Do you message eBayers to let them know what razors they have?

[THAW]

I do this quite often. About 4-5x a day generally. I see so many badly listed razors of good value. People will list an item like 'Gillette 3 piece razor'. I send them a message to let them know the name of their razor and sometimes years made/approx value. I don't like to see collectors buy to re-sell and in my mind it's always ME :angry: VS. THEM :drool: and I like helping regular people out and hoping they make some money. If someone has 100's of other items I might not message or if people have already bid and the seller can't change the title. Sometimes though I'll help someone out and look back and the person doesn't change anything. :confused1

[Biyiksiz]

I've often considered messaging sellers who list, say, a slim as a "fat boy" or a non-adjustable tto as an "adjustable." I usually never bother.

[GreekGuy]

Best case scenario: They sell for more money, making it harder to find deals and leading to people stripping antique stores dry.

Worst case scenario: You tell them their toggle is actually a tech and they get pissed.

Either way, its a lose-lose situation. I used to clue on sellers, till I realized it does far more harm than good

[ShaveMark]

Only if they list an Item wrong and then put a huge price on it. How can you ask a lot of money for something when you don't even have a clue what you have. I don't have enough free time to do it 4 to 5 times a day.

[cb91710]

Agree with GreekGuy.
Sellers don't care. They want to sell the item.
Even if they don't have a hundred other listings, they may still be dealers and have absolutely zero awareness of what they're selling.
And nobody, including ebay sellers, likes to be told that they're wrong.
They aren't going to pull their auction and relist it at a higher price or with a different description... eBay's fees would kill any extra money they might make, and....


You're ruining a truly good deal for someone who wants what they're selling.
eBay is generally overpriced (can't count the $35 Techs I've seen).

[xraygun]

Best case scenario: They sell for more money, making it harder to find deals and leading to people stripping antique stores dry.

Worst case scenario: You tell them their toggle is actually a tech and they get pissed.

Either way, its a lose-lose situation. I used to clue on sellers, till I realized it does far more harm than good
+1

No need to tell them how to spell gilete, gillete, gilette either.

[alex2363]

I used to, but if they actually are not describing right and I see it's a big non as described then i will.

[alex2363]

+1

No need to tell them how to spell gilete, gillete, gilette either.:001_tt2::wink2:

[ackvil]

I did just once.

One vendor had a Slim listed as a FB. I informed him of this and he wrote back and, in effect, told me it was none of my business! He managed to get $65 for it. But about three weeks later I saw what appeared to be the same razor from the same vendor re-listed as a Slim.

[KM-instructor]

Out of curiosity do the sellers email you telling you they made a mistake in their listed item?

[Slivovitz]

I did it a couple of times when I was fairly new to eBay, and also once pointed out to a seller that she had a Tech assembled with the bottom plate upside down. I don't bother any more, now that I realize how common these mistakes are. I don't have time to set myself up as the razor watchdog of eBay. I just hope that buyers are doing their homework.
As it happened, though, these particular sellers were very polite about being corrected. Each of them thanked me for the information, and one even changed the description in his listing. I had given links to the B&B wiki to help them verify the information.

After taking another look at the first post, perhaps I should clarify. My main reason for correcting a seller would be to help protect buyers. It's too bad if a seller lets a Double Ring fly under the radar because it was just an "old jillet razer" to him, but it was up to him to find out what he had, and learn how to spell it. My sympathy is more with the naive newbie buyer being persuaded that a super adjustable is a Fatboy, although there too he really should have done his research.

The case I mentioned above where the seller actually did correct his ad was kind of neutral. He had a Gem Micromatic listed as a Schick injector because it happened to be in a Schick box. I doubt if he'd get more money for one than the other.

[ras120]

I'm sure a lot of people really appreciate your efforts in helping to eliminate any and all opportunities to procure an "under the radar" bargain from eBay. :rolleyes:

[tnsplayer]

I agree with the others, it really is a lose lose situation most of the time. I had an ebayer chew me out and tell me to mind my own business when they listed a regular fatboy as a "Red Dot Toggle Fatboy D-1". Plus on the other end when people don't realize what they have, they either still get a price inline with the market or even more because everyone thinks they've found a hidden gem. Believe me there are lots of people who know what it is and will bid accordingly, the seller will be just fine.

[BBrad]

I've done it a few times with mixed results. I had a very nice exchange earlier this year when a seller (with very little experience) had an "adjustable" razor listed:



Just a friendly "heads up" to help you avoid an unhappy sale . . . The razor pictured (with Z3 date code) is a 1954 Flare-tip Super Speed - actually the first year and quarter of that particular razor's production. While it is not an adjustable razor, is is one that is quite popular with collectors since it performs well and is from early production for that particular model.

The case (and blade dispenser) is from a mid-1960's Slim Adjustable and is about ten years younger than the razor.

I hope this info helps you sell your item accurately . . . and maximize your return!

I received a nice reply:



Thank you so much for your help. As you probably noticed--my expertise in razors is limited and have gained most of my knowledge from other listings on Ebay. It was very kind of you to share info with me and I appreciate it very much. I have corrected my listing. Thanks again.

Usually it doesn't go that well. Telling someone that the $75 BIN listing they have posted with out-of-focus pictures as a Fat Boy is really a Tech worth $5 generally gets a much different response!! :ohmy:

[notsonewb]

I see so many badly listed razors of good value. People will list an item like 'Gillette 3 piece razor'. I send them a message to let them know the name of their razor and sometimes years made/approx value. I don't like to see collectors buy to re-sell and in my mind it's always ME :angry: VS. THEM :drool:
I really think your doing a dis-service to all of us drooling greedy collectors. If it wasn't for collectors, the razors would have no value. I guess it's a nice gesture to help an uninformed seller when they have a razor of value, since the seller has taken no time to get educated on an item they are selling. I personally would like to thank you for your efforts to make sure that your shave brothers have a harder time of finding values on ebay. Thanks.

The truth of the matter is your not really screwing the collectors, if there is a razor of real value on the bay, the collectors will find it and bid the appropriate value of the piece. Not much goes under the collectors radar . Truthfully I don't care about minty fatboys and common razors. I want rare razors as most collectors do. If there really is something rare collectors will bid it up to it's value. IMHO, What your really doing is screwing your fellow shave brothers and keeping them from scoring good deals on the bay.

[luvmysuper]

Lose - Lose

If you tell them their "Tech" is actually an Aristocrat - they jack up the price.
If you telll them their "Aristocrat" is actually a Tech - they get pissed and ignore you.

It is the responsibility of each seller on eBay to do a modicum of research if they expect to reap the proper benefits in profit. If they don't - it's their loss.
It is the responsibility of each buyer on eBay to do a modicum of research if they expect to pay a decent price for what they want. If they don't - it's their loss.

I don't feel any more obligated to tell a razor seller that he is selling a razor too cheaply than I do to the guy who is selling an "Inverted Jenny" in that gob of old stamps he has for 5 dollars.

From a perspective of B&B, I think we try to help out Noobs in the education department so that they don't get raked over the coals on eBay, but my personal opinion is that trying to protect people (buyer or seller) ON eBay itself is way beyond my or anyone elses scope of responsibility.

[Greg1911]

Agree re: the Lose/Lose

Besides, I scored my Rocket HD from one of those clowns that spelled the listing "Jillet Razer" or close to that. :lol:

[BigFoot]

Lose - Lose

If you tell them their "Tech" is actually an Aristocrat - they jack up the price.
If you telll them their "Aristocrat" is actually a Tech - they get pissed and ignore you.

It is the responsibility of each seller on eBay to do a modicum of research if they expect to reap the proper benefits in profit. If they don't - it's their loss.
It is the responsibility of each buyer on eBay to do a modicum of research if they expect to pay a decent price for what they want. If they don't - it's their loss.

I don't feel any more obligated to tell a razor seller that he is selling a razor too cheaply than I do to the guy who is selling an "Inverted Jenny" in that gob of old stamps he has for 5 dollars.

From a perspective of B&B, I think we try to help out Noobs in the education department so that they don't get raked over the coals on eBay, but my personal opinion is that trying to protect people (buyer or seller) ON eBay itself is way beyond my or anyone elses scope of responsibility.

Did you really find an "Inverted Jenny" for $5.00? :drool:

[rajagra]

I help out sellers of nice items by placing an early, low bid. Hopefully that's enough to let them know there is interest and they shouldn't be persuaded to switch to a low BIN.

[mmack66]

Nope.

[luvmysuper]

I help out sellers of nice items by placing an early, low bid. Hopefully that's enough to let them know there is interest and they shouldn't be persuaded to switch to a low BIN.

I usually just "help out" sellers on eBay by giving them approximately the amount of money they were asking for on items they are selling. :lol:


Did you really find an "Inverted Jenny" for $5.00?

I only wish my friend, I only wish. :w00t:

[mhdena]

I do this quite often. About 4-5x a day generally. :confused1

You should go to work for ebay, imagine how many other items are mis-listed.

[KcHighLife]

Best case scenario: They sell for more money, making it harder to find deals and leading to people stripping antique stores dry.

Worst case scenario: You tell them their toggle is actually a tech and they get pissed.

Either way, its a lose-lose situation. I used to clue on sellers, till I realized it does far more harm than good

+1

[KcHighLife]

+1

No need to tell them how to spell gilete, gillete, gilette either.
+2

[jrp316]

It's pretty much lose/lose IMHO; I might tell 'em what it actually was (i.e., a Fatboy listed as a Tech) after I buy it if I'm feeling smug. J/K

It's hard enough to find a bargain on eBay these days without ratting out the ones that are listed as such. Personally, I'm still waiting to find that bottom dial FB or a Toggle listed as a "Gillette Razor" with a $10 BIN.

[Marcoparis]

I do this quite often. About 4-5x a day generally. I see so many badly listed razors of good value. People will list an item like 'Gillette 3 piece razor'. I send them a message to let them know the name of their razor and sometimes years made/approx value. I don't like to see collectors buy to re-sell and in my mind it's always ME :angry: VS. THEM :drool: and I like helping regular people out and hoping they make some money. If someone has 100's of other items I might not message or if people have already bid and the seller can't change the title. Sometimes though I'll help someone out and look back and the person doesn't change anything. :confused1

What a bad attitude!
As a seller If you do'nt know nothing about an item: don't sell it untill you really know what you have or accept the bidding game!
Would you tell an Antique dealer (not very expert on shaving items) who ask 20$ for a mint "Toggle" that he his wrong and that the real price is 20 times more ?

[kingfisher]

I pretty much agree with everybody else. Leave it alone, for the most part. I don't think I'd ever send a message to correct a seller; certainly not if they underlisted an item!

[ackvil]

Did you really find an "Inverted Jenny" for $5.00? :drool:

Yep, and when I put it on a post card as a stamp they said it was not sufficient postage! :sad:

[Tom Krein]

Not me! I am hoping they DON'T know what they have!! :)

Tom

[rajagra]

The Me vs Them (collectors) attitude is childish.
Is it any more childish than Me vs Buyer, or Me vs Other Bidders?
Auctions are all about pitting your wits against others. But I think there's room for a balanced attitude.
In the past I've paid more than my winning bid, because I thought it was much too low. (Before the payment process was so automated.)
If I saw a rare item being sold by a charity I would certainly not stand back and see them lose out.

[Angry__Panda]

Lose - Lose

If you tell them their "Tech" is actually an Aristocrat - they jack up the price.
If you telll them their "Aristocrat" is actually a Tech - they get pissed and ignore you.

It is the responsibility of each seller on eBay to do a modicum of research if they expect to reap the proper benefits in profit. If they don't - it's their loss.
It is the responsibility of each buyer on eBay to do a modicum of research if they expect to pay a decent price for what they want. If they don't - it's their loss.

I don't feel any more obligated to tell a razor seller that he is selling a razor too cheaply than I do to the guy who is selling an "Inverted Jenny" in that gob of old stamps he has for 5 dollars.

From a perspective of B&B, I think we try to help out Noobs in the education department so that they don't get raked over the coals on eBay, but my personal opinion is that trying to protect people (buyer or seller) ON eBay itself is way beyond my or anyone elses scope of responsibility.

Right here, here at B&B we offer FREE help to any and everyone. If someone came on, registered, posted a picture of their razor on the safety razor forum, then wrote a post asking for help identifying it, they would get 50 responses in 30 minutes. Then the seller could look up other razors on the bay and price his/her item properly. I think what it boils down to is that these people just flip items, they don't care what they have, they are just greedy. This is why Superspeeds go for over 100 dollars (speaking of course of the post from just last week). Basically the fact that people put up Presidents listed as Superspeeds is just balancing out the greed. You messaging them ends up unbalancing the whole thing (kind of like Darth Vader being on the light side of the force, balance is not restored).

Also, like people said, a majority of collectors know their stuff (look at Amish ;) ). They see a Fatboy case and know it is actually a Red Dot case and then drive the price accordingly. So in the end I think a majority of auction end where they should be, and then there are of course auctions that are crazy stupid in either direction.

Just an example, I don't do ebay, but I run around to antique stores often. If I was at a store and saw a NOS Red Dot for sale for 5 dollars, I would buy it. I am sorry, but I am not going to tell this person what they have, I am not going to offer them 500 dollars for it (or whatever their market value is these days). Perhaps this makes me a bad person, but I am not going to turn around and make a profit, I am going to add it to my own personal collection and use it.

[notsonewb]

In the past I've paid more than my winning bid, because I thought it was much too low. (Before the payment process was so automated.)
If I saw a rare item being sold by a charity I would certainly not stand back and see them lose out.
Very Nobel of you and you should be commended for your actions. The OP isn't competing for the razor in his post. Though in a previous post the op brags about a 4.20 Fatboy he won ? To me is seems the OP doesn't mind getting a good price, but he doesn't like the idea of his shave brothers getting the deal.

[man00ver]

It's a free country, but I wouldn't do this, THAW. I happen to like razor collectors, which is why I come HERE to talk about razors (and read about other people's good scores, and post my own). On eBay, I try to limit my communications to the buying and selling of goods, and I don't chat there unless I'm interested in transacting.

[luvmysuper]

Right here, here at B&B we offer FREE help to any and everyone. If someone came on, registered, posted a picture of their razor on the safety razor forum, then wrote a post asking for help identifying it, they would get 50 responses in 30 minutes. Then the seller could look up other razors on the bay and price his/her item properly. I think what it boils down to is that these people just flip items, they don't care what they have, they are just greedy. This is why Superspeeds go for over 100 dollars (speaking of course of the post from just last week). Basically the fact that people put up Presidents listed as Superspeeds is just balancing out the greed. You messaging them ends up unbalancing the whole thing (kind of like Darth Vader being on the light side of the force, balance is not restored).

Also, like people said, a majority of collectors know their stuff (look at Amish ;) ). They see a Fatboy case and know it is actually a Red Dot case and then drive the price accordingly. So in the end I think a majority of auction end where they should be, and then there are of course auctions that are crazy stupid in either direction.

Just an example, I don't do ebay, but I run around to antique stores often. If I was at a store and saw a NOS Red Dot for sale for 5 dollars, I would buy it. I am sorry, but I am not going to tell this person what they have, I am not going to offer them 500 dollars for it (or whatever their market value is these days). Perhaps this makes me a bad person, but I am not going to turn around and make a profit, I am going to add it to my own personal collection and use it.

Valid points.
I was at an antique store 2 weeks ago and bought a President and a 1941 Ranger Tech for $2.00 each.
I don't feel bad about it because the guy also had a black handled Superspeed in a plastic Gem case that he was asking 30 dollars for. :confused1

[goatee]

i have on two occasions now pointed out that it was a slim they have for sale and not a fat boy.
mostly because they have 100% positive feedback and i dont want to see someone buy it and be pissed. i wont anymore tho..lose lose, like mentioned before.
i have a slim i thought was a fatboy, but was my fault.

[notsonewb]

Is it ok for the OP to buy a Fatboy at 4.20, knowing it is more valuable than that.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/140224-Green-stuff-on-Fatboy-handle?p=3490262&highlight=#post3490262

The me vs them (collectors) is stupid and childish. A collector will find the valuable pieces and drive the price to market value no matter how it's labeled. no matter where it's located. Most serious collectors search all worldwide ebay sites and others to find those rare razors. The damage that is being done by the OP is he basically is taking away the opportunities of our shave brothers to get a good deal on a user grade razor. Truthfully if it's a rare and collectible razor, a collector will win it and it will get market value.
It's Ironic that the OP feels it's ok for him to get a fatboy for 4.20 but wants to deprive his shave brothers of the same opportunity.

Shame on you. It's a very selfish sentiment.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/253404-What-did-you-pay-for-your-Gillette-Tech-razor(s)?p=3489383&highlight=#post3489383
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/252866-11.61-for-an-Aristocrat-a-good-price?p=3480257&highlight=#post3480257
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/251899-Just-got-a-Fat-Boy-for-4.20-using-BuyItNow-LOL!!!?p=3464402&highlight=#post3464402
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/250381-Just-got-a-Z2-super-speed-flare-tip!?p=3442028&highlight=#post3442028

Seems like the OP has had multiple good Luck scoring razors for great prices. Possibly taking advantage of some sellers. I'm curious how you choose a seller to educate and how do you choose a seller to take advantage of ?

[sam o'reilly]

All is fair in love and war.

[amishmotorboat]

Every time you buy one at an antique store, you're sending a message to the vendor. "Buy these when you find them, because they will sell"

[ThurstonHowellIII]

No, I would never do anything like that. If a seller doesnt properly identify a razor and sells a razor for less than its true value, thats his fault. Part of the fun of going through ebay is finding an undervalued and mis-identified razor. Ruining a good bargain for a fellow B+B'er by clueing in a seller is not a good thing to do.

I would suggest you stop trying to help out ebay sellers.

[Stubblefield]

I avoid the whole controversy by only buying new razors. And staying off eBay.

[xraygun]

I very often ask the sellers questions about condition. 90% of the time when the answer is "oh I don't know anything about razors, but yes there 'might' be some of the gold flaking off thanks" they DO NOT list our exchange under the Q&A section at the bottom of the listing.
LOSE LOSE LOSE.

I wish it was required that the questions be listed, so the BUYERS (who really should be our only concern) wouldn't miss out on a problem one of us caught that isn't being disclosed. As eloquently stated above, It's the seller's responsibility to know what they are selling and they would be welcome to come here and identify their treasures.

This all reminds me an exchange on Pawn Stars. Rick had a lady come in with a broach NOS in box. She said it was ugly, belonged to her grandmother, was just taking up space and could she get $200 for it. Now we all know this is TV and all, but Rick said no. He proceeds to explain to the lady that it's a Faberge spider pin and offers her $2000. You know what the seller said? No, not "thank you". She said, "how about $3000?"

LOSE LOSE LOSE.

[mattface]

I did it once. A seller who listed a WWI service set as being from WWII. They had it priced high, and it wasn't likely to sell at that price, but I did not advise them on price at all. The only reason I told them what they had, was because think it's an interesting bit of history, and I thought the seller might be interested to know it. They were appreciative. I doubt it made any difference in final selling price.

[BlkKnight]

I often msg a seller when they are mis-describing on their favour (Selling a Slim as a FatBoy etc). I never mention if it's in the buyers interest.

[cb91710]

Is it ok for the OP to buy a Fatboy at 4.20, knowing it is more valuable than that.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/140224-Green-stuff-on-Fatboy-handle?p=3490262&highlight=#post3490262

It's Ironic that the OP feels it's ok for him to get a fatboy for 4.20 but wants to deprive his shave brothers of the same opportunity.

Shame on you. It's a very selfish sentiment.
Busted, and I agree 100% that it's a selfish attitude.

Everyone wants a good deal, and to the OP, "us vs the collectors"?
No.... Collectors buy something to add to their collection. In 20 years will they sell something? Maybe, but most likely, his wife will sell it for what he told her he paid for it :scared: at his estate sale.

Dealers are the ones scrounging eBay for bargains and reselling for higher prices... not collectors.

[notsonewb]

Ruining a good bargain for a fellow B+B'er by clueing in a seller is not a good thing to do.

+1000

[hotreds]

To answer the original question: no

[doug1066]

No, I do not.

[DaneBramage]

I'm glad I found this thread!!!! I really need some help!!!

I found an H2 Adjustable Slim (if I researched correctly) that's from 1962. I have a ton of medical bills (Just had both hips replaced last year [not together BTW] and want to sell this on Evil Bay. It's definitely used and has the original case two loose blue blades and a 5 blade dispenser of "super stainless steel"l that says "The spoiler" on the rt. side. The plastic case is white bottom with clear top that says "Gillette" in raised letters on the outside. There's a gold plastic stick on "background" that appears to be for ornamentation only. There's also a pamphlet that shows how to get the best shave with the razor. I'll post a pic if it will help.

My questions are: Is my research correct? Do I need to clean and sanitize this instrument before I put it up for auction?

[PaulL]

I did just once.

One vendor had a Slim listed as a FB. I informed him of this and he wrote back and, in effect, told me it was none of my business! He managed to get $65 for it. But about three weeks later I saw what appeared to be the same razor from the same vendor re-listed as a Slim.

That sounds pretty typical!

[jrp316]

Pics would definitely help, but your description of the case at least puts it as a Slim case. Fatboys were out of production after 1960 when they were replaced by the Slim, so it sounds like you've got a Slim razor too. Slims are often confused with Fatboys on eBay and vice versa; both are Gillette adjustables and considered desirable razors. Sounds like your research is pretty accurate from here.

I wouldn't bother with cleaning/sterilizing much, if it all, unless it's really grungy or dirty looking. A bath in hot (not boiling) water and vinegar, about 8:1 ratio of water to vinegar, is what I use for cleaning mine. A brushing with a soft toothbrush will help get quite a bit of old shaving gunk off.

[cb91710]

A bath in hot (not boiling) water and vinegar, about 8:1 ratio of water to vinegar, is what I use for cleaning mine. A brushing with a soft toothbrush will help get quite a bit of old shaving gunk off.
Depending on the finish, vinegar is not the best thing.
It will strip plating.

[DaneBramage]

Here are some pics: So the questions are? What is a fair price to expect for this razor? Do I need to clean this razor before I put it up on EBay? I may have an opportunity to Autoclave it...

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t172/DaneBramage_RTR/Gilette%201962%20H2%20Adj%20Slim/1962GIlletteADJSLIMsafetyRazorrs024.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t172/DaneBramage_RTR/Gilette%201962%20H2%20Adj%20Slim/1962GIlletteADJSLIMsafetyRazorrs014.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t172/DaneBramage_RTR/Gilette%201962%20H2%20Adj%20Slim/1962GIlletteADJSLIMsafetyRazorrs017.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t172/DaneBramage_RTR/Gilette%201962%20H2%20Adj%20Slim/1962GIlletteADJSLIMsafetyRazorrs012.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t172/DaneBramage_RTR/Gilette%201962%20H2%20Adj%20Slim/1962GIlletteADJSLIMsafetyRazorrs011.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t172/DaneBramage_RTR/Gilette%201962%20H2%20Adj%20Slim/1962GIlletteADJSLIMsafetyRazorrs010.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t172/DaneBramage_RTR/Gilette%201962%20H2%20Adj%20Slim/1962GIlletteADJSLIMsafetyRazorrs008.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t172/DaneBramage_RTR/Gilette%201962%20H2%20Adj%20Slim/1962GIlletteADJSLIMsafetyRazorrsg015.jpg

[man00ver]

You don't HAVE TO clean it, DB... but shiny objects lure the magpies.

Just hit it with a little dish soap and a soft toothbrush. You can use a little mild metal polish (like Maas or Flitz) if you want, but be careful not to disturb the paint in the numbers.

[DaneBramage]

Thanks man!! Now what should I expect to get for it?

[proxymoron]

Wow. Imagine all the good you could do if you took all that time and volunteered in an orphanage instead.

[DBlair]

I have contacted sellers a number of times, but usually to shed light on the possible misrepresentation of a Slim as a Fat Boy-- something that seems all too common on eBay.

In some cases, the sellers seem genuinely thankful as they don't want to be perceived as misrepresenting the item. Other times, I get the strong vibe that they are listing as a FB (rather than accurately as a Slim) on purpose in order to make more money-- a few have all but admitted to that practice, which kind of bothers me.

As a businessman (with a previous background in sales), I appreciate creative and skilled sales techniques, but I'm not ok with someone flat out deceiving a buyer, telling them they are buying A and then sending them B. This is extremely problematic for a number of reasons.

[man00ver]

Thanks man!! Now what should I expect to get for it?

If it's mechanically sound, it should fetch a good price, since the case is in very nice shape and the instructions are included. Those are not the correct blades, but they're close enough (and pretty desirable themselves). I'd guess it might end up at $35 or more before shipping, but anything can happen at auction.

Make sure it opens smoothly (take pictures of it open) and closes tightly. Also make sure the adjuster wheel clicks on all the settings, and watch the side profile of the head to make sure the gap widens and narrows appropriately. Picture any flaws (such as the little brassing in your last photo above) and mention them in your description.

BTW, the Slim Adjustable is a good shaver. If you haven't used one before, you should consider trying it out. You might want to keep it for yourself.

[DaneBramage]

I have contacted sellers a number of times, but usually to shed light on the possible misrepresentation of a Slim as a Fat Boy-- something that seems all too common on eBay.

In some cases, the sellers seem genuinely thankful as they don't want to be perceived as misrepresenting the item. Other times, I get the strong vibe that they are listing as a FB (rather than accurately as a Slim) on purpose in order to make more money-- a few have all but admitted to that practice, which kind of bothers me.

As a businessman (with a previous background in sales), I appreciate creative and skilled sales techniques, but I'm not ok with someone flat out deceiving a buyer, telling them they are buying A and then sending them B. This is extremely problematic for a number of reasons.

It's downright dishonest. And that's why I came here to get help. So this razor is an adj slim with the H2 date 2nd Q of 1962. Thanks to all who have been of help. I guess it's considered rude when I ask the value of this razor. I apologize for that.

[DaneBramage]

If it's mechanically sound, it should fetch a good price, since the case is in very nice shape and the instructions are included. Those are not the correct blades, but they're close enough (and pretty desirable themselves). I'd guess it might end up at $35 or more before shipping, but anything can happen at auction.

Make sure it opens smoothly (take pictures of it open) and closes tightly. Also make sure the adjuster wheel clicks on all the settings, and watch the side profile of the head to make sure the gap widens and narrows appropriately. Picture any flaws (such as the little brassing in your last photo above) and mention them in your description.

BTW, the Slim Adjustable is a good shaver. If you haven't used one before, you should consider trying it out. You might want to keep it for yourself.

Thank You sir for your kindness. It is a rather neat machine. The delicate movement of the "base" is impressive. I currently use a multibladed machine that vibrates. I get a pretty close shave from it. I usually use an electric on my bald head. I have in the past when I could afford it, gotten a real hot towel shave at the barber (We actually have several here) with a straight razor. Nothing can even come close to that. Again thank you for your time.

[rajagra]

I've contacted the seller of a strange barber shop item to let him know it may be dangerously radioactive. There seem to be two people in a bidding war for it... :ohmy:

[binowatch]

Only once after making an initial ebay deal and finding the seller lived only a few minutes from me. It turned out her Dad collected razors and was in very poor health and they needed the money. I went over and bought the rest I wanted from her in a face to face deal. It worked out well for all. Generally, I do not recommend going outside of the Bay-it is a good way to get burned.

[BBrad]

I've contacted the seller of a strange barber shop item to let him know it may be dangerously radioactive. There seem to be two people in a bidding war for it... :ohmy:

What??? :yikes:

[amishmotorboat]

Is it a barber bottle?

[edgerunner]

Lately I've contacted sellers with questions about razors and corrected them about not mentioning missing end caps, wrong year estimate on 1940's Aristocrats and the typical cracks on Old Type handles. They've all fixed their listings though. Usually, those sellers that don't know what they sell are the ones that don't provide useful or good quality photos.

[rajagra]

What??? :yikes:
Radium block.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/150675092136
"I bought this boxed item from a barbers market in France .The seller new nothing about it .I have asked some local French people and they say you rub the block on your head as a hair restorer ."

Radium is a million times more radioactive than uranium, and has a half-life of 1600 years. It was discovered by - and was responsible for the death of - Marie Curie.
When first discovered, it was put in many products as a miracle cure-all by quack doctors.
If the buyer is lucky this will be one of the fake, fake products that didn't contain any real radium.

I did get a response:
"this item is nor the one you suggest ; it was made by the radioum soap co in the early 1900s .I have had many suggestions as to what it wase made for and a bouldness cure is the most popoular coment regards"

[Go West Young Man]

I've messaged a few people to let them know that they had a mistake in their listing (one lady had a 1967 razor listed as being WWII vintage!), and to a person they all replied with profanity filled rants telling me to go take a leap. So now I just ignore them.

[Misunderstood]

oops, sorry

[Maher]

I've messaged a few people to let them know that they had a mistake in their listing (one lady had a 1967 razor listed as being WWII vintage!), and to a person they all replied with profanity filled rants telling me to go take a leap. So now I just ignore them.

+1, they don't take advise nicely, I don't bother anymore

[DBlair]

I've messaged a few people to let them know that they had a mistake in their listing (one lady had a 1967 razor listed as being WWII vintage!), and to a person they all replied with profanity filled rants telling me to go take a leap. So now I just ignore them.

LOL... It really is amazing how little some people know about history. As for the profanity-filled response, I too have received those and reading between the lines, they seem to all but admit to listing incorrectly to deceive buyers, which I find to be a big problem. That said, after a mix of responses and after realizing that it would be a full time job to correct all the misrepresented razors on eBay, I've kinda given up on that quest. :-/

[DaneBramage]

My hobby/passion is building scale military models from styrene kits. There are charlatans selling junk and bootleg resin cast copies. I do the same thing many of you do- I tell them they are wrong or are ripping people off. I get the same responses. The primary reason I came to this site was to learn about this razor so I can accurately and honestly sell the razor while making money from it. I honestly inherited this razor and I want it to go to a person who will treasure it.

[luvmysuper]

My hobby/passion is building scale military models from styrene kits. There are charlatans selling junk and bootleg resin cast copies. I do the same thing many of you do- I tell them they are wrong or are ripping people off. I get the same responses. The primary reason I came to this site was to learn about this razor so I can accurately and honestly sell the razor while making money from it. I honestly inherited this razor and I want it to go to a person who will treasure it.

Wet Shaving makes a pretty interesting hobby too.
Maybe give it a try yourself.

[DaneBramage]

Wet Shaving makes a pretty interesting hobby too.
Maybe give it a try yourself.
I am actually considering it. This is a neat site. You should try building a diorama of like a Sherman Tank Crew shaving (I might do that my self!!)

[alex2363]

here is a nice one to tell the seller....http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gillette-Bostontonian-Razor-Box-7-Blades-Blade-Box-/220837847822?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item336af6230e

Gillette Bostontonian Razor in Box 7 Blades & Blade Box
Item condition: Used
Price: US $89.99
Buy It NowBuy It Now
Best Offer:
Make OfferMake Offer


Add to Watch list

Shipping: FREE Expedited Shipping
| See all shipping details
Delivery:
Estimated between Sat. Oct. 22 and Mon. Oct. 24 help icon for Estimated delivery date - opens a layer
Returns:
30 days money back, buyer pays return shipping | Read return policy details