Extremely Rare Dunhill.... or not....
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Good question. In my case I would, and have, contacted sellers who have mislisted pipes to their disadvantage, and told them what they have and how to better list it. One was so grateful that he actually sent me a very nice pipe as a thank you! If the seller cannot be taught, than that's on the seller, and I've gotten a few stellar deals with no regrets as a result.
We love to share about what a wonderful community this is. Taking advantage of others doesn't fit into that description.
I wouldn't feel bad about buying an undervalued pipe these days because anyone with the resources to put something on ebay also had the resources to google the average value of similar items, they just didn't care enough to do the leg work.
On the other hand, an obviously brand new employee at my B&M tried to tell me a Dunhill they had was $65, and the $650 listed on the price tag was just a typo. I told him to go ask his boss before he sold me a Dunnie for $65. The real question is, did I do this out of altruism, or rational self-interest? I'd say self-interest. I try to be a good person, but I also have a vested interest in maintaining a good relationship with my B&M, and that is worth more to me than getting an insane deal on a pricey pipe.
On the other hand, an obviously brand new employee at my B&M tried to tell me a Dunhill they had was $65, and the $650 listed on the price tag was just a typo. I told him to go ask his boss before he sold me a Dunnie for $65. The real question is, did I do this out of altruism, or rational self-interest? I'd say self-interest. I try to be a good person, but I also have a vested interest in maintaining a good relationship with my B&M, and that is worth more to me than getting an insane deal on a pricey pipe.
I agree with that statement entirely, and although it is admirable to contact a seller as you did, I'm not sure I would classify making a purchase for the stated asking price as taking advantage of others. But I suppose it’s a fine line, depending on the amount involved.
Very good point. Especially in the case of a highly experienced eBay seller.
On the flip side, communication with this rookie seller was very refreshing! This was listed as a GBD 9438 New Standard. But the photos showed only the 9438 was accurate. They had a number of pipes listed, so i asked if it was a mistake. She replied,no, she just listed as to how the deceased former owner had them identified. I suggested the current title, and she made the switch and thanked me for the input.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/283196906186?ul_noapp=true
https://www.ebay.com/itm/283196906186?ul_noapp=true
This was a first for me. I have alerted sellers to inaccurate listings perhaps a half dozen times in the past. Like Al's experience, those sellers were universally grateful that I saved them from the possible hassle of a return or worse, a bad review from a dissatisfied buyer.
I am a bit embarrassed to admit that I fell victim to a similarly inaccurate listing done time ago. As a member of the Chicago Pipe Collectors Club, I decided to obtain at least one pipe from each carver who has been an active member of our club, including Alex Florov, Kevin Arthur, Kirk Bosi, and Rad Davis. I was missing a Clarence Mickels. I finally saw one listed on eBay and it was cheap, so I jumped on it. I thought it was ironic that I found it in Russia. It was a Clarence, not a Clarence Mickels. Looking at the photos, it was obviously not a Clarence Mickels. I wrote the seller and concluded it was an innocent mistake and blames myself for my lack of due diligence, so I kept it.
Anyone need a featherweight Clarence? 8-)
I am a bit embarrassed to admit that I fell victim to a similarly inaccurate listing done time ago. As a member of the Chicago Pipe Collectors Club, I decided to obtain at least one pipe from each carver who has been an active member of our club, including Alex Florov, Kevin Arthur, Kirk Bosi, and Rad Davis. I was missing a Clarence Mickels. I finally saw one listed on eBay and it was cheap, so I jumped on it. I thought it was ironic that I found it in Russia. It was a Clarence, not a Clarence Mickels. Looking at the photos, it was obviously not a Clarence Mickels. I wrote the seller and concluded it was an innocent mistake and blames myself for my lack of due diligence, so I kept it.
Anyone need a featherweight Clarence? 8-)
BTW, I did eventually acquire a very nice Clarence Mickels from Nancy Reschke, the widow of our former club President.
I believe the seller is a scumbag. She has been presented with evidence that shows her pipe is not a Dunhill. Her still listing it as a Dunhill means she could care less about deceiving the uninitiated.
Jesse, too freaking funny, great post.
Jesse, too freaking funny, great post.
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