ebay seller - probstein123

[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.

[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.

[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...

[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]

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.

[Sean1125]

Originally Posted by vintagetoppsguy

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

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by Sean1125

Useless piece of sh!t? What do you want me to say here, Sean?

Anybody in Rick's position that has been made aware of fraud going on within his auctions by the same consignor twice (each about a year apart) and does absolutely nothing about it is a piece of sh!t in my book. How would you characterize someone that allows that?

[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.

[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 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?

[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?

[glchen]

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.

Sean,

Can you see the actual ebay id's that bid so many times in this auction, and if so, can you (or Rick) out it?

[Sean1125]

Originally Posted by glchen

Sean,

Can you see the actual ebay id's that bid so many times in this auction, and if so, can you (or Rick) out it?

I can't see the ID's.

[Michael B]

It seems that Sean wants to defend Probstein and he is welcome to do that in my opinion. I would like to point out that it is not always shill bidding that is the issue. I pointed out a very glaring error/ intentionally incorrect listing with 5 days remaining in the auction and he did not change it. This despite the fact that he acknowledge the error. A, in my opinion, $1.00 Bill Russell baseball player signature slabbed by Please Suck Another / Don't Never Ask is listed as a Bill Russell Boston Celtics signature and sells for hundreds more than it is worth. The slabbers did nothing wrong as it was what appears to be a genuine Bill Russell signature. It was the ebay seller, who despite being informed of the error, made no attempt to correct the listing. You will notice in the thread I started that Sean limply attempts to defend him. The point is not that the item can be returned. The point is that it should not have happened in the first place.

http://net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=175031

[Sean1125]

Originally Posted by Michael B

It seems that Sean wants to defend Probstein and he is welcome to do that in my opinion. I would like to point out that it is not always shill bidding that is the issue. I pointed out a very glaring error/ intentionally incorrect listing with 5 days remaining in the auction and he did not change it. This despite the fact that he acknowledge the error. A, in my opinion, $1.00 Bill Russell baseball player signature slabbed by Please Suck Another / Don't Never Ask is listed as a Bill Russell Boston Celtics signature and sells for hundreds more than it is worth. The slabbers did nothing wrong as it was what appears to be a genuine Bill Russell signature. It was the ebay seller, who despite being informed of the error, made no attempt to correct the listing. You will notice in the thread I started that Sean limply attempts to defend him. The point is not that the item can be returned. The point is that it should not have happened in the first place.

http://net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=175031

What follows is not a defense for or of Rick. I would call it something I view as a flaw and a reason I am dissatisfied with some of the service I receive.

Rick is "too busy" for anything that isn't a multi thousand dollar piece. He would rather eat a return that will cause him to be out less money than if he spent the time not listing the higher end items he receives.

[slidekellyslide]

Originally Posted by Sean1125

What follows is not a defense for or of Rick. I would call it something I view as a flaw and a reason I am dissatisfied with some of the service I receive.

Rick is "too busy" for anything that isn't a multi thousand dollar piece. He would rather eat a return that will cause him to be out less money than if he spent the time not listing the higher end items he receives.

Dealing with a return is less hassle and time than fixing an auction title or description? This has not been my experience as a seller on ebay.

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by slidekellyslide

Dealing with a return is less hassle and time than fixing an auction title or description? This has not been my experience as a seller on ebay.

I don't sell nearly the volume I used to, but that's never been my experience either. I'm sure most sellers (high volume or not) would agree.

Besides, there is another side to this. What about the hassle of a return for the buyer?

[dgo71]

Originally Posted by Sean1125

Rick is "too busy" for anything that isn't a multi thousand dollar piece. He would rather eat a return that will cause him to be out less money than if he spent the time not listing the higher end items he receives.

This is the worst excuse a seller can use IMO. He chose to do what he does for a profession. If that means he spends extra time to do it the right way, then that's what he should do. If he doesn't want to be bothered with low end cards, then he shouldn't consign them.

A seller's first and foremost responsibility is customer service. Allowing fraudulent behavior, sending rude responses to potential buyers, ignoring glaring listing issues and giving buyers the runaround of having to deal with a return when the problem could've been fixed up front - none of those fall into the category of good customer service.

Der.ek Oue.llette

[mr2686]

I also have no dog in this fight, just relaying my experiences. I've purchased from Probstein several times in the past (not lately and always signed magazines) and actually got them for way below what I was willing to spend. I never felt like there was any shilling going on, but then again, if the shilling is going on from a few people that are selling through him, then maybe It didn't affect my purchases. If I ever felt like anyone I was trying to purchase from was shilling, I wouldn't be purchasing from them in the future. Buy from him, don't buy from him. You gotta do what you feel is right.

[Mr. Zipper]

Originally Posted by dgo71

This is the worst excuse a seller can use IMO. He chose to do what he does for a profession. If that means he spends extra time to do it the right way, then that's what he should do. If he doesn't want to be bothered with low end cards, then he shouldn't consign them.

A seller's first and foremost responsibility is customer service. Allowing fraudulent behavior, sending rude responses to potential buyers, ignoring glaring listing issues and giving buyers the runaround of having to deal with a return when the problem could've been fixed up front - none of those fall into the category of good customer service.

Der.ek Oue.llette

+1

I can't imagine telling a client, "I don't have time to pay attention to your issue, I'm busy dealing with much more important clients."

Over the years I have seen a number of provably bad items (like Autopens) offered by this seller and he has been notified. They never get taken down.

His business model is quite simple to replicate. It's a low rent auction house that undercuts "real" auction houses probably because he pays entry level workers to list, photograph and deal with the shipping. No in-house experts, no software licensing, no benefits... Stuff that established houses have to pay.

So, basically you are getting what you bargained for when dealing with him. Maybe a cheaper price. Definitely cut rate service.

[glchen]

Originally Posted by Sean1125

What follows is not a defense for or of Rick. I would call it something I view as a flaw and a reason I am dissatisfied with some of the service I receive.

Rick is "too busy" for anything that isn't a multi thousand dollar piece. He would rather eat a return that will cause him to be out less money than if he spent the time not listing the higher end items he receives.

i don't agree w/ some of the other posters who state that sellers have to be impeccable when running their business. Each seller like Rick (or PWCC) needs to make their own decision on what is justifiable for their time spent on it. It may make complete sense not to spend time on auctions that are only a few dollars. However, i think the shilling issue is different. Even if there is the so-called "benign neglect" going on, where the large consignors don't actively police their own auctions for shilling, this hurts their reputation. So it should still be worth their reputation to police these auctions that may have miniscule benefit to their bottom line.

[dgo71]

Originally Posted by glchen

i don't agree w/ some of the other posters who state that sellers have to be impeccable when running their business.

I think there's a big difference between being impeccable and treating each sale as important. To each his own, but in this day and age, dealers are a dime a dozen and I for one return to the ones who give me the impression that they appreciate my business. Buyers have too many options to have to deal with sellers who don't have time for them.

De.rek Oue.llette

[slidekellyslide]

Originally Posted by glchen

i don't agree w/ some of the other posters who state that sellers have to be impeccable when running their business. Each seller like Rick (or PWCC) needs to make their own decision on what is justifiable for their time spent on it. It may make complete sense not to spend time on auctions that are only a few dollars. However, i think the shilling issue is different. Even if there is the so-called "benign neglect" going on, where the large consignors don't actively police their own auctions for shilling, this hurts their reputation. So it should still be worth their reputation to police these auctions that may have miniscule benefit to their bottom line.

He was told with 5 or 6 days left in the auction for the Bill Russell autograph he was selling that it was the baseball player's auto and not the Celtics Hall of Fame basketball player which is how he had it listed....he responded that he concurred that it indeed was the baseball player, but he never changed the auction. You think that's justifiable?

[Michael B]

Originally Posted by Sean1125

What follows is not a defense for or of Rick. I would call it something I view as a flaw and a reason I am dissatisfied with some of the service I receive.

Rick is "too busy" for anything that isn't a multi thousand dollar piece. He would rather eat a return that will cause him to be out less money than if he spent the time not listing the higher end items he receives.

Sean - Sorry, but you fall down on this. In court we call this hearsay. You claim not to be his friend or have any other connection to him other than as a consignor. Yet you seem to infer that you are well versed on his business practices and know that he is "too busy" to change a listing due to monetary concerns. Mouthpiece??????

I can remove a listing in about one minute, yes sixty seconds. It also takes that amount of time to change the category and adjust the title. From what I viewed of his set up at The National, where I was also a table holder, it was not a sole proprietorship but a multi-person operation. I am sure one of his minions/employees could be charged with making a correction in a listing and it would cost him only a few dollars in salary paid to that person. Just speculation on my part (disclosure), but if I was running an operation that was listing hundreds or thousands of items each week on ebay my time would be better spent on other facets of the business rather than tappety tapping on the computer keyboard listing items. I am a much smaller operation and do all of the work myself.

I actually respect the fact that you wish to defend him. Sometimes the best defense is silence. For yourself or others. I ask you, can you put a price on integrity and reputation? As I said in the other thread and one of my sign posts on the road to happiness:

"INTEGRITY IS WHAT YOU DO WHEN NO ONE IS LOOKING!!!"

Mîçhæ£ ßöw£ß¥

[Sean1125]

Originally Posted by Michael B

Sean - Sorry, but you fall down on this. In court we call this hearsay. You claim not to be his friend or have any other connection to him other than as a consignor. Yet you seem to infer that you are well versed on his business practices and know that he is "too busy" to change a listing due to monetary concerns. Mouthpiece??????

I can remove a listing in about one minute, yes sixty seconds. It also takes that amount of time to change the category and adjust the title. From what I viewed of his set up at The National, where I was also a table holder, it was not a sole proprietorship but a multi-person operation. I am sure one of his minions/employees could be charged with making a correction in a listing and it would cost him only a few dollars in salary paid to that person. Just speculation on my part (disclosure), but if I was running an operation that was listing hundreds or thousands of items each week on ebay my time would be better spent on other facets of the business rather than tappety tapping on the computer keyboard listing items. I am a much smaller operation and do all of the work myself.

I actually respect the fact that you wish to defend him. Sometimes the best defense is silence. For yourself or others. I ask you, can you put a price on integrity and reputation? As I said in the other thread and one of my sign posts on the road to happiness:

"INTEGRITY IS WHAT YOU DO WHEN NO ONE IS LOOKING!!!"

Mîçhæ£ ßöw£ß¥

You are correct, it is nothing more than hearsay. But when he takes 4 months to actually list something and then doesn't even list it and ends up sending it back to me and it is several times the value of the auction in question - that is the determination I make.