I think that if you are buying from Ebay you need to be told just how much you are being conned out of for a comic. I have just been on Ebay which is now charging so much for a UK reprint Tarzan comic that I now consider it to no longer be worth looking on.
Take this for example: these are the original Gold Key Tarzan comics and I have to admit that I almost feel like going for these.
Look at the price: £3.25 +£1.40 p&p -£4.65.
Now look at these UK, later editions of the Gold Key comics Tarzan series and NOT as good a quality printing or binding but.....
£24.99 and £1.55 p&p. £26.54....for a UK reprint comic.
This, I will call with absolutely no trepidation as outright conning. PLEASE do not get conned. There is nothing special, "rare"/"ultra rare"/"Rare vintage" about these -the seller isn't even claiming that but is just openly trying to see what he can screw out of someone.
Also, I and many others have noted, if a comic isn't getting a high price (Tarzan or otherwise) suddenly an anonymous bidder steps in with a VERY high price. They usually win unless they pull in some sap. A week or so later those comics re-appear on Ebay from the same seller. YOU work it out.
I can only warn because I am a comic fan and I hate to see genuine comic fans or people trying to get into comics being conned.
Take this for example: these are the original Gold Key Tarzan comics and I have to admit that I almost feel like going for these.
Look at the price: £3.25 +£1.40 p&p -£4.65.
Now look at these UK, later editions of the Gold Key comics Tarzan series and NOT as good a quality printing or binding but.....
£24.99 and £1.55 p&p. £26.54....for a UK reprint comic.
This, I will call with absolutely no trepidation as outright conning. PLEASE do not get conned. There is nothing special, "rare"/"ultra rare"/"Rare vintage" about these -the seller isn't even claiming that but is just openly trying to see what he can screw out of someone.
Also, I and many others have noted, if a comic isn't getting a high price (Tarzan or otherwise) suddenly an anonymous bidder steps in with a VERY high price. They usually win unless they pull in some sap. A week or so later those comics re-appear on Ebay from the same seller. YOU work it out.
I can only warn because I am a comic fan and I hate to see genuine comic fans or people trying to get into comics being conned.
My only experience of buying a comic (or anything) on Ebay was when I saw a pile of 1960s Archie comics (I love those especially when they have, like these did, Dan DeCarlo art). There were about 25 comics all in good condition and 3 or 4 were specials (and all mid / late 1960s) and mixed titles. With 2 day to go the bid was only at £2 so I thought I’d try my luck so put in a bid of £4 and logged off and went out.
ReplyDeleteTo my surprise I got an email saying I had “won” (“won” is such a stupid reference to make you think you got a something for nothing, no I “bought” them ) the comics, so I dutifully emailed the seller my address and asked for his address so I could send him the money – 3 days later I get a reply but address not included, so I email back 2 more days later I get his address but with no town/city noted , I email again and address finally given 2 days later. I send out my money (it was a while ago) by cheque and recorded delivery the very next day but then I get an email from Ebay saying I got a poor “score” for non-payment and how awful I was etc – I contacted the seller with a “what the …!!!” email and no reply - the very next week he had his comics back on sale in 2 lots for £15 each “buy now”.
To be fair, as far as I know the cheque was never cashed but the letter was delivered (I checked) . More annoying was that Ebay wouldn’t listen to my side despite me sending all the emails asking for his address and copy of recorded delivery slip I sent out as soon as I got his address. So I probably will never get anything on Ebay again (I bought several books and some CDs on Amazon though and service was amazing) In summary I hate Ebay!
Ebay is created for crooks. I've had four items I've waited for (I always pay straight away with Paypal so I get all the legal stuff that I've paid etc). The item is despatched. The item hasn't turned up by its due date. Then I'm told "family crisis -sending it tomorrow" (each one gave that excuse). I tell them nothing has turned up. "Oh really. How strange. I'll contact the post office and put a claim in" -that has happened so often with Ebay that I am sure it's a fiddle the sellers use. Once -okay. Twice -coincidence. But, in one year, 8 times. No.
ReplyDeleteEbay goes by what the seller says and **** you. If you pay via Paypal the seller cannot pull a fast one. Ebay can't side with the seller and so lose their cut.
"Private Anonymous bidder" who bids a VERY large amount at the very outset....we've all cottoned on to that little seller trick. But seriously, a Gold Key Tarzan #1 in Good condition -£6. A not great printing Tarzan UK reprint of the US #89 -£40. These dealers are crooks.
Yes, I've noticed the same types on Amazon. They are intrinsic to the system. If they think they can grab a fast profit by conning the gullible, then they will. Some prices so, frankly, unbelievable, you just can't think how they believe they can get away with it. It's not just sheer brass they've got just trying it.
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