78 records and eBay

[Edisonfan]

A few days ago, I won an auction on eBay for a 78 record of The Dixieland Jug Blowers-Memphis Sheik. Everything went smoothly, until the record arrived today in four pieces. The seller was unaware that the box he use was not ideal for shipping. As he bought the box from an eBay seller who said it was. I emailed the seller, explaining what had happened, and has graciously refunded my money. I know it was not his fault, as he had never shipped 78 records before? I did explain, in my email the type of box he should have used. He just got bad advice from someone who has never shipped 78 records before? This is the first time, this has happened to me. eBay, is still a good place to buy 78 records, I just look for the sellers who deal with 78 records. Not everybody who sells on eBay is bad, sometimes just a little uninformed. These things happen! As long as you can resolve the problem decently. The seller has a 100% feedback rating, so I know he was, decent. Despite everything, I still left Positive feedback as the auction and shipping went smoothly!

[vintagetenor]

I'm sorry to see that type of thing. I think that type of mailer is intended for LPs. I've been selling 78s on eBay since May, 1999.

[Edisonfan]

I'm sorry to see that type of thing. I think that type of mailer is intended for LPs. I've been selling 78s on eBay since May, 1999.

That was my thinking? The seller did give me a refund, which I graciously accepted.

[epigramophone]

I rarely buy 78's on eBay and almost always from trusted specialists, but there are exceptions.
The private seller of a rare John McCormack record was asking a ludicrously low amount for postage and packing. Having bought the record, I told the seller exactly how it should be packed and agreed to pay whatever it cost. It arrived in one piece :

[Edisonfan]

I helped give the seller of the record I bought how to pack and ship 78’s. So he knows for next time!

[phonogfp]

I never (emphasis on "NEVER") buy records on eBay without providing the seller with packing instructions. I know this has saved several rare records from destruction, as the sellers have occasionally thanked me, and indicated that they would have mailed the record(s) in an envelope!

Just yesterday a box of 11 cylinders arrived. The seller did not follow my instructions fully, but did a good enough job that they arrived safely. That was just lucky, but at least I did my part to preserve them until they were in my possession. Perhaps my instructions nudged him to a better job than otherwise. We can only do so much, but providing packing instructions is - in my opinion - our duty. It's unreasonable to expect John Q. Public to know how to pack 78s or cylinders.

George P.

[Edisonfan]

I never (emphasis on "NEVER") buy records on eBay without providing the seller with packing instructions. I know this has saved several rare records from destruction, as the sellers have occasionally thanked me, and indicated that they would have mailed the record(s) in an envelope!

Just yesterday a box of 11 cylinders arrived. The seller did not follow my instructions fully, but did a good enough job that they arrived safely. That was just lucky, but at least I did my part to preserve them until they were in my possession. Perhaps my instructions nudged him to a better job than otherwise. We can only do so much, but providing packing instructions is - in my opinion - our duty. It's unreasonable to expect John Q. Public to know how to pack 78s or cylinders.

George P.

That is true!

[edisonplayer]

I can think of a few words to say about what happened to such a rare record! It's not like it happened to,say,a Henry Burr record.Even so,what I'd have to say is best left unprinted! edisonplayer.

[Edisonfan]

I should have informed the seller, about how to ship the record. It was my own naïveté, in assuming he knew what he was doing? As he did have a number of 78’s for sale. I, have been fortunate in the past buying 78’s off of eBay, from people who deal in records. This is why I shouldn’t assume?



The record was Memphis Sheik- The Dixieland Jug blowers.

[swamprad]

I never (emphasis on "NEVER") buy records on eBay without providing the seller with packing instructions.

George, would you please share the packing instructions that you provide to the sellers? Thanks.