This week’s Auction Watch lacks the fun and excitement that often accompanies the auctions. This week serves as a warning to collectors. There are currently a few auctions on eBay featuring the M.U.S.C.L.E. poster. Sadly one of those auctions, m.u.s.c.l.e Men Poster RARE Muscle Men 1980s, is a flat-out scam.
The auction states:
The M.U.S.C.L.E. poster was a mail-away offer from Mattel. One could be ordered by sending two four pack proof of purchases or one 28-pack proof of purchase. This poster is extremely RARE and I have also laminated it to protect it. The poster is of A4 size and in Excellent condition. Any questions, please email me
The intention of the auction description is clearly to mislead buyers into believing that the featured “poster” is the “extremely RARE” poster that was a mail-away promotion. It appears that the seller hopes the bidder will skim over or misunderstand the A4 size of the poster. So, what is A4 paper?
A4 Paper is a standardized paper size established by the International Standards Organization. The paper dimensions are 210 x 297 mm. Throughout Europe and the world A4 is the close equivalent to U.S. letter size (8.5″ x 11″), but measuring 8.27 x 11.69 inches. (Source: Graytex.com)
This means that the seller is trying to sell a laminated piece of paper for a starting bid of nearly $23. Even if a buyer missed the subtle A4 note, there are two critical red flags that should also cause skepticism: (1) zero feedback; and (2) the picture isn’t the actual item.
Hopefully there are not any misunderstandings or impulse bids from M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors. As long as neither of those things happen this item will not sell.
Auction Screen Shot
Auction Picture
Follow-Up: Sadly, one of two things appear to have taken place. The first is that an unsuspecting bidder fell into the trap of this seller. The second is that the seller used another account to “purchase” the poster.
The more likely scenario is the former. It will be interesting to see if any feedback is left regarding this auction. It is also sad to see that another “poster” has been listed by the same seller.
Final Auction Screen
#1 by SmokinGun on July 23, 2010 - 9:29 pm
Its sad to say these do often sell, which the seller turns around and make another account, selling the same item. With this auction watch highlighted, I hope no one falls for this ridiculous set-up this time around.
#2 by vette88 on July 28, 2010 - 3:28 pm
Well, unfortunately it has a bid. What is funny the person received his/her first feedback…..and it’s negative!!
#3 by Chad Perry on July 28, 2010 - 3:41 pm
The negative feedback is from the winner of the “poster.”
#4 by Clawfreak on February 15, 2011 - 1:10 am
Well lets just say I fell for it. I am not ashamed but a bit embarrased but he is now going to hang for it….Ebay is not happy as this is his 5th offense. I am getting my money back, so if anyone needs a sheet of paper let me know…
😉
PS: this guy personal emailed me and lied out his ass and he did say to me that it was the original poster size. I have it in writing. Hey anyone want his email? Lets all ask him and flood his ass with emails….
thebailey@live.co.uk
#5 by Chris Peters on August 5, 2011 - 3:04 pm
Thank god for the feedback system. At least he won’t be able to scam on that account again… unfortunately, he can always make another. It’s a shame.
Chris
http://www.nirvaha.com/invoice-template.html