ebay seller - probstein123

[jimjim]

Any experience with him before?

[jgmp123]

Yeah. He takes on consigned items from other individuals as well as selling some items himself.

I have purchased and sold many items to him and haven't had any issues, but know some here have...If you do a search, i'm sure it will turn up a thread or two.

Like this one... http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...t=probstein123

[jimjim]

Thanks. I was just wondering why his auctions consistently sell for significantly higher than other sellers auctions for the exact same items (ie. autographs). Just thought that was a bit strange. Thanks for the feedback.

[slidekellyslide]

Probably because there is rampant shilling going on in his auctions.

[Real or fake?]

I don't have a horse in this race and do not want to be part of the discussion. To those who accuse him of shilling, your accusations are noted. I have no way of knowing weather he does or not. Obviously if it goes on it's a terrible thing.

[btcarfagno]

Originally Posted by Real or fake?

Probstein123 sells more memorabillia than any one seller on ebay. Many collectors know this and look out for his auctions. Also each auction brings attention to his other items. I have bought from his auctions multiple times and watch them frequently and I don't notice a crazy increase in the prices he gets. He also works on small percentages; meaning he takes a small percentage of the sale price as a consignment fee, so shilling wouldn't help him that much. Do you have any evidence that this happens, or are you making random accusations?

If you do a search for probstein on this site, you will eventually come to an absolute clusterf*** of a thread that went into some fairly sordid detail as I recall regarding some fairly damning evidence on the card side. I don't think that the accusation is that he himself is doing the shilling, but rather is fairly knowledgeable that it is happening and is doing nothing at all about it.

I don't really have a dog in the fight. I give him a lot of credit for the business that he has built.

Tom C

[Plinvestments]

It's not so much he shilling but his consignors shilling up their own items.

Per.ry l.in

[gnaz01]

Originally Posted by Real or fake?

Probstein123 sells more memorabillia than any one seller on ebay. Many collectors know this and look out for his auctions. Also each auction brings attention to his other items. I have bought from his auctions multiple times and watch them frequently and I don't notice a crazy increase in the prices he gets. He also works on small percentages; meaning he takes a small percentage of the sale price as a consignment fee, so shilling wouldn't help him that much. Do you have any evidence that this happens, or are you making random accusations?

And your name is???? (rules of the forum)

[gnaz01]

Originally Posted by Plinvestments

It's not so much he shilling but his consignors shilling up their own items.

Again, and your name is????? Leon, am I wrong here???

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by Real or fake?

Do you have any evidence that this happens, or are you making random accusations?

Yes, I have evidence. Read post #39 in this thread. I laid it out pretty clearly...

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=174881

It's been pointed out to Rick several times that his consignors shill their items, yet he chooses to do nothing about it. He still lets them consign and he still lets them bid. How do you feel about that?

[keithsky]

I have looked at some of the bidders history on his auctions and have found many times the amount of bidders that have retracted there bids is amasing and high. Why Ebay even lets those bidders on is beyond me. Thought there was a limit on retractions before they kicked you off. Hum. keith janosky

[gregr2]

I've bid on some of his items but the prices usually went above what I was willing to pay.

[earlywynnfan]

Last (and only) item I've won from them, somebody made 15 bids in $2 increments.

[brewing]

Damn. It has been awhile since we've had a 123 thread.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Duluth Eskimo]

Originally Posted by Real or fake?

Probstein123 sells more memorabillia than any one seller on ebay. Many collectors know this and look out for his auctions. Also each auction brings attention to his other items. I have bought from his auctions multiple times and watch them frequently and I don't notice a crazy increase in the prices he gets. He also works on small percentages; meaning he takes a small percentage of the sale price as a consignment fee, so shilling wouldn't help him that much. Do you have any evidence that this happens, or are you making random accusations?

Are you kidding? You can't be serious if you have been on this forum for longer than ten minutes. It has pretty much been proven beyond a reasonable doubt more times than most members can keep straight.

I agree with previous posts about people putting their names in if you are going to side with an obvious shiller.

[parker1b2]

I never purchased anything from him, but have watched and bid on a few items but always go much higher then I would like to spend. Seems to have a few BIN that seem reasonable, but haven't pulled the trigger on anything.

[Sean1125]

Do these 86 fleers look shilled??

http://offer.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=380788247091
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1986-87-Flee...p2047675.l2557

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by Sean1125

Do these 86 fleers look shilled??

http://offer.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=380788247091
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1986-87-Flee...p2047675.l2557

The first link isn't working, but I would have to say yes on the second one. When an item has 80 bids and 47 of them are from the same person (with only 15 feedback), it's not a good thing - not to mention the 7 feedback bidder that bid 13 times.

[Sean1125]

Originally Posted by vintagetoppsguy

The first link isn't working, but I would have to say yes on the second one. When an item has 80 bids and 47 of them are from the same person (with only 15 feedback), it's not a good thing - not to mention the 7 feedback bidder that bid 13 times.

That was my set.

I placed no bids, had no one place a bid, nor did I care what it actually ended at as it is profit from a purchase.

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by Sean1125

That was my set.

I placed no bids, had no one place a bid, nor did I care what it actually ended at as it is profit from a purchase.

That lot may not have been shilled, but what about the ones that have been proven to be shilled? What about the whole Panky situation where he's been caught multiple times shilling his own consignments? Sean, why does Rick let him continue to consign? Don't you see anything wrong with that? You know Rick, please ask him.

[jimjim]

Originally Posted by Sean1125

That was my set.

I placed no bids, had no one place a bid, nor did I care what it actually ended at as it is profit from a purchase.

That means nothing. Just because you personally didn't shill the auction, doesn't mean it didn't happen. Probstein has skin in the game, so it is in his best interest to get the highest fee possible. Plus it shows possible future customers that he can get top dollar for items.

I bet that if you sold the same item yourself that you would have had a much lower selling price. And don't tell me it is because of return customers. I have been buying/selling on eBay for 14 years, and buyers purchase based on the item and price. Seller reputation only goes so far, in my opinion.

Ma.tt Wy.llie

[parker1b2]

Originally Posted by jimjim

And don't tell me it is because of return customers. I have been buying/selling on eBay for 14 years, and buyers purchase based on the item and price. Seller reputation only goes so far, in my opinion.

+1

[Leon]

Two choices for everyone in this thread. If your full name is not in your post then you need to put it. If you don't then I will tomorrow morning, per the rules...... Or you can edit your comments out. (If your comment was not any kind of an opinion then it's not mandatory)....Thanks

btw, this is the first I have seen of this thread. Believe it or not I don't read every single one. Folks can PM me for any anonymous issues on the board....and your PM will stay private....

[Shoeless Moe]

Originally Posted by Leon

Two choices for everyone in this thread. If your full name is not in your post then you need to put it. If you don't then I will tomorrow morning, per the rules...... Or you can edit your comments out. Thanks

btw, this is the first I have seen of this thread. Believe it or not I don't read every single one. Folks can PM me for any anonymous issues on the board....and your PM will stay private....

Just how many peasants do you own?

[RichardSimon]

From someone who only skimmed the last thread about Probstein but has read this one thoroughly,,, it seems there is a lot of smoke here and when there is a lot of smoke there is naturally a lot of fire.

[Sean1125]

Originally Posted by vintagetoppsguy

That lot may not have been shilled, but what about the ones that have been proven to be shilled? What about the whole Panky situation where he's been caught multiple times shilling his own consignments? Sean, why does Rick let him continue to consign? Don't you see anything wrong with that? You know Rick, please ask him.

Have you called and asked him? He posts his cell publicly.

[Sean1125]

Originally Posted by jimjim

That means nothing. Just because you personally didn't shill the auction, doesn't mean it didn't happen. Probstein has skin in the game, so it is in his best interest to get the highest fee possible. Plus it shows possible future customers that he can get top dollar for items.

I bet that if you sold the same item yourself that you would have had a much lower selling price. And don't tell me it is because of return customers. I have been buying/selling on eBay for 14 years, and buyers purchase based on the item and price. Seller reputation only goes so far, in my opinion.

So are you saying Probstein shills his own auctions or asks someone to shill his auctions for him?

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by Sean1125

Have you called and asked him? He posts his cell publicly.

I don't care to talk to that worthless piece of sh!t. His actions speak for themselves.

[Sean1125]

Originally Posted by vintagetoppsguy

I don't care to talk to that worthless piece of sh!t. His actions speak for themselves.

You just verified that an auction you thought was shilled... Was not...

[jimjim]

Originally Posted by Sean1125

So are you saying Probstein shills his own auctions or asks someone to shill his auctions for him?

No, I am not saying that. I am saying that he gets higher prices on his auctions for items than other sellers.

[Sean1125]

Originally Posted by jimjim

No, I am not saying that. I am saying that he gets higher prices on his auctions for items than other sellers.

I bet that if you sold the same item yourself that you would have had a much lower selling price. And don't tell me it is because of return customers. I have been buying/selling on eBay for 14 years, and buyers purchase based on the item and price. Seller reputation only goes so far, in my opinion.

So if return customers aren't the reason for that item selling for the price it did... What is it?

[slidekellyslide]

Anyone who doesn't believe there is rampant shilling in his auctions has their head in the sand. I don't care if it's him, the consignors or the boogey man...it's been obvious in many cases.

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by Sean1125

You just verified that an auction you thought was shilled... Was not...

It's been proven that Rick allows shilling on his auctions as it's been pointed out to him multiple times and he's done absolutely nothing about it. That is not an accusation, that is a fact. How can you set there and defend that or even do business with him for that matter?

[slidekellyslide]

Originally Posted by vintagetoppsguy

It's been proven that Rick allows shilling on his auctions as it's been pointed out to him multiple times and he's done absolutely nothing about it. That is not an accusation, that is a fact. How can you set there and defend that or even do business with him for that matter?

And how does he know that that auction wasn't shilled?

[Sean1125]

Originally Posted by vintagetoppsguy

It's been proven that Rick allows shilling on his auctions as it's been pointed out to him multiple times and he's done absolutely nothing about it. That is not an accusation, that is a fact. How can you set there and defend that or even do business with him for that matter?

I remember saying you had such good proof... I don't remember ever seeing it posted... Did I miss a thread?

[slidekellyslide]

Is Rick a personal friend of yours, Sean?

[Big Dave]

This almost seems like a Travis and TPAs thread.

[gnaz01]

Originally Posted by Sean1125

I remember saying you had such good proof... I don't remember ever seeing it posted... Did I miss a thread?

No, the threads are real Sean, they are on the card side

[Sean1125]

Originally Posted by slidekellyslide

Is Rick a personal friend of yours, Sean?

No he is not.

[Sean1125]

Originally Posted by Big Dave

This almost seems like a Travis and TPAs thread.

Please don't ever compare me to Travis. I have not once said I do not believe shilling has occurred in Rick's auctions. But your constant berating is unnecessary.

[Sean1125]

Originally Posted by gnaz01

No, the threads are real Sean, they are on the card side

Dave went far above and beyond saying he had 'hard evidence'. I can't find it in any of the threads.

[autograf]

And how could you not care what a lot sells for if it was profit from another deal.....if that's so, why wouldn't you just auction it yourself? 2+2=5 there.......

[Sean1125]

Originally Posted by autograf

And how could you not care what a lot sells for if it was profit from another deal.....if that's so, why wouldn't you just auction it yourself? 2+2=5 there.......

Money isn't the world. Items sell for what they sell. I view what I do as 'day trading' for cards. Win some lose some.

Because I fly around the country. It is much easier sending it to Rick, having him list it, pack it, ship it, and getting paid the next day regardless of if the auction is actually paid?

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by Sean1125

Did I miss a thread?

I guess you did. Here it is...

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=174881

See post #39. I laid out all the evidence and connected all the dots. Any questions?

[Sean1125]

Originally Posted by vintagetoppsguy

I guess you did. Here it is...

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=174881

See post #39. I laid out all the evidence and connected all the dots. Any questions?

That is not what I am referring to. I will reiterate, I have not once said I do not believe shilling has occurred in Rick's auctions. You went above and beyond this post saying you had proof that Rick had done something worse... For some reason the search function on my e-mail isn't working or I would pull the PM to get the exact wording.

[jhs5120]

Can someone show me the "hard evidence" of Panky still consigning and shilling with Rick?

[Sean1125]

Originally Posted by jhs5120

Can someone show me the "hard evidence" of Panky still consigning and shilling with Rick?

That would be what I am referring to.

[jhs5120]

Originally Posted by vintagetoppsguy

That lot may not have been shilled, but what about the ones that have been proven to be shilled? What about the whole Panky situation where he's been caught multiple times shilling his own consignments? Sean, why does Rick let him continue to consign? Don't you see anything wrong with that? You know Rick, please ask him.

I'm not defending Rick or blasting anyone here, I just want to know if there is any truth to this claim. If there is, I would like to see some sort of evidence to this claim. It is a fairly serious accusation.

[Sean1125]

I will make my stance clear since several members are misinterpreting it.

- I have no comment when it comes to shilling. I do not deny that it happened.
- I have not and will not ever shill my own auctions.
- The constant berating of Rick is unnecessary and uncalled for.
- The SUPER MAJORITY of auctions are fine. I do not see comments ever made on those.
- I have offered to e-mail Rick on anyone's behalf who believe an auction is being shilled. He will act accordingly if it is.
- When his name is mentioned in conversation and the first thing out of the persons mouth (actually happened today viewing an inventory), "oh so you shill your auctions?" It hurts. Not everyone is honest and I get grouped into them because of your comments.

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by jhs5120

Can someone show me the "hard evidence" of Panky still consigning and shilling with Rick?

Originally Posted by Sean1125

That would be what I am referring to.

This has already been discussed as well. But we can revisit is again. If you look at Probstein's stores, Panky's is "The GEM Collection."