UPDATE
:-) LOL!
He finally backed down. Damn, after almost 8 years on ebay, I swear I could be a psycologist for sniffing out the quacks. I sized him up, figured he was young, and inexperienced and decided to use the 'bad cop' routine and it actually worked! Now all I have to do is wait for him to stab me in the back 2 months from now when I'm not looking 😉 Josh
For those interested, Check out my long-winded exchange where I had my feathers ruffled:
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I'm very unhappy with your item & would very much like to return it, for a full refund. The reason being, it likes like a total reproduction. I mean the chrome looks brand new, the parts all look repaired & replaced, therefore, not making the lighter a vintage piece from the era of the 30's or 40's. Please contact me a.s.a.p. to discuss refund options
From: "ttt ttt" <----------->
To: ----------------
Subject: RE: Refund
Date: Wed, 03 Aug 2005 08:22:46 -0400
This must be a joke, but I certainly aint laughing. To even suggest such an utterly ridiculous thing to me is not only insulting, but shows that you lack even the slightest knowledge of vintage Ronson's, lighters or this field in general. I have been a collector my entire life, and and a dealer for over 20 years with a government registered business. I have sold countless lighters and high end collectibles. I have NEVER sold a fake item EVER on ebay. This lighter comes directly from an estate of an original owner and is completely vintage top to bottom. Without question. Period. Anyone who's ever seen a touch tip would know that immediately. Of course the condition looks good - it was well taken care of and cleaned. What's more likely, is you either couldnt afford this or never were a serious buyer in the first place and are just trying to get your money back. You already have a neg for backing out of a deal. I operate this business on my own time, and this is not a store where people try to make frivilous returns. If you were sent the wrong item or something that is a different story, but this item is exactly as described in the auction, was delivered on time and safely in good condition. If you really don't want it, or cant afford to keep it, then you are more than welcome to sell it again yourself on ebay. Even though I shouldn't, I'll even allow you to copy my pictures and description if needed, but dont try to give me some crazy excuse of me selling fakes, as if I dont know what I'm selling.
From: "----------" <------------>
To: ----------------------
Subject: RE: Refund
Date: Thu, 04 Aug 2005 07:17:07 -0400
I would rather send the item back to you & receive my full refund right away. If it's possible? Again, I'm very unhappy with your item. Please reply. (Notice him weakening)
From: "ttt ttt" <------------------>
To: -------------------
Subject: RE: Refund
Date: Thu, 04 Aug 2005 08:36:57 -0400
Look, I'm trying to be nice about this, but lets be realistic. Firstly the item is genuine as is everything I sell - see my feedback. Second, This auction was up for an entire week - I had displayed large, very clear pictures for any potential buyer to make up their minds, so theres no way you could say you didnt know what you were getting. Take responsibility for your actions. You bid and won, its yours. Not to mention, The item cost $19.95 just to be featured on ebay, over $30 in ebay auction ending fees and another $20 in paypal fees, plus our time and effort. Like I said, youre free to sell it again yourself if you cant afford to keep it, but I'm not running a 'try it on' and return it service.
O.k... I've decided to keep the item, it is a beautiful lighter, but I just wanted to make sure the item is definitely authentic. I will leave positive feedback on your ebay. Hopefully, you will do the same for me. Sorry for the inconvenience.
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Josh
