View Full Version : Ebay Money Laundering in Amateur Radio?
WA6MHZ
09-01-2007, 12:02 AM
I was outbid on an auction a little while ago, nothing new, I am usually outbid, but this time I noticed something different. I checked out the history of the winning bidder. It was astonishing what he has bought in the past WEEK!!! Now, most of us will maybe buy a major radio once a month if even that often. How about several DOZEN in a week? And these are high ticket items, not a key or spare tube here and there. Here is a list of what was bought in the last couple DAYS!!!!
Drake R4A, Yaesu FT-100D, Yaesu FL-2100B,Yaesu FT-757GXII, SB-600 (2), SB-301, Drake TR4C, Kenwood TS-570D, Another Yaesu FT-757, Kenwood TS-930S, Yaesu FT-290R, Kenwood R-6000, Yaesu FT ONE, Yaesu FT-890,
Yaesu FT-901DM, Collins 51J4, Still another FT-757, Collins 32S3, Icom R-71, Icom R-7000, Yaesu FT-990, Collins 75A-3, a couple of Yaesu FT-736Rs, Kenwood TS-940s, Icom IC-775, etc etc etc and this is within ONE WEEK!!!! I added it up to close to $30 Grand!!! What in the world is happening here??? NO ONE is that rich! No one can squander dollars that fast. Unless this is a Drug Money Laundering scheme. Buy up all these radios and then sell them off a little at a time. This ebayer has over 2500 purchases in a short time, all big ticket items. Wonder if the FBI ought to find out about this?
A major radio once a month? Are YOU laundering "drug money"?
WA6MHZ
09-01-2007, 12:16 AM
A major radio for me costs under $50! Just got a Hallicrafters S-107, and a S-41G is coming! Both for under $50!
WA9SVD
09-01-2007, 12:17 AM
Money laundering or a speculator who then puts the equipment up for consignment at various dealers?, or on ePay again? Or sells the equipment to overseas customers?
Maybe a broker who caters to collectors, and deals with bargains on current equipment as well?
While anything is possible, nefarious intent or actions are not always the true motive or explanation. One question to ask is whether or not the winning bids for the equipment are completely out of line for similar equipment, and/or unreasonably high.
WA6MHZ
09-01-2007, 12:26 AM
Every winning bid was Sniped, meaning in the last 3 seconds, the bid was entered automatically by a computer somewhere. I looked at the prices and all were quite high. This individual is no bargain shopper. He is putting a ridiculously high bid on every radio he sees and worries not about being outbid. Perhaps these radios are going to a 3rd world country to act as mobiles for troops. Almost all are HF rigs, with a few collectibles in the batch. The bulk are everyday radios a Ham looking to get on HF would buy. I saw no case where he bid early or ran the bid up. I saw no case where he ever lost either. So money is no object. If he pays $500 for a radio worth $200, not a problem. Remember too that shipping is added on to each, and some are quite heavy. As a person active in the Amateur Radio used equipment industry (I am not a seller, only buy stuff for my personal collection) I know what these things are worth all all are overpaid for. Thats why I suspect something subversive. While the scenarios could be indeed true, the incredible volume and cash outlay is staggering. HRO wishes they could sell that many radios a day!!!
k4avl
09-01-2007, 12:33 AM
I think there are some guys out there that look for the old rigs and bid only so much, to see if they can get it if others don't bid higher, but they must know the value and know if they can expect to make a profit for it later. Some of these auctions slip through the cracks and the articles can be gotten reasonably, but in my experience I've also seen, as you say , bidders with 1000's of transactions trying to get a foot into some of these auctions. If I find something I need, I'm usually there at the last minute and prepared to bid a bit higher than it's worth, and I usually end up getting it, but I agree, some may be in there for the money only, and then even if it doesn't work try & misrepresent it (or say "I have no knowledge but it looks nice") and then try to double their money. You tend to get to know the rigs that command a high price after a while, and I guess they try to play a game and get them at a steal, but I see them even bidding on the cheap novice rigs too, because they are not too much in demand (except maybe a Johnson, etc.) , and if they can get it cheap when it's a slow bidding week, maybe they figure there, too, they can at least double their money, maybe with an exorbitant "buy it now", etc.
Sounds like you are jealous to me........What do you mean "no one is that rich", to be able to afford a bunch of radios?
Ever spent any amount of time in Naples, FL? How about Fisher Island, Florida? I have. Try telling some of the residents there that 30 grand is a lot of money to spend on some radios.......... They will laugh you right out of their 25 million dollar house or condo.
Tom kcØw
k4kyv
09-01-2007, 01:27 AM
It won't be long before we have to pee in a jar to take an amateur radio test or renew our licence. A positive result will be grounds for denial of the licence on "character" grounds.
I know of one Trinidadian ham, 9Z4FZ, who buys a ton of radio equipment regularly. some of it on ebay.
However, he has a lot of money through owning several businesses, including casinos I believe.
Quote[/b] (KC0W @ Aug. 31 2007,17:34)]Ever spent any amount of time in Naples, FL? How about Fisher Island, Florida? I have. Try telling some of the residents there that 30 grand is a lot of money to spend on some radios.......... They will laugh you right out of their 25 million dollar house or condo.
Ummm... Perhaps $450,000 condo.... Didn't you hear ? The real estate bubble has burst in Florida, so I'm sure everyone there is laughing at their bomb-drop in equity. According to zillow.com, the average sale price in Naples is around $400,000-$500,000.
Quote[/b] (KC0W @ Aug. 31 2007,20:34)]Sounds like you are jealous to me........What do you mean "no one is that rich", to be able to afford a bunch of radios?.....
.....
# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # Tom kcØw
I think you nailed that one! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Aug. 31 2007,20:02)]I was outbid on an auction a little while ago, nothing new, I am usually outbid, but this time I noticed something different. #I checked out the history of the winning bidder. #It was astonishing what he has bought in the past WEEK!!! Now, most of us will maybe buy a major radio once a month if even that often. #How about several DOZEN in a week? #And these are high ticket items, not a key or spare tube here and there. #Here is a list of what was bought in the last couple DAYS!!!!
Drake R4A, Yaesu FT-100D, Yaesu FL-2100B,Yaesu FT-757GXII, SB-600 (2), SB-301, #Drake TR4C, Kenwood TS-570D, Another Yaesu FT-757, Kenwood TS-930S, Yaesu FT-290R, Kenwood R-6000, Yaesu FT ONE, Yaesu FT-890,
Yaesu FT-901DM, Collins 51J4, Still another FT-757, Collins 32S3, Icom R-71, Icom R-7000, Yaesu FT-990, Collins 75A-3, a couple of Yaesu FT-736Rs, Kenwood TS-940s, Icom IC-775, etc etc etc and this is within ONE WEEK!!!! I added it up to close to $30 Grand!!! # What in the world is happening here??? NO ONE is that rich! #No one can squander dollars that fast. #Unless this is a Drug Money Laundering scheme. #Buy up all these radios and then sell them off a little at a time. #This ebayer has over 2500 purchases in a short time, all big ticket items. #Wonder if the FBI ought to find out about this?
That's it, just doing your "civic duty" by cruising eBay, probably looking for Galaxy Radios and non-certified amps.
There's a link to report 10 meter amps on eBay, maybe they have a link to report this type of suspicious activity; someone buying "too" much?
It is pathetically sad when these folks turn to eBay for entertainment and after winding their highly impressionable minds up, they think about contacting #the eBay security team or worst, the FBI to snitch someone out. #
Maybe he should pitch this idea to some motion picture company executives?
I'm sure the OP has a life, he just needs not to enrich it with pursuits of self-perceived criminal behavior on the Internet. #Maybe he should get a grip on something solid, like his own behind and in a Libertarian manner, leave the other fellow's alone.
Quote[/b] (ko0m @ Sep. 01 2007,09:14)]It is pathetically sad when these folks turn to eBay for entertainment and after winding their highly impressionable minds up, they think about contacting the eBay security team or worst, the FBI to snitch someone out.
I'm sure the OP has a life, he just needs not to enrich it with pursuits of self-perceived criminal behavior on the Internet. Maybe he should get a grip on something solid, like his own behind and in a Libertarian manner, leave the other fellow's alone.
That's the way I would choose to handle it. Then again, I would never have wasted my time worrying about what the "super-bidder" was doing.
Live and let live. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
W5HTW
09-01-2007, 04:57 PM
He could be right, there could be something shady going on here. However, it could instead be someone who buys these things for resale to areas where it is much harder to get quality ham gear at reasonable prices. I'm sure he will make money on this, if that it his intent. I don't see a collector buying two or three of the same model radio. I wouldn't. But then to each his own, so maybe he would love to see five or six FT757s on his shelves.
My guess is these will wind up in foreign countries, and as far as I know, that is not illegal. Since some of them are boat anchors, they are not too likely to hit the streets in Somalia as troop radios, or in Colombia for use by the cartels.
I would guess the IRS takes a fairly close look at eBay, using a computer to check things that could be questionable. Nothing wrong with that. And they have the computers to do it.
So I don't think (yawn) I'd be very (yawn) excited about this. Yawn.
Ed
W4INF
09-01-2007, 11:35 PM
Simple answer, in order to prevent your item for selling for LESS than what you want, but NOT post a reserve (many people to even want to bid on a reserve auction), then the SELLER and the winning BUYER are the same.
Check and see who else the winning bidder bought from, if there all the same seller, the I suspect the seller and buyer are the same.
If its "gottahaveit" as the buyer, I dont know... I sold my TS-440S to him on ebay, and he had also bought a good radio at least twice a week. I havent figured that out. He paid promptly via paypal.
WA6MHZ
09-02-2007, 12:09 AM
You got it! He HAD to have it, so he BOUGHT IT!!! He BOUGHT THEM ALL!!!!! None left for the rest of us!!!!
WA6MHZ
09-02-2007, 01:06 AM
In this Post 911 world, it is every citizens duty to keep a look out for things that appear suspicious. HF radio is an ideal means for Sleeper cells and Terrorists to keep in contact now that the FBI and CIA monitor most telephone and cellphone calls. All these radios are easily outofbanded and quiet obscure frequencies can be found for this kind of communication. Large purchases of HF radios from HRO or such would put up a red flag for the agencies, but on Ebay, buying radios is rarely noticed. Perhaps there are large numbers of these people buying radios for Terrorist use. I saw a similar thing awhile back where a Bay area person was buying large numbers of 2 meter radios, Hundreds infact. There were mostly HTs with some mobile radios and a few base stations. This looked like a paramilitary buy and the FBI was very happy to find out about it. The buyer disappeared shortly after they were involved. Another Sleeper cell routed!!! Of course, they never release any data on what they found, but you know they are doing their job when the threat is neutralized and the perps disappear. So maybe this is all innocent and it is just some whacko rich guy spending his inheritance at a fever pitch. But after watching movies like BAD BOYS, Reno 911 and a few others, it sure looks like something else is going on. Wonder if this guy lives in Miami?
Check back on eBay in a week or so, and look for those exact radios from those auctions. I bet you will see them listed by a guy called Radio-Mart, even though they were bought by a different bidder. Then look carefully and you will see any options in the radios were removed and listed separately. Notice how all the items are described as if they just came off the production line. Notice how all the items are described as being in his private collection for years and he just finally decided he had to sell them because he has too many. Read his feedback, and notice the negatives. Then go look up anyone who gave him a negative and notice that they also got a negative to spoil their otherwise perfect feedback. I bet you got outbid by gottahaveit1996 didn't you ??!!
WA6MHZ
09-02-2007, 01:22 AM
many many times, yes. I have also seen the vast volume of rigs going through Radio Mart and I thought he just went to alot of hamfests. OK, maybe thats whats going on here. Thanks!
EI3GAB
09-02-2007, 02:23 AM
Its my opinion that these magic money buyers are actually the sellers themselves!
the items selling maybe going too cheap so they bag a bid at the money they actually want for the goods and if it sells higher they get rich, on the other hand if they win it themselves under another ID they lose nothing?
Just my thoughts as some items sell for way more than they are worth and I think Mr millionare Hams are far and few between well in EI anyways, H I
73 de EI3GAB
w7lpn
09-02-2007, 03:48 AM
Quote[/b] (KC0W @ Aug. 31 2007,17:34)]Sounds like you are jealous to me........What do you mean "no one is that rich", to be able to afford a bunch of radios?
Ever spent any amount of time in Naples, FL? How about Fisher Island, Florida? I have. Try telling some of the residents there that 30 grand is a lot of money to spend on some radios.......... They will laugh you right out of their 25 million dollar house or condo.
# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # Tom kcØw
Sure! But it's so much more fun imagining something sinister is going on, right! Might be right, but you'll never know, because buying 30,000 in radios is not probable cause to search your car or your home, unless they call in the patriot act & say he's buying them for terrorists....Oh NO! That's it!! He's a Ji Hadist and making remote detonating devises! Fun Huh!? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
wb6mmj
09-02-2007, 04:34 AM
I don`t bother with ebay anymore. The selling prices have gone through the roof. Why buy there when you can save money by buying elsewhere.
Quote[/b] (w7lpn @ Sep. 01 2007,20:48)]Sure! But it's so much more fun imagining something sinister is going on, right! Might be right, but you'll never know, because buying 30,000 in radios is not probable cause to search your car or your home, unless they call in the patriot act & say he's buying them for terrorists....Oh NO! That's it!! He's a Ji Hadist and making remote detonating devises! Fun Huh!? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Reminds me of the day not too long ago when a group of foreign engineering students were in our area looking at and photographing several hydroelectric dams along the river.
The problem was, they were, well.... middle eastern in appearance.
Let's stoke the paranoia a little more and get the tribesmen all riled up.
More money for Homeland Stupidity.
Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Sep. 01 2007,21:06)]In this Post 911 world, it is every citizens duty to keep a look out for things that appear suspicious. YADA-YADA BULLCRAP.......snip
MORE YADA-YADA BULLCRAP snip....But after watching movies like BAD BOYS, Reno 911 and a few others, it sure looks like something else is going on. #Wonder if this guy lives in Miami?
I get so fricking sick and tired of of the folks who continue to re-exhume the ghosts of 911 in an effort scare/manipulate/influence the general population. #There have been some pretty suspicious things going on at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave in Washington DC, has anyone taken notice of them?
wa6mhz, there was nothing in your original post about "911" or "Tar-rism", it was about "Drug Money Laundering" however, when you were called out on your petty jealousies over the loss of an eBay auction, you try to wrap yourself in the "Homeland Security Flag".
Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Sep. 01 2007,20:09)]You got it! #He HAD to have it, so he BOUGHT IT!!! He BOUGHT THEM ALL!!!!! #None left for the rest of us!!!!
Nothing about 911 there either; I think that quote really tells us what it's was all about.
Yeah, "he" lives right next door to the Al Pacino character from the movie "Scarface".
PUT DOWN THE REMOTE, you are watching too many movies, your sense of reality MIGHT have been influenced a tad (now, I MIGHT be wrong) too much.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif #<---(obligitory smily)
WA6MHZ - is your email address on QRZ correct? I tried emailing you and it bounced.
WA6MHZ
09-02-2007, 07:19 PM
yes, arrl.org should do it, don't try arrl.net though that will bounce. Also try my call at cox.net. 73
kc7gnm
09-02-2007, 08:13 PM
Quote[/b] (ko0m @ Sep. 02 2007,11:54)]Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Sep. 01 2007,21:06)]In this Post 911 world, it is every citizens duty to keep a look out for things that appear suspicious. YADA-YADA BULLCRAP.......snip
MORE YADA-YADA BULLCRAP snip....But after watching movies like BAD BOYS, Reno 911 and a few others, it sure looks like something else is going on. Wonder if this guy lives in Miami?
I get so fricking sick and tired of of the folks who continue to re-exhume the ghosts of 911 in an effort scare/manipulate/influence the general population. There have been some pretty suspicious things going on at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave in Washington DC, has anyone taken notice of them?
wa6mhz, there was nothing in your original post about "911" or "Tar-rism", it was about "Drug Money Laundering" however, when you were called out on your petty jealousies over the loss of an eBay auction, you try to wrap yourself in the "Homeland Security Flag".
Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Sep. 01 2007,20:09)]You got it! He HAD to have it, so he BOUGHT IT!!! He BOUGHT THEM ALL!!!!! None left for the rest of us!!!!
Nothing about 911 there either; I think that quote really tells us what it's was all about.
Yeah, "he" lives right next door to the Al Pacino character from the movie "Scarface".
PUT DOWN THE REMOTE, you are watching too many movies, your sense of reality MIGHT have been influenced a tad (now, I MIGHT be wrong) too much.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif <---(obligitory smily)
The one reason we keep getting spanked in this country is we always get complacent about what is going on around us. I still think being vigilant in todays world is best. Seems like some folks just never learn from history and it keeps on repeating itself.
KC9JIQ
09-02-2007, 08:40 PM
Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Sep. 01 2007,18:06)]In this Post 911 world, it is every citizens duty to keep a look out for things that appear suspicious. #
That is further from the American way. You are innocent UNTIL proven guilty in this country, you are NOT a terrorist UNTIL PROVEN in a court of law!
Americans really have NO buisness in snitching other americans out for being ourselves.
Well, I would never have noticed anything there, but based on what I've read on this post, I went to ebay and found the "gottahaveitnow1995" (the one listed in KY) and he has purchase like 500 radio items in the last month.... very interesting. None of my business guess, but sure would be interesting what's really going on. Is he really buying for resale on ebay for RadioMart? Or to ship overseas somewhere? I really doubt they are all for his personal use.
73 de Ken H.
gottahaveit 1995 is the buying ID of radio-mart.They are one and the same but I have seen him deny it on this forum.
kn4ds
09-03-2007, 04:40 AM
Quote[/b] (K9FV @ Sep. 02 2007,19:53)]Well, I would never have noticed anything there, but based on what I've read on this post, I went to ebay and found the "gottahaveitnow1995" (the one listed in KY) and he has purchase like 500 radio items in the last month.... very interesting. None of my business guess, but sure would be interesting what's really going on. Is he really buying for resale on ebay for RadioMart? Or to ship overseas somewhere? I really doubt they are all for his personal use.
73 de Ken H.
Either way... why do we care?
It's his money, and he can buy whatever he wants to buy, and sell it to whoever has the money to buy.
Welcome to the concept of free enterprise.
KB1OJU
09-03-2007, 05:00 AM
i personally see absolutely NO ISSUE with this. many ebay business's do just that, buy stuff just for stock purposes. my general manager does that and makes a killing. maybe cuz im just used to it, but i dont think there is any issue whatsoever
W4INF
09-03-2007, 06:56 AM
Quote[/b] (k9xr @ Sep. 02 2007,20:34)]gottahaveit 1995 is the buying ID of radio-mart.They are one and the same but I have seen him deny it on this forum.
Just what I thought...
Its one way to do business, and really... theres nothing unethical about it.
If you look, gottahaveit has no SELLER feedback, its all buyer.
Radio-Mart has no BUYER feedback, its all seller.
:->
kb1ohk
09-03-2007, 01:32 PM
Quote[/b] (K9FV @ Sep. 02 2007,16:53)]Well, I would never have noticed anything there, but based on what I've read on this post, I went to ebay and found the "gottahaveitnow1995" (the one listed in KY) and he has purchase like 500 radio items in the last month.... #very interesting. #None of my business guess, but sure would be interesting what's really going on. #Is he really buying for resale on ebay for RadioMart? #Or to ship overseas somewhere? #I really doubt they are all for his personal use.
73 de Ken H.
If you look in the completed listings anything gottahaveit1995 won is up for bids at Radiomart.
There is nothing wrong with that, he is just buying and reselling.
OK, now my curiosity if filled - "gottahaveit" is the buying ID for RadioMart. As I suspected, not for personal use, but for a business. Not a problem -and good luck to him.
Ken H>
Quote[/b] (KE4UWL @ Sep. 02 2007,21:40)]Either way... why do we care?
It's his money, and he can buy whatever he wants to buy, and sell it to whoever has the money to buy.
Welcome to the concept of free enterprise.
Doing business with Mrotten Fallason would most likely change your position on this. It' not safe to buy or sell from this "person." Free enterprise works much better without crooks.
WA6MHZ
09-03-2007, 02:17 PM
There is an Ebay rule against having 2 identities. A very strict rule, for if we could do that, we could set up and auction and bid up whoever comes along trying to bid, netting a way overprice for the item. And, if the seller (buyer) outbids the legit seller, then he will just win his own auction and relist it later. Ebay must be aware of this, but is evidently looking the other way due to the large volume of income they make from Radio Mart. Ebay is in business too, but they should not do selective enforcement. Radio Mart also hides the bidders identities so you never know if you are bidding against another real buyer or Mart himself. I bought an Icom RM-2 and way overpaid for it, because I needed it so very badly to make an Icom 245 work. It was advertised as "new in the box" condition but it came missing screws, highly modified and all scratched up. But it worked so I kept it and didn't complain, as that would do no good against big business. But I always wondered if I was bidding against a SHILL or a real ham. With secret bidding you never know. Ebay ought to be forced to investigate this. And I bet the IRS would like to know about all those tax free dollars coming in too.
kn4ds
09-03-2007, 02:39 PM
Quote[/b] (w2vw @ Sep. 03 2007,09:56)]Quote[/b] (KE4UWL @ Sep. 02 2007,21:40)]Either way... why do we care?
It's his money, and he can buy whatever he wants to buy, and sell it to whoever has the money to buy.
Welcome to the concept of free enterprise.
Doing business with Mrotten Fallason would most likely change your position on this. It' not safe to buy or sell from this "person." Free enterprise works much better without crooks.
And word is getting around that he's not the one you want to buy from.
The point is not that he shouldn't be allowed to buy those things, because he's not honest when he resells them... the point is that there's nothing wrong with buying things and reselling them. It happens all day, ever day, all over this bit of rock we call home... this particular case just happens to be on Ebay for all the world to see.
Personally, I won't buy anything at all from "Radio Mart." I've seen the negative feedback, I've seen the warnings on other sites.
It's still free enterprise.
N8UZE
09-03-2007, 02:52 PM
Quote[/b] (EI3GAB @ Sep. 01 2007,22:23)]Its my opinion that these magic money buyers are actually the sellers themselves!
the items selling maybe going too cheap so they bag a bid at the money they actually want for the goods and if it sells higher they get rich, on the other hand if they win it themselves under another ID they lose nothing?
Except that this is explicitly against eBay policy. It may even be a form of fraud though I haven't read of any one being prosecuted for such a fraud.
First off, it is not against Ebay policy to have 2 Ebay ID's.However, it is against the rules to bid on your own auctions. They call this "SHILL BIDDING". Now that Ebay is hiding most bidder information, it has given the Crooks a license to do whatever they desire. Oh well, Good things (Ebay was good at one time, wasn't it?) never seem to last.
#My guess is that sooner or later most people will get fed up with all the crap that is going on and Ebay will lose it shine. It will serve all the crooks right and it will serve Ebay right for looking the other way.
Quote[/b] (w2vw @ Sep. 03 2007,09:56)]Quote[/b] (KE4UWL @ Sep. 02 2007,21:40)]Either way... why do we care?
It's his money, and he can buy whatever he wants to buy, and sell it to whoever has the money to buy.
Welcome to the concept of free enterprise.
Doing business with Mrotten Fallason would most likely change your position on this. It' not safe to buy or sell from this "person." Free enterprise works much better without crooks.
WOW, where did that come from; I don't personally know Mr. Fallason nor have I had any business transactions with him on eBay but, I think that it is reckless behavior to say that it is not safe to sell to or buy from this fellow and to infer that he is a crook with out offering something to substantiate you claim.
Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Sep. 03 2007,10:17)]There is an Ebay rule against having 2 identities. #A very strict rule, for if we could do that, we could set up and auction and bid up whoever comes along trying to bid, netting a way overprice for the item. #And, if the seller (buyer) outbids the legit seller, then he will just win his own auction and re-list it later. #Ebay must be aware of this, but is evidently looking the other way due to the large volume of income they make from Radio Mart. #Ebay is in business too, but they should not do selective enforcement. #Radio Mart also hides the bidders identities so you never know if you are bidding against another real buyer or Mart himself. #I bought an Icom RM-2 #and way overpaid for it, because I needed it so very badly to make an Icom 245 work. #It was advertised as "new in the box" condition but it came missing screws, highly modified and all scratched up. But it worked so I kept it and didn't complain, as that would do no good against big business. #But I always wondered if I was bidding against a SHILL or a real ham. #With secret bidding you never know. #Ebay ought to be forced to investigate this. #And I bet the IRS would like to know about all those tax free dollars coming in too.
Down here in the "Empowerment Zone", we just call that "Player-Hating", maybe you know it better as "Sour Grapes".
As someone already pointed out, there is no rule against have multiple ID's on eBay; it make good sense if you are a "Power Seller" on eBay, it allows you to keep you buying and selling activities separate and accountable.
I sell on eBay and, it is clear to me that those of you with the negative complaints really don't understand how eBay works. #Take for instance the concern that you have about the owner of the item "Shill Bidding" on something he posted; eBay has the technology to connect every transaction with an IP Address, it would stupid for me to try to drive up the price of my item using my own ID or someone else's ID from my IP Address, do you understand that?
I once listed some items for an associate of mine on eBay, everything was cool until this Alpha-Hotel started bidding on his own items that I was selling for him. #I placed him on a "Banned Bidder" list which prevented him from participating in any of my auctions; I also made him eat the FVF (eBay's cut of the sale) and pay me for the item that he bidded up to the sky.
Back to Gottahaveit/Radio-mart, within the last 6 months the gentleman has processed over 2200 sales transactions and has had 35 negative feed-backs filed against him from buyers; he has had none within the last 30 days. #The #thirty-five complaints out of 2208 sales represents 1.6% of this gentleman's' total volume; he has gotten it right over 98% of the time and, when he didn't, he offered a full refund. #Most of the complaints were filed by "Newbies" to eBay with low feedback, I also believe the guy when he dealt with the buyers who want something for nothing or the ones who try to renegotiate the sale after the auction has closed.
ETA: Dishonest buyers and sellers on eBay hide their feedback and make it private. #Radio-Mart has done no such thing which leads me to believe that they are on the up-and-up. #I see some items that I would bid on. #The guy is really doing us a favor, if you want to know what a piece of equipment is worth, look at his buying record, it establishes a "Fair Market Value" on the items.
Finally, enough of this crap from whiney-butt people who don't get their way and want to complain to a "higher power"; we have MORE THAN ENOUGH "GUBERMENT" interference in our lives, the FBI should be out there chasing criminal not listening to "Nancy-boys" cry about Internet Flea-market transaction. #AND, about that IRS crack, I bet you will just love it when YOU have to start paying SALES TAX to the State and Feds on you Internet purchases because of #other whiney butt nay-bobs like yourself.
Mel
Quote[/b] (ko0m @ Sep. 03 2007,10:17)]WOW, where did that come from; I don't personally know Mr. Fallason nor have I had any business transactions with him on eBay but, I think that it is reckless behavior to say that it is not safe to sell to or buy from this fellow and to infer that he is a crook with out offering something to substantiate you claim.
Mel
Opinion and a dollar will get you a cup of coffee.
You can literally sit for hours Googling certain individuals who pop up for discussions of this sort. Try it with Mrotten. If the guy doesn't like what I have to say then he is welcome to stop by and discuss it in person. He should be sent halfway back to where he came here from.
None of this has anything to do with government intervention or space zombies.
Quote[/b] (w2vw @ Sep. 03 2007,14:04)]Quote[/b] (ko0m @ Sep. 03 2007,10:17)]WOW, where did that come from; I don't personally know Mr. Fallason nor have I had any business transactions with him on eBay but, I think that it is reckless behavior to say that it is not safe to sell to or buy from this fellow and to infer that he is a crook with out offering something to substantiate you claim.
Mel
Opinion and a dollar will get you a cup of coffee.
You can literally sit for hours Googling certain individuals who pop up for discussions of this sort. Try it with Mrotten. If the guy doesn't like what I have to say then he is welcome to stop by and discuss it in person. He should be sent halfway back to where he came here from.
None of this has anything to do with government intervention or space zombies.
Actually, I would rather spend hours "oogling" the girls than "Googling" the knuckle-heads that are the usual topics here on QRZ.
I entered the name "Mrotten Fallason" but I did not get any returns.
.Google Mrotten Fallason (http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGLJ_enUS218US218&q=Mrotten+Fallason)
Mel
"Kick-off-zero-mike"
W3WTF
09-13-2007, 05:46 AM
I think someone needs a hobby.
N4AUD
09-13-2007, 05:53 AM
Quote[/b] (W3WTF @ Sep. 13 2007,01:46)]I think someone needs a hobby.
I hear ham radio is a good one.
WD4CHP
09-13-2007, 11:19 AM
"the one who has the most toys wins"
and
"a fool and his money are soon parted"
W0BKR
09-13-2007, 11:24 AM
What I have noticed about situations like that is this type of "bidder" gets involved in your bidding and when you decide not to go over the ridiculous bid amount, they sometimes win the item but usually, never really buy it. It is a ploy to jack up the price of the item by getting other bidders to keep bidding, thereby insuring the Seller of a price higher than normal. They actually never buy anything.
In this case, it could be a guy bidding and never buying. Hard to say. Ebay has so many scammers and fraud out there..hard to determine the real from the fake.
WA6MHZ
09-13-2007, 01:33 PM
OK, at the beginning of this thread, I thought there was something subversive going on, as it seemed highly unusual for anyone to be buying $30K worth of HF transcievers in a few weeks. It never occurred to me they were being bought to be resold, I thought the worst, Drug money laundering, terrorist buys, etc. So I was wrong, but atleast it has brought to light what this character is doing, making BIG MONEY off of hams, and frequently sticking it to them with highly misrepresented claims of excellence. I have done more research, and found more often than not, the items that are supposed to be in "MINT CONDITION" are actually complete junk and very expensive to fix. One such deal was an amplifier sold that was said to be "Perfect" when in fact it was completely blown and hopeless to fix. Another was a KWM-2, also labeled as "MINT" where it turned out the power connectors were broken off as well as many of the input jacks. So there is big business in KY, and alot of Hams are getting burnt. I recently bid on a manual but as I saw the price of it start to go through the roof, I suddenly realized I wasn't bidding against other REAL HAMS, but Martyn himself, shilling away, and completely hidden because of the way he "ARRANGES" the bidders identity. He wanted alot of money for his book but he didn't get it from me. So there is alot of underhanded transactions going on here, and while somehow it remains above the level that can be made for Fraud accussations, it sure isn't in the spirit of Amateur Radio what he is doing to the Hams. He is making ALOT of money, ALOT! Using the desires of Hams to get a new rig to line his pockets. Someday he will go down for his sins, and I won't shed a tear. It makes all the Good Ebayers somewhat dirtied to share the net with him. 2 more radios I would have liked to win were easily snapped up by his big budget. And his Snipe at the last second MO means no one in the world has a chance to outbid him if he wants it. OH, you want that radio? Well, wait a few weeks and it will be listed by him, stripped of all options, and probably trashed abit, but it will be there in one of his auctions, where you can finally buy it, for FAR MORE than it is worth! FAR FAR MORE!!!
W4INF
09-13-2007, 02:58 PM
It might be helpful to know the proper definition before many more post are made on this thread, the title is totally incorrect.
Money Laundering
This is the process by which "dirty money" generated by criminal activities is converted through legitimate businesses into assets that cannot be easily traced back to their illegal origins.
WA6MHZ
09-13-2007, 03:10 PM
Yes I admit I was wrong, but once a topic is started, there seems no way to delete or change it. Maybe the mods can zap this one. It seemed to be a money launderijg scheme at first but it turned out not to be, just an incredibly greedy businessman with deep deep pockets and a budget that would make Uncle Sam jealous!
Quote[/b] (n4aud @ Sep. 13 2007,01:53)]Quote[/b] (W3WTF @ Sep. 13 2007,01:46)]I think someone needs a hobby.
I hear ham radio is a good one.
Sure is as long as we keep the COWANS and EAVESDROPPERS out http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Sep. 13 2007,09:33)]OK, at the beginning of this thread, I thought there was something subversive going on, as it seemed highly unusual for anyone to be buying $30K worth of HF transcievers in a few weeks. #It never occurred to me they were being bought to be resold, I thought the worst, Drug money laundering, terrorist buys, etc. #So I was wrong, but atleast it has brought to light what this character is doing, making BIG MONEY off of hams, and frequently sticking it to them with highly misrepresented claims of excellence. #I have done more research, and found more often than not, the items that are supposed to be in "MINT CONDITION" are actually complete junk and very expensive to fix. #One such deal was an amplifier sold that was said to be "Perfect" when in fact it was completely blown and hopeless to fix. #Another was a KWM-2, also labeled as "MINT" where it turned out the power connectors were broken off as well as many of the input jacks. #So there is big business in KY, and alot of Hams are getting burnt. #I recently bid on a manual but as I saw the price of it start to go through the roof, I suddenly realized I wasn't bidding against other REAL HAMS, but Martyn himself, shilling away, and completely hidden because of the way he "ARRANGES" the bidders identity. #He wanted alot of money for his book but he didn't get it from me. #So there is alot of underhanded transactions going on here, and while somehow it remains above the level that can be made for Fraud accussations, it sure isn't in the spirit of Amateur Radio what he is doing to the Hams. #He is making ALOT of money, ALOT! #Using the desires of Hams to get a new rig to line his pockets. #Someday he will go down for his sins, and I won't shed a tear. #It makes all the Good Ebayers somewhat dirtied to share the net with him. #2 more radios I would have liked to win were easily snapped up by his big budget. #And his Snipe at the last second MO means no one in the world has a chance to outbid him if he wants it. #OH, you want that radio? #Well, wait a few weeks and it will be listed by him, stripped of all options, and probably trashed abit, but it will be there in one of his auctions, where you can finally buy it, for FAR MORE than it is worth! #FAR FAR MORE!!!
"6mhz", I buy (and sell) on eBay and respectfully sir if you are having problems with that venue I would strongly recommend that you start to include other areas in your search for items that you want to buy. #
No reputable eBay sellers set out take advantage of their customers who bid in their auctions; if you were a regular seller you would know this, the headaches involving an auction-gone-wrong/SNAD/Items not shipped is just not worth dealing with.
There is "Sniping" software available to you and anyone else who wants to use it to their advantage; do not complain because the other fellow has deeper pockets connected to his Snipe-ing tools.
Quote[/b] (ko0m @ Sep. 03 2007,09:56)]Down here in the "Empowerment Zone", we just call that "Player-Hating", maybe you know it better as "Sour Grapes".
I am going to be listing some radio equipment on eBay, I hope "Gotta haveit...." bids on mine and gives me a good price!
"6mhz", Good luck in your search for quality equipment.
Mel
"Kick-Off"
n9lya
09-13-2007, 03:55 PM
Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Aug. 31 2007,12:02)]I was outbid on an auction a little while ago, nothing new, I am usually outbid, but this time I noticed something different. #I checked out the history of the winning bidder. #It was astonishing what he has bought in the past WEEK!!! Now, most of us will maybe buy a major radio once a month if even that often. #How about several DOZEN in a week? #And these are high ticket items, not a key or spare tube here and there. #Here is a list of what was bought in the last couple DAYS!!!!
Drake R4A, Yaesu FT-100D, Yaesu FL-2100B,Yaesu FT-757GXII, SB-600 (2), SB-301, #Drake TR4C, Kenwood TS-570D, Another Yaesu FT-757, Kenwood TS-930S, Yaesu FT-290R, Kenwood R-6000, Yaesu FT ONE, Yaesu FT-890,
Yaesu FT-901DM, Collins 51J4, Still another FT-757, Collins 32S3, Icom R-71, Icom R-7000, Yaesu FT-990, Collins 75A-3, a couple of Yaesu FT-736Rs, Kenwood TS-940s, Icom IC-775, etc etc etc and this is within ONE WEEK!!!! I added it up to close to $30 Grand!!! # What in the world is happening here??? NO ONE is that rich! #No one can squander dollars that fast. #Unless this is a Drug Money Laundering scheme. #Buy up all these radios and then sell them off a little at a time. #This ebayer has over 2500 purchases in a short time, all big ticket items. #Wonder if the FBI ought to find out about this?
Probably just reselling them..
When Icom2100H's cost $159 NEW from the Ham Radio Goodie Stores.. There were being sold here on ebay fro $229+ and selling like hot cakes..
I must wonder the level of intelligence of the buyers... Why would anyone pay that much more then needed to buy something.. OR is it just worth the ability to say... I Bought it off EBay?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
HUM.. But like so many things that is none of my business...
When I was rebuilding my packet station after a lightning hit and using my insurance money to buy them... I found most items here on EBAY.. I spent about $10k on new radios TNC"s etc... In about 4 weeks..
So what... If more people would worry about what matters then what someone spends on ebay the world might be a better place...
73 jerry
Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Sep. 13 2007,11:10)]...snip(e)#Maybe the mods can zap this one.......snip(e) #
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif #
n9lya
09-13-2007, 04:00 PM
Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Sep. 01 2007,13:06)]In this Post 911 world, it is every citizens duty to keep a look out for things that appear suspicious. #HF radio is an ideal means for Sleeper cells and Terrorists to keep in contact now that the FBI and CIA monitor most telephone and cellphone calls. #All these radios are easily outofbanded and quiet obscure frequencies can be found for this kind of communication. #Large purchases of HF radios from HRO or such would put up a red flag for the agencies, but on Ebay, buying radios is rarely noticed. #Perhaps there are large numbers of these people buying radios for Terrorist use. #I saw a similar thing awhile back where a Bay area person was buying large numbers of 2 meter radios, Hundreds infact. #There were mostly HTs with some mobile radios and a few base stations. #This looked like a paramilitary buy and the FBI was very happy to find out about it. #The buyer disappeared shortly after they were involved. #Another Sleeper cell routed!!! Of course, they never release any data on what they found, but you know they are doing their job when the threat is neutralized and the perps disappear. #So maybe this is all innocent and it is just some whacko rich guy spending his inheritance at a fever pitch. #But after watching movies like BAD BOYS, Reno 911 and a few others, it sure looks like something else is going on. #Wonder if this guy lives in Miami?
Paranoia will destory ya....
Just like it has changed our way of life far beyond what 911 ever did.. The sad part this is what terrorist want.. They want you to be so scared you jump at and question everything....
I am sure the FBI CIA Etc.. Already know exactly what takes place on Ebay as it would be far easier to track then phones and other forms of communications..
73 jerry
n9lya
09-13-2007, 04:04 PM
Quote[/b] (KB1OJU @ Sep. 02 2007,17:00)]i personally see absolutely NO ISSUE with this. many ebay business's do just that, buy stuff just for stock purposes. my general manager does that and makes a killing. maybe cuz im just used to it, but i dont think there is any issue whatsoever
Exactly.. Take the family that buys all their wares from retail stores just to resell them on ebay at inflated prices based on the bidding habbits of people that think they just need to be the high bidder...
73 jerry
n9lya
09-13-2007, 04:06 PM
Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Sep. 03 2007,02:17)]There is an Ebay rule against having 2 identities. #A very strict rule, for if we could do that, we could set up and auction and bid up whoever comes along trying to bid, netting a way overprice for the item. #And, if the seller (buyer) outbids the legit seller, then he will just win his own auction and relist it later. #Ebay must be aware of this, but is evidently looking the other way due to the large volume of income they make from Radio Mart. #Ebay is in business too, but they should not do selective enforcement. #Radio Mart also hides the bidders identities so you never know if you are bidding against another real buyer or Mart himself. #I bought an Icom RM-2 #and way overpaid for it, because I needed it so very badly to make an Icom 245 work. #It was advertised as "new in the box" condition but it came missing screws, highly modified and all scratched up. #But it worked so I kept it and didn't complain, as that would do no good against big business. #But I always wondered if I was bidding against a SHILL or a real ham. #With secret bidding you never know. #Ebay ought to be forced to investigate this. #And I bet the IRS would like to know about all those tax free dollars coming in too.
What if one ID i his ligit business and the other his ligit personal home account... I see nothing wrong unless we could prove he is bidding on his business account via his personal account... Then again that is for the Ebay police to deal with not you nor I...
73 jerry n9lya
n9lya
09-13-2007, 04:10 PM
Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Sep. 13 2007,01:33)]OK, at the beginning of this thread, I thought there was something subversive going on, as it seemed highly unusual for anyone to be buying $30K worth of HF transcievers in a few weeks. #It never occurred to me they were being bought to be resold, I thought the worst, Drug money laundering, terrorist buys, etc. #So I was wrong, but atleast it has brought to light what this character is doing, making BIG MONEY off of hams, and frequently sticking it to them with highly misrepresented claims of excellence. #I have done more research, and found more often than not, the items that are supposed to be in "MINT CONDITION" are actually complete junk and very expensive to fix. #One such deal was an amplifier sold that was said to be "Perfect" when in fact it was completely blown and hopeless to fix. #Another was a KWM-2, also labeled as "MINT" where it turned out the power connectors were broken off as well as many of the input jacks. #So there is big business in KY, and alot of Hams are getting burnt. #I recently bid on a manual but as I saw the price of it start to go through the roof, I suddenly realized I wasn't bidding against other REAL HAMS, but Martyn himself, shilling away, and completely hidden because of the way he "ARRANGES" the bidders identity. #He wanted alot of money for his book but he didn't get it from me. #So there is alot of underhanded transactions going on here, and while somehow it remains above the level that can be made for Fraud accussations, it sure isn't in the spirit of Amateur Radio what he is doing to the Hams. #He is making ALOT of money, ALOT! #Using the desires of Hams to get a new rig to line his pockets. #Someday he will go down for his sins, and I won't shed a tear. #It makes all the Good Ebayers somewhat dirtied to share the net with him. #2 more radios I would have liked to win were easily snapped up by his big budget. #And his Snipe at the last second MO means no one in the world has a chance to outbid him if he wants it. #OH, you want that radio? #Well, wait a few weeks and it will be listed by him, stripped of all options, and probably trashed abit, but it will be there in one of his auctions, where you can finally buy it, for FAR MORE than it is worth! #FAR FAR MORE!!!
Used car dealers do it every day and what makes it worse the dumb a**es that buy them where there looking at them and test driving them...
He has feed back correct??? If GOOD there must not be a problem.. If Mostly bad... Then thsoe who continue to deal with him need to rethink their Ebay Habbits..
I think this thread should be locked.. Closed and nailed shut..
73 jerry
n9lya
09-13-2007, 04:15 PM
Dude the guy has well over 2k sales and a 99.7% POSITIVE Feedback... Why don't you go get a life and investigate G.W. Bush if you really want to find some dirt on someone..
I personally feel you owe this guy a public appollogy for libel and slander before he decided to call a lawyer..
73 Jerry N9LYA
Quote[/b] (n9lya @ Sep. 13 2007,12:15)]Dude the guy has well over 2k sales and a 99.7% POSITIVE Feedback... Why don't you go get a life and investigate G.W. Bush if you really want to find some dirt on someone..
I personally feel you owe this guy a public appollogy for libel and slander before he decided to call a lawyer..
73 Jerry N9LYA
I second that motion!
Mel (<---Reputable eBay seller)
"Kick-Off"
Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Sep. 13 2007,06:33)]It never occurred to me they were being bought to be resold
frequently sticking it to them with highly misrepresented claims of excellence. I have done more research, and found more often than not, the items that are supposed to be in "MINT CONDITION" are actually complete junk
snipped because.
You must have always finished your homework assignments when you were in school. Searching under a few rocks can sure be interesting eh? Sure beats not knowing what one is talking about. You forgot to mention the scenario of blaming shippers for damage on much less than "mint" items. Ship a bait and switch then see if a B.S. claim will stick to the wall.
Some of us here have to learn the hard way.
Second rule of business is that mistakes always cost money and/or time.
The one big issue that I have with seperate ebay accounts for the same person is that the feedback is kept seperate. It should not be. A reputation is a reputation.
One problem. You should qualify any statements of character referring to a specific person with the fact that they are only your opinion. The site owner(s) don't need to deal with any more issues than there are already here.
73,
Dave W2VW
Ebay seller (and buyer) with a lot of positive feedback and experience.
Probably a lot more than some other opinionated people who use a handle on ebay. Can't tell for sure. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Sep. 01 2007,18:06)]In this Post 911 world, it is every citizens duty to keep a look out for things that appear suspicious. HF radio is an ideal means for Sleeper cells and Terrorists to keep in contact now that the FBI and CIA monitor most telephone and cellphone calls. All these radios are easily outofbanded and quiet obscure frequencies can be found for this kind of communication.
Were I a terrorist setting up a sleeper cell and wanting radios to communicate with the home country, I'd buy them at hamfests using cash, not on ebay, and certainly not using Paypal. Even if I did use Ebay, I would create a new identity each time. Face it, if YOU or I notice something suspicious, he's not being very discreet. If you are convinced it's nefarious, then report it to the FBI and they'll decide what to do. But making the near-accusation here seems to me bordering on libel.
Rick "who doesn't like talking about ebay transactions on a public forum" Denney
Quote[/b] (w2vw @ Sep. 13 2007,14:29)]Probably a lot more than some other opinionated people who use a handle on ebay. Can't tell for sure. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Heeey, I resemble that remark! #
What is this, an eBay Feedback pee-ing match?
I'm a much better eBayer that anybody, my feedback tells me so, it says that I'm an asset to the eBay community and that I should be Canonized as a saint for my speedy shipping and even faster paying.
EBay feedback equals self-esteem!
Mel
"Kick-Off"
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
WA6MHZ
09-13-2007, 08:26 PM
I've had only one negative feedback in 1248 transactions, and that was from a crook who took my $50 and stiffed me for a radio. I had the NERVE to give him a negative so he gave me one right back! Most of the people I meet on Ebay are very nice and cordial. A few try to make up low sales prices in shipping costs (Does it really cost $10 to mail something for 41cents??) and have tangled with alot of very wealthy snipers who have more money than sense. They will bid $100 on an item worth about $20 thinking no one will outbid them. Get 2 clowns like that and the seller just sold it for a FORTUNE!! I could make millions of dollars selling off what i have collected, but I always say, I wouldn't have BOUGHT it if I wanted to SELL it! I do see some items at hamfests and swapmeets I could make a handsome profit on, but the hassle of boxing stuff up and going to the miserable Post office is just more trouble than the few bucks I would make. If I didn't have to work full time and didn't go to Radio club meetings and Elks almost every night, I might try it. I see a mike that sells for almost $100 go at the swapmeet for $5. A few like that would pay for some of these expensive junk radios I win.
KC5CSG
09-13-2007, 08:50 PM
Quote[/b] (ko0m @ Sep. 02 2007,08:54)]Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Sep. 01 2007,21:06)]In this Post 911 world, it is every citizens duty to keep a look out for things that appear suspicious. YADA-YADA BULLCRAP.......snip
MORE YADA-YADA BULLCRAP snip....But after watching movies like BAD BOYS, Reno 911 and a few others, it sure looks like something else is going on. #Wonder if this guy lives in Miami?
I get so fricking sick and tired of of the folks who continue to re-exhume the ghosts of 911 in an effort scare/manipulate/influence the general population. #There have been some pretty suspicious things going on at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave in Washington DC, has anyone taken notice of them?
wa6mhz, there was nothing in your original post about "911" or "Tar-rism", it was about "Drug Money Laundering" however, when you were called out on your petty jealousies over the loss of an eBay auction, you try to wrap yourself in the "Homeland Security Flag".
Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Sep. 01 2007,20:09)]You got it! #He HAD to have it, so he BOUGHT IT!!! He BOUGHT THEM ALL!!!!! #None left for the rest of us!!!!
Nothing about 911 there either; I think that quote really tells us what it's was all about.
Yeah, "he" lives right next door to the Al Pacino character from the movie "Scarface".
PUT DOWN THE REMOTE, you are watching too many movies, your sense of reality MIGHT have been influenced a tad (now, I MIGHT be wrong) too much.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif #<---(obligitory smily)
Now I have to agree with you there. Since when did Reno 911 become a template for spotting a crime? I guess you have to look out for the humorous criminal too.
Jerry
Quote[/b] (kr9d @ Sep. 13 2007,12:35)]Were I a terrorist setting up a sleeper cell and wanting radios to communicate with the home country, I'd buy them at hamfests using cash, not on ebay,
Maybe terrorists aren't allowed to eat hamfest food.
Quote[/b] (w2vw @ Sep. 13 2007,15:33)]Quote[/b] (kr9d @ Sep. 13 2007,12:35)]Were I a terrorist setting up a sleeper cell and wanting radios to communicate with the home country, I'd buy them at hamfests using cash, not on ebay,
Maybe terrorists aren't allowed to eat hamfest food.
I figure the bad guys are smarter than we are, and bring their own food.
Rick "thinking it was terrorists doing the cooking" Denney
Quote[/b] (kr9d @ Sep. 13 2007,16:02)]Quote[/b] (w2vw @ Sep. 13 2007,15:33)]Quote[/b] (kr9d @ Sep. 13 2007,12:35)]Were I a terrorist setting up a sleeper cell and wanting radios to communicate with the home country, I'd buy them at hamfests using cash, not on ebay,
Maybe terrorists aren't allowed to eat hamfest food.
I figure the bad guys are smarter than we are, and bring their own food.
Rick "thinking it was terrorists doing the cooking" Denney
I can hear them calling in sick right now. "Sorry but I cannot make the hijacking today, I'm stuck near the bathroom all day because I ate a hamfest sandwich."
WA9SVD
09-14-2007, 01:16 AM
Quote[/b] (kr9d @ Sep. 13 2007,12:35)]Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Sep. 01 2007,18:06)]In this Post 911 world, it is every citizens duty to keep a look out for things that appear suspicious. HF radio is an ideal means for Sleeper cells and Terrorists to keep in contact now that the FBI and CIA monitor most telephone and cellphone calls. All these radios are easily outofbanded and quiet obscure frequencies can be found for this kind of communication.
Were I a terrorist setting up a sleeper cell and wanting radios to communicate with the home country, I'd buy them at hamfests using cash, not on ebay, and certainly not using Paypal. Even if I did use Ebay, I would create a new identity each time. Face it, if YOU or I notice something suspicious, he's not being very discreet. If you are convinced it's nefarious, then report it to the FBI and they'll decide what to do. But making the near-accusation here seems to me bordering on libel.
Rick "who doesn't like talking about ebay transactions on a public forum" Denney
Chances are that terrorists would get a loan from "Bin Laden" and buy new equipment from a retail vender with cash. Hard to trace those greenbacks. Financing a few radios is probably a minuscule portion of the funds they seem to have available. And they probably wouldn't even buy such equipment in the U.S. or from a U.S. seller.
n9lya
09-14-2007, 04:15 PM
The bottom line to your thread.. Moral of this story...
You must be very very careful what you accuse someone of doing and never never attack ones character in puplic.. ie Internet Forums...
And you cannot use the We live in different times and we must protect ourselves from terrorists.. As that is no excuse for libel and slander.. In fact its mostly BS..
So becareful.. If you will not refrain from such postings.. I know more and more insurance companies are offering insurance to help protect you from libel and slander suits..
With the growth of the internet and the fact more and molre peole feel they can say anything on the net... (Published works, are what these are considered).. We all must be very very careful.. I could even see a Terrorist turn around and sue you for such writings even if he were found to be a terrorist.. Heck if a crook gets hurt on your proerty while burglarizing your home and trying to inflict harm on you.. you are still libel for his injuries from his accident.. Don't be lieve me look up the number of law suits against home owners from crooks suffering injuries while trying to flee after a robbery..
You may want to look into it ..
Just trying to help you...
73 Jerry N9LYA
n9lya
09-14-2007, 04:21 PM
Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Sep. 13 2007,08:26)]I've had only one negative feedback in 1248 transactions, and that was from a crook who took my $50 and stiffed me for a radio. #I had the NERVE to give him a negative so he gave me one right back! #Most of the people I meet on Ebay are very nice and cordial. #A few try to make up low sales prices in shipping costs (Does it really cost $10 to mail something for 41cents??) and have tangled with alot of very wealthy snipers who have more money than sense. #They will bid $100 on an item worth about $20 thinking no one will outbid them. #Get 2 clowns like that and the seller just sold it for a FORTUNE!! #I could make millions of dollars selling off what i have collected, but I always say, I wouldn't have BOUGHT it if I wanted to SELL it! #I do see some items at hamfests and swapmeets I could make a handsome profit on, but the hassle of boxing stuff up and going to the miserable Post office is just more trouble than the few bucks I would make. #If I didn't have to work full time and didn't go to Radio club meetings and Elks almost every night, I might try it. #I see a mike that sells for almost $100 go at the swapmeet for $5. #A few like that would pay for some of these expensive junk radios I win.
As far as your arguments about shipping costs.. If you bid on the product, then you just agreed to his TERMS.. so quit bitching or quit bidding...
Also shipping an item costs more the just postage...
Example.. I pay say $4.50 to send a package USPS Priority Mail and then another $1.17 for insurance.. ( I include ins in my shipping fees..) and then say a $1 for a box and .75 for packing material... Then time to pack it and time and gas to take to post office.. I may have set a $10 shipping cost fee for this product.. And I am only covering my exact costs..
What on earth is wrong with that.. Now your example of the $10 vs .41 I find a bit ridulous and you have a right not to pay it.. as well as DO NOT BID if you do not agree.. Once you bid you AGREE.. and Should not complain.. since you have already AGREED..
As far as snipping auctions.. are you talking about someone bidding up their product??? Or Auction Snipping... Bidding up ones item is wrong but also is not Snipping.. Snipping is bidding at the last second manually or with the use of software or a website that will automatically snip the auction in the last few minutes or seconds...
Anyone can.. I do not know what to say about that but it happens and seems to be tollerated by Ebay.. (I ams sure it ups their final value fees as well and they will not care one bit)...
If you feel you are being ripped off at Ebay... Don't go there.. You are fighting a battle you will never win..
73 jerry n9lya
n9lya
09-14-2007, 04:29 PM
This thread also sounds as bad as the guy complaining about Yeasu making a $10,000 radio.. Gee if they wish to market a 10,000 radio and you have no means to buy it buy one of their $500 radios and shut the heck up...
I am sure Yaesu did a market study and will sell near the nomber of $10,000 radios that they think they will and if they do or do not its no ones business but Yaesu's...
73 Jerry N9LYA
Quote[/b] (wa9svd @ Sep. 13 2007,18:16)]Chances are that terrorists would get a loan from "Bin Laden" and buy new equipment from a retail vender with cash.
A loan? Guess Bin Laden is sore because nobody ever pays back the money. They are too busy with the 72.
Here is a really nice search engine. Plug in an ebay user I.D. and hold on.
http://toolhaus.org/cgi-bin/negs
I've randomly picked a well known ebay seller for effect.
http://toolhaus.org/cgi-bin/negs?User=radio-mart&Dirn=Received+by
wa1bhv
09-14-2007, 08:31 PM
K3VR, Brian Crow needs to check this out!!
KD6NIG
09-14-2007, 08:59 PM
I'd view this the same as flipping houses-If you can buy stuff (radios, whatever) from people and then "flip" them by getting people to pay $50 more apiece for them, more power to you.
Less risk and money involved than buying a house and trying to make a killing, but same concept. Buy radios, maybe even open them up and clean them up, make them look better, get rid of the tobacco smell, etc, and resell them.
To me this is the same concept. I don't think he would be doing this publically in this fashion if it had bad intent, but you never know.
My Ebay score: 0. Had an account, but after my Mom-in-law had someone attempt to access her paypal account and charge a bunch of things on her credit cards "linked" to same, I canceled immedietely.
You all have fun on there and be careful. I'll be behind the times and order things the way I have always, and never had problems-new, when I can afford it. Never have any issues with unknown modifications, or wondering if someone is selling a radio because they accidentally sat on the PTT for an hour and cooked the finals, etc.
WA7KKP
09-17-2007, 06:07 PM
Quote[/b] (wa9svd @ Aug. 31 2007,17:17)]Money laundering or a speculator who then puts the equipment up for consignment at various dealers?, or on ePay again? #Or sells the equipment to overseas customers?
#
That's one of the problems of E-bay, aka E-pay or E-greed. Doesn't take a Ph.D. to figure out how to turn a profit, and many people have to the point that they've quit their full-time jobs.
Most of the time it is too much money chasing too few goods. I've seen simple things go for ludicrous prices, and good stuff not even get a bid. The tough part is paying UPS ransom for getting the item to you. And vendors have learned how to engineer in a minimum profit there as well.
I prefer hamfest fleamarkets, where I can see and fondle the item, and cut UPS out of my budget. I'm not out to make a fast buck, but I've come up with good to fantastic bargains by being in the right place at the right time with lots of CASH.
So you can pay retail and over on E-bay, or do like me, go on the hunt. More fun in digging through the boxes than watching HTML scroll by on your screen, which may or may not even exist.
Gary WA7KKP
WA6MHZ
09-18-2007, 01:19 PM
Hamfests, Swapmeets, Auctions and Estate sales are always the best of the best. You probably save 70-90% over what the same exact item would go for on Ebay! Last month I came home with a nice condx Hallicrafters SX-96 I had to give $60 for at the TRW swapmeet. It would have gone for probably $200 on Ebay! That is because there are so many idle rich out there with nothing to do but scroll through page after page of items and click on bid. Since they are so wealthy, paying $300 for something truly worth about $25 is not a problem. They will be spending well over that on Dining tonight! Business Tycoons, Oil Sheiks, and other billionaires are all bidding against you, so it is often a hopeless situation. I have been trying to acquire a Heathkit CR-1 crystal set for several years now. Truly worth on about $6, one last week went for $168!!! And there is no shortage of them, atleast 2 or 3 a week are listed. There are also some collectors who feel they need EVERY one ever made! A clown named RD Milli has nailed every Clegg FM-DX ever listed so he must have several dozen of them, paying up to $100 each for BROKE ones!! WHY?? I now wish I had paid the $35 I saw one at HRO for a few years back, but at the time I thought THAT was too expensive and passed on it. Meanwhile, other items that are truly a rarity go for a song. An authentic 1824 book was nailed for $7!! That should be in the Smithsonian!! And last month, possibly the rarest radio ever to be listed, a Silvertone Air Scout went for $31 to me, mostly because no one had ever heard of it. This was a 1930s 5 meter portable radio. It should have gone for Thousands!!! Clowns after clowns throw money down a rat hole on Ebay. How much is a Heathkit HW-101 worth? If you paid $60 for one, you probably got a fair deal. But an UNBUILT one went for about $4000!!! and an unbuilt Heathkit AT-1 saw over $5k!! So just what can you do with an unbuilt radio. BUILD IT!! And then it will be worth $60! If you keep it unbuilt, it is absolutely USELESS other than to fondle the parts and dream of an era when radios were radios and not toys like today. So Ebay is the greatest way to squander money on things you don't need, but have a foolish moment of impluse buying and bid on. Often I cheer for others to outbid me, as I knew I was wasting hard earned money on something completely uselss or that I already have. Today a 70s Drake logbook came in, with pretty colors and a photo page of some Drake vintage equipment on it. What will become of this? I will glance at it for a few moments, and toss it in the pile of other books I won't use. Money down a RAT HOLE!