ProfessorFalken.com » eBay

Sometimes you can’t win

Richard — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 21:47:10 +0000

As most of you know, I sell antiques and collectibles on eBay. Recently I purchased a large collection of old soda bottles and have been slowly selling them. I have always prided myself in good customer service and good packing, often getting nice feedback on my packaging. I ship the bottles in 12x12x8 boxes (free from the post office), wrapped in about 5 layers of bubble wrap and, surrounded by packing peanuts. A few days ago someone left this feedback “Thx Richard; Soda bottles will fit in small boxes”. I wasn’t exactly sure what he was trying to say so, I emailed him. He replied basically stating: I was contributing to the high cost of postage by over packing my bottles. Huh?

I still pack them as always…

Save those Vol ticket stubs

Richard — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 12:47:25 +0000

Bidding on this 1939 UT vs Alabama ticket stub is at $202.50 and still going strong with 5 days left.

Update: Guess it wasn’t “still going strong”. It just sold for $202.50. Still quite a price for an old ticket stub.

Why can’t I be so lucky

Richard — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:31:11 +0000

72 year old woman uncovers rare baseball card in box of junk.

$57 Plastic Ice Scraper

Richard — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 03:07:30 +0000

More eBay evidence that we are not in a total recession. I realize it is old and has Chevrolet advertising on it. BUT, a $57 plastic ice scraper??? Someone wanted that ice scraper awfully bad.

Burger King Coffee Mugs

Richard — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 17:09:14 +0000

Good to see all areas of the economy are not struggling. This Burger King coffee mug just sold on eBay for $79.00. Produced by Anchor Hocking / Fire King (I believe the in the 70′s), these restaurant advertising mugs are much sought after in the collectible world. Burger King seems to be one of the most rare. Others are from A&W Root Beer, Burger Queen, Ponderosa Steak House, and of course the most common: McDonalds. A little research on Terapeak shows the Burger King mugs currently (past 90 days) selling in the range of $75 – 122.50. McDonalds mugs are currently selling in the range of $2 – 18, with some rare variations selling for as much as $217.50.

Locally the Blue Circle (unknown maker) mug is by far the most sought after. One is coming up for auction on January 10′th, I expect it to bring $60 – 100.

NTSA Seizures

Richard — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:18:21 +0000

Ever wonder what happens to all the dangerous scissors, Leatherman’s, and Swiss Army knives that get confiscated at airport security check points? Apparently, they end up on ebay.

It pays to be able to spell when selling on eBay

Richard — Fri, 30 May 2008 18:11:18 +0000

Just found an interesting auction on eBay for a Pat Summit basketball camp t-shirt. Sure enough on the shirt it says “Summit Basketball Mini Camp”. Problem is, Pat’s name is spelled Summitt. I highly doubt this shirt has anything to do with our beloved coach Pat.

Now the story behind this find. I once happened across a Pat Summitt bobblehead (this was the 2002 model, not the newer 2008 one) doll on eBay. Only, you guessed it: the person had spelled the name as Summit. To make a long story short, I was able to buy that bobblehead for $15 (plus $10 shipping). I immediately resold it (on eBay no less) for $150 (+shipping) simply by spelling the name right. Needless to say, I am constantly on the lookout for this common misspelling and actually did find it one other time. Unfortunately, only made about $60 on that find.

Now there is auctionbloopers.com, a site that searches specifically for misspelled listings on eBay. Definitely a new addition to my favorites list.

eBay local

admin — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 20:08:30 +0000

We’ve already talked about finding local bargains on craigslist. Did you know you can also narrow your eBay searches to local vendors. eBay map it does just that. A great way to hunt for bargains on items too large/expensive to ship.

Vintage glassware and the Magic Eraser

admin — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 23:14:57 +0000

As most of you who know me already know, I sell things on eBay. Some of the hottest selling items on eBay right now are vintage Pyrex pieces. Pyrexlover.com has an interesting article on cleaning vintage Pyrex with the new Mr Clean Magic Eraser. Seems it works very good in most situations and works equally well on many other vintage pieces. I have some old Jewel Tea I may test it on. If so, I will post the results.