The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors Why is everything on eBay complete junk?!

OK I've been trying to rustle up some replacements for all the user modifications
that have been performed on my truck' by previous owner(s). To that end, I shopped
eBay, amazon, and ClassicParts. I lost one of the (interior) door handles. So ordered
one from ClassicParts, claiming to be an exact replacement -- not so! Looks identical
from an front / outside view. But the shape, and look from the inside (towards the
interior door panel) is *quite* different, and doesn't even feel the same. So, as I'll be
returning it. I found a pair on eBay, that looked the part, and I was *told* they were
the same as my '64. Well they arrived today, and they are *not*. Same as the other
I bought at ClassicParts.
I also received the so-called "DelcoRemy made in USA" ignition switch. As pictured,
was a complete match. As received; Mexican unbranded Generic! >:(
(picture of ignition attached)
[img]http://BoltBucket.org/parts/WrongSwitch.jpg[/img]

So, What the heck?!

Is it really that hard to find reputable sellers with (reasonable?) prices?

--Chris

China

I would say about 1 or 2 percent of the time. Not just evilbay but also that kijiji and the others.
Not to mention "garage sales" that I've stayed away from for a long time. I call them garbage sales.
I think its all overpriced (badly) used cr#p.
That's what I've mostly seen, anyway.

Thanks for the reply, Guys!
I'll say this much. It's getting *really* tedious having to *return* things over, and over, and...
in hopes of *finally* getting what you asked for. It's beginning to feel like a game of roulette! :groan:

Thanks again!

--Chris

Ebay is a "pig-in-a-poke", sometimes items are treasures and sometimes trash. Look at everything REAL close and assume nothing. Once in a while there are unscrupulous people trying to pull a bait and switch or other some other misleading sales. I once bought an item that was non-functional, the seller said send it back for an exchange...he sent the same part back to me! I have found that many of the aftermarket items are simply not functional, and loads of other folks on this site have reported likewise. I wish there was a reliable roadmap.

What are you guys doing wrong? I've built four complete vehicles from the frame up with parts sourced primarily from Ebay. Haven't gotten anything bad yet, in fact some amazing deals on elusive stuff. But hey, the more of you who don't like Ebay, the less competition I have for bidding. So yeah, Ebay sucks ;-)

There IS a "reliable road map" to Ebay - it's the seller's feedback score. Check it, and read it - that's what makes Ebay work. Low scores are start-overs with bad reps, but high-score guys survive because they're scrupulous. And if you don't like Chinese stuff, click "US Only"

And to the OP who's having trouble with multiple sellers AND Classic Parts: when you have problem with LOTS of people, maybe it's not them who's the problem. You said yourself that there were numerous alterations done by previous owners; maybe the reason you keep getting mismatched handles is because YOUR handle is wrong.

yep on ebay you have to look very close some stuff looks good and then you see the threads on a bolt is bad but all so far is good stuff for me my 2 cents

Im with Jay Zed. I have built multiple vehicles, motorcycles, quads, jetskis all primarily from ebay parts. Will i get a dud every once and a while ? Yep. Usually its a chinese part that I already know I’m taking a chance on. For the most part if you can do your homework and look VERY closely at all the listing info you can tell if its a legit part from a legit seller. Also if you are wanting a “original” piece just change the filter to “used” so you weed out all the new aftermarket crap and have a better chance finding a nice original factory installed piece.

Did you ever think that maybe the interior door handle you have, and are trying to match, is NOT original? We need to see the one you still have. I think it's you that is messed up, not the vendors. I have no idea what you mean when you say it looks good from the outside but not from the inside....of a door handle???? I don't think anyone else here knows what you mean either. If the inside, the part you never see, is cast differently with different strengthening ribs or whatever, it makes no difference and could be an improvement or a casting accommodation. If the visible part looks the same, what's the beef? If it doesn't, post a picture of what you are talking about.
I would never buy handles from Ebay. If they are new, they won't be cheaper than the vendors. If they are used, I would never trust the splines. Try to return something on Ebay and see what happens. The fact they are all the same should tell you something. All made by the same Chinese foundry. That's all there is.

Now, ignition switch: You seem to be saying it is the wrong switch. Is it the "wrong" switch? Show us the ad for the "wrong" switch. Almost nothing is made in America for our trucks. There is not enough volume. Delco Remy and every other brand, automotive and otherwise, is made off shore. You are blogging on here on a computer with Chinese parts. Your cars have Chinese parts. Your pills you take are from China. We all buy our parts from the known vendors. We buy parts from Ebay that are not available in the aftermarket. The switch says "Assembled in Mexico". That is different than "Made in Mexico". The American made content in a product is allowed to be very low to declare "Made in America". Meaning much of it is not. Other countries "Assemble" parts from all over the world. Some from America or American licenses. It's cheaper that way. So that the prices are "reasonable" as you say. If the switch is the right configuration and fits in the hole and wires up, it's good to go. You are beating yourself up for no reason. You may be having a bad day but you need this info to bring you back to reality.

Include me in with those who have good luck with Ebay. I have bought and sold lots of items on Ebay. Some really good deals on good, hard to find stuff. Always been satisfied by doing due diligence and asking questions. With junk yards disappearing and limited craigslist items, without Ebay, I could never get the things I have gotten.

I've also gotten tons of good stuff from Ebay. I describe what I'm selling as good as I can. I've had 2 negatives in over 10 years. One was due to USPS taking their time shipping the item and the buyer negatived me, then got the item a couple days later. The other was after I gave a full refund including shipping and told them to keep the (now) broken part, that got damaged in shipping.

I've used Classic Chevy re-pop parts for my 67 suburban and am happy with 99% of it.

Or the heartbreak of buying a halfway decent 54 radiator on ebay only to have it mashed during shipping.
I warned the seller it was heavy with brass content and could easily be damaged.
I asked the seller to please pack well. I even offered to help pay extra for packaging and shipping.
In one ear and out the other.
The carrier reimbursed me but gone is something that was old and decent.

Man that sucks about the radiator, but you could probably recover it with a bit of work.

That's the worst packing job I've ever seen. But those outlets can probably be repaired with judicious use of a tailpipe expander.

That's terrible! Ebay should have a way to protect sellers who give full refunds.

I'm learning that Ebay BUYERS are total idiots. I just sold an AD electric wiper motor conversion unit. The buyer started a return because he "thought he was buying wiper blades." WTF - how do you confuse a motor with blades??? On another part, I posted two photos with a tape measure beside the part to show its dimensions. Despite that, THREE people messaged me asking how long it is. WTH???

The seller said he took the radiator to the carrier and asked the person behind the counter if the packaging was okay.
The radiator had to be returned to the carrier, for analysis, so I could get a refund. No option to buy back.
I learned from this that shipping heavy items requires some experience and thought when it comes to packaging.

I have also had pretty good luck with EBay. Just do your homework.

Miracle,
People don’t actually read things these days. They are too lazy. Give them ridiculous responses. Next time give the measurement to them in light years or something. I did that today actually.

I am selling a Duramax with the whole front end smashed in. My pictures show the damage, tell it’s a salvage truck, I explain all the required repairs in the ad, how it still runs fine, I give the mileage, I tell how much I am asking, and people still ask those exact questions.

I ripped a guy today for being stupid with his replies. His replies are exact copies of what he said.
Here’s how the conversation went:
Him-“Hi.”
Me: “Hi. Who is this?” Unknown number, you know.
No response for 2 hours...Deleted message.

“Wundering bout ur truck”
“Which one? I’m selling a few.”
“Drumax i think.” (You think? What? Are you unsure? Did you forget?)
“It’s still for sale.”
“Whatz rong with it”

By this point I was irritated, as I was busy today, and this guy was [censored] me off with stupidity.
“Ah yes, the whole front end is smashed in. I said in the ad what was needed to fix it.”
“How much kms”
(Are ****ing kidding me dude?) “62,120 leagues.”
“What does that mean? Pics?
“All the pictures I have are on the ad. Take another look.”
“I cant find ad.”
(What?) “How’d you get my number? Quit wasting my time and don’t call me again.”

I’m still irritated. Too much hand holding in society these days. I’d likely punch that guy out right now if he were here.

Rant over.

I am an expert on Craigslist/Ebay. So keep that in mind.
Seller mistakes:
1. Putting phone number in ad.
2. Bad attitude.
3. Too busy to engage and answer questions.
4. Confusing a language barrier, with stupid.
5. Confusing language barrier spelling, with stupid.
6. Some societies use KM's (kilometers) to ask how many miles on vehicle.
7. Fail to treat everyone as a potential buyer.
8. Angry people don't sell much .
9. Many times their questions are to break the ice and see your demeanor and honesty.
10. Many buyers are inexperienced, or young, and do need their hand held so as to make the sale.
11. People do miss things in ads. They are in a hurry to communicate.
12. There are a lot of flakes and lookie loos. Just have to gently work thru those. Every sales person gets them. You try to "qualify" the buyers as best you can. Takes practice.

Could not find your ad on Ebay Canada or Craigslist (Edmonton). "I can't find ad" either???????? Maybe you should check and see if it expired.

There are times when I can echo the frustrations of the OP. But not this weekend.
I scored a great antenna on Ebay for my 54, and it was a joy to install. Here’s the thing, it was from a seller that was an antenna guy selling 50+ year old stock. Most likely ‘merican made, the hardware and parts were quality. It was listed for 47-54 Oldsmobile but looks right at home on my truck. The good parts are out there along with a lot of crap. Caveat emptor!

Ok gents,

This post has gone on long enough. The purpose of this forum is to discuss interior parts and get assistance. It is not to grumble and complain about eBay and everything else. Please refrain from going that way. If you choose to discuss it further, please tell me and I will move this forum.

V/R,

Chris