Opinions need on Superlative Vault cards

[Johnnycoldcuts]

Hello all! I am fairly new to this forum and I would like some of your opinions on an issue so that I can better hold the ideas of others in higher regard.

I have sold off a decent amount of the 14/15 Superlative Vault cards from ITG. As you may know, these cards come with an ITG seal on the top of the plastic holder. Prior to selling, I took these cards out of original toploader to scan (as some people are particular about corners, edges, etc and the scan with the top loader didn't compare in regard to clarity).

This has resulted in me catching slack for it on ebay as it compromises the card and makes my listing of the card not correct, even though the card received was in great condition and just removed so that I could get a clear, solid scan. I have received neutral feedback as well.

I understand that this could mean a card could be altered this way or messed with. I have 100 % feedback and am a reputable seller. I scanned the card clearly without sealed toploader as the main picture of the item details.

Just want to hear your opinions on this so I can gather what to do better next time or whether it was just a member(s) own personal wantings. Should I have mentioned that in listing with the scanned picture showing it without top loader? Is this something I just don't do....break that seal, that is? Did it deserve neutral feedback? Let me have it and opinions appreciated!

 

[joshpackham]

If I'm purchasing a card and it comes with a seal, I expect when I receive it has that seal intact, as that is the way the card was released.

 

[capsfan30]

I would also prefer to get the card in the case if it is sealed, as that is the way it was released.

 

[SNobles]

Did you replace the seal, like just took it off to scan, put the card back in and sealed it again? If so, I don't really see the big problem.

If you actually removed the seal completely and just put it back in a top loader with no seal and didn't state that in the auction I can see the frustration of the buyer.

 

[Krusin]

Unless it's going into your Personal Collection it's always best to keep any type of factory seal intact. If you break the seal & put the card up for sale this needs to be noted in the description area. If your picture shows the card out of the sealed holder the buyer imo should not have dinged your feedback.

 

[Johnnycoldcuts]

Unless it's going into your Personal Collection it's always best to keep any type of factory seal intact. If you break the seal & put the card up for sale this needs to be noted in the description area. If your picture shows the card out of the sealed holder the buyer imo should not have dinged your feedback.

Thanks for the feedback so far. Looks like I should have kept the cards in the sealed top loader as I did ship two cards in an 10 count hard case to better protect them internationally. Live and learn.

My main gripe is the neutral feedback. I would have granted a return if asked for. My description did not state it would come out of the top loader. However the scan clearly showed it was out. I get his frustration, I do. But if you want a return let me know. Thought it was unfair to have my feedback dinged. That's my reputation. I just had no idea that most viewed the "validity" of the card compromised without it.

 

[30ranfordfan]

Can I see a link to one of the auctions? I would assume if you took them out of the toploaders to scan.... then the pictures should clearly show the seal is nowhere to be found.


I can see why people would want to keep them sealed (that's how they're packed out, that's how they want them) so I would suggest mentioning it in the auction if you've done it.... and furthermore I'd just suggest not unsealing anything that you plan to possibly move..... but at the same time I don't think I'd have a huge problem getting one unsealed myself.

 

[capsfan30]

Thanks for the feedback so far. Looks like I should have kept the cards in the sealed top loader as I did ship two cards in an 10 count hard case to better protect them internationally. Live and learn.

My main gripe is the neutral feedback. I would have granted a return if asked for. My description did not state it would come out of the top loader. However the scan clearly showed it was out. I get his frustration, I do. But if you want a return let me know. Thought it was unfair to have my feedback dinged. That's my reputation. I just had no idea that most viewed the "validity" of the card compromised without it.

I may be wrong, but I think that is why a lot of buyers prefer ITG, as the cards do come in cases, and you can pretty much guarantee that the piece of memorabilia is real and what came on the card to begin with.

 

[SNobles]

Feedback is a finicky thing. Some people don't give you a chance to make it right and obviously we all know how flawed the feedback system on eBay is. I wouldn't worry too much about a neutral, if you have the ability to respond to it just make your statement there and move on. I mean I just posted about someone with 100% positive feedback and like 7 or their last 11 were all negative comments. Buyers are over protected on there so I never look at a few issues as a big deal.

 

[Johnnycoldcuts]

I may be wrong, but I think that is why a lot of buyers prefer ITG, as the cards do come in cases, and you can pretty much guarantee that the piece of memorabilia is real and what came on the card to begin with.

Good to know. Obviously I wouldn't break it out slabbed ie Ultimate, but I had never purchased any Superlative or anything before. To me it was just a sticker that said ITG on it over a top loader so the cards wouldn't peek out of the top during shipment of the cases. I understand now.

 

[Superdoup]

wow, these specific cards already have a tag with a 1 on 1 written on it. If it was the original version I don't say but with the 1 on 1 tag, that should be enough for a buyer.
some people are very difficult to please. You can explain in your description why the seal was open...

 

[Johnnycoldcuts]

Can I see a link to one of the auctions? I would assume if you took them out of the toploaders to scan.... then the pictures should clearly show the seal is nowhere to be found.


I can see why people would want to keep them sealed (that's how they're packed out, that's how they want them) so I would suggest mentioning it in the auction if you've done it.... and furthermore I'd just suggest not unsealing anything that you plan to possibly move..... but at the same time I don't think I'd have a huge problem getting one unsealed myself.

I wont post the original card(s) as it would not be in good taste and to protect the other party's anonymity. Nevermind, I cant post links yet, too new. I leave a 1/4" inch of space around the card to shows corners and edges. The seal and top loader without a doubt is not visible.

 

[will-411]

So, you got neutral feedback because the received item was as it appeared in the scan...

I get the issue from the buyers, and agree that most do like to have them in the original sealed top loader, but if they didn't confirm it beforehand if it wasn't clear, in my mind, it's their issue. Whatever happened to buyer beware? Oh right... it got b*tchslapped by ebay policy.

Cory

 

[artgreen84]

to seal or not to seal that is the question. It wouldn't bother me unless there was no tape put across the top again to keep the card from shifting while in transit.

 

[uvic99]

I prefer to have the seal still on. Yes, there's caveat emptor, but maybe he assumed you would have put it back into the original top loaders with the original seal. Keeping the cards in their original packaging is pretty much standard with Superlative cards. It would have been nice if he let you make things right, but it might have just been one of those things where the buyer didn't like the situation, but not so much that he would want to spend the time going back and forth with you and/or returning the card. Plus most of the cards have a small print run, so if he returns it, there may not be another copy available.

 

[gallinator]

I've bought from you, Johnnycoldcuts, several times and EVERY time has been great, fast shipping, well-packaged, cards as described. Just wanted to say thanks!

On this topic, yes, easy mistake to make if unfamiliar with these cards. Never break that seal! Sorry you got the neutral on it.

 

[Johnnycoldcuts]

I've bought from you, Johnnycoldcuts, several times and EVERY time has been great, fast shipping, well-packaged, cards as described. Just wanted to say thanks!

On this topic, yes, easy mistake to make if unfamiliar with these cards. Never break that seal! Sorry you got the neutral on it.

Thanks Gallinator! You are welcome and glad to hear. Thanks again everyone for the honest comments. That helps me out in the future.

 

[GabbyGuy]

I've bought from you, Johnnycoldcuts, several times and EVERY time has been great, fast shipping, well-packaged, cards as described. Just wanted to say thanks!

On this topic, yes, easy mistake to make if unfamiliar with these cards. Never break that seal! Sorry you got the neutral on it.

I have bought from you as well. Always has gone well. :beer:

If it was me personally, I wouldn't care if seal broken. But I know other collectors are finicky about that.

But hey, if you put in the Description of your auction that it was removed for scanning purposes...or they can see in the scan that it is out... then the buyer shouldn't have a gripe and give you a neutral or negative feedback. You delivered the card to them as scanned or described. My opinion.

--Curt

 

[holygoalie]

Interesting. I wanted to let a few responses be compiled before I responded. For the record, I am the actual buyer of these 2 cards. From the beginning...

I spotted these 2 cards on eBay and wanted them in my collection. I read over the descriptions on both auctions and made my offers to which they both were accepted. Below are the links to both.

Blake-Lach-Richard-Durnan-14-15-ITG-Superlative-Vault

Richard-Howe-Lindsay-14-15-ITG-Superlative-Vault


Honestly, looking at them I never thought nor imagined that the cards were out of their holders. I have purchased close to 1000 Superlative cards through the years and quite literally this is the FIRST TIME I have ever received them out of their holders off eBay. I contacted the seller above and politely expressed my disappointment that the holders were not present and that both cards were sent instead in a snap case together. I HAD hoped that he would have offered to send the holders with the seals and I would have been okay with that. But instead I received this from the above poster;

Basically he put the onus SQUARELY on my shoulders that I should have spotted and known the cards were out of their holders AND somehow, being clairvoyant, known that's how he would be shipping them to me. I digested his answer for 5 days putting a great deal of thought into it, and asking friends what would they do... Some said give him a negative. I got the cards, I couldn't do that. Some said give him a positive. I couldn't do that, the cards were absent their holders and the sellers customer service response was a tad bit offensive. A few said, and I agreed, that by leaving a neutral I would make OTHER collectors aware purchasing cards from this seller, like Superlative, they might be buying cards absent their original factory holders with seals, and some/many buyers of these types of cards would actually appreciate the heads up.

Did I do the right thing? I believe I did. If i had not received the above answer to my original inquiry perhaps it could have been resolved differently BUT in light of the seeming finality of the sellers response I didn't see him getting my point. Judging by many of the responses I have seen above I believe he now understands. No hard feelings and feel free to PM me to discuss further if you wish. -Mike :beer:

 

[newfiecomicguy1]

In my experiences I think it's best to be honest, offer refunds to anyone disappointed in their purchase. Keep good lines of communication open and most buyers will be okay. Most buyers want the cards left in the original case with the seal intact some don't care and some will remove them for the case. When I sell a card I want the buyer completely happy with the purchase as I expect to be when I buy a card.