I've done about 800 EBAY transactions including many big ticket items (not related to my business). Only one went bad, and maybe four others were not exactly stellar, but the other 795 were just fine. All in all, I have good results buying and selling on EBAY. The real key is to have good photos ahead of time and lots of them.

When you ship, might be wise to go zero dollar deductible on the order so its 100% insured against damage.

Good luck!
Duane Collie

Thanks so much for your continued help. I found a great ( at least from the pictures) breakfront. It is the largest I have found but doens't list a manufacturer. It is only 8 years old and lists as a reproduction. Any thing you can think of for me to ask? The pictures look good and my expectations are reasonable...I am not expecting perfect just good condition. I do appreciate your point on insurance. Many many thanks again.

Have an EBAY item number? Lets take a look....

-Duane

Good morning...

The number is 300210223849. It is the Large George IV breakfront. I still haven't rec'd an answer as to whether they will allow me to have a shipping company pick it up so I know this is a long shot. It just has the dimensions that I want and probably will end about the price I can pay. Many thanks again.

It looks decent, but reserve has not yet been met. Have you contacted the seller to see what they want for it? Its veneered front, obviously, but the form is good, carvings nice, brass finials well-scaled.

Seller will do third party shipping, says he charges $ 20 for that so you could send in a shipper.

Duane Collie

The listing says the original owner used it as an entertainment center. Ask if any modifications were made, like holes drilled for cords etc.
Linda C

Thanks....I have emailed the owner/auction to no avail...very frustrating. I have asked the about modifications but overall it looks very doable for my needs. I will try to contact him again.

I goggled the auction house and spoke with the guy directly. He is more than willing to have someone pick it up and ship to me. The reserve is 2500 which I doubt will happen. He said it is a reproduction and cost over 8k....so I know it isn't what I would consider fine furniture but again would suit my purposes. I called Vintage and they wanted 1307.00 to ship. I am waiting on Plycon to respond with a bid. Any comments would be great.

I would have no reservations paying $ 2,500 for that piece, I think thats probably a very good price.

Plycon is usually higher than Vintage. Not always, but usually.

Duane Collie

I have an antique mahagony table with mismatch chairs. Nothing is my house is very matchy matchy. My dining room is towards the formal but certainly not elaborate. It is hard to tell how dark this piece is but it looks like it would go well with my stuff. I am kinda thrown with the term "contemporary" just because I think chrome and glass. Love hearing from y'all.

Where do you live? If you are near a seller, many of them will let you come out and look at the item. You'll also save big on delivery if you buy from a local seller. Ebay also has live auctions. (Ebay's part in it is just to provide a way for internet bidders to take part in the auction.) If the auction house is not too far from you, you can go to the preview day and look at everything they have. If you're not in a big hurry to buy, I think you just might find exactly what you want.

Here is a link that might be useful: Listing of Live Auctions

I live in the Dallas, Texas area. I would think that I could find lots in this area but most of my finds on Ebay are back East. Most in this area a very small 1930-1940 pieces. There use to be a better selection in our area . I keep looking on Craigslist and Ebay. Many thanks

I got it! I am having it shipped later this month. Many thanks for all the great information. I will keep you posted as to how it all turns out.