Please feel free to rate this guide if it was helpful in any way at the end. 

 

Hello fellow collectors...

 

This guide is an FYI to the new collector that might not be aware. 

 

Most Japanese swords that are being sold in Asia on E-Bay are NOT vintage Japanese swords. 

 

These sellers often use deceptive words such as:  "Old", "vintage", "ancient", and even "rare" for brand NEW swords made to look worn.   This is word spam, and it is forbidden by E-Bay.  It's also misleading to the potential buyer. 

 

All too often... these sellers "protect the bidders" identity.....  This serves two purposes. 

 

1.  It prevents honest folks from contacting you to let you know that the sword is not original, and a reproduction.

 

2.  It prevents people who bought for an item earlier from this seller from warning you if they got ripped off.

 

If you just "gotta have the sword" (knife, dagger, etc.)...  PLEASE read the cost of shipping.  

 

Often... the starting price may only be .01 cent.....  BUT... shipping is $125 to $180 !!

 

These folks gouge buyers on shipping.  This is in violation of E-Bay's policy... but, still.....  there are hundreds of these auctions on E-Bay.

 

Furthermore.... if the seller sells a sword for .01 cent..... E-Bay does not make any commission (fee avoidance), and you are NOT protected by Pay Pal for the full purchase price.  

 

Buyer protection with E-Bay has a $20 deductible for the first $200 on the SALES price (not including shipping). 

 

In other words.... you might be out of luck if you never get the item.

 

Please remember all guides are opinions of the writer.   I don't want to single out sellers, countries, and so on.  

 

Just USE caution, and be aware that there are some bad apples out there that profit solely on exorbitant shipping charges with little or no protection to the buyer.

Also..... if you have a old helmet, uniform, flag, etc. you want to identify... please feel free to give me a shout.  If I don't know the answer... I will steer you in the right direction.

 

 

Happy hunting...