NO MORE SLOT MACHINES ON EBAY!

[SLOTMANDAVE]

If this does happen on ebay and we can't repeal it, this site will be a great help to all collectors. but I hope ebay comes to there senses on this issue. I have found some great buys over the years and really don't know where else to look except at shows which are far and few.

[777]

I have another speculation: As we all know, many of the slots sold on e-Bay are NOT vintage. It is my understanding that many unsuspecting folks who thought they were getting the "real thing" have been complaining quite a bit. I don't think this is the entire reason, but I think it may be a contributing factor

I don't think E-Bay gives a rats ass about people getting ripped off or not. If they did, they would have shut down the clowns (mainly in Ohio) selling the reproduction crap years ago.

[Nations Attic]

Mr. 777

If you care to take a look over the last month, there have only been a few repo machine out of about 100 REAL vintage slot machines on eBay. Most people who do enjoy and use eBay realize who is selling new machines and avoid them. In 2004 there were over 1100 very nice vintage machines that sold, so don't just assume eBay is a dumping ground for junk, because it is not.

[Nations Attic]

I just talked to Trust & Safety at eBay today for almost an hour and found out some interesting information. First, they will allow antique slot machines to be listed. Second, the auction listing needs to state the year it was made along with the normal disclaimer that it will not be sent to states who do not allow them. Third, eBay is cracking down on all listings for new or reproduction machines that take actual money. So, the repo junk should come to a halt, unless they lie in the listing.

The machines ended in mass on Friday was simply someone at eBay getting the message across to everyone that the rules are going to be enforced to the letter now. Apparently something happened somewhere that encouraged the legal department at eBay to make sure all listings follow the letter of eBay law now. So, put a year in the auction, and copy the disclaimer provided by eBay in all your antique slot machine listings and you will be fine.

Don

Nations Attic

[HSaidman]

Not sure if this is connected but last week an Ebay Executive in I believe India was arrested over an item on Ebay. Perhaps this is a knee jerk reaction by Ebay to that arrest?

[777]

Mr. 777

If you care to take a look over the last month, there have only been a few repo machine out of about 100 REAL vintage slot machines on eBay. Most people who do enjoy and use eBay realize who is selling new machines and avoid them. In 2004 there were over 1100 very nice vintage machines that sold, so don't just assume eBay is a dumping ground for junk, because it is not.

I was really surprised when you said that 100 true antiques really sold on E-Bay last month.

I don't visit E-Bay that often, but when I do, it seems that I just see a lot of reproduction and misrepresented stuff there. I was also under the impression that a lot of machines listed do not sell, or sell under suspicion like the dime Castle Front that you posted about earlier.

If 100 legitimate machines did really sell last month and if over 1100 did sell last year, perhaps I should spend more time watching E-Bay.

I guess E-Bay is really not that much different than the last Chicago Show. That show also had lots of reproduction stuff being sold and those machines were not being advertised as reproductions. Of course, anyone who knows machines can easily identify the reproduction, but I pity the poor person who is just gettting in the hobby and gets burned thinking he is buying a restored antique and is really getting a reproduction.

Regarding E-Bay not being a dumping ground. From what little I have seen, it is a dumping ground. You indicate that it is not and you have a lot more buying experience than I do, but I still think it is and I would be very cautious about buying anything at E-Bay (or any other auction for that matter). The late Dick Bueschel once wrote about how auctions can be dumping grounds that dealers use to dispose of stuff they cannot sell. He said that some very good deals can be found at auctions, but you really need to know your stuff and if you are just getting into the hobby, you would probably be much better off dealing with a reputable dealer.

[777]

Third, eBay is cracking down on all listings for new or reproduction machines that take actual money. So, the repo junk should come to a halt, unless they lie in the listing.

Don't most of the clowns selling the repro. junk already say the machines are antiques and list a year they were suppodly made?

I really doubt if new enforcement will stop the reproduction junk from showing up. They lied before why should they stop lying now?

I hope it does stop the reproductions from showing up but I am not going to hold my breath.

The people at E-Bay are not experts when it comes to slot machines. How are they going to know if someone is lying or not?

[Nations Attic]

How about going to eBay right now. Look under the antique slot machine category and try and find one reproduction slot machine, you won't. Actually it is quite slow right now and still there around 30+ quality slot machines with some being sold by reputable dealers, not just individuals. Yes, there are a few toy machines but no one is going to mistake them for a actual machine.

As for enforcing policies. I have been told by eBay that 75%-85% of the auctions ended were due to other member bringing the problem to their attention. It is quite easy to inform eBay of a repo machine and other violations and they indeed take the auctions off in those cases, if the effort is made by other members. Granted that is a pain and who wants to be a snitch, but that is they way they operate.

777, I don't intend on try to change your mind about eBay, I have my gripes about them as well, but I want to set the record straight. The fact is that right now the machines in the antique category are all old and quality vintage machines. I'm sure it will stay that way with the few occasional exceptions for many years to come.

Have a Merry Christmas Every One![/quote]

[bakerb95619]

There probably were 100 authentic antique machines sold on eBay this year, considering I've sold 5 of them.

[Nations Attic]

There probably were 100 authentic antique machines sold on eBay this year, considering I've sold 5 of them.

I've actually kept tract this year and there were a little over 1100 in 2004. There will be a article in the next COCA times on the complete stats for this year.