Ebay Seller Guide......

jfecme

The best way to start judging a seller of anything on E-Bay is to look at how much they've sold and READ THE FEEDBACK. Look for feedback that comments on the quality of the merchandise as well as how pleasant the guy was to deal with. At least, the feedback will give you an idea of how honorable or ethical the seller is in sending the merchandise as pictured, and whether or not the dealer has any real problems beyond "normal" customer gripes.

Also, send the dealer an email or two with questions that, properly answered, may shed some light on just how much he or she knows about bonsai.

They aren't all bad.

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Ralph

Midewestbonsai identified the biggest drawback towards finding good quality material on Ebay. Often the good material goes for way above what you will find of same quality material in bonsai nurseries.

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-Paul S.

midwestbonsai

Yes, and it is not always the sellers fault. If the seller starts the price and $1 and it goes for $150, who's fault is that. Not the seller thats for sure.
-Paul

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Joanie

Someone from our club bought a black pine from ebay, the seller had really talked the tree up. The photo was "not the one that you will receive, but yours can look like this soon". It was supposed to be a really good tree, but the price was EXTREMELY low. I think it was called a "sumo", or that was implied. If the tree was as the seller had stated, they would have been losing money big time.

When the "tree" came, it was just a seedling, with a little wisp of root. It died almost immediately. When the buyer wanted some satisfaction, the seller threatened that if she gave them negative feedback they would really go after her with negative feedback as well. So she gave them neutral, I think. She brought the dead tree to a meeting and showed us. It was terrible, weak and thin and spindly. However, the moral of the story is that if the price is way too low, beware. Even with good feedback, a seller (if they are one of the very, very few unscrupulous people) may be setting you up for a fall.

She should have turned them in. But it takes guts to go to ebay and complain, and she didn't have the fight in her.

Joanie

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JBMorrey

well...that's the kind of thing I want to avoid!! I've purchased and sold alot on Ebay...and all in all have been happy, I don't though like the idea of the seller waiting to see if you respond with positive feedback BEFORE giving the buyer(who has already fulfilled his obligation by paying) positive feedback. That happens to me all the time. I think Ebay should somehow fix that.....but then I'm getting off track of the subject at hand!!Sorry!

RonMartin(deceased)

Wen

Agreed, but we're dealing with supply and demand. Not all enthusiasts have the rich vein of local dealers, or even a single good local supplier that some have. Prices likely wouldn't be so high if more bonsai growers, potters, and suppliers listed. They have little to lose, especially if Paypal or escrow services are used.

I've heard a few artists say they don't want the hassle of packing and shipping, but all they'd have to do is take their wares to a pack-n-ship store and charge buyers the fees incurred. The people who really want what you have will pay the price.

pootsie

FWIW:
http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=29335

Perhaps we can sue eBay for crappy bonsai?

pootse

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Columbus Bonsai Society

CHEFDAVE

Wabi Sabi Bonsai Has The Best Pre Bonsai On The Market And His Shipping Is The Best He Specializes In Pines You Should Check Him Out..i Have Bought Thousands Of Dollers Of Stock From Him He Also Sells Trees No One Else Has..worth Looking In To !!!!!!!!!!!!!chef