eBay

emerald40 · ‎01-09-2018

I buy dime store items from the 1950s - 1970s in their original packaging.

Condition of packaging and header is important to collectors.

Just received an item where it was split down the seam with part of the item protruding out.

In the past I would just chalk it up to it happens. But I am tired of receiving items that were not described properly.

I like to give the benefit of the doubt - so my question is -

Rather than the buyer missing it or not disclosing it (no evidence of the split in photos that I can see) and nothing in description -

Could the extremely cold weather have caused this to happen in transit?

couldabeenworse · ‎01-09-2018

Extremely cold and old are a bad mix of course. Is this plastic that is cracking, or cardboard?

bubbleman2010 · ‎01-09-2018

Just open a SNAD dispute seller will refund and file a USPS insurance claim to recover their money...

emerald40 · ‎01-09-2018

@couldabeenworse wrote:
Extremely cold and old are a bad mix of course. Is this plastic that is cracking, or cardboard?

_________________________________________________

Packaging that it is in came apart at the seam along the entire right side.

And I guess the shaking in delivery caused it to shift and protrude out.

fern*wood · ‎01-09-2018

If it was a glued seam, then yes, old glue gets brittle and the cold accelerates this. When I examine an item to list, I do so very carefully, since I am scared it will pop open easily, and I don't want to encourage it to.

thallidguy · ‎01-09-2018

@bubbleman2010 wrote:
Just open a SNAD dispute seller will refund and file a USPS insurance claim to recover their money...

This sounds like a case where USPS may dispute that the damage was caused in transit. If there was no damage to the shipping box (i.e., no evidence of impact), they could easily refuse to pay out on the basis that the item was shipped in that condition.

emerald40 · ‎01-09-2018

@bubbleman2010 wrote:
Just open a SNAD dispute seller will refund and file a USPS insurance claim to recover their money...

It is a $13 item. I doubt seller bought insurance.

I think what it is boiling down for me is that was this a dishonest seller or just an occurrence that happened. And it is happening more here lately which is making me rethink if I want to continue to buy.

Or do I just need to ask each seller, is there any damage to the packaging or header and risk he blocks me.

duggmills · ‎01-09-2018

The glue used back them did had some unknown degree of flexibility possibly approximating the steel hull plates of the Titanic. While the glue on Hostess Twinkies determined the product shelf life, it too eventually failed. Never mind the Twinkies didn't have enough nutritional content to support mold. The glues became more brittle with age losing adhesion properties as the paper packing also deteriorated.

Glues have evolved to adhesives with specifications for required properties, especially in aerospace, most of us wouldn't understand. These old collectible items may be being handled by sellers as it they just came from Walmart. Sellers probably don't know they may need more careful handling.

Oh right then, you did have a question there. Yes, weather and the packaging of your packaging.

"Fly the Big Ones"

bubbleman2010 · ‎01-09-2018

Worrying if a seller bought insurance or not isn't a buyers worry. Priority would come with free insurance 1st class package they'd have to buy it. If the listing was listed as New Old Store Stock the item should arrive and look exactly like what hung on the store shelf many years ago if not its a SNAD.....

emerald40 · ‎01-09-2018

An example of the items I buy and the packaging it comes in.

Split along the right side.

a_c_green · ‎01-09-2018

@emerald40 wrote:

I like to give the benefit of the doubt - so my question is -

Rather than the buyer missing it or not disclosing it (no evidence of the split in photos that I can see) and nothing in description -

Could the extremely cold weather have caused this to happen in transit?

Oh, heck, yes; absolutely. Glue and subfreezing temperatures do not get along well at all, especially glue and cardboard (or fiberboard, or chipboard) that's been dried out for decades.

I have to do discreet glued repairs to old vintage boxes all the time. If it's separated in one area, generally the surrounding seams are all ready to fail as well.

1786davycrockett · ‎01-09-2018

"Extremely cold and old are a bad mix of course."

Hey, watch it -- that describes me this winter, up here in Minnesota !

bubbleman2010 · ‎01-09-2018

The value of the item is due to being in original packaging removed from packaging or in damaged packaging there is little if any value. Sellers don't own anything they are just the caretakers of the item until its passed along and should be held accountable when inproperly handled. Your items in the photo could easily be shipped in a priority video mailer and item wrapped in 2 feet of bubblewrap and anyone of the items would arrive in perfect condition..

castlemagicmemories · ‎01-09-2018

@emerald40 wrote:
@bubbleman2010 wrote:
Just open a SNAD dispute seller will refund and file a USPS insurance claim to recover their money...
It is a $13 item. I doubt seller bought insurance.

I think what it is boiling down for me is that was this a dishonest seller or just an occurrence that happened. And it is happening more here lately which is making me rethink if I want to continue to buy.

Or do I just need to ask each seller, is there any damage to the packaging or header and risk he blocks me.

Sadly, there have been times when I asked, was assured the item was fine, only to find out it was not fine due to undisclosed damage. Some never even checked when I asked. I asked in response to what may have been damage in the listing picture, no damage noted in description.

So while blocking is a possibility, it is possible the answer you get will not be accurate.

ersatz_sobriquet · ‎01-09-2018

The glue holding those packages together is dry as a bone and with a little jostling of the package during shipping it could happen. Sellers have to make sure that contents can't move during shipment.

I highly doubt the seller was trying to pull a fast one on you, but you could look at the rest of their feedback if you suspect they are.