I sell and buy a few things on Ebay, usually to feed my passion for making models in various scales from waste materials. The Norman Motte and Bailey in the previous post is an example of one of my larger Ebay sales. That was based on one inch hardwood ply, and constructed of polystyrene, card, sand, manufactured flocks, paint and glue (PVA).
Every once in a while someone passes by my Ebay listings who doesn’t quite get what’s going on. They think that the £46 worth of finely detailed painted lead soldiers are included with the £2.50 model or believe that Scratch Built is some new multi national manufacturer. Sorry to disappoint you folks, but the lead soldiers are staying in the tin, and 'Scratch Built' means made at home. Well in my case, in the garage, with the up and over garage door open, and usually in the dead of winter while wrapped up in a scarf and a bobble hat.
And then there are expectations. Mine are quite low, as I recognise that no one is out to scam anyone, and even with the P&P (Shipping) there are highs and lows. What you gain with one transaction, you probably loose with another. Plus of course there’s your time, the costs associated with materials, Ebay fees, Paypal fees and postage. I cannot recall ever leaving poor feedback for a seller. No one held my hand while I made the bid, it was my choice. Even when the item does not meet my expectations, I can always make improvements or add something nice and sell it on. Or simply put it in a drawer and mark it down to experience.
I suppose that’s where a sense of proportionality comes in; I normally buy and sell low cost items. I’m not buying a £250,000 house or a £75,000 car so I can afford to keep my head. So why do others loose theirs over £3.99? They need to recognise what Scratch Built is, and understand that those fabulous figures that dress the model won’t be arriving in the box, maybe just maybe their expectations will be better placed. And, even after this explanation they still don’t get what’s going on then all I ask is 'please, please, please' email me before the end of the auction so I can explain it all over again. Bidding is their choice, I’m not holding their hand and no one is forcing them to decide how much (if anything) to bid. If they make that choice and are unhappy when they receive the item, then the buyer needs to analyse the choices that were made rather than proportion blame this end. And if after all of that they still don’t get it, then please, please, please don’t be a John. Drop me an email before leaving poor feedback, as we will work something out. It may not be exactly what they want but it will be a resolution.
Maybe this is where the British went wrong when they plundered Africa and other colonies. If you have the right things to sell, then Trade routes could have been opened without aggression. All that was needed was the right level of expectations, proportionality and interaction. Instead there was greed and a lack of proportionality with high expectations on the outcome. Expectations that were wholly one sided and failed to consider both the initial and long term interests of the other party.
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