Aeclectic Tarot Forum - POLL: Buying and selling tarot decks on ebay

WolfyJames

01-11-2004, 00:39

I have bought many items on eBay, including a pretty cuckoo clock, but I've never managed to buy a deck there. Often, the prices are just too high, and it seems the sellers are not aware that with bidding, the prices will go even higher, it seems to me that auctions are not supposed to start at full price. I guess I got luckier here with trusty people selling good decks at good prices. I'm a poacher on eBay, I come at the last 30 seconds and take the items I want. I think that showing up earlier and bidding only increases attention on the item, and the price. As for selling, you need a credit card to sell on eBay, but I don't have one, which means I can't sell anything on eBay.

VGimlet

01-11-2004, 02:33

SELL a deck???? Like, take money for it and mail it away...<<shivers>>

I have bought decks on ebay - I generally don't go over what I think is too much money. I have been, overall, pleased with the decks I've found that way.

tabbycat

01-11-2004, 02:57

Bought LOTS of decks on eBay! And I've sold a few too, the ones I didn't like - the nasty Solleone, the horrible Motherpeace and even a 1JJ!

Jilly

rabble

01-11-2004, 03:38

I've bought two, and sold one.

Although one of the two I bought may very soon be listed for sale!

yve

01-11-2004, 06:00

Bought many decks on e-bay....but haven't wanted to part with any enough to list or sell them on e-bay

WolfSpirit

01-11-2004, 06:27

I have bought decks on ebay, a few years ago I bought quite a number, but now hardly ever. Over all I don't buy so much at the moment, and I am more particular. When I plan to buy a deck, I always check on ebay if there is a cheap copy available, but I don't hang around for months waiting for it, I just buy somewhere else if it's not cheaper on ebay.
And decks I did not want anymore I traded here at the forum. I like trading, it gives you the chance to try out decks and trade on if you're bored with them. But knowing that a deck comes from another member, already makes it kind of special.

Sulis

01-11-2004, 08:39

Bought a couple of decks on e-bay - never sold one though; I'd sooner trade here on AT.

Love

Sulis xx

Ruby7

01-11-2004, 08:51

I've had really good experiences on E-Bay.

I've sold three decks (Moongarden, Whimsical and Healing with the Fairies) and got almost 2/3 the value of each. I just did not like these decks and wanted to sell rather than trade.

Decks I have bought from E-Bay:

Renaissance set (Brian Williams)
Enchanted set (Zerner Farber)
Parrott Tarot
Irish Fairy Cards
Gypsy Fortune Telling set (Buckland)

Some items I have gotten really good deals on. The Irish Fairy Cards were $1.99 plus shipping which came to $8.50 U.S. The list price is $32.95 (U.S.) for this set. The Renaissance set I paid $13.00 CDN including shipping and this set retails for $50.00 CDN although Amazon does reduce it to $34.44 CDN. The Parrott Tarot I think I paid close to retail price but still under it including shipping. Enchanted set I paid $12.00 CDN including shipping list price for this one is $36.95 CDN.

Overall I have found that better deals are found on sets (ones that are in print) rather than individual decks.

Ruby7

Gerbear

01-11-2004, 08:53

I've won, perhaps, 250+ decks on ebay, or about half of my collection. Haven't had a reason to sell one yet.

mercenary30

01-11-2004, 08:57

I have won a number of decks off ebay. I have yet to sell a deck though. Mostly I gift away decks that I am not fond of.

ambermoon

01-11-2004, 10:06

I don't eBay, although I do have an account. I don't really enjoy the time you have to spend participating in an auction.

I think having the incredible resources of NYC at my doorstep has influenced my shopping habits. I'm so used to making a phone call or two, and stopping on my way home to pick it up.

I suppose if I were lusting after some rare decks that are only sold at auction, I'd have to deal with it. But, my tastes run toward modern decks in the Rider Waite tradition.

So, best of luck with your bids.

ambermoon

Majecot

01-11-2004, 10:28

I have bought a few on Ebay and sold a couple also.. I have bought and sold other things as well... my feedback does not reflect the true amount of shopping going on ;)

Emily

01-11-2004, 12:39

I've been to ebay but never registered - I like looking but would never bid on a deck of unknown origin - I prefer to trade on here :)

Mesara

01-11-2004, 13:03

Even thought Im not a registered ebay user, sometimes I will cruise the site looking for vintage or rare decks. One thing I have noticed is a lot of false advertising on several decks, being listed as *vintage* or *rare* when in fact they are easily found and bought through US Games or whatever. I don't think it is deliberate misrepresentation by the seller however, rather that these are either based on older, vintage decks or are simply newer editions, and the seller is unaware of the difference between these and the true vintage decks out there.

And I agree with others, that searching ebay is a very time consuming activity that I rarely have the time or patience for.

Ace

01-11-2004, 13:12

I have looked into e-bay, but I am not impressed with it. It just doesn't look like bargains. If I saw something exceptional, or I wanted to sell some stuff maybe. But I had a friend try to sell some stuff for me and it bombed.

If I had time to really study it, maybe. For now. forgeddaboutit!

Cariad

01-11-2004, 13:30

Overall experience on e-bay very good! Never sold anything but have bought two Tarot decks and a variety of other goods extremely pleased with quality and price. Always decide on my highest bid and try and stick with that!!!!!!!!!

I then check in a few minutes before the end of the auction to see where my bid is up to and whether I have been outbid and if I want to increase it! Depends how much I want something!

Very impressed Gerbear 250 decks!

Love B

Gerbear

01-11-2004, 14:22

Originally posted by Belly-B

Very impressed Gerbear 250 decks!

Love B

It's just a matter of bargain hunting, just like in the mall. There have a been a few 'must have' decks, but mostly I've waited for the bargain prices. If it goes above that, I wait until the next one comes around. Since a good deal of my collection is OOP, I've had to be patient, in order to get a deck below its original retail price. Being far (far, far, far....) from rich, it's the only way I can operate.

Cariad

01-11-2004, 14:43

Same here Gerbear! No money to waste so search around for the best bargains! c y on e-bay!

Love B

gareth.

01-11-2004, 15:17

Do you feel that the risk of getting second hand decks may influence readings?Its just a thought.If you simply want to collect packs (and I can think of people who do that ) thats okay.Maybe though there is a concern but Ill take advice!

April

01-11-2004, 15:19

I've purchased quite a few decks on Ebay, some too cheap to pass up. I like waiting a week for the auction to end. That gives me plenty of time to change my mind so I don't buy anything in the heat of the moment.

I've never sold anything only because I'm too lazy to take a trip to the post office.

Peace,
April

April

01-11-2004, 15:25

Originally posted by gareth.
Do you feel that the risk of getting second hand decks may influence readings?Its just a thought.If you simply want to collect packs (and I can think of people who do that ) thats okay.Maybe though there is a concern but Ill take advice!

Probably half of the decks I buy are second hand and it doesn't seem to affect my readings. Of course, I constantly have other people touching my decks. Not that I don't think that any object can carry a person's energy, but a quick cleansing might do the trick if I felt residual badness }) on a deck.

Peace,
April

xviiirkna

01-11-2004, 16:34

I've only ever had one problem with buying a second hand deck from eBay - the deck was so musty it smelled like it had been buried in a dank basement for 25 years. I tried all the helpful tips that I've ever seen offered up on various forums, but I think it's forever permeated with this smell. Still, I like the deck and don't want to toss it into the trash...so I store it double wrapped in zip lock freezer baggies so the condition doesn't spread. ;)

I love eBay and have gotten some super fantastic deals there. (not just Tarot) I don't scour the listings constantly, so I'm sure there's a lot of nifty 'Buy it Now' options that get grabbed up before I would have a chance to see them.

I've never had any problem with a seller either - I *always* check the feedback and if there's negative feedback that sounds like a legitimate complaint (rather than some crank customer just blowing up) then I just skip bidding on the item at all.

I've never sold on eBay, but my mom does sometimes and has been pleased with how the transactions went. (however for the sake of clarification, these were non-Tarot items)

Blessings,
Sally Anne

Ann7822

01-11-2004, 19:36

Recently "won" the Fairy Circle on eBay for $6. and am looking forward to its arrival!

Never have sold anything there, but thinking about it. I have, however, bought LOTS although this is my first tarot related purchase. I have never had any problems with any seller so far (in 3 yrs.)

Knock on wood.

Ann *S*

.... and yes, it is totally addictive. *sigh*

... 250 packs?? wow -

amyel

01-11-2004, 21:38

E-bay confuses me and every time I go there, I am so happy I have high speed cable.......

Gee Rusty - all your polls seem to tax my brain lately... :)

Shade

01-11-2004, 23:56

My power to restrain from buying on ebay has grown over the last few years. I have only ever purchased one tarot deck there, the PoMo and I got a very nice price for it.

These days people mainly seem to start the bidding at the price they want for the item which I find disappointing. There is also, I believe, a great deal of inflating of the prices of shipping.

Kit

02-11-2004, 02:16

To buy decks on e-bay, you must have a credit card. To have a credit card, you must have credit. To have credit, you must have money. :(
This is the only reason I don't buy on e-bay. It's not that I'm worried about security stuff with personal details or anything...
Raeven

April

03-11-2004, 13:13

Originally posted by Raeven
To buy decks on e-bay, you must have a credit card. To have a credit card, you must have credit. To have credit, you must have money. :(
This is the only reason I don't buy on e-bay. It's not that I'm worried about security stuff with personal details or anything...
Raeven

This is a common misconception. Not that I'm trying to encourage you to spend money, but my brother's friend was trying to tell me the same thing. My PayPal account transfers money directly from my checking account. I, as well, don't have a credit card. Also, there are some sellers who will take a personal checks or money order.

Peace,
April

WolfSpirit

03-11-2004, 13:35

April, I think this can only be done by people living in the USA. Or it would cost a lot in transferring the money from a bank account to a paypal account. At least, that is what I think.

Paperdoll

03-11-2004, 16:26

I have never had any problems with ebay. I have sold 4 decks but have never bought any.

Nec

06-11-2004, 03:54

Just checking for tarot decks from ebay is quite tempting, got to restraint myself!!!

jema

06-11-2004, 09:37

I've been "sniped" once. It was a heartbreaking experience.
Oh so close and then BAM - a sniper.
(I ended up getting the deck anyway thanks to a wonderful fellow aecletican though)

I don't think I would list a deck on e-bay though. I prefer to sell or give away my decks either to friends off-line or here on AT.

Shalott

06-11-2004, 21:30

I've bid but never won, the ones I'd be interested in are usually the historical ones that are WAY out of my price range. I've never listed a deck becuz, as someone who's found incredible bargains on eBay, I'm afraid I won't end up getting enough to make it worth the trouble. I've sold several through Amazon, though (as I have total control over the price!).

fyreflye

06-11-2004, 22:37

-delete-

NightWing

30-11-2004, 07:25

Gerbear

30-11-2004, 13:19

One way to keep from getting burned is to buy from established sellers. I mostly buy from sellers who are collectors themselves. If I venture away from this group, I check out their feedback record. When hundreds of transactions go smoothly with a seller, your chances of getting any problem resolved are very good. I have taken a few risks to get a certain deck, but do far my luck with them has held.

Lurea

30-11-2004, 23:22

I noticed on the poll that this group has a lot more buyers than sellers! :D

I agree with everything that has been said so far. You have to be very careful buying on eBay. So far I've bought lots of items, and three tarot decks there. Shipping is often inflated so I check before I bid, and if it's too much, no bid. I check feedback before I bid. I read the fine print of the listing. I set a price and don't bid past it. I 'poach', too--wait till the last few seconds then try to grab it. :) And if I have a problem, I email email email the seller and inform them that I will leave negative feedback if my problem is not addressed.

So far I've had no problems. *keeps fingers crossed* But-- I *definitely* see more inflated prices and shipping charges, more incorrect and misleading descriptions of Tarot cards than I have seen of the other things I've bought (mostly toys, books, and Lord of the Rings collectibles).

jlbvt

30-11-2004, 23:34

Perhaps I'm a rare case of someone who purchased a few decks on eBay, but got burned. What I mean is: the 9th auction I won was for an inexpensive deck which I paid for, but the deck never arrived. The seller was paid for the item and shipping via PayPal. The deck was supposedly mailed. It never came, and each time I contacted the seller, there was some reason he needed more time, had to check records, etc. The 90 day feedback period expired, and I never heard from him again. He didn't offer insurance. Try getting any attention from eBay for a $20.00 item! There was no proof the item was ever mailed at all. So the seller got his money, and I got zero.
The 7th auction I won wasn't quite as bad. The Grimaud deck arrived badly water damaged and totally useless, with a note from the post office saying they had "found" it in that condition. The seller claimed it was in mint condition. Again, eBay couldn't give a ----. I was out about $45.00. I can't imagine ever buying through eBay again. Their promises are hollow. It is NOT a safe way to purchase. I had 2 out of 9 transactions go awry. Not a good percentage. It left me wondering if their stats are false.

My fiancee just recently had a very bad experience selling something on Ebay- he sold something for about $100 and was paid immediately through Paypal. He then shipped the item, and the next day paypal took the money back!!!
Ebay (Paypal) said they are investigating the purchaser for using what they think is a stolen credit card. We got official word from paypal that we are SOL- out the $1OO with no recourse. I am so upset I don't know what to do.
Any ideas here, short of hiring an attourney??

sorry for ranting...

Joan

Osher

01-12-2004, 04:40

Horrid to hear about your experience with ebay Joan. I've been buying and selling on ebay (and other auctions places) for ages. Even bought and sold cars! (people liked my description of a car of mine as being a 'tank of petrol inside a free container', well, the petrol was worth more than the car!). I mostly buy models on ebay, and have had a few go astray, all in the same time period. Needless to say the Post Office have a suitable answer when it comes to compensation...

As for Tarot, which is of course, the point of this thread, I have never sold on ebay, but then, I wouldn't sell cards. Give them away (and have done, a few times); but never sell them. As for buying, well, I would buy a new deck, or a rare deck I particuarly want. I've looked up decks on ebay, but can't recall ever bidding for one.

Unless a deck was really cheap, I'd prefer to buy from a shop (so they stay in business, and for the experience), then an online retailer (and if via Amazon, it helps Aeclectic).

gregory

14-07-2005, 16:07

Bought on e-bay - lots (don't keep a tally !) Sold on e-bay - lots of stuff - but not a single tarot. Are you mad ? SELL one ? how COULD I ?

I have bought some to give as gifts, or to trade here on the forum, but I sell stuff to fund my tarot habit ! I have had one purchase go pearshaped; paypal found the seller at fault but couldn't get my money back. I contacted my credit card, with a copy of paypal's report, and they refunded me. It's always worth a shot.

Like Gerbear I mostly stick to established good guys or people with huge feedback ratings. E-bay's a great place as long as you have a bit of common sense - and there are fantastic bargains to be had ! We don't HAVE to buy the ones with stupid start prices :laugh: .

tao51

14-07-2005, 16:33

I have never bought anything on ebay!

Emeraldgirl

15-07-2005, 01:26

I buy decks on Ebay. They can be a lot cheaper then the stores. I have never sold a deck though. I have never sold anything on Ebay come to think of it.

shaveling

15-07-2005, 15:00

I've bought a few decks on ebay. They were fairly ordinary ones though, and there was no drama in the bidding. In most cases, there was no competition in the bidding at all.

I sometimes wonder what people are thinking when they offer a bid that's more than they would pay for the deck new from a walk-in or online store. Is it the momentum of the bidding process, or just a lack of research?

-shaveling

Gerbear

15-07-2005, 15:32

I sometimes wonder what people are thinking when they offer a bid that's more than they would pay for the deck new from a walk-in or online store. Is it the momentum of the bidding process, or just a lack of research?

-shaveling

It's mainly a lack of research, and being caught up in the bidding process. Ebay really shines as a marketplace for OOP decks, where the value is determined by demand.

cSpaceDiva

16-07-2005, 21:08

I have bought many, many decks on ebay. I've sold tarot books, but never a deck.

There are bargains to be had, but you do have to sort through a lot of junk. I got the Tarot de Paris brand new for less than $3, Hoi Polloi for $1.99 (one card missing, but still worth it to me). One of my recent purchases was a University Books RWS for $10. Um, make that a Unuversity Books by Pamela Coleman Smith and Arthur Edward White. Sometimes I search for tarrot decks. Their spelling incompetence is often my gain.

Moonchild1721

16-07-2005, 23:33

I've never bid on nor listed decks on ebay. I bought one thing there, but recently closed my account, because my cousin had some really bad experiences with buying things there. I don't think I could ever part with any of my decks! Even ones I don't use very much, I still like to have them. I like the idea of 'rescuing' unwanted cards on ebay though. Maybe I'll have to go have a look!
Samantha

mythos

19-07-2005, 00:36

I've won heaps of decks at good prices, bought a few through 'buy-it-now' after price comparisons, sold a couple of decks and books ... I love it....and yes, I bid late and always put in my maximum bid as well. I then disappear because I can't stand the stress of the last minute watching process. I work on the theory that, if I don't win a deck, it is because somebody else has more money than sense :laugh:

mythos :smoker:

Flidais

19-07-2005, 22:13

I have won lots of my decks and books on eBay. I always check prices against sellers such as Amazon and various discounters. If I am interested in getting a particular deck, I check eBay every day.

Annabelle

02-10-2005, 18:27

I've bought lots of tarot decks on eBay, but never sold any decks (or any other items, for that matter) through eBay. If for some reason I really want to part with a deck, it's easier and more fun to simply trade it with someone here.

My experience with buying decks on eBay has been wonderful so far; I've had minor problems with a couple of sellers, but always received my deck in the end. Given that many of the decks I'm looking for are OOP or simply not easily available in the U.S. through normal sources, buying through eBay is often the only way I can find what I'm after. And I frequently get great deals that way, too . . .

gregory

03-10-2005, 10:52

I couldn't list a deck on e-bay. I have sold OTHER things; them I wanted rid of. Decks - if I ever did get rid, it would hurt so much it would have to be to a forum friend !!!! (Don't anyone (........else - I get a lot of these !!) now PM me what they want from my collection; I am not that broke yet !!!!)

Alta

03-10-2005, 13:03

I would have to change my vote now, since I just sold my first-ever deck. It was the Russian deck that I found in a consignment store. Didn't go for huge bucks, likely around triple what I paid for it, plus it was an interesting experience. I don't expect to do any more unless I get another that looks as if it would sell and I don't much like it.