ENTRY 0022
Okay. Currently, I don't have anything active on Ebay. So while I'm familiarizing myself with my new toy (see previous entry), I'll go back to something I mentioned a couple of entries ago.
As I said at the time, with one notable exception, I didn't do any of my Christmas shopping on Ebay. Using Ebay might work if I actually knew ahead of time what I was going to get everyone on my list. But since I generally don't know what I'm going to get until I see something on the shelf of some store, it's much easier for me to go into combat mode and brave the crowds at the mall.
(I'm not kidding about the combat mode thing. I realized a long time ago that Christmas shopping should be treated as a full-contact sport. I navigate the mall as though I were a bulldozer competing in the Indianapolis 500. Get in my way at your peril.)
That one exception to my avoidance of Ebay really doesn't even count as the actual present. Make that presents, plural. It all stems from one itsy bitsy thing. The one thing I really dislike about Christmas -- other than "Silent Night." I dislike wrapping gifts, probably because I really, really suck at giftwrapping. Obviously, if I am presented with an opportunity to reduce the number of gifts I have to wrap, this is a good thing. and I will take full advantage of the opportunity.
For instance, a few years ago, I was shopping in Walmart just after the big back to school rush. At one particular display, I observed that the store had a variety of backpacks and similar items marked for clearance. Among the items in the display were some messenger bags by Eastsport, and I suddenly had the bright idea of getting a couple of these bags, and using them as the "giftwrap" for the presents I would be giving my niece and nephew. (Keep in mind that this was mid-September, and I wouldn't be doing any other Christmas shopping for another couple of months.)
It turned out to be a pretty good decision. A few months after that Christmas, I asked my sister-in-law if the kids had liked their bags. Short version -- yeah, they did.
Okay, getting back to this past Christmas. Back in October, I had another, similar lightbulb moment. I was doing some browsing on Ebay, and the lightbulb went on as I was looking at some vintage TWA flight bags.
I picked up one of these TWA flight bags for myself many years ago. It's tan with red lettering that says "TWA Getaway Vacations." (From what I can tell, these were given to passengers who booked certain vacation packages on TWA, and they date back to the 1970s.) It measures about 12"x14"x6", and it has one large zippered main compartment, an outside pocket, and an adjustable shoulder strap. The shoulder strap could be a little longer, but that's my personal preference. It holds several books quite nicely, which is the original reason I acquired it. In recent years, though, I've used it mainly for carrying CDs when I go on a road trip.
I don't have any photos, but if you're curious as to what it looks like, just go to Ebay, and type "twa bag" in the Search box. The number of search results will vary, but you should see at least a dozen or so of the style I just described being offered at any one time. (This will not be the only style to show up in the search results, but it won't be hard to miss. It's the only tan flight bag I've ever seen from TWA.)
During this particular search, I encountered a seller who was offering two of these bags in a single listing. And at what I considered a bargain price -- $4.95 for the pair. I decided that since the kids liked the last bags that I used as "giftwrap," they would probably enjoy these as well. And after all, inside the bags would be their real Christmas presents. Most important of all, this would mean that there would be two Christmas presents that I wouldn't have to wrap.
I saved the listing in my Watch List, and I sent my usual inquiry to the seller. In other words, "Do you accept money orders?" The reply came back in the affirmative, and I wasted no time placing a bid. Surprisingly, mine was the only bid, especially considering that I placed my bid on the last day of the listing.
As soon as I won the auction, I got the seller's mailing address, got the money order, and mailed the payment. A few days later, I knew he had received the payment when I saw the feedback left for me. And about a week or so after that, when I went by the post office, there was a key in my mailbox. Inside the locker, of course, was the package. (Also of course, I promptly left feedback at the next opportunity.)
As I suspected, my niece and nephew thought the bags were pretty cool. And if I'm not too terribly mistaken, the flight bags gave them somewhere to put all (or at least most) of their presents in one place. That probably made my brother and sister-in-law happy.
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Showing posts with label feedback. Show all posts
Showing posts with label feedback. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Belated Birthday Present
ENTRY 0019
As I mentioned in my last entry, my birthday present to myself was an item I won on Ebay -- a promotional item for the TV series Eureka that the Sci-Fi Channel produced in 2007 for the San Diego Comic-Con. As soon as I knew I won the auction, I sent the seller the usual request for the total amount due.
As I mentioned, my birthday was on Sunday this year, so I still had to wait until the next day before mailing the payment. And once I mailed the payment, I settled into my usual waiting mode.
This time, the wait was a little longer than usual. The seller sent me a message a few days ago, apologizing for the delay. It was one of those things where a couple of unanticipated surprises got in the way. In any event, the package had been shipped.
When I checked Ebay later that day, I noticed that a tracking number for the package appeared on my Purchase History page. I kept checking it the past few days. When I checked yesterday, it said that the package had been delivered to my mailbox.
Today, I went to the post office. When I checked my mailbox, there was a key inside, just as I had anticipated. And in the locker was the promo "catalog," securely packed.
Once I had the chance to go online, I logged on to Ebay, and left the appropriate feedback. I also sent a message to the seller letting him/her know that I had received the package. And while I already gave the item a cursory inspection when I first got it, I plan to give it a more thorough look later this evening.
-30-
As I mentioned in my last entry, my birthday present to myself was an item I won on Ebay -- a promotional item for the TV series Eureka that the Sci-Fi Channel produced in 2007 for the San Diego Comic-Con. As soon as I knew I won the auction, I sent the seller the usual request for the total amount due.
As I mentioned, my birthday was on Sunday this year, so I still had to wait until the next day before mailing the payment. And once I mailed the payment, I settled into my usual waiting mode.
This time, the wait was a little longer than usual. The seller sent me a message a few days ago, apologizing for the delay. It was one of those things where a couple of unanticipated surprises got in the way. In any event, the package had been shipped.
When I checked Ebay later that day, I noticed that a tracking number for the package appeared on my Purchase History page. I kept checking it the past few days. When I checked yesterday, it said that the package had been delivered to my mailbox.
Today, I went to the post office. When I checked my mailbox, there was a key inside, just as I had anticipated. And in the locker was the promo "catalog," securely packed.
Once I had the chance to go online, I logged on to Ebay, and left the appropriate feedback. I also sent a message to the seller letting him/her know that I had received the package. And while I already gave the item a cursory inspection when I first got it, I plan to give it a more thorough look later this evening.
-30-
Friday, September 16, 2011
Last Of The Easy Gaps
ENTRY 0017
I went to the post office this afternoon. I didn't know with any certainty that I would have something waiting for me, but I just had this feeling.
As Obi-Wan Kenobi said to Luke Skywalker, "Trust your feelings." As it turned out, I was right to do so. Inside my mailbox was a key. In the locker was the copy of Angel Scriptbook #5. (Incidentally, the episode script featured in this issue was "Five By Five.")
Well, it couldn't have been anything else; that was the only package that I was anticipating. (And at the moment, I don't have anything else in the pipeline from an Ebay auction or listing.)
I went from there to the library, and I logged on to Ebay to leave feedback. I quickly discovered that the seller had left feedback for me since last night, because my feedback rating was up to 238.
Unfortunately, I think this was the last of the easy gaps in my collection for me to fill. I still have gaps; it's just that it's going to be more than picking up just one or two issues from here. I'll have to check the spreadsheet file to be certain.
But then, that's what makes the whole pursuit of acquisition fun, right?
-30-
I went to the post office this afternoon. I didn't know with any certainty that I would have something waiting for me, but I just had this feeling.
As Obi-Wan Kenobi said to Luke Skywalker, "Trust your feelings." As it turned out, I was right to do so. Inside my mailbox was a key. In the locker was the copy of Angel Scriptbook #5. (Incidentally, the episode script featured in this issue was "Five By Five.")
Well, it couldn't have been anything else; that was the only package that I was anticipating. (And at the moment, I don't have anything else in the pipeline from an Ebay auction or listing.)
I went from there to the library, and I logged on to Ebay to leave feedback. I quickly discovered that the seller had left feedback for me since last night, because my feedback rating was up to 238.
Unfortunately, I think this was the last of the easy gaps in my collection for me to fill. I still have gaps; it's just that it's going to be more than picking up just one or two issues from here. I'll have to check the spreadsheet file to be certain.
But then, that's what makes the whole pursuit of acquisition fun, right?
-30-
Monday, September 12, 2011
Another Double Shot
ENTRY #0015
I went to the post office this afternoon. I figured that I should have received Comics Spotlight #4 by today, and I wanted to get my hands on it as quickly as possible.
As I anticipated, when I opened my mailbox, I found a key inside. I went to the locker designated on the key, and was pleasantly surprised when I gave the key a twist. Inside the locker was not one, but two packages.
One of the packages was indeed Comics Spotlight #4. The other package contained the two issues of Charmed; #15 and #21. And both shipments were quite securely packed, which I'm always glad to see.
I did make a cursory check of the shipments at the time, but a more lengthy examination will take place later this evening.
Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go leave some feedback.
-30-
I went to the post office this afternoon. I figured that I should have received Comics Spotlight #4 by today, and I wanted to get my hands on it as quickly as possible.
As I anticipated, when I opened my mailbox, I found a key inside. I went to the locker designated on the key, and was pleasantly surprised when I gave the key a twist. Inside the locker was not one, but two packages.
One of the packages was indeed Comics Spotlight #4. The other package contained the two issues of Charmed; #15 and #21. And both shipments were quite securely packed, which I'm always glad to see.
I did make a cursory check of the shipments at the time, but a more lengthy examination will take place later this evening.
Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go leave some feedback.
-30-
Friday, September 09, 2011
An "On The Way" Sign
ENTRY 0014
After I wrote yesterday's entry, I signed in to Ebay. I received a bit of good news. I noticed that my feedback rating was now 236. I checked my feedback page, and discovered that the seller of Comics Spotlight #4 had left the usual nice words for me.
To me, this is a good sign. It means that they have received my payment, and that sometime early next week, I should find a key waiting in my mailbox when I check my mail.
[EDIT: Oh, I also checked my email a little later; specifically, the account dedicated to Ebay. There were several messages from both the seller and Ebay informing me that the magazine had been shipped, confirming what I had already suspected.]
As Carly Simon once sang, "Anticipation . . . anticipa-a-a-tion . . . is making me wait . . . "
-30-
After I wrote yesterday's entry, I signed in to Ebay. I received a bit of good news. I noticed that my feedback rating was now 236. I checked my feedback page, and discovered that the seller of Comics Spotlight #4 had left the usual nice words for me.
To me, this is a good sign. It means that they have received my payment, and that sometime early next week, I should find a key waiting in my mailbox when I check my mail.
[EDIT: Oh, I also checked my email a little later; specifically, the account dedicated to Ebay. There were several messages from both the seller and Ebay informing me that the magazine had been shipped, confirming what I had already suspected.]
As Carly Simon once sang, "Anticipation . . . anticipa-a-a-tion . . . is making me wait . . . "
-30-
Friday, August 26, 2011
Doubled Down
ENTRY 0010
I don't go by the post office every day. Usually, once or twice a week is sufficient. And it can be depressing to stop by the post office a week after the last visit, just to be staring into an empty mailbox.
I didn't know if anything would be waiting for me. I was hoping that at least one of my recent Ebay purchases would be waiting for me. When I opened the door, I found a key waiting for me. Good sign.
I walked over to the lockers, found the match for the key, and gave the key a twist. Much to my surprise and delight, both of the items I was waiting to receive were inside the locker.
Once I found a place where I would be undisturbed for a few minutes, I opened the packages for my usual quick inspection. Both were securely packed, and took a little careful maneuvering with my knife to get them opened. Not that I'm complaining; to me, that means that it's less likely that anything was damaged in transit.
First up was the copy of Dreamwatch #16. It was in great condition, and everything looked just as it was described in the listing.
Then came the copy of the July 1997 issue of Asimov's Science Fiction. This particular auction turned out to be an even better deal for me than I originally thought. When I sent the seller a message asking for the mailing information, I mentioned that I was also looking for the August 1997 issue. Just as a longshot, I asked if he had a copy of the August issue, and if so, when he might be listing it. He said that he did have a copy, and told me how much it would cost. So when I sent the payment, I was paying for both issues.
The issues of Asimov's were probably in better condition than the copies I had lost a few weeks ago. (Long story; don't ask.) And I was definitely relieved that I had been able to replace what I thought would be the most difficult items of the bunch.
It took a few hours before I could get online. As soon as I could, though, I left messages that I had received the packages, then went to Ebay to leave feedback. My feedback rating was still at 233, but as soon as I posted feedback for each item, feedback was left for me, upping my rating to 235.
Yes, later this evening, I will be taking some time to enjoy my new acquisitions.
-30-
I don't go by the post office every day. Usually, once or twice a week is sufficient. And it can be depressing to stop by the post office a week after the last visit, just to be staring into an empty mailbox.
I didn't know if anything would be waiting for me. I was hoping that at least one of my recent Ebay purchases would be waiting for me. When I opened the door, I found a key waiting for me. Good sign.
I walked over to the lockers, found the match for the key, and gave the key a twist. Much to my surprise and delight, both of the items I was waiting to receive were inside the locker.
Once I found a place where I would be undisturbed for a few minutes, I opened the packages for my usual quick inspection. Both were securely packed, and took a little careful maneuvering with my knife to get them opened. Not that I'm complaining; to me, that means that it's less likely that anything was damaged in transit.
First up was the copy of Dreamwatch #16. It was in great condition, and everything looked just as it was described in the listing.
Then came the copy of the July 1997 issue of Asimov's Science Fiction. This particular auction turned out to be an even better deal for me than I originally thought. When I sent the seller a message asking for the mailing information, I mentioned that I was also looking for the August 1997 issue. Just as a longshot, I asked if he had a copy of the August issue, and if so, when he might be listing it. He said that he did have a copy, and told me how much it would cost. So when I sent the payment, I was paying for both issues.
The issues of Asimov's were probably in better condition than the copies I had lost a few weeks ago. (Long story; don't ask.) And I was definitely relieved that I had been able to replace what I thought would be the most difficult items of the bunch.
It took a few hours before I could get online. As soon as I could, though, I left messages that I had received the packages, then went to Ebay to leave feedback. My feedback rating was still at 233, but as soon as I posted feedback for each item, feedback was left for me, upping my rating to 235.
Yes, later this evening, I will be taking some time to enjoy my new acquisitions.
-30-
Monday, August 22, 2011
Feedback Firsts
ENTRY #0008
If you have bought anything on Ebay, you're familiar with feedback ratings -- that little number in parentheses that appears next to a user ID. It's always something of a welcome surprise when I sign in to Ebay, and discover that my rating has increased. If nothing else, it's a definite sign that a seller has received payment from me, and I can look forward to finding that item in my mailbox soon.
I would have to say that there have been a few times when receiving feedback has brought a special thrill. Getting that very first feedback, of course. Getting my first feedback star -- the yellow star -- once my feedback rating reached 10. Seeing my star change from yellow to turquoise when my feedback rating reached 100. (No, I didn't get the blue star, which is awarded at a feedback rating of 50. By the time Ebay introduced that star, my rating was already above 100, so I missed it.)
When my account was reinstated a few weeks ago, my feedback rating was 232. When I signed in yesterday, though, the number had jumped to 233. The seller of the issues of Doctor Who Insider and Sci-Fi Now had received my payment, and left feedback, along with some nice things to say about me.
All of which means that I have something to look forward to when I go to the post office sometime this week.
-30-
If you have bought anything on Ebay, you're familiar with feedback ratings -- that little number in parentheses that appears next to a user ID. It's always something of a welcome surprise when I sign in to Ebay, and discover that my rating has increased. If nothing else, it's a definite sign that a seller has received payment from me, and I can look forward to finding that item in my mailbox soon.
I would have to say that there have been a few times when receiving feedback has brought a special thrill. Getting that very first feedback, of course. Getting my first feedback star -- the yellow star -- once my feedback rating reached 10. Seeing my star change from yellow to turquoise when my feedback rating reached 100. (No, I didn't get the blue star, which is awarded at a feedback rating of 50. By the time Ebay introduced that star, my rating was already above 100, so I missed it.)
When my account was reinstated a few weeks ago, my feedback rating was 232. When I signed in yesterday, though, the number had jumped to 233. The seller of the issues of Doctor Who Insider and Sci-Fi Now had received my payment, and left feedback, along with some nice things to say about me.
All of which means that I have something to look forward to when I go to the post office sometime this week.
-30-
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