Best Way To Sell New Out Of Production Fountain Pens

[Parker51]

I'm afraid I must disagree. If the private seller on eBay happens to be an art director for a large corporation in his/her day job, or otherwise has access to the skills of one (through practice as an amateur/enthusiasts, or having enlisted the help of a neighbour in exchange for a six-pack of lager, etc.), then there is no compelling reason why the 'original' images of the item on offer ought not show the item in the 'best' light to appear favourable and fetch a good price, possibly 'undermining' the sort of candid and unadorned state that a prospective buyer would (like to) see from his/her perspective upon receipt of the item. No seller is selling at additional expense, or a complimentary value-added service 'analysis' or 'due diligence' from an individual prospective buyer's perspective.

 

I haven't put a fountain pen on offer to sell for a while now; but if I include a writing sample produced with a pen preferably (to me, and I'm quite certain some prospective buyers will agree) with the type of ink and type of paper clearly stated in the presentation of the writing sample it just means with the technique I choose to use to show the performance of the pen in the 'best' light I can (honestly!) produce such writing, but it doesn't mean the writing outcome with their personal repertoire of techniques is what any other individual would be buying.

 

So, to me personally, the more a seller is aware what he/she can do to show the actual item on offer in the best light (to a variety of faceless and unidentified prospective buyers out there), then the more he/she knows the item as well as 'understand' the customer base, in terms of what is sought in terms of writing outcomes (as opposed to what is sought in terms of information).

 

I don't like to or need to lie to others to maintain my 'living' or protect my best interests, but in the age of 'rights' and 'truth', I think it's best if we all allow everyone 'enough rope' to misinterpret what is honestly and factually presented (without other guidance), and make 'mistakes' and bad decisions if they think their perspective is 'king' and they control the narrative.

Please read my entire post.

 

Yes, it is possible for someone to make the presentation of a pen quite well.

 

But when each picture of said pen is diferent from the other picture of the pen, taken from a different angle, with diferent backgrounds in the manner of extensive add copy suggesting that it relay is a cut and paste job off a manufacturer's website, then it likely is.

 

Theoretically a pen could be presented showing it pictured on the International Space Station, in Queen Elizabeth's hand or in an exhibit at the Tate, but each photograph is highly unlikely as to occurring and unless included as part of documentation that a pen was on the International Space Station, in Queen Elizabeth's hand or in an exhibit at the Tate respectively I would be highly suspect.

 

And yes my theoretical examples are rather extreme, but rather that was the point. There is much which is theoretically possible, but little which actually occurs, regarding Fountain Pens in relation to photographs.

 

Your argument will alas mean I will miss that highly produced eBay add for that Parker 51 that I am so very interested in, if and when it ever is made, but it will also mean I will miss all of those cut and paste listings were none of the pictures match any other picture and all the images appear to have been stolen from others listings and or websites.

Edited September 1, 2020 by Parker51

[BrianWM]

Gentleman,

 

Wow, I wasn't expecting that increase in responses.

 

Over the years I occasionally purchased items on eBay and most of the time the item I received was the item as described. I've had a few occasions where I had a difference of opinion with the seller regarding their description. I've only had one occasion where the seller outright lied in the description. After failing to reach an accommodation I filed a claim and received a full refund.

 

All my fountain pens have been purchased new from retailers, in person or online. I haven't purchased any fountain pens on eBay as yet and while I carefully review the photos to verify condition and age I haven't run into the issues you gentleman have brought up.

 

I want to thank all of you for your input, not only will it help me when buying pens online it will help me when I sell online.

 

thanks,

Brian