Should I trust and Ebay seller with 335 comments and a postive feedback score of 99.4%???
I’d say look at the negative comments to see how recent they are, but otherwise I’d say go for it.
Ditto
A positive score of 99.4% out of 335 comments means that only 2 people (or 1 person with two purchases) were displeased out over three hundred souls. I think that’s pretty good! Can you deal with 335 people and not tick off a person or two? Neither can I! [:D]
If you are still in doubt read through the feedback comments and see if they seem heartfelt or grudgingly given. Words like “excellent”, “fantastic”, and “wonderful” along with some factual statements regarding the auction can clue you in. Read the two negatives, also. Are they from the same disgruntled soul? What were the circumstances?
Is the auction information vague and unprofessional? Or is it well written with the options clearly stated? What is the shipping cost? Does the seller invite questions or comments? Does this appear to be a business person or an individual out to make a quick buck off of you?
Following all this evaluating, follow your gut. If it feels bad, don’t do it! If you feel OK and believe the 300+ other people are genuinely happy with their winning bid, then jump in!
My [2c] worth!
Yes, check out the negatives. I have three on my 315 rating. One guy won two of my auctions (for non model railroad items), but did not pay for them. I left negatives on his ID after a month, and he retaliated with two on mine. Clearly nothing I did wrong.
The other negative I got could possibly be from a misunderstanding. After the auction ended, I never heard from this fellow either. After 30 days I posted a negative on his ID. He retaliated on mine. He said he never received my messages, and I certainly didn’t receive his. It was only the posting of the negative feedback on his ID that got some action. He did end up paying for the item, but the feeback we both posted could not be withdrawn. So those are the three that I have, and my rating is around the same percentage that you quoted.
Bob Boudreau
This is what it is…nobody on trains.com better bid on it[:p][:p]
http://cgi.ebay.com/N-Scale-Canadian-Pacific-GP7-Locomotive-NEW-DCC-Ready_W0QQitemZ6036709151QQcategoryZ19121QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I would say Go for it.
E-Bay is a crap shoot regardless of the rating. Buyer be ware!
I have made purchases from hobby shops over the years and had problems with the items not performing correctly and they would only say to call the manufacture of the equipment.
I know that it is not the same as an e-bay purchase and I did get the item but if it did not perform correctly and the shop would do nothing about it I still feel like I got ripped off and will never set foot in that shop again.
I buy on e-bay, both auctions and outright purchases and so far I have been lucky, no
problems, however I keep my purchases under $100.00 unless it is something that I just have to get.
No mater were you make a purchase unless you know the business that you are dealing with I would have to say that it is a crap-shoot.
The locomotive is also only $26.00…Is this a good deal for a Atlas GP-7 still in box??
Always check the negs just to be sure
There are some things I do when checking past posted feedbacks. I often check the date feedback was left and compare it to the auction ending date. This gives some indication of shipping speed (although some people don’t post feedback for weeks after getting the product - so I look for an average). I also check the feedbacks left by and for those that post negatives. It is amazing. There are some folks that have been involved in 15 transactions as a buyer and left 15 negative feedbacks to the sellers. I also check the reasons for the negatives, if any. I often see folks blasting shipping costs charged even though the listing clearly states what it is and similar things.