Ebay Head Scratcher

[Miasma]

So, last week I won two auctions for 93-94 Finest Refractors (Mark Price and Isiah Thomas). I didn't get them for a steal, about $8 combined. I received the cards two days ago, and they are regular base cards. I don't think that the first year of refractors identified themselves with any specific marker on the back. Often you can't tell just by bad ebay pictures (I admit I should've emailed him beforehand, but I assumed based on the starting price and the description, they had to be). Anyway, I messaged the seller to tell him that these were 60 cent base cards, and I would like a refund. He responds by saying "what is it that you don't think it's a refractor?". I tell him the magnitude and intensity of the light refraction. I've been collecting these for 20 odd years, and I guarantee it's not a refractor. Even my wife who knows nothing about cards can tell the difference. He says he's sold this based off 5 others and he hasn't had any problems. I send him this video that I found on youtube that I typically use for these situations (they've happened before) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-6BmnBe7NI He responds by saying "I can't find any differences in the video", and tells me "according to my research and five other dealers, these are refractors". He then sends me a google image search for Finest Refractor.

I mean, why would I make a to do over $8? I think the guy is willing to work with me, but this is basketball 101, man. Do you guys think he's trolling me? You'd have to be blind to not be able to tell the difference between a refractor and a base card.

[RAV2773]

Just end the debate and request a refund. If he says no, just open an item not as described claim with paypal.

[xavieronly1]

I can even guarantee this is not refractor just by looking at the pictures!

puffa5757 | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/sch/puffa5757/m.html?item=251834259793&nma=true&hash=item3aa27dd951&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&orig_cvip=true&si=TDRc%252FKeDoEIAa5OCWE9wFKE5bmM%253D&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc)

[Miasma]

Just end the debate and request a refund. If he says no, just open an item not as described claim with paypal.

Yeah, I'm not worried about losing the money, and I will be doing this if he doesn't play ball. My question was more so whether anyone else has run into another human being on the planet that claims they cannot tell the difference between a base card and a refractor.

[Miasma]

I can even guarantee this is not refractor just by looking at the pictures!

puffa5757 | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/sch/puffa5757/m.html?item=251834259793&nma=true&hash=item3aa27dd951&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&orig_cvip=true&si=TDRc%252FKeDoEIAa5OCWE9wFKE5bmM%253D&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc)

Yep, that's the guy. He says he's been selling since 87 and I'm his first unhappy customer.

[XARZY]

Yeah, I'm not worried about losing the money, and I will be doing this if he doesn't play ball. My question was more so whether anyone else has run into another human being on the planet that claims they cannot tell the difference between a base card and a refractor.

Had this happen once in an ewing lot.it went for so cheap that I didn't care about a refund but I told them to make sure that they aren't making future mistakes. n

[Panthersfans]

Yep, that's the guy. He says he's been selling since 87 and I'm his first unhappy customer.

Then he should happily refund you and be thankful it didn't happen on a higher end transaction. Tell him you want your money back or you'll request refund from PayPal and leave neg. feedback on eBay. Sucks to have to do it but he's jerking you around.

[Tvanho]

Then he should happily refund you and be thankful it didn't happen on a higher end transaction. Tell him you want your money back or you'll request refund from PayPal and leave neg. feedback on eBay. Sucks to have to do it but he's jerking you around.

Don't do the bolded. Feedback extortion is a big eBay no-no.

[timfsu2k]

Yeah, I'm not worried about losing the money, and I will be doing this if he doesn't play ball. My question was more so whether anyone else has run into another human being on the planet that claims they cannot tell the difference between a base card and a refractor.

I've never ran into this problem, I always get sellers who can't tell Topps Tiffany from base Topps.

[rttrffg2012]

I had this happen with a card as well (refractor/base)

The seller had about 100 feedback and insisted it was a refractor because he knows his stuff.

I opened a case, he escalated it, and I got a refund. I eventually mailed the card back in a PWE.

Nothing you can really do- just get your cash and walk. Leave a neutral

[Miasma]

Bump for another seller who apparently can't tell the difference, or is being dishonest. Makes me want to have an official 'Refractor or not' thread. They note confidently in multiple places that it is a refractor "not the regular card as many can confuse the 2 cards" (including you). I was going to message the seller and I see that someone already had. The refractor claim then goes to, "well they look the same", "Topps could've done a better job" (what?) and "short of sending it to BGS". No wonder it's at only $8. Take a look.

1993 94 93 94 Finest Refractors Insert Shaquille O'Neal Magic SP 3 | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/231528882272?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

[AbraCalabro]

LOL, my favorites are when sellers take a picture of the card with some light hitting it at an angle to try to make the card appear as a refractor. Also LOVE the ones that are taken with bad quality so you can't tell what you're looking at and finally.......scans of the front of the card, can't tell if it's a refractor, or not for certain and NO picture of the back of the card on later years which would indicate refractor, or not.

[Miasma]

^^Totally. See that reflection of my dining room light? That means it's a refractor.

[AbraCalabro]

LOVE THE ANSWER:

Q: Are you sure this is a refractor? Thanks. Scott Apr-16-15

A: out of all the shaquille o neal refractors for this error the #3 this is the only one that always raises that question i have bought this on e bay and i have about 7 of them and they are all the same in question please advise thats the best i can tell you without sending it out to be graded but how ever i did have the regular card and this one and these ones dose have a bit more shiny glare then the regular card buy do feel that topps could have done a better job im with you on this one i put it up too thanks for the inquiry i hope Ive been helpful and thanks for the inquiry have a great week

http://i.imgur.com/3D3lFf0.gif

[Miasma]

lol, that gif. And it went for $31. Someone is gonna be requesting a return.