View Full Version : How to rip someone off 101
Buyatari
06-07-2003, 01:58 AM
Ok since this is your first class we won't outright rip anyone off. We will start out easy with misleading information. We will attempt to give the impression that we are selling something which we are not. This can lead to higher bids and the disposal of useless junk which others may not want otherwise.
Here is the example for today.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3027875852&category=3608
When the bidder sees this title he (or she) gets the impression that all 3 are complete when in fact only 1 is complete. The word SET was a nice touch.
Keep in mind these helpfull pointers.
1. LESS=MORE. Try to detail only those things which benefit your cause. Describing your Mega Man 3 as complete is GOOD describing your Mega Man 2 as cart only is NOT.
2. If a picture will hurt your cause DON'T USE ONE. If you find a blurry picture which makes your item appear to be in better shape then it is then by all means use it.
3. Do not lie. If you lie in your auction the bidder may seek a refund.
4. Always offer the bidders GOOD LUCK. With you as the seller they will need it !!
Adam
Sylentwulf
06-07-2003, 01:00 PM
Not to nitpick, but I just don't see it, he didn't insinuate anywhere that all three were complete, just the first 2.
Title - NES MEGAMAN 2 , 3 COMPLETE AND 6 RARE SET!!
Translation - Megaman 2 and 3 both complete, plus mega man 6. Rare set of games!!
Buyatari
06-07-2003, 02:13 PM
Not to nitpick, but I just don't see it, he didn't insinuate anywhere that all three were complete, just the first 2.
Title - NES MEGAMAN 2 , 3 COMPLETE AND 6 RARE SET!!
Yes I know. Thats why he is a very good student. I don't expect an eBay vetern like you to be fooled for a sec. The experts spot this right away. This is the 101 class afterall.
Just say the title aloud pronouncing each word.
NES MEGAMAN 2 , 3 COMPLETE AND 6 RARE SET
It would have been worse had 6 been the complete copy and not the 3.
Now say this out loud.
NES MEGAMAN 2, 3 AND 6 COMPLETE RARE SET
He doesn't state anywhere that 2 or 6 are not complete nor does he provide a picture. Common sense ,you would say, would tell you these other copies are loose unless he describes them specificlly as complete, but remember common sense is anything but common. An ebay rookie bidder could be easily fooled by this description and I don't feel it was just chance that the description and title were worded this way.
Adam
Sylentwulf
06-07-2003, 04:55 PM
Ahh, I read it as 2 AND 3 complete. So I guess ya did get me partially :)
AB Positive
06-07-2003, 05:01 PM
commas: the necessary evil.
-AG
Professor Buyatari,
I noticed the phrase "some wear" in the example you gave. Could you elaborate on what this means and how the seller might be using it to his advantage?
chadtower
06-09-2003, 05:00 PM
Yes... that would be a reference to The Wizard of Oz memorabilia... "some wear over the rainbow"
Buyatari
06-10-2003, 09:39 PM
I noticed the phrase "some wear" in the example you gave. Could you elaborate on what this means and how the seller might be using it to his advantage?
Yes yes a very good question. I see someone is paying attention.
Not only is "some wear" a very good general term which could mean any degree of wear. This is also a good example of what I like to refer to as a loose or bouncing adjective.
Which specific item in this auction would you say has "some wear"?
We would all assume its JUST the instructions. What about the other items? What condition would you assume they were in?
Since condition is not mentioned on any of the other items it can apply to any or all nouns used in the description when required. The adjective or in this case the adjective phrase is not specifically attached to ANY PARTICULAR nown. Depending of the situation you can apply this phrase directly to any or all of the specific items if the bidder is unhappy with condition later on.
The combined effect of a very general term coupled with a loose or bouncing adjective phrase gives the seller great mobility. Any one of the items can be in any basiclly any condition and the seller can point back to the auction text and chant "Its right there. Can't you read?"
And we thought those with poor English skills were just dumb. Ha !
Adam