Everything is crap

[retrogames10000]

Everyone treats me like a whipping post -

Going to enjoy raising my prices 5% soon to cover the forever surcharge I am about to experience as a person who sells Japanese games.  

The customers treat me like crap, I am losing money to eBay.

Then we come here to gripe about it - then the people here treats everyone like crap.

That's my rant - 

You are the problem

[gamersbaystore]

Consider making a better effort to inform buyers they are purchasing the Japanese version. You could write this in the descriptions/titles, and as others noted, just leave the Model #s/SKU's out of the title. Maybe put in the descriptions "This item will not work with NTSC-US version consoles." Or "You need the Japanese version console to play this game."

This would also give you some defense in terms of ebay reprimanding you for buyers who falsely claim the item is not as described. As it stands, you don't have much defense because could simply say you failed to inform the buyer.

I do agree its not fair that you're punished for buyers who dont bother to read before buying. The item specifics do state they're Japanese, and there's Japanese writing on the carts/cases etc.

Unfortunately, buyers are often too uneducated to realize the differences between console versions. You need to educate them.

[gamersbaystore]

No, generally speaking, you need the Japanese version console to play these games. The majority of Japanese carts wont work on a NTSC-US version console. I have tried it, they wont work.

Take a Singapore version Super Famicom game and plug it into a Super Nintendo, it works if you tear the tabs out of the cart.

Now take a Japanese version Super Famicom game and try and plug it into a SNES, it will not work, that has been my experience.

Likewise, NTSC-US version XBOX/PS2 games wont work on European version consoles either, and vice-versa, the list goes on.

[onefootflipper1]

I would not expect any price appreciation on any import Japanese games.  Prices have been pretty flat on them for years. 

One thing you might seriously want to research is if the market for that stuff is even large enough to specialize in it. 

Seems like 3.5 million dollars worth of "Famicom" sold in the video games category on ebay in the last year. How many sellers was that split between. Can you realistically get 5+ percent of that market all by yourself?

[retrogames10000]

Yes, I need to work on my descriptions.  I just put a statement that says it is tested and look at the photos.

I could easily insert a blurb on all the Japanese listings I guess.

Here is my working list:

These consoles are region free and can play Japanese Games:
Nintendo Game Boy, Nintendo Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS (not DSi), Sega Game Gear, Sony PSP

You must have a Japanese Region Console to play:
Nintendo Famicom, Super Famicom, Nintendo 64, Nintendo Gamecube, Nintendo 3DS, Sony Playstation, Sega Saturn, Sega Dreamcast

[fashunu4eeuh]

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@retrogames10000 wrote:

Well, I am nearing 10 unique returns by people.

What is disappointing to me is that I am quite sure that none of these returns were "my fault" per se.

Half of them are because the item is in Japanese (which should have been obvious, clearly I need to make it MORE obvious - and then I will still get returns regardless)

The other half are due to not working items - but generally when someone starts a return saying not working I know better because I test it before I put in the envelope.

So yes, this is an ongoing problem and likely will cause me to be in the 5% extra club probably forever.

I already promote around 9% - I'm not sure how I can manage the extra 5% unless I drop my promotion % and sell even less.

I'm really trying to hit 400 items in 3 months so I am judged on my last 3 months only

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You must be a helluva seller— your effort shows a strong work ethic. (Something getting to be a rarity these days.) Your feedback is exemplary. I have no doubt you will both reach your goal of 10,000 listings and gain continued success on the platform.

”You are the problem.”  From your opening post.

Not sure who “you” refers to. But that comment is not reflective of the person who i just described above. Blaming others for some of the frustrations that have befallen you? I am unclear what you hoped to accomplish by closing with such a statement. Does it refer to eBay, or us in the community, or both? The buyers? Someone else?

Frankly, there is much to be gained in the forums despite the occasional troll. Having many experienced and successful sellers populating the boards provides a boon of solid information and help.

Yes, some of the advice may be given quite bluntly, though more often than naught, it is still useful, quality information. Rather than be at odds with the community, or bandy words with them, i urge you to be open to their advice and consider it to be for your benefit. Ignore the rest. Most here are good people, compelled to assist others thru this minefield that is eBay.

In your post above, you wrote: 

“What is disappointing to me is that I am quite sure that none of these returns were "my fault" per se.”

Selecting Free Returns (as i see on many of your listings) is a No Fault choice. You are agreeing to provide returns for any reason and pay for return shipping. Such a return is therefore not dependent on the circumstances that caused it. If that does not jibe with your business strategy, then it can be changed.

”…generally when someone starts a return saying not working I know better because I test it before I put in the envelope.”

Perhaps not. Things happen in transit that can effect the operation of an item. Just because it was working when sent is no guarantee it is still working when received.

This is just my observation over 15 years of selling here: Not giving the buyer the benefit of the doubt initially can color the entire transaction in mistrust and suspicion, which in turn can interfere with seller-buyer relations. Until the person proves his unworthiness thru action or deed (a scammer always tips their hand), not much to be gained in believing they are out to get you right off the bat.

Wish you much success and will be cheering your efforts on. Best of luck.

[stainlessenginecovers]

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@onefootflipper1 wrote:

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@stainlessenginecovers wrote:

You started a thread about this a week or so ago and were told you NEEDED to put JAPANESE MACHINES only.

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You usually don't need a Japanese console to play the Japanese game....

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That is the EXACT opposite of what the OP stated in their 'previous' thread started about 'too many returns because they DON'T WORK on Non Japanese consoles...

So, I'm just going by what the OP said. 

[reallynicestamps]

Yes, I need to work on my descriptions. I just put a statement that says it is tested and look at the photos.

Not your Descriptions, though that might help.

Your  TITLES.

Several posters have told you to add "japanese" in the TITLE.

And each description and Item Specifics should state what that particular game needs for a console.

[gamersbaystore]

Yep, you just need to make some minor changes to better inform buyers. The whole idea is to not leave any room for the buyers, nor ebay to argue. If the buyers were well informed, then there's no argument to be had.

You're doing very well sales wise, I have faith you'll you'll get past this and everything will work out. Don't let it drag you down.

[deltilogical]

"What is the forever surcharge that you speak of?"

USPS shipping increases this weekend - buy your forever stamps by tomorrow and save 2 cents each!

[retrogames10000]

I do appreciate your advice - I generally think that Japanese games have multiple reasons why the prices are not consistent with the future reality.  In just a few years we can all wear glasses to play these games in English.  I can name other things, for example I believe there will be worldwide trade disruption within 5 years so having these items now is key.  Or I am wrong.

I also don't really invest in stocks anymore I just invest in video games since I have a proven ability to sell video games and my stock picks are just ok

[buyselljack2016]

meh eBay wouldn't ban me - you people are haters

---------------------------------------------------------------

Posting fact does not a hater make

Thing is if a seller does not improve, over time they will no longer have extra fees.............  they will receive one of the messages from eBay notifying them that they can no longer sell on eBay

Work on things, improve, keep selling 😊

[tobaccocardyahoo]

@farmalljris correct, certain categories draw certain types of problem buyers (and sellers).

You contribute to your problems by your choice of merchandise.

[richard1rst]

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@meme6253 wrote:

I Agree at times the people here can really get mean, & It is uncalled for & should never happen!

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Yeah, but it does  happen. I’ll admit, sometimes I am a bit brusque. But in all fairness they usually deserve it.

There are a large number of people on these boards who spend a considerable amount of their time trying to help other posters who have a problem. But then along comes a crybaby who whines about how unfair things are. More often that not they caused their own problems by doing it wrong in the first place. They then sharply rebuke those who try to help. Apparently pointing out a poster’s error is a cardinal offensive. I’ve even seen them call it discrimination.

“Cheerleader” and “Sycophant” seem to be their favorite retorts.

To be perfectly honest IMHO they deserve a metaphorical cold slap of reality. And I for one will not apologize for it.

[retrogames10000]

I think it is important to complain regularly to dissuade potential competition

[redlinear · Accepted solution]

Your ebay item number 395042908408
Get rid of "acceptable" as a condition.  
AND..........
Description:  
Listing is for 7 games (as shown).
Games are used and in good working condition.
These are Japanese games. Please be sure they will work in your console prior to purchase.
If you are not sure, please ask before before buying.
1) Game whatever it is
2) Game whatever
3) Game whatever
4) Game whatever
5) Game
6) Game
70 Game
Again, these are Japanese games in good working condition.

   There's a guy sitting here, at his desk, in front a computer typing listings.  He could sell the smudge marks off of your games if he wanted to bad enough.  You can too, just include a little more info, try to be proud of your items, and it'll show in your type.