Posted 13 years ago
Decogirl1
(9 items)
I have such a love/hate relationship with Ebay. I purchased this as on a whim because it really caught my eye. It was listed as an "original 1930s art-deco lamp" by an antique dealer with over 2500 positive feedbacks and a 12 year selling history. When I received it, there was a large sticker underneath describing it as a sarsaparilla reproduction, copyright 1985. The seller was happy to refund my money, but quickly re-listed it without clarifying or identifying its source. These are available for purchase on the internet in multiple colors, brand new, for pretty cheap. Once again, I learned the value of doing a little research before buying. A quick google search would have saved a lot of time and effort.
Ebay is a roller coaster. I have had more good experiences than bad though ! I also collect uranium glass.I am very partial to Houze slag glass.And lamps are a fav check out my items Deco .I think you'll especially like the smokers stand.
well lets just say every transaction is a learning experince. As a ebay seller I wouldn't want to go through the hassle of refunding and reshipping. Did leave feedback and mention this?
What drives me crazy on ebay is that every item is listed as rare ! I makes me crazy . I have have a few bad experiences on ebay but mostly good. I do always write seller to confirm my questions in case it is not what it should be . Items are getting less description now as no one wants to say they misrepresented it now they often just say Photo is description . Not good enough I make them answer or no bidding by me . Lesson well learned and haven't we all learned . Glad you got money back but rather disturbing that seller re listed without clarifying a Repro !
Thanks for sharing
I got taken by the same piece, only it didn't have a repro label. I had seen this piece online before, and really liked it. I bought it at an antiques show, it was outdoors and very bright, and my blacklight battery was going. There was some glow, but when I got it under the big light I could tell it wasn't what I thought it was. I keep it on my desk to remind me to pay close attention... A lesson learned. There's another piece out there that has been heavily reproduced, and that is a vaseline glass Clarks Teaberry Gum tray. They are very hard to tell, as the repro glows under the blacklight as well as the original.
My favorite is "Good vintage condition" This translates into many chips or fleabites in glass . That one has gotten me a couple of times.
I have on several occasions been in an "antique store", picked up an item, turned it over and saw a Garden Ridge or Dollar General price tag. I have had decent luck on ebay, but I dont spend much so if I get taken, its not a huge loss
Thank you for all of the replies!
Hedgewalker- I have also had more good experiences than bad-especially with uranium glass pieces.
rockersd- I have not left feedback yet- I'm waiting for my refund first. Also, not sure what to say exactly. I am disappointed that the seller did not notice the sticker
before listing. As a seller, I thoroughly inspect every item I sell.
PhilDavidAlexanderMorris- The same site that sells this lamp also sells repros of the planes. Those are all over Ebay for 2-3x the price. Do you have an original? Would love one of those, but may end up buying a repro.
Manikin- the "rare" thing gets me too, also "the only one on Ebay"
upstatenycollector- Now I'm seeing these pieces everywhere. Keeping a reminder on your desk is a good idea. Caveat emptor!
Hegdewalker- "good vintage condition" or "looks great for it's age" usually means it's pretty beat up :)
trgrubaugh- dollar store price tags? Ugh! Do you ever point it out to them?
Just curious- the seller relisting the item and failing to disclose it as a repro is really troubling. What type of feedback would you suggest leaving? What should I say? I would appreciate your thoughts. Thank you!
I would respectfully say just that in the feedback. Some bidders will not care but they need to realize they are buying a repo. If you are able to leave feedback at all. It should not be positive.