Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Here is as an example, an item I wished to report to ebay (one among several problem stamps on sale this week by the same dealer):
Syria , syrie 1st taxe, 1920 Yv.#4 , CV$1200, MH *
| Add to watch list
Seller : nortonalfa (550 ) 100% Positive feedback
here is a link, for the curious, but this is not just about this seller!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/291987316709?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
This listing has 2 problems, which when you looks at other items by this seller, seem to, to my eye, point to a recurrent pattern.
1. the referenced price indicated is WAY OFF the chart!
in Scott for example, this listing for MH is at $160. I did not have an Y&T to verify his price, but I am surprised by the spread.
2. The o/p is CLEARLY a fake, a very poorly done fake as well.
I had noticed similar possible issues with other stamps listed by this seller, operating out of the United Emirates, for some time. Mostly o/p issues, such as misaligned lines, characters, uneven sizes, etc...
And yet, it seems impossible to get ebay's attention, let alone to expect that they will take action. They purposely have made it virtually impossible to report.
Anyone else feeling like I do, that ebay is PROMOTING the sale of counterfeit merchandise?
And for this seller, anyone has a personal experience to report, positive or negative?
What can the philatelic community do with ebay?
rrr....
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I think it goes to far to say Ebay are "promoting" counterfeit stamp sales. They are not actively monitoring listings, but that would be impossible.
I would first contact the seller (via the Ask a Question link and not by some email address you have) and if no response report the item. Also list the item on the StampSmarter website.
Have you in fact reported the item using the Report Item link, under the category "Prohibited and restricted items"? Or does EBay do nothing about that?
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One that always amuses me is the number of Scott 2009 catalogue CDs on ebay. Obviously 99% are counterfeit copies, but ebay makes no attempt to remove them despite a "policy" of not selling counterfeit software. yes, i know the prices are all out of date, but the listings are still very useful. Presumably the profit from listing fees and sale fees overcomes their scruples
Merv
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Ebay lost all credibility when they disbanded the stamp forum because people were openly discussing the counterfeits Learned a lot from those discussions.
I do believe that they care less - they have never to my knowledge done anything about counterfeit stamps - only coach purses and other things that the manufacturers took them to task for.
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I don't think that ebay per se promotes counterfeit stamps, but I agree that they should be doing a better job contacting sellers that routinely advertised such stamps. Personally I've contacted the sellers themselves when the stamps reproduced does not matches the description and most of the time I get a heads up for noticing the error and a thanks for the seller. It would probably be a daunting job to screen all of the listings, maybe in the millions, but it would help if ebay was to take some input from buyers, then again this is mostly wishful thinking.
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eBay started as a collectors marketplace when Pierre wrote the initial program so his girlfriend could sell her Pez dispenser collectibles online. Once it became a corporation, it abandoned the collectibles marketplace as a finite market and went after the bigger market of consumer retail type junk. And they've been chasing Amazon's tail ever since.
It ticks me off when I am buying a unique old cover and their ad blasts "Last One!" It's like adding insult to injury. There was recently an article by eBay management telling eBay sellers to abandon the unique and to do more volume with new mass produced product... just like the 100 sellers with that same item!
Someone posted a good idea once. They said eBay should split in two... one side for the consumer junk and the other side called "Classic eBay" for collectibles with the old look and feel. Back when this was a community!
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Not sure what the heyday for ebay was but I did some buying and a little selling of stamps, coins and paper money in the late 90s. It was great. Tons of auctions of great material at low starting bids and low or no reserves. I stepped away for a little over 10 years and when I came back I didn't recognize it. Very sad.
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... one among several problem stamps on sale this week by the same dealer):
If this guy is shady ... well, crime doesn't pay him too well. His starting bid on everything is 99 cents, he had less then 20 sales last month, and probably averaged less then $25.
The stamp in question has had 3 bids ... and I'm winning with a bid of $2.25 !
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Impossible to contact the seller. Ebay Quote: "" We're sorry we couldn't find an answer for you. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of messages this seller receives, they are unable to respond to your specific question right now. We suggest reviewing the item again to see if your answer is in the seller's listing.""
ie: Mail box full due to too many messages...wonder why?!
Impossible to report it to ebay under the "Prohibited and restricted items". The ebay system gets you in a loop and never allows you to formulate your question.
I am curious why the APS never did protect its members interests by suing very publicly ebay, in court and in the court of public opinion! That alone would help me justify my membership! That would be a useful activity!
Whatever happened to the actions of the luxury brands against ebay on counterfeit merchandise, from fake Rolex watches, to Gucci Bags? Any one knows?
rrr...
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Whatever happened to the actions of the luxury brands against ebay on counterfeit merchandise, from fake Rolex watches, to Gucci Bags? Any one knows?
http://www.coincommunity.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=268606
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"I am curious why the APS never did protect its members interests by suing very publicly ebay, in court "
APS hasn't suffered any damages that could be remedied by a court. At most, individual members have, but these sales aren't material to eBay's revenue. They're a gnat's eyelash compared to other revenue they earn. eBay won't do anything unless a consortium of hobby associations could prove up fraud-based losses to unsuspecting buyers in the millions of dollars, and that's not going to happen.
The real remedy is education of buyers about the perils of the marketplace, and techniques for spotting fakes. What APS could possibly offer is a seminar about intelligent online purchasing.
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Well said, AP.
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"The real remedy is education of buyers about the perils of the marketplace, and techniques for spotting fakes. What APS could possibly offer is a seminar about intelligent online purchasing"
Agreed. Having ebay police everything is not realistic even if they wanted. It is just a mess to do since it cannot just be unilateral. The buyer has to accept responsibility too.
APS could offer a service to review ebay lot scans to make a determination to assist buyers.
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08:28:26am
" ... APS could offer a service to review ebay lot scans to make a determination to assist buyers. ..."
That reminds me of a few years ago when I was walking in the woods and came upon a huge sinkhole. It was deep and overgrown.
I am sure APS management would see an unbounded service that way, brambles and all.
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"... APS could offer a service to review ebay lot scans to make a determination to assist buyers ..."
If I could have a nickel for every time that somebody suggested something for the APS to do!
Obviously, this could not be offered just for eBay; instead, APS would have to agree to review every scan of every stamp that anybody offered for sale.
Where to begin?
Scans, uh, vary.
Expertizers who have access to the actual stamp - and fees in the tens of dollars - fail to agree.
And there are not enough expertizers to do that many reviews, whether of stamps or scans, for any kind of money.
And, speaking of money: Where's my nickel?
Cheers,
/s/ ikeyPikey
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A complex problem with a simple solution.
EBay must require a certificate for every stamp offered.
OK, that would put me out of business ... and every other stamp seller ... and not do much to encourage the hobby.
Actually, it might work for the rollex's and coach's of the world, if they issued a numbered certificate of authenticity with each sale. EBay and others could require the certificate with each resale. That would certainly hurt EBay's bottom line ... unless they accepted acknowledged knock-offs as well (and allowed the sale of counterfeit certificates). 
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"If I could have a nickel for every time that somebody suggested something for the APS to do!"
I would be willing to pay. People pay for sniping tools so why not pay for advice. In my case, I would just focus on some early US to help spot the ones to consider avoiding. I am not sure if it was this forum or not, but just looking for a quick opinion with 3 responses: appears genuine (low risk), medium risk, or run away.
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"APS could offer a service to review ebay lot scans to make a determination to assist buyers."
APS already provides such a service -- it is called Quick I.D.
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When I looked at quick ID, it was described more an identification (like what country is this) but now seems to do more than that. I will give it a challenge.
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I submitted an image from an ebay lot that had suspicious perforations on two sides.
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I haven't used the service and will be interested in learning how your "test" turns out.
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Ebay makes it virtually impossible to report problem listings. When a seller disconnects his mailbox, it becomes insane, trying to get ebay's attention.
Here is as an example, an item I wished to report to ebay (one among several problem stamps on sale this week by the same dealer):
Syria , syrie 1st taxe, 1920 Yv.#4 , CV$1200, MH *
| Add to watch list
Seller : nortonalfa (550 ) 100% Positive feedback
here is a link, for the curious, but this is not just about this seller!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/291987316709?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
This listing has 2 problems, which when you looks at other items by this seller, seem to, to my eye, point to a recurrent pattern.
1. the referenced price indicated is WAY OFF the chart!
in Scott for example, this listing for MH is at $160. I did not have an Y&T to verify his price, but I am surprised by the spread.
2. The o/p is CLEARLY a fake, a very poorly done fake as well.
I had noticed similar possible issues with other stamps listed by this seller, operating out of the United Emirates, for some time. Mostly o/p issues, such as misaligned lines, characters, uneven sizes, etc...
And yet, it seems impossible to get ebay's attention, let alone to expect that they will take action. They purposely have made it virtually impossible to report.
Anyone else feeling like I do, that ebay is PROMOTING the sale of counterfeit merchandise?
And for this seller, anyone has a personal experience to report, positive or negative?
What can the philatelic community do with ebay?
rrr....
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Ebay promoting counterfeit stamp sales, by making it virtually impossible to report!
I think it goes to far to say Ebay are "promoting" counterfeit stamp sales. They are not actively monitoring listings, but that would be impossible.
I would first contact the seller (via the Ask a Question link and not by some email address you have) and if no response report the item. Also list the item on the StampSmarter website.
Have you in fact reported the item using the Report Item link, under the category "Prohibited and restricted items"? Or does EBay do nothing about that?
Login to Like
this post
re: Ebay promoting counterfeit stamp sales, by making it virtually impossible to report!
One that always amuses me is the number of Scott 2009 catalogue CDs on ebay. Obviously 99% are counterfeit copies, but ebay makes no attempt to remove them despite a "policy" of not selling counterfeit software. yes, i know the prices are all out of date, but the listings are still very useful. Presumably the profit from listing fees and sale fees overcomes their scruples
Merv
1 Member
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Login to Like.
07:11:14pm
re: Ebay promoting counterfeit stamp sales, by making it virtually impossible to report!
Ebay lost all credibility when they disbanded the stamp forum because people were openly discussing the counterfeits Learned a lot from those discussions.
I do believe that they care less - they have never to my knowledge done anything about counterfeit stamps - only coach purses and other things that the manufacturers took them to task for.
Login to Like
this post
Approvals
re: Ebay promoting counterfeit stamp sales, by making it virtually impossible to report!
I don't think that ebay per se promotes counterfeit stamps, but I agree that they should be doing a better job contacting sellers that routinely advertised such stamps. Personally I've contacted the sellers themselves when the stamps reproduced does not matches the description and most of the time I get a heads up for noticing the error and a thanks for the seller. It would probably be a daunting job to screen all of the listings, maybe in the millions, but it would help if ebay was to take some input from buyers, then again this is mostly wishful thinking.
Login to Like
this post
re: Ebay promoting counterfeit stamp sales, by making it virtually impossible to report!
eBay started as a collectors marketplace when Pierre wrote the initial program so his girlfriend could sell her Pez dispenser collectibles online. Once it became a corporation, it abandoned the collectibles marketplace as a finite market and went after the bigger market of consumer retail type junk. And they've been chasing Amazon's tail ever since.
It ticks me off when I am buying a unique old cover and their ad blasts "Last One!" It's like adding insult to injury. There was recently an article by eBay management telling eBay sellers to abandon the unique and to do more volume with new mass produced product... just like the 100 sellers with that same item!
Someone posted a good idea once. They said eBay should split in two... one side for the consumer junk and the other side called "Classic eBay" for collectibles with the old look and feel. Back when this was a community!
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08:45:31pm
re: Ebay promoting counterfeit stamp sales, by making it virtually impossible to report!
Not sure what the heyday for ebay was but I did some buying and a little selling of stamps, coins and paper money in the late 90s. It was great. Tons of auctions of great material at low starting bids and low or no reserves. I stepped away for a little over 10 years and when I came back I didn't recognize it. Very sad.
Login to Like
this post
re: Ebay promoting counterfeit stamp sales, by making it virtually impossible to report!
... one among several problem stamps on sale this week by the same dealer):
If this guy is shady ... well, crime doesn't pay him too well. His starting bid on everything is 99 cents, he had less then 20 sales last month, and probably averaged less then $25.
The stamp in question has had 3 bids ... and I'm winning with a bid of $2.25 !
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: Ebay promoting counterfeit stamp sales, by making it virtually impossible to report!
Impossible to contact the seller. Ebay Quote: "" We're sorry we couldn't find an answer for you. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of messages this seller receives, they are unable to respond to your specific question right now. We suggest reviewing the item again to see if your answer is in the seller's listing.""
ie: Mail box full due to too many messages...wonder why?!
Impossible to report it to ebay under the "Prohibited and restricted items". The ebay system gets you in a loop and never allows you to formulate your question.
I am curious why the APS never did protect its members interests by suing very publicly ebay, in court and in the court of public opinion! That alone would help me justify my membership! That would be a useful activity!
Whatever happened to the actions of the luxury brands against ebay on counterfeit merchandise, from fake Rolex watches, to Gucci Bags? Any one knows?
rrr...
Login to Like
this post
re: Ebay promoting counterfeit stamp sales, by making it virtually impossible to report!
Whatever happened to the actions of the luxury brands against ebay on counterfeit merchandise, from fake Rolex watches, to Gucci Bags? Any one knows?
http://www.coincommunity.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=268606
Login to Like
this post
11:15:33pm
re: Ebay promoting counterfeit stamp sales, by making it virtually impossible to report!
"I am curious why the APS never did protect its members interests by suing very publicly ebay, in court "
APS hasn't suffered any damages that could be remedied by a court. At most, individual members have, but these sales aren't material to eBay's revenue. They're a gnat's eyelash compared to other revenue they earn. eBay won't do anything unless a consortium of hobby associations could prove up fraud-based losses to unsuspecting buyers in the millions of dollars, and that's not going to happen.
The real remedy is education of buyers about the perils of the marketplace, and techniques for spotting fakes. What APS could possibly offer is a seminar about intelligent online purchasing.
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like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Ebay promoting counterfeit stamp sales, by making it virtually impossible to report!
Well said, AP.
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this post
re: Ebay promoting counterfeit stamp sales, by making it virtually impossible to report!
"The real remedy is education of buyers about the perils of the marketplace, and techniques for spotting fakes. What APS could possibly offer is a seminar about intelligent online purchasing"
Agreed. Having ebay police everything is not realistic even if they wanted. It is just a mess to do since it cannot just be unilateral. The buyer has to accept responsibility too.
APS could offer a service to review ebay lot scans to make a determination to assist buyers.
Login to Like
this post
Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
05 Jan 2017
08:28:26am
re: Ebay promoting counterfeit stamp sales, by making it virtually impossible to report!
" ... APS could offer a service to review ebay lot scans to make a determination to assist buyers. ..."
That reminds me of a few years ago when I was walking in the woods and came upon a huge sinkhole. It was deep and overgrown.
I am sure APS management would see an unbounded service that way, brambles and all.
Login to Like
this post
re: Ebay promoting counterfeit stamp sales, by making it virtually impossible to report!
"... APS could offer a service to review ebay lot scans to make a determination to assist buyers ..."
If I could have a nickel for every time that somebody suggested something for the APS to do!
Obviously, this could not be offered just for eBay; instead, APS would have to agree to review every scan of every stamp that anybody offered for sale.
Where to begin?
Scans, uh, vary.
Expertizers who have access to the actual stamp - and fees in the tens of dollars - fail to agree.
And there are not enough expertizers to do that many reviews, whether of stamps or scans, for any kind of money.
And, speaking of money: Where's my nickel?
Cheers,
/s/ ikeyPikey
Login to Like
this post
re: Ebay promoting counterfeit stamp sales, by making it virtually impossible to report!
A complex problem with a simple solution.
EBay must require a certificate for every stamp offered.
OK, that would put me out of business ... and every other stamp seller ... and not do much to encourage the hobby.
Actually, it might work for the rollex's and coach's of the world, if they issued a numbered certificate of authenticity with each sale. EBay and others could require the certificate with each resale. That would certainly hurt EBay's bottom line ... unless they accepted acknowledged knock-offs as well (and allowed the sale of counterfeit certificates).
Login to Like
this post
re: Ebay promoting counterfeit stamp sales, by making it virtually impossible to report!
"If I could have a nickel for every time that somebody suggested something for the APS to do!"
I would be willing to pay. People pay for sniping tools so why not pay for advice. In my case, I would just focus on some early US to help spot the ones to consider avoiding. I am not sure if it was this forum or not, but just looking for a quick opinion with 3 responses: appears genuine (low risk), medium risk, or run away.
Login to Like
this post
re: Ebay promoting counterfeit stamp sales, by making it virtually impossible to report!
"APS could offer a service to review ebay lot scans to make a determination to assist buyers."
APS already provides such a service -- it is called Quick I.D.
1 Member
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Login to Like.
re: Ebay promoting counterfeit stamp sales, by making it virtually impossible to report!
When I looked at quick ID, it was described more an identification (like what country is this) but now seems to do more than that. I will give it a challenge.
Login to Like
this post
re: Ebay promoting counterfeit stamp sales, by making it virtually impossible to report!
I submitted an image from an ebay lot that had suspicious perforations on two sides.
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this post
re: Ebay promoting counterfeit stamp sales, by making it virtually impossible to report!
I haven't used the service and will be interested in learning how your "test" turns out.
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