Thrawn's ME Page

"Work - play - but don't mix the two."

You've got Questions? I've Got Answers !

Q: Why should I buy from you?

A: Because I am a regular person just like you. I am not a big company that you can't get a hold of and doesn't care anyway. I am online most of the day and night, so I will answer your questions fast. My auctions are my main priority - morning, noon and night. I am also a collector and treat your items with care (just like how I want MY items treated) - bagging them if necessary to keep water out (in case your mailman likes to drop the item in a puddle or leave it at your doorstep in the rain) and protecting them with cardboard and paper if necessary. During the week I mail the first shipment of the day so it gets there fast - 6 days a week. For example if you send me the money electronically on Thursday morning, I ship Thursday. If you pay Thursday night, it goes out 1st thing Friday morning. Any payments sent from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning won't go out until Monday because of the Post Office being closed on Sunday. My feedback is quite high, check it out and you'll see more than 22,500 different happy people who got their items fast. I am also a Powerseller, which means I must maintain a high level of sales and satisfaction. I don't make demands like other sellers, I really want your business.

They say "Pay me fast or I'll block you and relist."
I am always willing to work with you. I accept many possible payments - cashier's check, money order, echeck, PayPal, but NO checks.

They say "If you don't like my rules, don't bid."
I don't have stupid rules because I want you to bid.

They put up items for 1 cent and/or charge insane shipping like $6 or $7 dollars for a DVD or VHS so they make their money and scam eBay out of their fees.
I keep shipping fair at $2 for the first single movie and .50 cents for the next one. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

They say, "My shipping is NOT negotiable. DON'T ask to change it."
I say it is your item - whatever way you want is fine with me.

They say, "Money must be received in 10 days and wait 1-3 weeks for me to ship it out."
I say how dare someone want the money fast, but they couldn't care less about getting your item out. I always ship SAME/NEXT day.

They say, "No one can bid with ZERO Feedback."
I say how could anyone get feedback if they can't bid?! If you are new, please feel free to bid and get your first star from me.
Thanks, Bill.

Q: Can you explain your negative feedbacks?

A: Check this link out - this guy has one of the HIGHEST feedback totals of anyone on eBay - also he has the MOST negatives on eBay (23,000+). He gets more negs in 3 DAYS then I have gotten in 8+ years. He has more negatives than positives! Kind of like a Reggie Jackson - he hits many homeruns, but while swinging for the fence he strikes out often as well. And they are proud of it! He has a low batting average which means he isn't even a Powerseller like me because I make people happy.

If you are worried about my negative feedbacks - don't be. Even Pierre - eBay's founder says retaliatory negative feedback is a way of life. I say they are like battle scars and are unavoidable. I have had 1,010+ auctions go unpaid in the last 7+ years. It is a complete epidemic. eBay goes through all the trouble to try and make sure you don't do business offline, but does almost nothing to stop the deadbeat plague ONLINE! They WILL NOT refund your listing fee if you have a deadbeat and it makes it look like there are more sales and members on the site then there really are. 35 of the negs are from Deadbeats who could never be bothered to pay for their auctions (2 from one guy), but have the audacity to leave me retaliatory negatives. Since I leave negative for EVERY deadbeat it could be much, much higher. eBay used to remove them when the deadbeats were kicked out, but no longer does so or it would be much, much lower. Sure I could sit here and never negative anyone like most of the cowards out there, but that would just be letting them get away with it. Two others were from a guy whose package was damaged by the Post Office (and was insured, so it was covered), but he blamed me. The other two were from nickel and dimers who kept saying things were wrong with the item, basically trying to extort me. I just told them to return it for a refund and they weren't happy with that. Recently some lady bid on a hat and thought it was a VHS tape!? And she leaves me a negative because of it!? Also, people think they can curse me and call me names and I'll just take it. So I neg them for treating me that way. If the post office damages or loses an item they want to blame me for that even though I say to insure it - even sending trace forms and receipts don't convince people. The last guy left me a neg who said the item I sent was defective - it wasn't. I offered to replace it, but that STILL wasn't good enough! In reality I have had only a couple of unhappy people out of more than 22,500+ as I always try to make it right, unless the people are impossible to deal with. I am not a company. I am just one person like you. If you are willing to return the item in the condition it was sent, I am willing to refund.

Q: But you have so many negatives!

A: That is just not true. I am a Powerseller. That means I have to maintain a 98% positive feedback forever. I have a 99.6% positive feedback rating, so it is impossible for me to have "So many negatives". Look at major companies who CAN'T even be Powersellers no matter what. Sears sells on eBay and they have 1500+ negatives, The Sharper Image has over 2000+. So little old me is doing better than billion dollar companies. Only someone who doesn't sell would think I have a lot. Try selling and see what happens when you deal with 1000s of customers.

Q: What is a Region 0 DVD? Can it play in the US?

A: Region 0 means the disc is code free - you can play it anywhere in the world. That means the US. They are made that way because there are 6 regions worldwide and instead of coding a disc 6 different ways it only has to be done one way. It is great for people in foreign countries who have trouble finding titles.

Q: Do your items come from a smoke free home?

A: Yes. No one here smokes, no pets either and all items that are bought new never come in contact with anything they shouldn't.

Q: Do you ship internationally?

A: Absolutely! I am always happy to help out foreign bidders. I have shipped to Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Crete, Czech Republic, Denmark, England/Great Britain, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, The Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Wales. Just be aware that your total will be MUCH higher if the box is over 36" and more than 4 pounds - there's nothing I can do about that. Light packages are close to the US price.

Q: What is PayPal?

A: It is the easiest way to pay for auctions, you can use your credit card and pay instantly! In addition to the U.S., PayPal is now available in the following countries:
Anguilla/Argentina/Australia/Austria/Belgium/Brazil/Canada/Chile/China/Costa Rica/Denmark/Dominican Republic/Ecuador/Finland/ France/Germany/Greece/Hong Kong/Iceland/India/Ireland/Israel/Italy/Jamaica/Japan/Luxembourg/Malaysia/Mexico/Monaco
Netherlands/New Zealand/Norway/Portugal/Singapore/South Korea/Spain/Sweden/Switzerland/Taiwan/Thailand/Turkey
United Kingdom/Uruguay/Venezuela

Click on the logo below to sign up.

PayPal eBay's service to make fast, easy, and secure payments for your eBay purchases!

Q: So I can just send Paypal?

A: If paying by PayPal you MUST include .75 for Delivery Confirmation - NO exceptions. I got scammed and won't let that happen again. You do not have to pay for DC if using another form of payment.

Q: What is your return policy?

A: No returns on VHS and DVDs since they can be copied, unless they are defective and I'll exchange it for the same item minus return shipping - NO partial refunds on anything. Used items are as-is.

Q: Can I get insurance on my item for $1.65, even though I don't live in the US?

A: No. If you want it sent the cheapest surface or airmail rate, insurance is NOT available. This is the post office rule. Say you win a movie or something that is a little over a pound and airmail is $8. It would have to go priority air which would be $16 - THEN insurance could be added for $1.35. You can always register the package, but that it $7.25. Expensive either way.

Q: So I can just pay you directly with my credit card, right?

A: No. I am just one person, not a company. I only use the third party companies and do not take credit cards directly, please do not send me your CC number.

Q: I just paid, please leave feedback!!!!!!!!

A: I do each days feedback every night. If you pay, you get a positive. If you don't pay, you get nothing.

Q: I just paid, when can I expect my item?

A: I mail the SAME day. If you have a payment in my inbox or mailbox by 2pm it is mailed THAT day. I can't control how fast the post office gets it to you though and my crystal ball is in the shop so I can't predict when it will arrive. The PO doesn't guarantee anything - could be a day, a week or a month.

Q: Can you email me after you read this, when you get my payment, when you open my payment, when you pack it, when you mail it and when you get back from the PO???

A: You must realize that I ship 100+ of packages every week and sending email after email would slow down the shipment of your item. I email when I am sending it, that's it. I mail the items VERY fast so I don't feel all this excessive communication is necessary - just check my feedback, most people can't believe how fast they get their items.

Q: Why can't I see the picture in the auction?

A: I ALWAYS include a picture of the actual item you are bidding on. If it doesn't appear try refreshing it or right click on it and select 'show picture'. ALSO do not use the Compuserve, Canada or AOL links - just use www.ebay.com - this prevents pictures from showing up sometimes.

Q: You quote priority shipping, but can I get media or book rate?

A: Absolutely. Any way you want it, that's the way you get it. I don't make money on shipping so it is fine with me. I usually try to offer all books, movies and printed materials as book rate too. DVDs ship first class since they are light.

Q: You quote book rate shipping, but can I get it priority?

A: Absolutely. You can get it overnight too if you want to pay for it. Doesn't matter to me, I always quote priority when it is the best deal, usually 1 pound or more there is no choice. Very heavy boxes can be cheaper to ship parcel.

Q: I live nearby. Can I pick the item up?

A: If you want to come down my way and meet on neutral ground that is OK.

Q: Can I have it sent UPS or FedEx if I send the paperwork with my payment?

A: Absolutely.

Q: Is insurance included with the shipping price?

A: No. It is $1.65 for $50 and so on. If you want it please tell me or I won't know. Also note it with your payment and I'll take care of it. If you don't insure it and the post office breaks it I CANNOT be held responsible. I recommend insurance for all breakables and electronics, but will NEVER force you to pay for it if you do not want it. I understand about cutting costs.

Q: Seems I get less spam from bidding on private auctions, but how do I know what I won?

A: That is the idea, if you can't pull up your bid history no can one else either. No one can put you on a spam list. You can pull it up where no one else can see it here: Feedback Forum. You can also easily leave feedback for ALL of your auctions there.

Q: So that is why you have private auctions?

A: Absolutely. I found many of my bidders were being hit by spammers either trying to sell them crap or just hit them with spam about scams and I don't want people to not bid because of it. I found that the more auctions I bid on the more spam mail I received. Who needs it? Plus ANYONE can track what you are bidding on, including family members. What if you are buying them gifts or spent a LITTLE too much on that collectible and don't want them to know? Nothing you can do on a regular auction.

Q: So you will always run Private Auctions or not all?

A: Exactly. I will NEVER, EVER run a non-private auction, they are too many scammers out there and I refuse to lose money or have my buyers hassled. Plus it protects you - once people know what you like they will offer things and you have no idea if they have it or not. If you don't agree please do not bid and do not email me about it. I am not going to change. I am not trying to get rich either, if I make a few bucks and you get an item you want then everyone is happy.

Q: Do you ship to APO boxes, Alaska, Guam, Puerto Rico and Hawaii?

A: Yes. I support our brave people serving in the military and will NOT overcharge them. I ship to all 50 states and US affiliates - Guam, Puerto Rico, Alaska and Hawaii because it is the SAME price to ship as the continental US.

Q: Is there anywhere you won't ship?

A: Yes, Indonesia. There are too many stolen credit card scams coming out of there. I will accept no stories about not liking Paypal and wanting to pay directly with a CC. No excuses about relatives there or anything will be accepted. The only exception would be if you had high feedback and were established then it should be OK, but I will wait until the funds clear.

Q: Do you take checks?

A: No. Due to recent criminals sending fake checks I can't afford to.

Q: Do you accept PayPal?

A: Absolutely! (see Q #1) I have been using PayPal since 11/99 and highly recommend it for US buyers and many International ones.

Q: Do you accept foreign checks not drawn on US accounts?

A: No. Unless you want to pay $20 fee for me to convert it.

Q: Do you accept wire transfer directly into your account from a foreign back?

A: No. Unless you want to pay $20 fee they charge.

Q: I really want your item, but what happens if I get outbid at the last minute?

A: Make sure you bid the MOST you want to pay, then you don't have to worry. eBay will increase your bid as necessary - this is called proxy bidding.

Q: Will you make sure my package is packed well?

A: Yes, I used to work for years in a warehouse packing 500 orders a week, so I know all the packing secrets. Plus I am a collector and I know how it is to be disappointed by shoddy packing. I pack all my movies very tight and most people say that they are so well packed that it is hard to open them!

Your Comments on my About Me Page

Wow not just your eBay site is great, but "service" too. Doesn't get any better than that (grin)!!! Belinda 7/07

I really enjoyed your about ME page. If only more were as you, such a fun place eBay would be. Thank you again! Have a nice day! Melissa 6/07

I read your Me page and decided to buy from you! I like your attitude and your feedback is excellent for the volume you do! I'm sure ill be satisfied with those sweet old tunes! Take Care. Duane

I am a relatively new ebay seller and just wanted to say that your about me page has really taught me a lot. I wanted to thank you, some of the tips and tricks in there could only be found by trial and error, but some of that stuff I wouldn't want to try (ie. the bit about delivery confirmation so you don't get scammed). So thanks for the info. - SFL

Absolutely enlightening and entertaining. All great reading. I have had a very late night since I could not stop reading with great interest the various sites you are responsible for. Thank you sir, for your insight and educational reading. - MG

Enjoyed your "about me". Your operation is what eBay was like early on, and hopefully will remain so forever, with real people interacting with other real people via technology and cultural similarities; a microcosm of the good in our ways of life in the US - TL

''I read your about Me and like a good book could not put it down. What a pleasure meeting someone who really understands customer service and the whole process. Again many, many thanks.'' - Paul

"If only everyone cared about their customers the way you do the world would be a much better place. In the voice mail phone call run around world it's nice to get a real person to talk to every time." - N

"Your About Me page is great, it really gives me a feeling of trust in entering into a transaction you. Thanks." - A

"I've learned so much from Thrawn, I can't say thanks enough." - Joe

"I like your "about me", so true in what you're saying" - MP

"Thanks for your very informative TOS and ME page." - DS

" I love your me page!!!!!" - S.

"I found your "About Me" page very informative and fun to read and agreed with you on a lot of things concerning the way people do business on Ebay." - H.

Thanks

YOU GOT 5 STARS IN ALL CATEGORIES !!!!!! I can only say WOW! perfect Thank you very much. Great Condition and very fast shipping from USA. Thank you for this perfect international deal. - Thomas

Thanks for combining the shipping charges to such a reasonable rate. It really is sad sometimes when people try to jack you on the shipping charges. It is such a breath of fresh air to deal with someone who you don't feel is intentionally trying to rip you off. - PH

Hi, I have not purchased anything from you, I just wanted to tell you that I found your "About Me" page very inspiring. You run your business exactly the way I would like to, and try to. I marked your page under my favorites. - DB

"Dude, you must live in my attic or something! Waaay fast shipping. Very pleased! " - D.

"I really appreciate your quickness and I believe you should get a prize for packing it so expertly. The care you used in packing my silly video tape says a lot about your professionalism. If only every seller on ebay were more like you, ebay life would be trouble free" - D.

"I loved your packaging puzzle. In a box...wrapped in paper...sealed in a bag. Just kidding! I should refer some of the other sellers to you for packaging class." - S

"Thanks for your very fast shipment. I have another auction I won from someone else 7 days before yours and paid $6 (compared to $2 from you) for shipping and haven't received it yet!" - J

"I just got my figure and am very, very happy with it. It came so fast, you're are one of the best sellers I've ever dealt with!" - S

Learn about art. Once you understand a species art, you understand that species.

I mainly collect anything Malcolm McDowell/A Clockwork Orange and Stanley Kubrick related (except for EWS) that I feature on my website www.MalcolmMcDowell.net.
My first love is video games. I collect any and all from full size arcade to Magnavox Pong 1972 through Gamecube and hand-held from Microvision through Gameboy Advanced. My favorite 1 bit system is Atari 2600, 2 bit is Vectrex, 8 bit is Sega Master System, 16 bit is TurboGrafx. I also collect any memorabilia especially TRON items.

Why am I here? To sell without reserves that waste your time and no handling or shipping scalper rip-offs! The more I sell, the more I can turn around and buy items for my Malcolm McDowell/Clockwork Orange collections.

I mainly sell movies & collectibles as I am a big fan of them. I am always adding new titles every week of harder to find out of print titles as well as the latest ones. So keep checking back.

Here I am the Last of The Grand Admirals

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Favorite Links

The Malcolm McDowell/A Clockwork Orange Tribute - my main site
WTC in Music Videos, Movies + More/The US Community Watch page - eBay tips and humor
Music Video Database and personal collection.

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as of 9/1/05

The above page is maintained by: thrawn03( 23066)

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