Yet Another Ebay Dilemma With A 146

[FranciscoFaro]

Hi!

 

This is my first post here on FPN, i've been reading the forum content for a while but only now came across with the need to post something.

 

I wanted to buy a modern version of the Montblanc 146 with no signs of use, and since i'm a student i have to buy it in second hand. I don't have any questions regarding the pen authethicity, however, i'm very concerned about what can go wrong, like losing all the money, or dont' receiving the pen. There are two pretty good deals on ebay for around 200 euros on pens with ~15 years, never used, with box and papers. The sellers have a rating of 108 with 100% satisfaction, and 3 with 0% satisfaction.

 

So the question is, how important is the seller ratings nowadays? By using PayPal and talking to the seller can i avoid losing money and a bad experience?

 

Regarding the pen, i've met with a seller some weeks ago and bought a platinum 146 with a broad nib. I disassembled, cleaned, realigned the nib and adjusted the ink flow, only to realise that the nib doesn't suit my dayly needs, so i sold it with some profit. I'm confident that i can fix minor problems by myself, but i'm really concerned abou beeing scammed XD

 

Thank you for your attention,

Best regards

[JonathanHarker]

eBay has buyer protection, so as long as you deal solely within the eBay platform, and use PayPal, you're golden.

[Uncial]

I personally wouldn't touch a seller with 0% feedback

[JonathanHarker]

I personally wouldn't touch a seller with 0% feedback

 

Me neither.

 

"Buy the seller" is the first rule of buying used pens, or anything else!

[james3paris]

 

So the question is, how important is the seller ratings nowadays? By using PayPal and talking to the seller can i avoid losing money and a bad experience?

 

 

I pay attention to it, but there are exceptions. Ebay only tracks the past 12 sales for sellers. For example, if I see 96.7%, I reviewed the feedback section. In this case, I found that the seller had 1 negative review over the past year, but they had hundreds of sales from previous years. I did look over those too. You just need to assess the situation.

[james3paris]

I personally wouldn't touch a seller with 0% feedback

I have. People have to begin somewhere. I have gotten really good deals.

[FranciscoFaro]

Thank you all for your answers.

 

I have. People have to begin somewhere. I have gotten really good deals.

 

 

That's what i thougt too, i guess that if i ask enough questions and ask for more pictures of the pen, then i'll be able to confirm if it's a legitimate seller and see if the pen is working well.

 

 

I pay attention to it, but there are exceptions. Ebay only tracks the past 12 sales for sellers. For example, if I see 96.7%, I reviewed the feedback section. In this case, I found that the seller had 1 negative review over the past year, but they had hundreds of sales from previous years. I did look over those too. You just need to assess the situation.

 

I didn't know that, thank you for the information!

 

 

Either way, i was contacted by a fellow FPN member, i've met him today and he sold me a brand new 146. The pen was repaired by Montblanc, all the pieces were replaced so i coulnd't be more happy about it. The pen is absolutly gorgeous, plus it's allways good to talk with a more experienced fountain pen collector which lives nearby, and stay away from ebay for a little bit longer.

[oneill]

eBay has buyer protection, so as long as you deal solely within the eBay platform, and use PayPal, you're golden.

My Wife is selling lots of Antiques and listed them to her satisfaction only to find the next day that EBAY had relisted them all including best offer which was not her intention, so whos goods are they I ask.