Something fishy about this auction?

[potablog]

Hey all!

So I'm watching this auction for a Mego/ Palitoy Transporter Room right now-

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260813732958&ssPageName=ADME:B:ONA:US:1123 (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5574962988&toolid=10001&campid=5336844604&customid=&icep_item=260813732958&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg
)

...but something is rubbing me the wrong way. The guy goes out of his way REPEATEDLY to remind everyone how rare it is. He also updated the auction to talk about how many watchers it has, and how if it doesn't get more bids soon he will just take it down. Then I look at the questions on the auction. They seem to use the exact style of "broken" writing that he uses in his description. Plus, the first question comes from a "JR BONAVITA" with an offer of $3500 to end it early (again saying how scarce "these 74 UK Bradgate Transporters are"). Now, it could just be a coincidence that the guy's name is Bonavita... but if you look up the seller's name he has listed with the question (OUTOFTHISWORLDTOYS), they haven't used ebay since 2008... when they apparently passed away according to the feedback.

Also, if you check his other auctions, like this one for some carded Black Hole figures:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Mego-1979-Disney-Black-Hole-Old-Bob-Humanoid-/260815682458?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb9d37b9a (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5574962988&toolid=10001&campid=5336844604&customid=&icep_item=260815682458&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg
)

...you'll see the same M.O. Plenty of talk about the rarity, the same threats to end it if bidding doesn't get high enough, and then the same form of questions written in the same manner.

Am I just looking too much into this? Or should I avoid this guy on the possibility that he has shill bidders that will drive up my bids?

Thanks!
-potablog

[Adam West]

My guess is that the seller is pulling out every stop in trying to drive up demand. I am also guessing that the seller is basically saying without saying that the auction will be ended early if someone offers the right price for it. That way the seller can get around Ebay fees and hopefully get top dollar for it. Not really a good way to do business and am just guessing that this is what is being done in this situation. Seriously, who sets a reserve and then threatens to end the auction even if the reserve is met?

[potablog]

Seriously, who sets a reserve and then threatens to end the auction even if the reserve is met?

Exactly! Isn't that the whole point of setting a reserve in the first place? :sarky:

potablog

[megoapesnut]

I read his updates and I don't read it the same way you are. He doesn't mention anywhere that he will pull the auction. He states that, if the reserve is met "he might end the auction and let you have it", which I take to mean he would end the auction early and sell to the bidder who met the reserve. Which would be stupid on his part, as it might go higher, but it's not dishonest. He also states that if the reserve isn't met he will relist, which I take to mean if the auction ends and the reserve isn't met, he will relist. Everything sounds above board to me.

[palitoy]

Agree with Scott, a lot of hyperbole in there but it doesn't appear to be suspect.

[potablog]

Did you guys check out the questions too? that's the part that really has me worried... since they are written in the exact same style as his auction, and they are like that on multiple auctions.

As for him ending it if it doesn't get enough interest- Maybe it is just the way I'm reading it, but after reading it combined with this from one of the Black Hole auctions:

"im going to take this down in just a few days if it doesnt get alot more intresting, im pretty sure You're already completely aware of how scarce and rare this piece is especially a carded Black~Hole~Old~Bob !​, so bring it way up real quick and make it intresting, if you want it"

...I am just inferring that he is threatening to drop the auctions if they don't get enough heat. Maybe it is just me though...

potablog

[palitoy]

The thing is, it's a $200-250 item on a good day, it isn't all that rare IMO. I wouldn't even considering bidding on this becausethe seller really thinks he's got gold when it's more of a bronze.

[megoapesnut]

I just read the transporter auction, not the others. So I can't speak for them. As for what he thinks it is worth - Hey, it's a Mego, it must be worth thousands, if not millions of dollars, right?

[potablog]

The thing is, it's a $200-250 item on a good day, it isn't all that rare IMO. I wouldn't even considering bidding on this becausethe seller really thinks he's got gold when it's more of a bronze.

Exactly. Which really has me thinking that those questions with the insanely high offers are from shill accounts, just to drive up interest.


I just read the transporter auction, not the others. So I can't speak for them. As for what he thinks it is worth - Hey, it's a Mego, it must be worth thousands, if not millions of dollars, right?

Coupled with the fact that it's from that new hit show "Star Trek"!

potablog

[alex]

Check the UK auctions, I picked one of these up for $35(box was much nicer than this one, hardly any damage) , it never arrived, guy was really nice, and refunded me the money, and another one literally popped up in three weeks, and bought it for $60( in Really nice box, inserts and no damage) all in the UK, certainly hadnt been looking for it for 14 years LOL, there were a few of these about 6 months ago on the UK site, for a BIN of 50 sterling, which went round twice and didnt sell.

[domino]

I am sure these are legit items but I wouldn't touch them. Who knows if you will get them if they sell too low. The way he goes on and on about rarity and how much this and that are worth, make me want to bash my head into the keyboard. The questions sound about as phony as a $3 dollar bill. Overkill if you ask me.

[Sowth]

Seller puts 41 photos of the transporter in the auction and not one shows the entire box without cropping. :juggleyes_y:

[toys2cool]

I remember reading it a few days ago and being turned of by the taking down comments...and come on if someone offers you $3500 you'd take in a heartbeat...don't B S me with that crap :smiley1:

[Sideshow Spock]

The "questions" are so hilariously phony, it's almost like he did it that way on purpose.. :clown:

[palitoy]

I didn't read the questions before but they are a total work and very entertaining, they should be required reading.

[Drzsmith]

Holey Smokes Ive gotta have this Ill bid 3501 and see if I get it.This guy is nuts to sell it.lol

[megoapesnut]

Wow, what a ying-yang. Those Q&A's are unbelievable. I don't think I have ever seen anyone get so elaborate with a con job to try and stimulate bidding.

[vulcan2074]

Ha Ha Ha! Those questions and answers remind me of a really bad infomercial. :beaming1:
Sammy

[scifiguy94]

This is the same guy that ran a MOC Romulan and Andorian at least 2 weeks in a row with NO PICS. Said the first week the pics were coming soon. I ask on the second week and he said he was still working on them. Funny how he has a lot of pics for most everything else, but none for them.

[MicromanZone]

The auction is a pathetic attempt to drum up sales in a way that barely makes sense to me. But the “Questions” and answers are so, so, so shilly it makes me wince. Is that even “legal” on eBay to say nonsense like this: “Hello, your a very very lucky individual to own this rare item, its apparent that the ebay community has no idea of what it is that they are looking at or bidding on…”

[Twiki1979]

This is a desperate attempt to sell an item for more than it's worth and i wouldn't dream of bidding on it....he obviously has accounts to ask him his fake questions so im sure those fake accounts will be bidding this piece up.....stay away for sure!

[Blue Meanie]

I'll sell you one for $125 + Shipping. (Seriously)

That auction is way overpriced. A few years ago....Maybe $200 - $250. Not anymore.

[saucerful]

I just fired away with the following question:
-------------------------------------------------
Prime Directive: I must own this

Well, you just set my attitude to STUNNED! Nobody I know has this. WOW! ~ Let me tell you, I am one dedicated Trek & MEGO fan. As a kid, I made custom aliens out of tape, twigs, toilet paper rolls and markers. I think my mom has some old photos of me pretending to TRANSPORT myself off a hostile planet before one of my "Space Weirdoes" got me real good. ~ And now I have a chance to join my childhood games with my adulthood games! I am obsessed with collecting ULTRA RARE pieces of multi-colored molded petroleum! "One word: Plastics." Remember Dustin Hoffman in "The Graduate"? ~ Not only do I love collecting plastic toys and storing them in plastic cases, but I also love to eat lunch with plastic utensils. So, this is all just to say that if you do receive any more of those big money offers, please stop and think about me and my Space Weirdoes and my spork. ~ Thanks! Signed, Big Plastic the Third ~ P.S. I have a bid I'm waiting to drop on this mutha. HOLLA!

[saucerful]

LOL

Got a reply
:grin:

[vulcan2074]

Thats Awesome! I'm loving it. :beaming1:
Sammy


I just fired away with the following question:
-------------------------------------------------
Prime Directive: I must own this

Well, you just set my attitude to STUNNED! Nobody I know has this. WOW! ~ Let me tell you, I am one dedicated Trek & MEGO fan. As a kid, I made custom aliens out of tape, twigs, toilet paper rolls and markers. I think my mom has some old photos of me pretending to TRANSPORT myself off a hostile planet before one of my "Space Weirdoes" got me real good. ~ And now I have a chance to join my childhood games with my adulthood games! I am obsessed with collecting ULTRA RARE pieces of multi-colored molded petroleum! "One word: Plastics." Remember Dustin Hoffman in "The Graduate"? ~ Not only do I love collecting plastic toys and storing them in plastic cases, but I also love to eat lunch with plastic utensils. So, this is all just to say that if you do receive any more of those big money offers, please stop and think about me and my Space Weirdoes and my spork. ~ Thanks! Signed, Big Plastic the Third ~ P.S. I have a bid I'm waiting to drop on this mutha. HOLLA!

[NewForce]

LOL

Got a reply
:grin:
yep, the seller posted his reply

[palitoy]

Awesome reply, didn't bat an eye, just kept on selling! This guy rules.

[megoapesnut]

And, in that reply, he changes his tune and does say that might take the auction down if it doesn't show more "intrest". He hadn't mentioned that before in this auction, though he did in a few of the others. Which is stupid with a reserve auction. Why take it down if there is no risk of having to sell to low? Then he says he might put it back up for "the true dedicated fans like yourself". Why take it down if he might put it back up? This is the most blatant fishing for bids scheme I have ever seen on ebay. Sheesh

[alex]

Well the top bidder retracted his bid, very dodgey.

[MicromanZone]

The seller has odd feedback behavior. Only ONE piece of feedback left and it’s basically a passive aggressive negative:
“~BEWARE~core607~WILL~USE~EXTORTION,~U~GIVE~THEM~R EFUND+MERCH~OR~WILL~LEAVE~U~NEG” (http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=amazingsthings4you&ftab=FeedbackLeftForOthers)

Hilarious to see that all UPPER~CASE~AND~TILDE~STYLE there as well ;)

[rchatlin]

I'm surprised no one's bid real high, then retracted,
to see what his reserve is.

r
o
b

[MicromanZone]

Oh, did anyone else see this vintage Star Wars mail-away display stand with figures (http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-1977-Star-Wars-Action-Figure-Lot-Han-Solo-Stand-/260815794775?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb9d53257)? I’ve seen that before for maybe $150 for the lot. Heck, that r2-D2 is from the Return of the Jedi line not the 12-back line this stand is for. And this is the Q&A:


Q: $385 I WILL PAY NOW, WOW!!​ ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!​, I WILL GIVE YOU $385 IMMEDIATE PAYMENT AS THIS IS TRULY THE BEST I HAVE EVER SEEN, IT IS STUNNING ! IT WILL LOOK ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC IN MY OFFICE, ​ PLEASE, YOU JUST NEED TO END IT AND ADJUST WITH A BUYITNOW, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!​​ Jul-10-11
A: hello, thank you for your intrest, but im going to just let it run its course, thanks

An offer for $385?!?!? $43 is more appropriate.

[potablog]

I am seriously starting to love this guy... Here's another question and answer on that Star Wars one:

Q: Beautiful complete set!​ I will BIN $325 right now!​ if? … you end it, i cant beleive there are incomplete busted up ones on ebay with bids, these things are a mess, i swear they have one or more of the following issues — either missing pieces, either missing backdrops or heavly damaged ones, no figs or no fig weapons or both , and damaged levers & gear teeth, i guess there good for parts and pieces?, you know what the real shocker is ... there FRICKIN fetching $40 to $150 thats just crazy!, what gives? anyway i know Quality when i see it, so what im saying is that i have found what im looking for with yours, so please accept my offer, DEAL!​?
A: Yes i agree, if this set does’nt get more bids and get on the same page as your offer by friday or saturday i will end it early, k

HA! It's like the dude has multiple personalities that are talking to each other...

And here's a new one on the transporter:

Q: WoW! hows $1,500 sound?​ Ive only seen two of these in all my 34yrs of collecting, one at the LASVEGAS STAR TREK CON and the other at SANDIEGO COMIC CON, but!​ they were for exhibit only NFS, they did not look as nice as yours either, I have Never had an opportunity to actually own one, this would make all my years of collecting worthwhile, Im in Hollywood California as well, money is not an issue, Im sooo very thankful that you have allowed me an opportunity to own one, Thank you, Mr. B Henderson zzzza Jul-13-11
A: Thanks for the nice offer, im going to end this auction today unless the reserve is hit so stay tuned in, id really rather give everyone a fair crack at it, its not so much about the money as this is of inestimable worth , its more about sharing and about finding a new home with a Genuine Trekkie fan, This would make my selling experience truly worthwhile, Thank you so much for your intrest

"Exhibit Only"!?! HA!

I hope this guy never, EVER leaves eBay...

potablog

[MicromanZone]

…its not so much about the money as this is of inestimable worth , its more about sharing and about finding a new home with a Genuine Trekkie fan…
BWAHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!

I almost feel like writing: “Dear sir. You say to another person that ‘it’s more about sharing and finding a new home’ and I hope you are serious. I am a 12-year-old child suffering from cancer. I have not long to live. Maybe 3-4 months at most. Your toy brings me much joy! I have printed out you listing and hung it on the wall! I have a proposal: Please send it to me so it can sit on my shelf at the hospice. Then after I pass away, I will have it sent back to you so you can sell it. Have to go now. Nurse coming! Please let me know if this is acceptable and I will send you my address once I build up enough strength to type again.”

[Adam West]

Probably better to just stay away and let his multiple personas converse with one another.

To me, it shows nothing more than desperation. He must need the money bad.

[TheBigToyAuction.com]

TETRIS sega mega drive genesis megadrive md signed | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130545774269)

Something about the questions on this one reminded me of this lot.

[Sideshow Spock]

To me, it shows nothing more than desperation. He must need the money bad.Bad used car salesmen usually do :spin:

[deputypowell]

…its not so much about the money as this is of inestimable worth , its more about sharing and about finding a new home with a Genuine Trekkie fan…
BWAHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!

I almost feel like writing: “Dear sir. You say to another person that ‘it’s more about sharing and finding a new home’ and I hope you are serious. I am a 12-year-old child suffering from cancer. I have not long to live. Maybe 3-4 months at most. Your toy brings me much joy! I have printed out you listing and hung it on the wall! I have a proposal: Please send it to me so it can sit on my shelf at the hospice. Then after I pass away, I will have it sent back to you so you can sell it. Have to go now. Nurse coming! Please let me know if this is acceptable and I will send you my address once I build up enough strength to type again.”

IT MAY BE SICK BUT YOU MADE ME LAUGH! LOVE IT!

[MicromanZone]

TETRIS sega mega drive genesis megadrive md signed | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130545774269)
Something about the questions on this one reminded me of this lot.


Q: Could you wipe the signature off before you send it?
A: The case is a regular MD case, so feel free to change it yourself.
This wins!

[toyman]

And Its Back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[toys2cool]

And Its Back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

so is the star wars thing, what a joke

[palitoy]

Nothing can stop it, it just keeps rising from the grave!

1974~Palitoy~Bradgate~Mego~Star~Trek~Transporter~R oom! | eBay (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5574962988&toolid=10001&campid=5336850443&customid=&icep_item=260836003913&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg)

[toys2cool]

this thing again? :smiley1:

[saucerful]

It's a lazy Susan!

[megoapesnut]

At least he finally gave up trying to run up the price through phony Q&A's. Now we at least know what he wants for it.

[vulcan2074]

Ha Ha Ha! This is too crazy. :beaming1:
Sammy

[Sideshow Spock]

Nothing can stop it, it just keeps rising from the grave!

1974~Palitoy~Bradgate~Mego~Star~Trek~Transporter~R oom! | eBay (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5574962988&toolid=10001&campid=5336850443&customid=&icep_item=260836003913&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg)

Argh! Not even a head shot can kill this zombie! :beatup: :firedevil:

Vintage~1974~Palitoy~Bradgate~Mego~Star~Trek~Bridg e~Transporter~Room~Playset~Lot | eBay (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574962988&toolid=10001&campid=5336850443&customid=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FVintage-1974-Palitoy-Bradgate-Mego-Star-Trek-Bridge-Transporter-Room-Playset-Lot-%2F250979226139%3Fpt%3DLH_DefaultDomain_0%26hash%3 Ditem3a6f87121b
)

[torgospizza]

"This is like finding a The Ark of the Covenant no joke!​ !​" :smiley1:

[msgdman]

Every member here should flood him with $1 and $2 dollar offers.

[MegoMark71]

I told him i bought one six months ago mint sealed for $250 bucks