end I just gave up on this as a loss to a bad vendor. I have not bought from him since. He does not get a recommendation from me at least not a good one.

[shan]

It’s as I have said already,

Does professing a lack of knowledge and slipping the odd few Bad deals amongst the odd good deals constitute a good or honorable seller?

I have to do another deal with the seller as I won another item from him.

If it turns up it will be a good deal (if as described and pictured)

Good or not that will be the last deal I do with them.

I don’t blame him for his professed lack of knowledge,that’s his safety net if a buyer does reject the item, but it does not take a rocket scientist to know an item is New (not old) and also very poorly made (not a High grade item).

He posts items fast and his communications are very good ,but ultimately I do not believe that he could stand in front of me a claim the item was “an old thing and a high grade item with fine carving” without looking nervous. IMHO.

However as he cannot defend himself I will just say that on this occasion I felt cheated but on the next deal(paid for and waiting)I may feel different.

shan