Nice Reels

[Don Champion]

While viewing reels on ebay recently, I saw these seven reels. I emailed the seller and told them that they were among the worst examples of these reels I had ever seen, but that they were at least optimistic. I also told them they would be lucky to get $1.00 each for them. I received the following reply as written:
"you ahve the worst perspective of any individual ive ever encountered. you wouldnt know a quality well made reel if one hit you upside the head. no critics please, bid or get lost
thumper"

Perhaps they are right! You view them and see what you think.
7218528853 $39.99 opening bid
7218527927 49.99
7218516760 39.99
7218515795 29.95
7218506282 29.99
7218505874 19.95
7218504411 49.99

My personal favorite is the one with the "home made" handle.

[Warren Platt]

I don't need to look at the reels to respond. I believe "Thumper" was right on when he said "no critics please, bid or get lost".
Warren Platt

[Steve]

I don't understand why so many collectors feel obligated to send comments to eBay sellers, other than to ask for more pictures or more information. What purpose is served by complaining about a seller's description, by identifying a reel for him, by posting a notice here that a reel is up for auction? eBay is an online auction house. It's not some branch of ORCA that requires oversight. The people who list old reels may be collectors, general antiques dealers. frauds, Joe Blows who are selling family-owned tackle, whatever. Accusing someone of offering sub-par reels isn't going to help anyone. If a seller is obviously fraudulent, there's no point complaining to him. Complain to eBay. If you don't like the quality of a listed reel, don't bid on it. If the seller fails to realize he's selling a valuable reel, just bid on it.

"Caveat emptor" means just that. If buyers don't have the good sense to join ORCA and learn something about reels, that's their problem. Are we obligated to protect everyone from overspending on junk reels? It's one thing if the sale or trade is made by an ORCAn owner or uses the ORCA name to add credibility to a description, but when an item is listed on eBay with no association with ORCA, it's none of our business what transpires between buyer and seller. (Reporting obvious fraud, which can be considered a crime, is something else.)

It's no surprise that the seller responded the way he did. The fact that he published your message suggests that he's just ignorant of the criteria by which serious collectors evaluate reels. Nothing new there.

Years ago, I sold a fairly valuable reel for a good price, which happened to be in a decent, unlabeled box when I got it. Someone emailed after the auction, saying what a great idea it was to include the box and assuring me he'd add a box to his next reel listing. Instead of bothering to reply, I just blacklisted him from bidding on my future listings. Emailing back and forth is a waste of time and is bound to result in obnoxious comments a lot of the time.

[Lillawill]

Dear All

I must agree with the consensus here. We have all looked at auctions with discontent. However we are under no obligation to buy the item nor are we under any obligation to contact the seller with our discontent. I do have a question though. It is common to see old reels in this condition and I am wondering if it is possible to get them looking good without spending more than they are worth.

Bill Turnbull

[Don Champion]

Actually I'm getting quite a chuckle out of this! Originally I only wanted to alert the seller that what they had put up for auction was a waste of time and money. BUT I was only doing what all of you are doing right now, no better or worse, and that is excersising my freedom of speech. Now, if you're too thin skinned to take that, then I feel sorry for you. Regarding salvaging any of these reels, the best way to do that is save their shadow and scrap the rest. They are beyond salvage.

[Ron Mc]

they're also expensive. you don't have to look very far to find nice examples for a fraction of his asking prices.

Agree, he paid his ebay fees. Any buyer that's dumber than he is deserves what he gets.

[SWIM JIG]

Canadian USA, To all members! We as I understand it at ORCA are considered to know (REELS) I looked at these sinkers, most look as if they were found after the water recided after the Hurriacan left! We must consider this! we all WERE GREEN at one time, we or a lot of use have bought reels with bad views , hidden internal faults etc! ( I bought a Oliver not too long ago off the FLEA MARKET) the pics showed the good sides, description said the drag didnt work properly etc. What the seller failed to say that the reel was took apart and several pices are MISSING! nice seller! I got snookered! If I can ever find a factory paper to see whats missing I can fix the reel! if not I will have to experment with it to get it working!, I can a nd do work on reels! however the average colector, new colector and someone buying a reel for that (Special person) for a gift may well get snookered! That folks is wher we (alledged) experts need to step to the plate and ask the seller about their items! These piticular sellers are no beter than a car lot selling a car with the milage changed, or one thats been thru a hurrican flood! Ohio has be saturated by these (BENT SELLERS) so much so the State attorny gen, is cracking down on the sellers! We as ORCNs can maked a judjment call on reels, its the novice that cannot do this thus this may well turn off a buyer to ( your decent items you may want to sell! My thoughts are (Don, has only attempted to warn folks of the problems, 2 If a seller has that attitude, then they deserve what ever the questions are put to him! When only money rules then we as colectors all lose! Your Ohio Conection On Lake ERIE at 44 degrees today , Col. Milton lorens aka SWIM JIG

[Jerry J in OK]

I look at it this way...I don't stick my nose in some one else's business whether they are a buyer or seller since I don't want anyone sticking their nose in mine. To me it is between them...If you are going to email someone, email the flea market and advise them of proported price gouging or whatever...If someone asks my opinion or advice, I will gladly give it; otherwise, it is their problem to work out...Also, just like cars, sometimes it may take two or three junkers to make a good one. Like Johnny Cash sang "One piece at a time". If the buyers are willing to pay the money for the name no matter what the condition, then so be it. I will just stay on the sideline, shake my head, and wonder why...

Jerry

[Harvey]

Sorry, I don't get the drift of this thread. No offence to Don but why should a reel collector think he should be in charge of grading someone else's reels. So what if they are junk. If he wants to sell them for an outragous asking price and if you feel that is too high, then don't bid on them. I only looked at one and I can see that it is not a good example. Trying to sell something for ten times more than it is worth is not what bugs me. It is the seller that trys to enhance his items by discribing it in a way that is not true. If a buyer does his home work he will find that if you put a bow on a pig to sell it, the buyer still gets a pig. I get request about someone's Shakespeare reel quite often. The first thing they want to kow is "What is it worth?" Advising them on the value depending on condition is proper but to tell someone that his mother-in law is ugly with out having been ask is improper if you ask me.
"H"