From: Michael S. Nichols (m.s.nichols@comcast.net)
Date: Wed Nov 17 2004 - 11:41:20 PST
Hello from Atlanta GA 30306. Whilst restoring my MV a M151A2 that seems to
need just about everything, I have had the not so unique experience of
meeting and dealing with fellow hobbyists who also sell MV parts. Most are
good guys who stand behind what they sell, and want buyers to be satisfied
with their purchase. Every so often, however, I come across someone who has
something for sale, and they apparently have no clue as to what good open
fair dealings should be like. Case in point: buying anything sight unseen
over the web that is advertised to be in "NOS" or "remanufactured"
condition. Both of these descriptions do not include rusty, dented, used,
missing parts or damaged as part of their definition. Yet, I am amazed how
often I have seen items on EBay, with the picture showing one thing, and the
description stating "NOS in the crate"or "Depot remanufactured", telling me
something else.
Coleman's Surplus has NOS M151 hard top kits for $350.00. They have been
stored outside in Pa. for 12 years, and the shipping crates are "weathered".
They guarantee that the kits inside are perfect. Would you buy a kit from
them and expect it to be weathered or perfect? Would you want a picture of
the representative inside contents of such a weathered crate, or would you
take it on faith that all is NOS inside the mystery box? Before you answer,
keep in mind that truck shipping on the hardtop kit is $500.00 plus or
minus.
I have tried on several occasions to buy MV related items from folks on this
list, but before my money hits the table, I require a picture or two or
three to see what it is that I am buying. As you can imagine, some
vendors will not take and post a picture for folks to look at. It is their
Constitutional right if they do not want to. They also do not have to,
because too many of us will buy on faith that the item is not rusty, worn
out or other than how it is being hawked on the list. Although I have not
traded with Wayne Harris in Baxley GA, he seems to be a very straight up and
fair person in his descriptions of items for sale and posts good pictures
of whatever he is selling. As such, I have seen only excellent feedback
about him on the list .
My proposal to list buyers? Ask for and get pictures from the seller before
you buy. If they do not have a camera, or if the dog ate their camera, keep
this in mind before mailing a money order. I would wager that most vendors
do not buy their wares sight unseen. This means they visually inspect in
person or by picture what they buy before they purchase. They know what
they are buying and what they are selling. Pictures tell a great deal to
support a vendor's honest claims, or to show who is blowing smoke.
My proposal to sellers? Hey guys, spend a few bucks at Wal-Mart or the PX
and get a digital camera. Then, put a picture or two up on the list of what
you are selling, and coordinate your descriptions of condition of what you
are selling with the picture that you post. Also, you will save yourself
time and money by posting pictures, rather than pmailing back all us tire
kickers with a jpeg attachment.
Thanks for the bandwidth, fellow MV'ers.
Regards,
Mike Nichols
Member GA MVPA
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