* Honest Accurate Detailed Descriptions *

Most eBay buyers depend on sellers to supply detailed, accurate descriptions of items for sale, so those buyers can make informed decisions about which items to buy.

When describing items, two particular words show up quite frequently:

PERFECT  and  MINT

The real issue (for buyers) is whether the item truly IS "perfect" or "mint."  IF an item is "New Old Stock" or "New In Box," then saying it is "perfect" or "mint" may be accurate.  If an item has been used, or is vintage, then it may be in very good condition for the use it has seen, or for its age, but it may not actually be "perfect" or "mint."

 Every seller should ask themselves this question:  Is the item really pristine?  Words such as "perfect," "mint," or "pristine" should be used sparingly - only when a piece is actually perfect or mint.  If an item has any flaws, whatsoever, it is not perfect or mint. 

As many eBay buyers can attest, it is disappointing to receive an item a seller described as "perfect" or "mint," only to find (upon arrival) obvious flaws or damage - such as scratches, nicks, bruises, chips, cracks, etc. - flaws that were not described, and obviously existed before the seller packed this item to send.

Vintage and Antique items, unless New Old Stock or New In Box, or stashed away for decades in a China Cabinet or Storage Box, will almost always have some flaws - minor to major.  Once a seller understands that it is normal for older items (especially art glass and art pottery) to show signs of age, the seller can feel comfortable including description references to natural scratches and nicks in any particular piece.

The best way a seller can gather details by which to accurately describe antique/older/vintage items is to examine them carefully, under magnification.

All sellers who sell antique/older/vintage items (of any type) should own a good Magnifying Glass, and use it to carefully examine these items to write accurate descriptions.  This will place the seller "head-and-shoulders" over other sellers who fail to closely inspect their sale items, who fail to disclose any and all natural quirky characteristics, flaws, imperfections, etc., and who over-use terms such as "perfect" and "mint."

An honest and accurate description is one of the most important things a seller can present to earn the trust of eBay buyers.

Copyright 2006 and 2007 and 2008 The Winged Phoenix