[78-L] The Zen of 78 acquisition

[Cary Ginell]

Further thoughts on this -
 
You might want to add something to your regular message to sellers saying that they have the option of having you send them a box of your choosing plus packing material and instructions - all paid for - and they can just use your packing materials. If it's a record you really want and value, it might be worth it to ensure you don't get a billion shards in a manila envelope. 
 
Cary Ginell
 

> Date: Thu, 15 Dec 2011 07:33:36 -1000
> From: malcolm at 78data.com
> To: 78-l at klickitat.78online.com
> Subject: [78-L] The Zen of 78 acquisition
> 
> I just went through one of the strangest experiences I've had in my 
> years of surfing and buying from eBay.
> I bid on and won a record on the Zen label out of New York. Could have 
> cared less about the material, but I got a kick out of the label head. 
> $13.00 total.
> I sent my regular instructions for packing:
> 
> It's a long way to Hawaii so here's how to pack: use 4 10" sq. pieces of 
> box cardboard - put record(s) between - tape edges - put 7 or 8 pcs 
> crushed newspaper in a 12x12x4 or larger box - put record sandwich in - 
> put 7 or 8 more pcs crushed newspaper in to fill - shake - if contents 
> shift there's not enough paper - if box bulges there's too much - 
> readjust and seal - Thanks -- TMR
> 
> I then got an outraged note back telling me how he was going to pack it 
> and if I didn't like it that was just too bad, so there.
> I replied that his method was really very nice but mine had a breakage 
> rate of around 2% over 30 years and would he please, etc., etc.
> He sent me back this:
> 
> Do you expect me to go out for an hour and look for a 4-inch box to buy, 
> then buy a few newspapers--I don't read newspapers so I don't have any 
> (I read news on the web)--and cut my 12" fillers 2" to meet YOUR 
> needs--FOR A $13 RECORD???????????? NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For a $50 
> record, yes. NOT for a cheap $13 record. I'll send the cancellation form 
> out right away.
> 
> I them told him he should just put it in a manila envelope and send that.
> 
> He took umbrage at my sally and then refunded my payment and canceled my 
> order, even though I refused it (which I didn't know one could do with 
> eBay). At this point I wanted the record as a point of honor, if for no 
> other reason. Because of that I can no longer send him feedback praising 
> him for his packing method and his even-tempered way of dealing with a 
> new customer.
> 
> I guess I gotta be Zen about it! That's okay with me.
> I'd still like to have a "Zen" record, though.
> Mal
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