The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recently bought a copy of "The Preacher and the Bear" on Edison Gold Moulded, but it was packed in an envelope with a layer of small bubble wrap. As you can guess, it was destroyed. How hard will it be for me to find a new copy? Why don't people think before shoving a fragile artifact into an envelope. Please pardon the rant, I have been wanting this record for a while, but when I finally get it, it is destroyed. Would you all recommend that I file a complaint with eBay, or just try to find another.

I would definitely complain. That was ridiculously inadequate packing.

I bought an antique bottle on eBay recently. The seller wrapped some paper around it, put some stamps on it, and put it in the mail. Seriously?? I complained to the seller, who replied that he packed it "exceptionally carefully". I filed a complaint with eBay and got a full refund.

Did you make any packing suggestions? Jerry

My response is that he shouldn't have too...pure common sense should apply here..the seller obviously lacks that...ask the seller for a refund and if he won't then I'd file a complaint...

There are corollaries to the theory of eBay and its effects upon this and other hobbies, presented so thoughtfully and eloquently elsewhere on this forum recently (here):

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... 9&start=10

A major side effect of eBay is the fact that the wider availability of goods is accompanied by a wider range of knowledge, experience, and common sense possessed by the participants. So we must not only endure ignorance of the items themselves by the sellers and uninformed buyers, but also ignorance of how to properly handle said items.

I think eBay understands this and attempts to keep things somewhat level through their complaint policies. Some folks attempt to play that system as well, but that's just dishonesty rather than ignorance.

Before I actually pay for any purchase that has the chance of being lost through incorrect handling or packaging, I make sure the seller receives and commits to use my careful instructions. If you hand off such info in a friendly/helpful tone that makes them feel like there will be insurance and eBay hassles if they don't, most folks will do it.

Whenever I ship anything, I just double-box it, no matter what. It just makes things safer to add a crush zone - worth a little extra effort on the front end to save lots of hassle on the other end.

Back when I was buying 78s on eBay, I had a boilerplate note about packing that I would send every seller with the payment. Then I had something to point to if things arrived in pieces.

My response is that he shouldn't have too...pure common sense should apply here..the seller obviously lacks that...ask the seller for a refund and if he won't then I'd file a complaint...

I don't disagree but damaged cylinders and 78s is a common and reoccurring complaint. As collectors we have an obligation to care for these items. I think that begins when we make a commitment to buy and a nice method is friendly suggestions for packing. Jerry B.

This has also happened to me a few times, with Emerson records I needed for the collection. One from Texas in just a bubble wrap envelope, another just between two pieces of cardboard, and another just in a thin box---all arrived in pieces. I now majority of the time look to see if the seller tells his packing method---otherwise I suggest, To protect a piece of recording history that has survived for 100 years , it needs to be shipped in a good size box with a cushioning material surrounding it for protection. This has worked---I did have a seller tell me he knows how to ship---has been shipping records for years, well I did not agree with his packing method (was expecting to see it in pieces) but it survived. Just because they say they know---doesn't mean they do. Sometimes people are just stuck in their ways--and won't change .

The seller offered a refund, they haven't sold cylinders before and didn't know, I made some suggestions and they said they would follow them with any further cylinders. Luckily it wasn't a perfect copy, some light mold, but playable. Forum member Talkophone has offered me a BA copy, Thanks everyone for your time and have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

On the bright side to answer your second question, The Preacher and the Bear is a fairly popular title. I've seen many copies so I would say it should be relatively easy to find another. Happy Thanksgiving!