Selling Koi for profit?

[PapaBear]

Brutuscz,
The problem is that the handful like you and Richard are such an exception that nobody really associates your name or his with E Bay. Even though it is Richards major outlet, he still isn't thought of as an "E Bay'er" but rather a respected breeder. How uncommon is that on E Bay in your experience???
It seems pretty exceptional to me. You can buy almost anything there, but most of the time "buyer beware" is the rule of the day. When I see a post from you or Richard, I don't think "E Bay". I think KOI!

[Russell Peters]

Quote: Originally Posted by PapaBear Brutuscz, The problem is that the handful like you and Richard are such an exception that nobody really associates your name or his with E Bay. Even though it is Richards major outlet, he still isn't thought of as an "E Bay'er" but rather a respected breeder. How uncommon is that on E Bay in your experience??? It seems pretty exceptional to me. You can buy almost anything there, but most of the time "buyer beware" is the rule of the day. When I see a post from you or Richard, I don't think "E Bay". I think KOI!

Very well said Larry.

[dick benbow]

and I agree with you that Richard at SJ Koi has indeed earned his integrity as a breeder.

[Brutuscz]

Quote: Originally Posted by PapaBear Brutuscz, The problem is that the handful like you and Richard are such an exception that nobody really associates your name or his with E Bay. Even though it is Richards major outlet, he still isn't thought of as an "E Bay'er" but rather a respected breeder. How uncommon is that on E Bay in your experience??? It seems pretty exceptional to me. You can buy almost anything there, but most of the time "buyer beware" is the rule of the day. When I see a post from you or Richard, I don't think "E Bay". I think KOI!

Thanks Larry..definitely a nice compliment. I usually think your odds of finding a good or bad dealer on ebay....are the same odds as finding any good or bad koi dealer anywhere. Pretty much the same in any line of work...there will be honest and dishonest. It is just terrible that when it comes to koi dealing, a dishonest seller can literally wipe out your whole pond...and you could never prove a thing. I know of one ebayer who has done very dishonest things of that nature. I felt bad that he personally had khv...but then he heated and sold many fish (years ago). I have no idea if he's cleaned up his act....but, I doubt it. It really is a buyer beware type of situation. But, as we've seen with Momotaro a few seasons ago....even the best can get unlucky if they let their guard down. I have to say it is the one thing I truly hate about this hobby. The viral threat is like a sword of damocles hanging over your head every time you wish to make a purchase. When I shop for my reef/saltwater hobby...I buy what I want, when I want...from who I want. Worse thing that happens is ich

[JasPR]

"I usually think your odds of finding a good or bad dealer on ebay....are the same odds as finding any good or bad koi dealer anywhere."


THIS is definitely NOT a true statement! Sorry bud, but after observing this hobby for 25 years now, face to face transactions are typically more honest then internet transactions. I know of a couple of struggling dealer who have told me, and I quote " You hobbyists are too difficult to deal with. I can sell tosai on the internet all day long and make more money with less hassles" I get what he was saying. The truth is, informed koi buyers ask questions and demand certain things - they want to see clean water, quarantine set ups, never want to see dead fish around, never buy out of a tank with sick fish in it, want to see a fish eat and often bring a 'wise guy' like me to help them pick out a fish. THAT is a hard gauntlett to run for some dealers.
When ever you do not have to see the customer face to face and are separated by a state or two, funny things happen to otherwise honest people. JR

[Brutuscz]

Quote: Originally Posted by JasPR "I usually think your odds of finding a good or bad dealer on ebay....are the same odds as finding any good or bad koi dealer anywhere." THIS is definitely NOT a true statement! Sorry bud, but after observing this hobby for 25 years now, face to face transactions are typically more honest then internet transactions. I know of a couple of struggling dealer who have told me, and I quote " You hobbyists are too difficult to deal with. I can sell tosai on the internet all day long and make more money with less hassles" I get what he was saying. The truth is, informed koi buyers ask questions and demand certain things - they want to see clean water, quarantine set ups, never want to see dead fish around, never buy out of a tank with sick fish in it, want to see a fish eat and often bring a 'wise guy' like me to help them pick out a fish. THAT is a hard gauntlett to run for some dealers. When ever you do not have to see the customer face to face and are separated by a state or two, funny things happen to otherwise honest people. JR

Who says ebay sales aren't face to face? I had 2 customers to my house today. One has been a customer for 3 years..the other, just this season. I have had customers from all over the northeast...and I encourage the pick up. Less headache for me than dealing with fedex. I also want to add...internet sales are not the same as ebay sales. On a website sale or shop sale, there is no accountability. On ebay, feedback is left...you can't get away with anything. If your dishonest...you will be exposed in your feedback. Then, your business is done. Accountability is one good thing ebay does have going for it.

[JasPR]

Nope, just ain't so. A dealer has a facility. Anyone out of a job or just looking to make a little extra spending money can list koi for sale on Ebay. Shall I go over to Ebay and point a few out for you? Do you think I can come up with an 'over 50% average of questionable marketing/hype and potential health issues? I think I can? JR

Brutus, I just went over to ebay and entered 'koi'. here's one I found in the first minute--- It is one of two offered for $99. You tell me-----

[JasPR]

actually just below this offering are two others-

one is a 'rare' and 'unique' ( I kid you not!) doitsu ochiba. It is said to g\have good conformation ( it does not) and rare in that it has doitsu skin ( it is not rare). It is also said to have a perfect 'leaves' pattern ( it does not) O, and by the way, the fish is also not an ochiba!

The second one is a long fin for $169! It is a junk fish with a poor body line. Really bad- $169

I could go on-------

[JasPR]

And finally, here's what's called a 'premium' koi measuring in at 13-14 inches you can steal for $189 right now! Unbelievable. PT Barnum was right

[MikeM]

The amazing thing is that so many such fish actually do get sold at those prices. I know some Ebay sellers are well-regarded and use Ebay because it is efficient for their marketing. Most are just anonymous internet con-artists.

But how can the segment of the consuming public relying on Ebay be educated sufficiently to see through the trickery? I think we can only hope their interest in koi leads them to internet boards where their eyes will be opened.