ebay question

[Mongo Mel]

HI,
I just had an interesting conversation on line about ebay and it got me thinking....
Whenever I've looked up a specific figure, most of the sellers were from the Far East. For what little I know, I've gotten the impression that these would probably be recasts and I'm not interested in those.
So how do you know whether it's an original or a recast without buying it?

What would you folks think of compiling a list of ebay sellers that won't deal in recasts? Is this feasible?
I think making a list of sellers that do sell recasts could be touchy to do. I mean what if someone was listed incorrectly? But a list of the good guys might be useful.
Of course it would have to be policed to make sure none of the "bad guys" were listed . Maybe have people submit sellers for review by a moderator before being listed?
It's something I think that people could use but nothing that I'd know enough about to contribute to.
Just curious...
Craig

 

[KeithP]

I kinda stopped searching ebay for just this reason.

I started to notice that the packaging shown in some of the photo's just didn't quite look like a Pegaso or VL package that I was familiar with. I thought this was pretty common with pirated products.

Keith

 

[Guy]

I've made many purchases through ebay and have never had a recast sent to me. I always make sure I read the seller's feedback before I post a bid and if there seems to be problems with this seller.........I back away from the sale. I also never post feedback until I have recieved the figure in the mail and have a chance to examine it......then I give the feedback about the seller and the transaction. I usually ignore the "buy-it-now" postings as these are just dealers or hobbyshops selling at retail and you can always find it cheaper. I am working on another Elite 70mm Mongol that I purchased on ebay for $11.50. If you watch your pricing you can make some really good buys on ebay.

 

[Pete_H]

Guy pretty much sums it up - do your research before even bidding. It seems that most recasters are selling out of Hong Kong and Singapore (one seller comes to mind. Once he claimed that a Poste Militaire was a resin casting of a Verlinden figure!). If the product looks suspicious in the picture and the description is questionable, then don't bid on it. The same can be said about someone's feedback. Would a list help? I don't think so. It's better to ask on forums like these than to start making up some sort of blacklist.

 

[Guy]

If anyone has a question about an item on ebay that they are thinking about bidding on, pm me about the item and give me the item number or the link. I look at ebay 2 to 3 times a day (only "New Items Listed) and I will be happy to give an opinion of the item. Another thing that Pete mentioned is, I now only buy from US sellers because of the pireting and recasting going on. I haven't seen any US sellers with pirate castings.

 

[Pete_H]

Guy,
I've seen US sellers hocking pirated copies of figures on eBay before. One that comes to mind was someone in Southern California selling resin recasts of Series 77 figures. It would seem that the best ways to avoid getting ripped off is to study the seller's feedback and ask questions (to the seller or other eBay buyers).

 

[kidney stone kid]

Craig- if it looks too good to be true, it's most probably a recast. If it's from SE Asia, it's probably a recast. As far as a "stay away from" list, no thanks. Sure as the sun sets in the west, it will go awry, and cause all sorts of bad feelings, and maybe worse. I know your intentions are well placed, and the idea does have it's merits, but, sooner or later, someone will screw it up, and all sorts of mud will be flung, names will be called, ill will spread, and a general brouhaha will ensue. Seen too much of it already.

I'm not afraid to give my opinion on a piece, just don't want it construed as anything other than an opinion.

How's the Drac bust coming along?

 

[Mongo Mel]

Hi fellas,
Thanks for the feedback.
I agree that a blacklist isn't the way to go (check my original post). I was just thinking about a list of sellers that people know don't sell recasts. Call it a "whitelist " :lol: .

Guy,
Thanks for the offer of help. I appreciate it. I've never yet had the guts to buy something from ebay for fear of getting ripped off. If I ever do screw up the courage, I'll take you up on your offer.

Kidney,
I have the Dracula bust cleaned up, primed and ready to go. All it really needed was to change the angle that he sat on the base. He seemed to be leaning too far forward (my opinion). So I ground out the base to a thin rim and sanded it down to the angle I thought looked better.
I've been making some good progress on my Adolph Galland bust for the past week and so I haven't put any paint on the Drac yet. Thanks for asking
Thanks again guys.
Craig

 

[yeo_64]

Craig,as a true-blue Singaporean,please allow me to apologise if the efforts of a few has tarnished the reputation of the many.Yes,there are a few unscrupulous individuals here that illegally recast stuff and pass it off as originals,and that has affected the reputable sellers as a result :angry: That said,not all here who post on eBay are disreputable.As Guy and the others have suggested,and I agree wholeheartedly with them,either contact them or post here,and let the rest of the guys help you decide whether to purchase or not. If you're able to give me the seller's particulars,I may even be able to do some local "intel" for you to help you decide ! HTH.Cheers.
Kenneth :lol:

 

[gforceman]

I was just inresting to know if there is an organisation where you can post names and adresses to of people who do pirate and recast models? I know it exists here in Belgium for software and dvd's, but what about models? After all, these guys are stealing, not only from the companies, but also from the artists working for the companies (sculptors, box art painters, etc...). Or do you think I'm overreacting?

Greatz,

Gino