No Pictures in For Sale posts...

No pictures, no sale.

david1 posted:

No pictures, no sale.

I agree.

Well said.   It doesn't take that long to shoot a digital photo, and put the Manufacturer's Item # in the listing....   I rarely contact a seller anymore who doesn't list pertinent item # information, and post photos...  

I agree - if there are no pics, I just scroll past. This has happened a bunch recently 

I skip right past offers without pictures. I also don't spend time on posts without a part number. A part number difference can make a big difference in features or size of an item and therefore, its value.  I want to know what I am buying. 

Trying to sell an item without pictures is like trying to teach origami by radio.  No can do.

SJS

Are you guys listening?

You know who you are....   :-)   LOl

I’m not interested in buying something that doesn’t have photos. I saw one, the OP was asking like $2500 and didn’t have any photos. Is it laziness or just not knowing any better? 

I won't say never, but the lack of any pictures is certainly a significant turn-off for me when I'm looking in the sale forums.

I’m not interested in buying something that doesn’t have photos. I saw one, the OP was asking like $2500 and didn’t have any photos. Is it laziness or just not knowing any better? 

Could be similar to folks putting stuff out at train shows with very high prices. They don't really want to sell. Just going through the motions.

C W Burfle posted:

I’m not interested in buying something that doesn’t have photos. I saw one, the OP was asking like $2500 and didn’t have any photos. Is it laziness or just not knowing any better? 

Could be similar to folks putting stuff out at train shows with very high prices. They don't really want to sell. Just going through the motions.

Naaa! I think it's either laziness or the lack of willing to learn how to post pictures. In either event, i too will vote with my wallet and not cater to those who are unwilling to post pics and/or the catalog number.

I always find it funny when I see a for sale post for a locomotive with a price tag north of $1k and no pics.  

Usually they're from newer members or ones who aren't very active.

I always wonder what they are thinking.

-Greg

Just curious - since this thread was started, has anyone noticed pictures being added to a for-sale listing that previously didn't have any? 

What I think it is, They don't want to sell them but to make wife happy they put them out that way knowing no one will buy them that way but can say " Honey I put them on the OGR train site for sale." To make her happy. 

rtraincollector posted:

What I think it is, They don't want to sell them but to make wife happy they put them out that way knowing no one will buy them that way but can say " Honey I put them on the OGR train site for sale." To make her happy. 

Right,.... Scott?

That has been a pet peeve of mine for a long time on this forum. If your serious about selling something post some pictures! I’ll pass right by if a post has no photos as well as having to read a loooong list without photos. If you don’t know how to post pictures just ask and if your to lazy to post pictures don’t even bother. 

Without pictures, how do you know what the condition of the item is.

Mikey

I just purchased a Lionel Santa Fe 6-34635 Santa Fe "Cat Whiskers" AA set. There were photos of the engines, but they did not reveal a missing roof ring on the powered #200 F3 A-unit or loose crew members in the cab.

The non-powered 200C was pictured, but Lionel states in their website catalog that the 6-34635 AA set is #200 powered and a #201 non-powered, not 200C that I received. The same seller was selling another 6-34637 labeled #200C that I also purchased, thinking I was getting three (3) different road numbers.

It does not help to have the Lionel part number when the website catalog information is incorrect.

I contacted the seller who told me he bought a Lionel NYC "Cigar Band" ABA set, only to find it was a "Lightning Stripe" NYC ABA set when the Lionel item arrived.  What you see in the manufacturer's catalog is not always what you get. 

I remember reading about some new F3 engines that just arrived in the wrong colors.  Catalog pictures were not much help, even with the correct part number.

John Rowlen

I'm just as put off by bad photos.   If you can't hold the camera steady and don't have a tripod use a chair back sit backwards in it and hold the camera against it. If you set a black loco on a white background go into your cameras menu > exposure > try +1 as a starting point. never mind if you blow out all the detail in the white background if you carry detail into the shadows of the black loco. Your looking to make the brightest of the black a shade lighter than middle gray. If the drivers are underlighted try making a reflector from a sheet of cardboard covered in aluminum foil. Make it large enough that you can bend it in the middle so it will stand on it's own.  Often the best photo of a black loco is made by overexposing in the camera and then darkening it in the editing program. This is a quick and dirty example if I had been serious I would have rolled a little ball of modeling clay on the drive rods to dull them down a bit so they did not blow out. Though their not bad as is.  It wipes off with a tissue when your done.  BTW you don't need a $1000 camera I used a 10 year old Kodak 14mp point and shoot I bought at a garage sale for $10. It's more about lighting and proper technique than the camera.   j

Regarding MTH engines, there is no reason for a seller not to list the odometer (scale mile) and chronometer (hours) readings also.

Most would ask those questions anyway.   Joe

I think the top offense is not including actual manufacturer model numbers, right up there with pictures.  The two things should be a part of any serious sale ad.

Maybe we could suggest to the forum management that they add to the for-sale forum rules "suggestions" for how to place an ad and what content should be provided.  I don't know if it would help, but it sure couldn't hurt!

Rigatoni Express Railroad posted:

Regarding MTH engines, there is no reason for a seller not to list the odometer (scale mile) and chronometer (hours) readings also.

Most would ask those questions anyway.   Joe

Well there is two good reasons why one can't list MTH odometer readings, esp if it's a Ps1 and/or you Don't use DCS. How about that!

Originally posted by John Rowlen:

I just purchased a Lionel Santa Fe 6-34635 Santa Fe "Cat Whiskers" AA set. There were photos of the engines,
but they did not reveal a missing roof ring on the powered #200 F3 A-unit or loose crew members in the cab.

Easy capiesy fixes. I can see the seller not seeing the small roof ring issue. As for the loose crew members, ever thought they may have come loose during shipping?

a bit off topic, but listing an engine without the operating system information does not get the time of day for me, too busy to try to find something on the lionel site.

Wow. Cranky posts. Certainly having photos and a complete description of basic, pertinent specs is a no-brainer, but to talk down to people like many of the above posts do, well, some of us must need a nap. Or, it's just 2018.

I am "planning" (you know how that can be) to offer some stuff for sale, if I ever find that K-Line set's 21" boxes..., and the listings will certainly have photos attached, but several years ago I sold two items in different transactions on the Forum, and had no photos, as that was not typical here even in the fairly recent past. The descriptions were clear, e-mail questions were answered, transactions were good, everyone was happy, and the world continued to turn on its axis. After all, "trust" is a word bandied about a lot here.

John Rowlen posted:

I just purchased a Lionel Santa Fe 6-34635 Santa Fe "Cat Whiskers" AA set. There were photos of the engines, but they did not reveal a missing roof ring on the powered #200 F3 A-unit or loose crew members in the cab.

The non-powered 200C was pictured, but Lionel states in their website catalog that the 6-34635 AA set is #200 powered and a #201 non-powered, not 200C that I received. The same seller was selling another 6-34637 labeled #200C that I also purchased, thinking I was getting three (3) different road numbers.

It does not help to have the Lionel part number when the website catalog information is incorrect.

I contacted the seller who told me he bought a Lionel NYC "Cigar Band" ABA set, only to find it was a "Lightning Stripe" NYC ABA set when the Lionel item arrived.  What you see in the manufacturer's catalog is not always what you get. 

I remember reading about some new F3 engines that just arrived in the wrong colors.  Catalog pictures were not much help, even with the correct part number.

John Rowlen

John,

I understand this doesn't make it easier on you, the 200C marking is correct and the 201 would be another A-B-B-A set. It is very unfortunate when the catalogs don't agree with the delivered items!

This has something that always irritated or annoyed me to no end whenever I decide to cruise through the For Sale Forum to see what is out there hoping to find a deal. I'm not one who is going to raise a fuss over this of course because people have different schedules and commitments, but if I see a for sale post and it has no pics on it except maybe a part/manufacturer number, I immediately leave that post and don't even bother to give it a once over look or read. It's a huge turn off for me.

My personal take on this: If you really want to sell or move some of your stuff to make space or get some money, put some time and effort into selling your product. The impression I get whenever I just see a long list or a few sentences saying "this locomotive is for sale here is the price" with just the manufacturing numbers added in is a feeling of laziness. Whenever I posted something from my layout that is for sale in the past, I always include photos that covers the item being put up for sale as well as photos of any scratches/blemishes on said item. You sell something even faster or have a greater chance of selling a working locomotive if you have a quick and simple 20-30 second video of the engine running on a small loop or portion of your track. Buyers just don't want to pay for something that they thought was gonna be something in factory new condition and it turns out that it has a broken frame, missing wheel trucks, punched hole in the body, etc. If they have no photos or video to go off of, they have no clue what they are paying money for other than a part number which doesn't do very much on a Lionel/MTH/Atlas/3rd Rail website. 

How about brand new never out of the box / shipping container ?

Just post a pic of the boxes ?

I can understand not having the mfg # because maybe  there's no box but there's really no excuse for not having a photo. No pic no laundry.

D500 posted:

Wow. Cranky posts. Certainly having photos and a complete description of basic, pertinent specs is a no-brainer, but to talk down to people like many of the above posts do, well, some of us must need a nap. Or, it's just 2018.

Indeed.  The preponderance of listings in venues such as the TCA's e-Interchange and LCCA's eTrack do not include pics.   Ask the seller for a pic if interested or move on if relying on a pic to pique your interest. 

What, me worry?

For another perspective: I know I have about a half dozen test run/displayed in glass cases/otherwise new-in-box geared locomotives--Climaxes, Shays, and Heisler from MTH, Lionel, and K-Line--that I plan to sell soon (although I'm still on the fence about that), and they have been boxed in their original boxes since prior to my move more than a year ago. I plan to list them on the forum and do NOT plan to remove them from their boxes to photograph them, and then box 'em up again. I will just have to take my chances in that regard.

Another perpective: I am a long-time forum member since 2001, and would hope my REPUTATION would precede me. At 76, I have had some "issues" with digital transfers of images, both in e-mails and on this forum. Over many years I have sold a plethora of items without photos with absolutely NO complaints. I have often lost money with my careful packing and insuring all products sold. I always list the product numbers and a detailed description of condition and usage history. My REPUTATION is very important to me and being a TCA member for some 37 years (1974-84 and 1991-present), I abide by their transaction rules, and have had no complaints, and more often, usually praise! I also list my cell phone number in my ads as well as my e-mail address, and am willing to answer all queries about my merchandise. Some of the "cranky" responders on this thread may have actually missed out on some good deals by being "photo snobs"! LOL!

Allan Miller posted:

For another perspective: I know I have about a half dozen test run/displayed in glass cases/otherwise new-in-box geared locomotives--Climaxes, Shays, and Heisler from MTH, Lionel, and K-Line--that I plan to sell soon (although I'm still on the fence about that), and they have been boxed in their original boxes since prior to my move more than a year ago. I plan to list them on the forum and do NOT plan to remove them from their boxes to photograph them, and then box 'em up again. I will just have to take my chances in that regard.

Just mentioning that would satisfy me in your case. At least I would have a better picture of the situation and if you have a history on the forum, that would work. I started this thread because there were some items that were for sale and I had no clue as to what they looked like, the color, etc. And could not bring them up on the Lionel site. I think MTH has a better search and I'm not remembering getting a frequent "no results" result.

So the folks that prefer to buy based on some photographs of the actual item are cranky?  LOL!

I think everyone asking for pictures know there are situations where pictures are not possible such as mint in box and such.  I too prefer pictures when possible and will overlook sale posts without them.  A new in box item, a catalog picture will suffice.  It really comes down to how bad you want to sell your item I guess.  Seems like a little work to unpack, snap a photo, and return it to the box is a fairly simple thing to do.  

Each their own.  I would definitely think about pictures if you want to move your product though as it seems most want to see the items.

Another point is that I usually have a fellow sell items for me. He also has an excellent reputation and handles issues that may come up. Since he is such a talented marketer and takes a dozen quality pictures, I do well on the sale even with his commission being subtracted. "Be specific and you'll be terrific!". Anybody take that course during your career?

MARTY: There are always at least two sides to every issue in life, as well as this hobby. Just saying!  ☺

I work full time and keep all my trains in a storage unit 20 mins from my house. I don't have the time to go to storage find the item, bring it home take photos, list it, on the whim someone is interested. When I list stuff for sale I describe it accurately and if someone is seriously interested then I will invest the time. Thank you

MARC: Yet another perspective!  ☺

In selling a fair bit lately, all with lots of photos, I have had two possible buyer this week ask me to remove a brand new engine, power it up, and record a video of sound set and show that the smoke unit works, as well as the lights, etc. On something used, sure, but on a new in the box engine this felt a bridge to far.

Buy / Don't Buy -- choice is yours. Most of us have pre-ordered sight unseen, bought from stock photos dealer have on their sites, etc.

I have purchased many items that did not have any photos.
All of these were listed as new in original box. Every thing has been great.
If a number and description is listed, you can look that up and see if it the correct item, also ask questions.
Many sellers who do not post pictures are explicit on stating any or all flaws.
I always look at their profile page to see when they joined the forum, will not buy from a newbie.

I think of this forum as a community, where they are just a modeler like you and need to trade or dispose of their older trains. 

Maybe I trust too much, but I never bought a bridge yet

marcstrains posted:

I work full time and keep all my trains in a storage unit 20 mins from my house. I don't have the time to go to storage find the item, bring it home take photos, list it, on the whim someone is interested. When I list stuff for sale I describe it accurately and if someone is seriously interested then I will invest the time. Thank you

Well, none of that is the buyers problem.  The easier it is for the buyer, the easier you make a sale.

I have bought and sold both on Ebay and internet forums for 15 years.  Pictures are the first thing I want period.  Now, if brand new never out of the box, I may adjust that take, but when I get it, it better really never be out of the box.

Next item is people wanting PayPal FF, where the buyer has no protection.  I skip those too, which has been many on this forum.

Many sellers fail to realize it's a two way transaction, too many explanations of "I'm just......" used as excuses.  It can't just be a good deal for the seller.

Tinplate Art posted:

Another perpective: I am a long-time forum member since 2001, and would hope my REPUTATION would precede me. At 76, I have had some "issues" with digital transfers of images, both in e-mails and on this forum. Over many years I have sold a plethora of items without photos with absolutely NO complaints. I have often lost money with my careful packing and insuring all products sold. I always list the product numbers and a detailed description of condition and usage history. My REPUTATION is very important to me and being a TCA member for some 37 years (1974-84 and 1991-present), I abide by their transaction rules, and have had no complaints, and more often, usually praise! I also list my cell phone number in my ads as well as my e-mail address, and am willing to answer all queries about my merchandise. Some of the "cranky" responders on this thread may have actually missed out on some good deals by being "photo snobs"! LOL!

I would not worry one bit about purchasing anything from you, picture or no. Your word is as good as gold as far as I am concerned.

Can't think why anyone wouldn't put pictures on the for sale forum. First of all it draws attention to your item. Never seen E-bay seller try to sell something with no pics. Don

scale rail posted:

Can't think why anyone wouldn't put pictures on the for sale forum. First of all it draws attention to your item. Never seen E-bay seller try to sell something with no pics. Don

Don, At least one picture per listing is required.  A few times the picture is not of the item, but it is a picture.  John in Lansing, ILL

Here is my concern on a engine new in box, sealed. We hear of this from all the manufactures. I got this in and this was broke or that was broke. Okay now I buy your engine new in box and because it's over a year old the manufacture will not fix it. I know it's rare but it does happen, That's why I rather have a engine that has been tested and if possible retested before shipping. To be honest, Ebay I don't worry about that as they will back you if it happens. I don't think anybody would have a knowledge of it being broken if it is sealed but it puts both in a unwanted situation. 

But for me to consider something I want the following

Tested yes/no

If possible stock number by manufacture or at least the number on it. 

Pictures of the item in post or thru email prefer in post. ( E-bay requires this. ) 

I do not see theses as a angry posts from anyone. These are good folks explaining what they want to consider a item for sale. 

FWIW, Here’s a new in the sealed box(picture of box) purchase of the Penn Red Arrow cars I wanted for a Tuscan K4.  Beautiful cars. Zinc pest.  Had to buy six new trucks that were from the half price sale in Concord.  Another $75 plus shipping, The diner was the same way, another two trucks, + ship.  Sellers were accomodating to a certain extent, but how do you ever know?  Perhaps I was not as knowledgeable of the condition during these model years that it was a problem. 

Not to hijack the thread or start a flame war. If an item is taken out of the box for pictures, is it still "mint"?

Charlie

ALL ABOVE: Good points! As I stated earlier, there are usually more than one take on any issue. BRIAN WHITE: THANK YOU, SIR for your kind words! I hope you and your family are well! ☺

The ones that make me do a double take are the ones that want big $$$ for an item and all they show is a picture of the box, or plastic still on top of the item.

The "rules" for mint ought to allow for taking the item out of the box to photograph and to inspect for damage.

For me, Rockymountaineer excelled at posting for sale items.  Pictures, descriptions, and well maintained threads.  Always looked forward to the pre York threads.  Never purchased anything but he did a fantastic job on the Buy Sell board.

I know pictures are not for everyone but for me it does help me decide on a purchase.  I see Tinplate Art's point but for me I prefer to see the item I am buying if at all possible before the purchase.  While it's no guarantee it does help.

cpowell posted:

Not to hijack the thread or start a flame war. If an item is taken out of the box for pictures, is it still "mint"?

Charlie

By the strixtest definition in the toy train collecting world: NO.

But from a more realistic/pragmatic perspective in today's world of toy trains: Probably YES, unless the potential buyer insists otherwise.

It is plain and simple: If you don't like the content of the ad, move on!

Simon

RonH said it best: Many of us long-time OGR Forum members consider this interchange of ideas a community worthy of trust. We live in a largely cynical and uncertain world, yet it is nice to actually have a place where people can have a measure of trust and good will. If I am an idealist, so be it, but I believe I am not alone.

MartyE posted:

For me, Rockymountaineer excelled at posting for sale items.  Pictures, descriptions, and well maintained threads.  Always looked forward to the pre York threads.  Never purchased anything but he did a fantastic job on the Buy Sell board.........

Very true.  I hope Dave is doing OK, I see he hasn't been on the forum in a while.  He may have a bit of a leg up in terms of taking photos for his for sale posts, I think he does professional photography!  

I purchased a few small items from him when he was housecleaning a while back.  The pics and good attention to his listings was definitely helpful.

-Dave

Tinplate Art posted:

RonH said it best: Many of us long-time OGR Forum members consider this interchange of ideas a community worthy of trust. We live in a largely cynical and uncertain world, yet it is nice to actually have a place where people can have a measure of trust and good will. If I am an idealist, so be it, but I believe I am not alone.

It was never about trust with me and pictures/part #s. It was just trying to figure out what the thing was.

Chuck: We will have to agree to disagree! ☺ My ads have always had detailed and accurate descriptions of my items, with or without photos. I would include the product number and the condition and type of use. I would even argue my descriptions usually included the type of transformer used and the fact that I never used switches, information a photo would not reveal. I never had a dissatisfied buyer to date with dozens of OGR ads over a period of over a dozen years. Just luck? I think not!  Art Poole TCA 91-33599

I buy mostly beat up rusty tinplate to refurbish. But I still want to see the item to judge for myself if it is worth fixing or just for parts.

Sorry, but I have neither digital camera or smart phone.

None the less, have purchased & sold without photos on this forum, never a problem.

Need photos, shop ebay, and deal with what you get there.

I guess the non photo crowd is just as grump as those who want photos.  LOL!

CincinnatiWestern posted:

In selling a fair bit lately, all with lots of photos, I have had two possible buyer this week ask me to remove a brand new engine, power it up, and record a video of sound set and show that the smoke unit works, as well as the lights, etc. On something used, sure, but on a new in the box engine this felt a bridge to far.

Buy / Don't Buy -- choice is yours. Most of us have pre-ordered sight unseen, bought from stock photos dealer have on their sites, etc.

You could always suggest that they come over. 

Seriously though...   The point about reputation is valid.  There are several members that I would buy from sight unseen based on their word.

Gandalf97 posted:

Seriously though...   The point about reputation is valid.  There are several members that I would buy from sight unseen based on their word.

I don’t think anyone would argue that but sometimes seeing an item for me will make me more prone to impulse buy. All points are valid but that’s why I like a picture. I see it and will want it. 

The "seeing is believing" crowd and the "my reputation" folks ALL have expressed some valid points. In the final analysis, buyers will make their choices based on their own comfort level, and that is as it should be!  ☺

Gandalf97 posted:

Seriously though...   The point about reputation is valid.  There are several members that I would buy from sight unseen based on their word.

Same here. There's also been times when I've shipped an item before I've received payment.  

    I'd ask for test, but with reply with repect if it was denied.

  It would definitely have an impact a sale, and more so than a picture. If there is even a single circuit board on the engine I'd want at least a conventional test (even by jumper)  I'd do the same brand new from a dealer.

   I "get" the white gloves if your trying to claim a C-10. But I run vs collect for the best condition I can find, and the recognition of ownership of such.

   If it doesn't run I feel I've bought a brick. 

All that said, pictures sell better. Even a drawing

wild mary posted:

Gandalf97 posted:

Seriously though...   The point about reputation is valid.  There are several members that I would buy from sight unseen based on their word.

Same here. There's also been times when I've shipped an item before I've received payment.  

Exactly.

Tinplate Art posted:

The "seeing is believing" crowd and the "my reputation" folks ALL have expressed some valid points. In the final analysis, buyers will make their choices based on their own comfort level, and that is as it should be!  ☺

Absolutely.  I never meant to disparage the "seeing is believing" crowd.  I can certainly understand that sentiment.

RE: Forum reputation - I too have  occasionally shipped before receiving payment, and I have accepted personal checks from members that I have known from previous transactions or their longtime forum participation. The OGR Forum largely has a great bunch of folks who frequently share their expertise and are generally well mannered and trustworthy. That has been my experience on this forum for 17 years now! I have also been a member of the TCA for a  total of 37 years and have met some very nice folks in that community as well.  ☺