wargrafix
Cave Dweller 
Member since June 2023
Posts: 1,077
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Post by wargrafix on Sept 30, 2024 18:53:57 GMT -5
For me, buying online isn't even about the shipping, its the online transaction system. PayPal has been a godsend and has truly been the best friend to sellers.
My question is, if you are jumping on to an online site to buy rough, what is your ranking? Who makes you think "oooohhhh and ahhhhs!" When you see their package arrive?
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Post by jasoninsd on Oct 2, 2024 15:02:56 GMT -5
I buy a LOT of my rocks/slabs/rough off eBay. I am CONSTANTLY checking the tracking number to see when the heck it's going to arrive. So for me, it isn't a particular online "store" necessarily...but it is online! LOL
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wargrafix
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2023
Posts: 1,077
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Post by wargrafix on Oct 3, 2024 10:51:38 GMT -5
I buy a LOT of my rocks/slabs/rough off eBay. I am CONSTANTLY checking the tracking number to see when the heck it's going to arrive. So for me, it isn't a particular online "store" necessarily...but it is online! LOL I have seen alot of sellers on ebay. Whats the ratio of duds to nice stuff? |
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gunsil
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2023
Posts: 341
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Post by gunsil on Oct 3, 2024 19:47:20 GMT -5
I live in NY state and there aren't a lot of shows where rough or slabs are available and not much cuttable local rocks so I buy a lot off ebay. Sometimes you get mediocre stuff and sometimes you get great stuff. I have always received fine quality material from the sellers stoneclouds and maplestuff. If it's quality you look for they have nice stuff but they have followers and the good stuff doesn't go cheap.
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Post by jasoninsd on Oct 3, 2024 20:50:10 GMT -5
I buy a LOT of my rocks/slabs/rough off eBay. I am CONSTANTLY checking the tracking number to see when the heck it's going to arrive. So for me, it isn't a particular online "store" necessarily...but it is online! LOL I have seen alot of sellers on ebay. Whats the ratio of duds to nice stuff? Honestly, I've only had a handful of duds. I do check the auction to see if the seller accepts returns. I try to be careful and take that into consideration...and will usually steer clear if they don't accept returns. I get it that in your case it might not be optional being oustide CONUS... |
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Post by Starguy on Oct 4, 2024 12:46:37 GMT -5
I’ve had excellent luck buying agates and corundum on eBay. I think the key is to research what you want to purchase. Learn how to spot common flaws in photographs. Know what good material sells for before bidding. If something seems like too good of a deal, it probably will be lower quality. I check buyer reviews ahead of bidding.
Online shopping kind of killed a lot of local rock shops but the choices and options on eBay are really good.
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Post by stardiamond on Oct 19, 2024 15:26:36 GMT -5
Facebook auctions and buy it now.
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Post by stardiamond on Oct 19, 2024 18:45:54 GMT -5
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lapidary1234
spending too much on rocks
"If you like rocks you can't be all bad!!" ~ old timer quote
Member since October 2021
Posts: 277
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Post by lapidary1234 on Nov 2, 2024 21:49:03 GMT -5
Some really good points made here! I still buy occasionally on ebay but I will say the overall quality went down and prices went up.
I got some mind blowing deals on ebay circa 2003-2005 (4" brand berg enhydro amethyst for $20,1=4lb star sapphire rough for $20, etc).
The couple tips I have are try to only buy actual rocks pictured. Sometimes this isn't possible but it helps immensely.
Build a relationship with the seller. Way back when the vendor I'd buy alot of things from actually sent me messages before listing or would make custom listings for me.
Use the invoice system if buying multiple items, it will save you on shipping.
Feedback is key. I personally try and always say what the item was in the feedback (ebay doesn't always say what the item is in the feedback).
Also, while I used to get a thrill out of the bidding process, it deteriorated quickly with the adventure of "sniping" apps.
I like the "best offer" listings. I typically offer 25% off the asking price (which may actually be a shitty thing to do considering how high a percentage ebay takes). If they deny your offer you can make 2 more offers or they can counter offer.
Ebay is great as far as their "buyer protection" program. It will usually side with the buyer.
If you end up buying a "lot" of something just read the reviews. I bought a kilo of larimar for $60 iirc. I read through enough reviews to feel confident in the purchase and I wasn't let down.
I haven't ever bought off Facebook or any live auctions but I'm a little out off by the idea of it, especially if the person you're bidding against is live on the other end. Just makes me uncomfortable, also bidding wars kinda suck in general.
I will add that I've gotten incredibly high quality rocks from highland park. The gem shop in Cedarburg WI has tons of great material. I live in WI so I just make the 3 hour drive but I wouldn't hesitate to order from there as well. Kingsley north has decent prices on rough rock but it isn't high quality by any means.
Thats about all I got on this topic!
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