:>) "National treasure" I LOVE that you said that!
From my personal experience keeping an instrument/record B&M store open 44 years is a feat of magic.
That store actually started in his mom's basement. They were successful getting the Beatles brands of instruments and selling them. After awhile Mrs. Schaubroeck tossed them out because there were salesmen in suits hanging in her living room, loud guitars and kids needing to use the bathroom.
I'm working on one lot of HOG items from the 70's. On eBay I ordered the final item which is a 1978 magazine containing a biographical article on Armand. It was shipped Feb 7 from a seller in California. He used USPS first class. I still haven't received it. USPS shows it reached customs. The trail ends there.
Canada Post doesn't recognize the tracking number. I'm assuming USPS 1st class isn't tracked internationally. It's too bad because when the article was printed Armand sent a signed postcard to the author thanking him for writing the magazine article. The postcard has a picture of Armand and his brother wearing that "Kill Me" shirt. The one in your "bunny" video clip. (I did think you were mocking me... LOL) the photo was taken in the House Of guitars. I have that post card. I hoped to pair it with the lost magazine and other HOG memorabilia. It will be the type of listing of interest to a music museum where some of my stuff goes.
I closed my store in 2006. I was using Global Payments for POS and card processing. If I remember correctly their percentage was just under 2%. I had to battle with processors a lot and negotiate rates. One time they lost an entire electronic deposit for around $1000. Eventually they replaced it. I had to sign a release form. I wasn't doing any volume. It makes me wonder what sort of percentage eBay pays for processing.
With respect to FV fees paid on foreign taxes collected and remitted. I'm unaware if the US states pay eBay a commision for doing that. Since the program began I haven't heard anyone mention it. Possibly you know.
With respect to managed payments I'm likely one of the few that really likes it. At the beginning I had a lot of trouble setting up like many but now it's tickety boo.
I'm done talking about fees. On the cusp of the Spring Update I hoped to bring them up for discussion. things have to settle down to attract new sellers and new buyers. No company can perpetually grow from the inside out. They ask for feedback so that's mine. I'm not bringing it up again.
It can be frustrating selling here but I do love it. I enjoy handing over a piece of music history to someone who appreciates it. Maybe it's my penance for selling 100 drums sets in 1985 (mostly to parents). I wonder what instrument you bought your kid? LOL
The other good thing I like is seller/buyer protection. We have to give credit where credit is due. I hope my buyer protection prevails in the case of my missing magazine...
Ahoy eBay Mateys! Let's all go selling on the high fees!
Over & out. (until someone says "music"....
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