Monday 26 July 2010
TIPS ON RUNNING CENTRE FLUE MODEL STEAM BOILERS
This short guide is an edited extract from MAINSTEAM MODELS "The Complete guide to Miniature Steam" which is now available on CDROM or Internet download. It is written with the beginner inmind and covers many essential principles for sucessful running of miniature steam engines, locomotives, traction engines
TASSIMO FAULTY ?
Hockey Sticks
1) OVERPRICING: I've seen a couple of sellers who add an RRP to their listing which is well in excess of what the actual RRP is. I would hope that anyone buying a stick or equipment on eBay would be bright enough to cross-check against their own experience or even a mail order firm (such as www.hockeyfactoryshop.co.uk)
2) GENUINE? As with many things on eBay, there are obviously some people out there to make some money and not provide genuine products. If the deal sounds too good to be true, first check 1), and then if all seems to be in order then ask the seller a question!
3) POSTAGE: Hockey sticks are made to last, but if they are not properly packaged then they could be damaged aesthetically in the post, or possibly even chipped, dented or broken internally (for composite sticks).
4) WHAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU? I'm not even going to attempt to discuss this - you cannot buy a stick on price and description alone! Best plan is to head to a local retailer and hit a ball around or try team mates' sticks, then come back and buy the same stick on-line (normally cheaper than retail).
Happy shopping!
ROBBED BY E-BAY AND PAYPAL AGAIN AND AGAIN
HI ALL,,, YET AGAIN I HAVE BEEN DONE
I SOLD SOME METHOD FEEDERS FOR FISHING ON A BUY IT NOW BASIS AND HE PAID STRAIGHTAWAY VIA PAYPAL.
I SENT THE ITEM THE SAME OR NEXT DAY AND HE LEFT ME POSITIVE FEEDBACK AND I DID THE SAME
NOW THIS WOULD INDICATE TO ME THAT HE GOT THE ITEM AS HE LEFT ME POSITIVE FEEDBACK
NOT ACCORDING TO PAYPAL AND E-BAY
AS I DIDN'T SEND THE ITEM RECORDED I COULD NOT PROVE THAT HE GOT THE ITEM SO I REFERED TO THE ABOVE (POSITIVE FEEDBACK)
AND ALL THEY SAID WAS THIS DIDN'T PROVE THAT HE GOT THE ITEM
AND THEY TOOK THE MONEY OUT OF MY ACCOUNT
SO THE ARGUMENT WENT ON BY ME ASKING IF THEY BOUGHT SOMETHING OFF E-BAY AND DIDN'T RECIEVE THE ITEM WOULD THEY BE INCLINED TO LEAVE POSITIVE FEEDBACK WHICH THEY DID OR COULD NOT ANSWER
SO PLEASE BE CAREFULL
REMEMBER PAYPAL IS OWNED BY E-BAY AND NEITHER ARE ANY HELP WHEN THERE IS A PROBLEM
Juicy Couture Stuff
Buyers beware! When purchasing juicy couture items on ebay always ensure you ask the seller lots of questions and check the items thoroughly when you recieve them. If the item is from abroad,I would be sceptical. If there is a shop nearby, I would even take the item and ask the salespeople to check if it is authentic or not.
I have had a bad experience lately and don't want the same thing to happen to anyone else.
Hope this was helpful.
about wholesale
Have a look through ebay,you will find thousands of sellers offering return goods pallets from Argos,Woolworths,currys,dixons etc at very low prices.Chances are the price of a return pallet will seem to good to be true,(andi can guarantee it will be too good to be true).Many sellers on ebay buy return pallets in bulk,all the items on these pallets will be checked,the good working items will be sold off individually and the pallet will then be made up of fully broken items,damaged items and small value working items which you wont get much money back for.
These working items are placed on return pallets to make it look like the pallet has never been touched,and the chances are any working item will be a rubbish item like a blow up bed or a 5 kettle or toaster ect!
Beware any pallet stated as being mixed and from ie: Argos,(Argos dont mix their pallets),they fall into 2 groupings,electrical and hardware.Hardware will consist of garden items,clothes airers,and some garden electrical items like strimmers,lawnmowers,shredders,hedge trimmers etc ect.
Argos electrical pallets mainly consist of kitchen electrical items like kettles,toasters,deep fat fryers etc.Any pallet claiming to be a certain type e.g toys,lighting will not have been made up by the companies supplying these return items.
Another way of fleecing you of your money is when the RRP selling price is stated,beware kettles by Russell Hobbs for example,RRP is 49.99,well it might be,but Argos etc may only sell it at 29.99,and during a sale it may be 9.99,now if you buy it as a return at 20% you will be paying 10 for it,and it may not work,and you have no chance of selling it when the store in question is selling brand new at the same price you paid for a returned one !
Usually,the word "untested" on ebay means broken,had it,faulty,it very rarely means it may work.Raw returns are meant to be untouched return pallets,well consider this,if you buy a pallet for 400,and it has a Philips 42" LCD tv on it,you know you can get more for the tv than what you paid for the entire pallet,are you really going to just sell that pallet on without trying it-DONT THINK SO !
Woolworths pallets only contain items that they sell at 49.99 or less,if a pallet has an expensive item on it then its not a straight return pallet,besides which Woolworths pallets contain items you will get next to nothing for e.g. disco balls and small vacuums you can never get parts for.
Ignore all auctions offering to sell informationabout where to get these pallets,use your head and do searches on the net and you will find these places without having to buy information that already comes free-these places want you to buy pallets from them,they wont charge you for getting in touch !
Ask the seller for a list of what the pallet contains,all these pallets do come itemised,if they cant give you a list,then avoid and look elsewhere.
Choosing The Right Car Alarm For Your Car.
With the mine field of makes and models of vehicle alarm systems out there, its important to know what to look out for!
There are four main type of alarm systems that you first need to be aware of:
1. Cat 1
2. Cat 2 to 1 Upgrade ( normally listed as cat 2-1 )
3. Non Cat alarm
4. Tracker alarm ( Known as a Cat 5 )
Here is a short summary of what each type is:
1. CAT 1
A cat 1 alarm means that the alarm system has been tested by a Company called Thatcham and has achieved there top level of security.
All CAT 1 alarms must provide the following features in order to pass the high standards set out by Thatcham:
AlarmPerimeter detection Ignition detectionPassenger compartment movement detectionInclination detection (Motorcycle only)Audible warning with battery back-up power supply
ImmobiliserPassively setIsolates a minimum of two operating circuits or systems, or a minimum of one operationally relevant vehicle control unit with coded intervention
CAT1 alarm systems are the best alarm to go for if your car is either a Jap import, was made in the UK before 1998 or if you want to have a second seperate alarm system to the standard system. And if the alarm system you are looking at does not feature all of the above items, then stay away!
2. CAT 2 to 1 Upgrade
A Cat 2 to 1 Upgrade system will upgrade your vehicles standard immbloiser to a CAT 1 system. The UK government told all car makers that are selling cars in the UK to insure that all there cars came with a standard immbloiser in order to cut down on vehicle crime. This law came into effect from the 1st January 1998.
So if your car was made before this time,I would recommend that youhave a CAT 1 system fitted, and if it was made after this time, then you canhave a CAT 2 to1 system fitted. So your vehicle will then be a lot safer and at a reduced cost to a newCAT1 system.
A CAT 2 to 1 upgrade system must have the following:
AlarmPerimeter detectionIgnition detectionPassenger compartment movement detectionInclination detection (Motorcycle only)Audible warning with battery back-up power supplyResistance to attack for a minimum of one minuteInstalled on vehicles with existing Category 2 immobilization to attain Category 1 status
3. Non Cat system
This is for every alarm system that does not pass all of the above items. Basically its a alarm system that has not been approved by Thatcham.
You will find that 90% of the alarms sold here on eBay are not approved by Thatcham, even if they state they are!Please visit Thatchams website as there is a link toa PDF file that contains a list of approved systemsso you can seee if the seller is telling the truth or not. Please dont not buy one just because its cheap without checking with Thatcham first!
Also in our expearance, most of these alarms that are sold on eBay dont last more than a few months and in some extreme cases, can cause vehicle fires!
CAT 5 Tracking Systems
The new boys on the block! These alarm systems also have built in tracking systems that can be used by the police and in some cases can also be tracked by the owner if the vehicle does manage to be stolen.
With a CAT 5 system installed on your vehicle, you can remotely immbloise the vehicle until it can be recovered, remotely track the vehicle and also remotely signal the vehicle. On top of this the CAT 5 system will also have all of the features of the CAT 1 system listed above.
In our view there are only a few makes of alarm systems that you should trust and they are: Cobra, Clifford, Toad, Meta, Laserline, Viper and Hornet. Of course there are a few more out there, but please be very aware of what you are buying and have what ever you buy fitted professionally!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us for help.
Info on a Bertini Pram/pushchair with toddler seat
Like many women out there, I have become a 'pramaholic', and was always looking for the next best thing, HOWEVER, that's all come to an end now as I've got the perfect solution.
When my 2 1/2 year old was born, I bought a M
Fitting Disc Brake Rotor Bolts
Postage, Packing Couriers Deliveries for eBay sellers
We've all been there! Spent time, money and effort photographing, listing and selling an item on ebay only for it to end up lost in the mail, broken in transit or had a charge back via paypalfrom a dodgy buyer who claimed to have never recieved their item even though their feedback shows them to be the ultimate scammer! So through my experiences, both good and bad,with buying and selling on ebay I have come up with some tips on postage
Peugeot 306 Cabriolet - Handbooks/Roof Fixit Guides
This is just a quick guide to hopefullyinform peoplethat I have seen a recent spate of auctions on ebay of electronic 306 cabriolet guides or handbooks, either byCD or more commonly via 'electronic delivery' (email).
I've seen quite a few auctions for them recently, normally for about 4.99 and I myself having just bought a 306cabriolet last month, was in the market for a good guidebook or handbook because the Haynes Manual for the 306 does not cover the soft top. Well before I nearly purchased one of these guides I checked a few websites and found that most, if not allof these guides are avaiable forFREE at some of the peugeot owners club websites.E.g.pcoclub.org or peugeot306cabrioletclub.co.uk - where you don't even have to register to download the pdf files!
I don't think it'sreally a scam by the people selling these guides, but I noticed that a good few people where buying them and just a simple search on google would have saved them a few quid.
Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner Set
fastway couriers the best
Buying a 205 gti
Firstly, I'm writing this guide to help people avoid falling into some pitfalls that i've encountered when buying and viewing 205's.
Bidding on a car that you have not seen is a big no-no.
Photos will not tell you how the car drives, handles or its structural condition.
The gti is becoming a bit of an old girl at this stage, also the demographic of the average owner is helping a slide in the quality of car....go see the car!!!.
The Gti is not the most robust of cars at the best of times and you will never find one that requires no work, if you do, by the time you have it in front of your house you will have found some niggle that requires your attention. Do not let this put you off ownership, these are fantastic cars which offer a driving experience which is hard to match.
Use your money on the best car you can afford, forget about ice,body kitsor boost valves ect, put the money into the car not the peripherals. It makes financial sense as aftermarket rubbish adds no value to your car. Good prices are paid by people who want original cars with history in pristine condition
So what to buy?
There are a couple of varients of 205 gti,
the 1.6 is a beautifully balanced car with a revvy engine close ratio box and cloth interior (except for limited editions), this model does not command the price premium of the 1.9 but in many ways is just as desirable.
The 1.9 has a lazier engine , which lets the torque do the work, ratios are longer, which makes motorway cruising that bit more enjoyable.
Then we have Dimmas, Turbo Technics conversions and mi16 conversions which go beyond the scope of this article.
The car you choose is up to personal taste and budget. 1.9 gtis in miami blue, steel grey and sorrento green are considered most desirable, non sunroof models are also a good buy as they are slightly stiffer and avoid the perenial peugeot sunroof problems.
Mileage and History.
Check the mileage, make sure it tallies, a gti with sub 60,000 miles should drive tight and relatively rattle-free,if youfind one with genuine proven history you are doing well. Take nobodys word on unproven mileage. Avoid cars with 6 plus owners like the plague, you will discover new bits of botched diy and modifications as time goes on. Go for original cars with a stack of paperwork, any gti which has been lavishly taken care of willl have this. Do not touch a car with no history, you are buying into an unknown, a bad 205 is not a economic restoration project at this point. Steer clear of body modified cars, they look awful, ruin the clean lines of the 205 and wiill be a pig to sell in the future. Most cars now have over 100,000 miles, i know some people will disagree with this, but buying a 205 with over 150,000 miles is a bad idea, full stop. Even well mantained cars will feel tired, have trim issues and a host of niggles. These cars are not built like golf Gti's and do not take the miles with the same grace.
Viewing the Car.
Step back and look at how the car sits, make sure its square to the ground. Open the boot and press down on the rear lip, the car should move cleanly down and then up, if you hear any noise chances are the back axle is on its way out, expensive repair at 400 plus. While you are at the back lift the boot lining and check for damp, if the underlay is wet it is either a sign or previus crash damage or a leakiing tailgate lock. Step back and look at the rear rear wheels, they should be at a right angle to the axle, if there is signs of excessive camber the back axle is most likely on its way out. These cars have all seen some action, a painted panel if well done should not turn you off, do check for filler. Laquer peeling is common especially on 91-92 cars, budget for painting, t-cut wont do jack. Check above the rear windows and look at the groove, this most likely will have a hairline crack, all cars over 60,000 will have it. The crack should not be too noticable, bad cracks can be due to crash damage. Exterior trim fades, it can be darkened using autoglym bumper care but this is only temporary, ensure trim is from same phase 205, post 1990 cars have black, earlier cars have dark grey. Mix and match trim hints atbozo repair using used parts. These trim parts are so cheap, dont buy a car which has mismatched trim, hints at a cheapskate owner, last person you want to buy a 205 from.
Rust!
This is now becoming a problem, cars were well galvanised from new. Crash damage and the elements are now causng the cars to show up rust spots. common places are the lower sills and wheelarches. Also check the inner wings and lower doors. DO NOT BUY A CAR WITH SUBSTANTIAL RUST!, something is wrong if there is.
Interior and Rattles,
The interior on these cars is seldom perfect, drivers bolster wear is common, fabric on 1.6 seats is thin and easily torn. This used to be an easy fix but good replacement interiors are becoming rarer and more expensive. Squeaks from the trim will be a constant companion so get used to it.
Engine and Box.
Engines good to 100k, stem seal wear and compression wear usually evident after this, watch out for blue smoke under acceleration. White smoke can indicate head gasket problem. Early jetronic system can have a lumpy idle, a characteristic of these cars. The later cat equiped cars have motronic management and are a little down on power, but in my opinion are a better proposition for trouble freeownership.
Gearshift should be quick and precise, sloppy change hints at worn linkage rods (easy fix), crunchy change hints at synchro ring problems, recon box about 200, loads of boxs availible used.
GO FIND A GOOD ONE!
A well sorted 205 is a fantastic proposition, its a rewarding driver and if well maintained will apperciate in value. Most are tired and worn, especially those on ebay. Buy with care and you will not regret it.
A Final Warning.
There are a couple of good specialists out there who can work wonders on a 205. However a good independant is probably as good a bet.
Many of the so called specialists are inherently dishonest or promise what they cannot deliver. Results are unproven and seldom satisfactory. Two such companies which I really cannot recommend are 205 Parts, who really don't seem to have a clue what they are doing and work out of a shed.
Lastly though is Andy Entwhistle of HighFlowheads , nice guy to talk to on the phone but really no deep mechanical knowledge or experience in proven modifications. Also no backup or assistance of any kind - shameful service really. I do not write this lightly, it has been a hugely costly mistake for me dealing with both of these companies, its really a case of buyer beware.
Before you decide to drop a lot on money on engine work for your 205, join one of the owners clubs and get recommendations from members , then make contact and ask for proven results and customer feedback. The little Pug has attracted many dishonest modifiers and tuners. Take nothing at face value.
Towbar Types Flange, Swan neck
FLANGE TYPE TOWBARSThe mostpopular type of towbarin the UK. They are the most versitile typeto use with bumper protector plates, bolt on stabilisers, spacer plates, Al-ko balls and bolt on type cycle carriers.Flange type towbars are the most widely available for all makes and models then any other towbar type and are the most competitively priced being the cheapest out of the three. These types of towbar are non-removableand may alsointerfere with parking sensors if fitted on vehicle.SWAN NECK TYPE TOWBARSThese Types of towbar are more commonly used in Europe but are becoming more popular over here in the UK due to the introduction of Al-ko type stabilisers which are now coming as standard on most makes of caravans and certain types of cycle carriers,using a swan neck type towbareliminates the need for spacer plates and Al-ko balls. With its slimmer design and sockets usally being mounted at the bottom edge of the bumper the swan neck is more discreet and easier on the eye then the flange types andit is also less likely to interfere with any parking sensors in the bumper. These type are again non-removable and cannot be used with bumper protector plates and stabilisers orcycle carriers which require being bolted on.DETACHABLE TYPE TOWBARSBecoming more and more popular now in the UK despite being the most expensive type of towbar available at the present. The unique design enables you to remove the neck of towbar leaving just the electrics on show at the bottom edge of bumper which with certain types can be folded up behind the bumper making the towbar and elctricsinvisable. With it beingof swan neck typeagain it can be used withAl-ko type stabilisers and certain type of cycle carriers butcannot be used with bumper protector plates andbolt ontypes ofstabiliser or cycle carrierIf you are looking to buy any type of towbar or any towing related accessories, wehave a range of all differenttypes and productsin our ebayshopat very competitive prices.
noisy drum action
noisy drum action could be one of the following;
1. bearings worn and will need replacing.
2. spider is worn or cracked(especially hotpoint models)
3.armature in the motor worn.
4.suspension worn.
5.overloaded.
Black Code and Fahrenheit perfume Fakes
Hello,
have seen recently lots of perfumes like Armani Black Code or Dior Fahrenheit Selling for around 32. As for these perfumes, for example Christian Dior Fahrenheit 200ml is at those days very very hard to get. If you find it even on Ebay you would pay minimally 60 for this size as this perfume is almost impossible to get. Sellers like Joro Shulev can still have 100% feedback, but between us I dont understand how as even the bottle is totally different than the original not talking about the contents. These people buy those perfumes, because mainly men perfumes copies smell almost the same but the dont last very long and you cannot be sure whats putted into the perfume as stabilizator for perfume oil. Second thing i have seen that there is lots of Armani Black Code 100mls perfumes. I work in perfumery and know that only sizes of this perfume are 30ml, 50ml, 75ml, and sometimes 125ml, but rarely. There is no such a size of 100mls only Aftershave. So be aware and if you are not sure contact me on my email. You can send me pictures of your perfume and i will tell you if its real.
One more thing. The bottle of Armani Black Code perfume is not black if you see from very close or against the light. Its very very dark blue or purple. thats how you can see the difference between fake and original too. And one more trick, if you have this perfume already or some of your friends, try to put the lid on you perfume. the lid from 75ml goes on 50ml as well. The fake lid will not match.
Treadmills the advantages to home owning
Ok back in November I shelled out for a treadmill, it was hugh decision and yes I had some people telling me it was agreat idea an others who where not so enthusiastic.
Thats great a treadmill will help you get into shape
You will be able to exercise whenever you want
Thats alot of money for something you will stop using after a week.
Was it the right decision or notread on.
Once you have a treadmill there is the danger you may never use it, we all have the pieces of gym equipment at the back of cupboards or hid under the bed gathering dust that you glimpse at in shame, these where going to be the new you the new begining but some how you managed to talk yourself out of them in under a week. Only buy a treadmill if you enjoy walking, jogging and running cause lets face it thats about all you can do with one.
Ok the benefits the major one is convenience you can exercise whenever you want what ever the weather or time. You have the chance to get into great shape because you can exercise at your convenience have 10 minutes spare morning noon and night and youve managed a 30 minute workout. Lets face it you would not go to the gym for 10 minutes if thats all you had spare at any one time, but if the gyms there why not. Bearing this in mind you are more likely to work out. Outside cold inside warm where do you want to be?.
So does home owning a treadmill have advantages, of course it does the massive and most importnat one been the convenience of one. Want to exercise at a time and pace thats right for you that makes owning a treadmill money well spent.
Please if you found this review helpful do not forget to click so others have a better chance of viewing thanks.
CHEAP AND VERY EFFECTIVE CORSETS!
Calories, Nutrients, Etc.
12 in 1 USB Sim Card Reader Backup Writer Clone GSM
DON'T BUY ONE
I know; you want one. You can think of loads of things that you could use it for. Imagine, all of your sim cards on one. No more carrying 2 or 3 mobiles around.
All I can say is if you live in the UK and have a UK mobile with a UK sim card don't waste your money because they cannot be cloned. At least not with the items available on ebay for under a tenner!!
It all comes down to breaking the encryption algorithm on the sim card. The older version 1 cards as used in the 1990's and still used in many countries who do not have as advanced a system as we do here have had their algorithm cracked.
With the latest version 2 and in some cases version 3 cards that are in use here in the UK are very secure. With the sim cloning devices available on ebay you are likely to incur the expense of buying a new sim card as well as wasting your orginal money.
The programs used rely on breaking into the sim card by brute force - ie. trying every possible code to gain entry until the right one is found (I have read that you stand more chance of winning the lottery jackpot two weeks running)
The problem arises because the sim card producers build in a counter that checks every attempt and when you exceed a set limit the card stops working. FULL STOP.
You may be thinking that the information I have dug up on the net is out of date and that the guys selling these things, usually from China (despite pretending to be in Manchester)where they do still use the older 'cracked' sim card system, have found a way into the new ones. Well, my guide is not just based on anecdotal evidence. As part of my long quest for a refund after buying and frying (buying the sim card cloner - frying 2 sim cards; the second after being sent a link to 'updated' software by the seller!!) I checked through his last months feedback and found TWELVE other purchasers of the same item who had left negative feedback stating that the item didn't work. Bear in mind that some people may not bother to leave negative feedback as they fear a tit-for-tat negative feedback in return and others just can't be bothered over a sub 7 purchase.
The following quote comes from the much respected expansys website: "There are ways of cloning pre-2002 SIM cards. If yours is newer than that, there is currently no way of cloning it."
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED - THEY DON'T WORK - DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY
Grammar(Simplified For All)
HOW TO CONSTRUCT A PICTURE FRAME - BASICS GUIDE
xxsindyxx - Sound of Music tickets
Fellow Ebays are advised to avoid dealing with the member with the ID xxsindyxx.
On 2nd October 2006, this member had two sets of 2 x tickets for The Sound of Music listed. As the listing was due to end the same day, and there had been no bids (itself unusual given the current scramble for SOM tickets) I asked a couple of questions, both of which were answered to my satisfaction. I therefore made a bid on the tickets. At this point, I re-read the item listing more closely and noticed that it stated that the tickets had not yet been received from the promoter. I therefore sent a further message to the seller asking for her agreement that she would not invoice me until her tickets were in hand. This message was ignored.
Some three hours later, the listing ended with myself as the highest - and only - bidder. I then received a message via Ebay stating that she had received a telephone call from the promoter that day in which it was stated that it was not possible for her to re-sell the tickets, that they were non-transferrable and that anybody other than her trying to use them would be denied entry to the theatre. This message had also been sent to the legitimate winner of the other pair of tickets.
I found it extremely suspicious that this telephone call had been receivedjust at thepoint whenbids ended- it seemed rather a coincidence. I also find the notion of "non-transferrable theatre tickets" somewhat suspect. I contacted the winner ofthe other setoftickets and was told that he had a similar message, citing a slightly diferent reason for non-sale. I suspect that the bids had not gone as high as the seller wanted and that she was trying to wriggle out of a legitmate sale. I messaged her and got a reply which gave a story again slightly at variance with what I had already been told. She attributed all this to a "simple mistake". Having sent this, she then proceeded to leave negative feedback couched in very nasty tones. I therefore felt obliged to respond in kind, keeping my feedback strictly truthful. Unfortnately, the seller has now chosen to hide her feedback remarks.
So, fellow Ebayers, even if you are desperate for tickets for The Sound of Music, it would be wise to avoid any being sold by this Ebayer.
VW T25 T3 alternative steering wheels
with power steering/strong arms 40cm is OK, and still allows the reading of the speedo
36cm is too small to read the speedo, and to small to turn unless your name is Geoff Capes. There are several sellers on Ebay who will sell a "genuine VW steering
wheel" that "fits" a T25 They may well be off a Golf or similar they
often require some sort of adapter. On a standard van they you will
find it difficult to steer with the reduced leverage of the smaller
diameter. There are two main types of steering wheel made for the T25 one is the standard hard one that is usually on panels and campers, the softer feel ones were supplied with Caravelles and Carats and offer a nicer squidgy feel. Find out more about the Volkswagen T3 type 2 transporter at www.club80-90.co.uk and also take a look at our wiki for more technical help http://wiki.80-90.co.uk/index.php/Main_Page
Australian Stamps MNG Over Rated
When purchasing stamps you may notice some sellers describing a stamp as being MNG (MINT NO GUM). I have noticed that the price of these stamps described as MNG have been selling for well over the value ofa MNGstamp sometimes reaching prices of that of a MUH (MINT UN-HINGED) version of the same stamp and occasionally going even higher.If you are going to buy MNG stamps then a good way to value these stamps is to use the VFU (Very Fine Used) catalogue price as really when a stamplooks MINT on the front though has no reminisce of gum on the back should be classed as a used stamp. Though if the stamp is MINT on the front I can understand eBay buyers going higher than the value of the stamp in used condition. Though I would like to have them consider looking forthe stamp inMUH (MINT UN-HINGED) condition ifwilling to spend the same amount of money on the used version of the stamp.
Also buyers should be careful of stamps that have just been described as being MINT with no elaboration on MINT in the description of the stamp in the sellers listing, as describing a stamp as being MINTmeans that it is one of four different levels of condition.MUH/MNH (MINT UN-HINGED/MINT NEVER HINGED),MLH (MINT LIGHTLY HINGED), MH (MINT HINGED), MNG (MINT NO GUM).This list above is in order of the best MINT condition to the worst MINT condition and the value of stamps in these conditions should be priced accordingly.
It is up to each individual ifthey wish to take my advise or ignore it, I just wanted to share some information and hope people consider the information provided before committing to buy stamps for over their true value.
Bridal tiaras: Selecting the right one.
strawberrysure73 has written a fabulous guide on choosing a bridal tiara:
Choosing the right tiara
The only points I have to add are:
A quality custom handmade tiara can be a wonderful way of having something unique and special, you will be free to have whatever design you might like, and colours from your scheme can be incorporated.
Swarovski Crystals are generally regarded as the world's best and are the mark of a very high quality tiara. These Austrian crystals are so special that they are the perfect choice for highend bridal jewellery and tiaras.They come in a fantastic range of colours, have a sparkle and clarity that is truly remarkable, and will look fabulous in photographs.
If you are considering buying a tiara from ebay or indeed any mail order company, make sure you select a seller who offers free samples of pearls and crystals for you to view at home, sent to you prior to you purchasing a tiara. Not only will you be able to ensure a good match with your dress but they will also prove invaluable when you are deciding on other accessories and jewellery. At Wedded Bliss we send our potential customers a little sprig of the wire we will use on their tiara, with a couple of crystals and/or pearls twisted onto it. The sprig is small enough for the bride-to-be to keep in her purse, so is close to hand when those all important decisions need to be made.
Thank you for taking the time to read my guide, and best of luck with your preparations and your big day x
Distinguishing Various Yu-Gi-Oh! Card Types v3.0 2009
I have been collecting and trading in the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card game since the first European English Edition Starter Decks arrived in the UK in early 2003. Since then I have gone on to collect and complete an immense collection of mint 1st Edition cards. It is a bit late but I have now decided to create a simple guide to help the newbies among you who are just getting into the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card game or who are having difficulty in identifying the various card types found in the many starter, deck, booster packs and various promos.
Gold Holograms
The gold hologram to the bottom right hand corner of a YuGiOh! card indicates that it is a 1st edition print card.
Silver Holograms
The silver hologram to the bottom right hand corner of a YuGiOh! card indicates that it is an unlimited editionprint card.
Common
This card type is denoted by a standard printed surface
Dolls House Miniature Scales
Renault Clio Spoilers mk2 ph2 01-05
Firstly, there are several different types of clio spoilers that renault do, there is the thin strip spoiler that is your most basic spoiler, this is basically just a strip of black plastic with a red brake light, this spoiler isnt very exciting and will be found on the most basic models such as a the clio expression.
Next there is the dynamique spoiler, this is slightly wider, and has a clear brake light, this spoiler is also colour coded on some clios, the finish on this colour coding tho will very from clio to clio, this spoiler is found on the dynamique, the extreme, and will also be found colour coded on the non cup 172, non cup 182 and mk1 v6
Next there is the cup spoiler, this is one of the more attractive spoilers, whilst still been easy to fit, this spoiler is always colour coded, and is thicker and wider than the dynamique spoiler, it has a red brake light which is quite large, the wires underneath it are also extended to allow them to reach the normal connections, this spoiler can be found on the 172 cup and the 182 with cup packs, part of the cup pack for the 182 is also a nicer looking splitter on the front.
Next there is the v6 / trophy spoiler, this spoiler is quite large, and again is always colour coded, again quite an attractive spoiler, its basically an evolution of the dynamique spoiler in the sense that its very similar with a clear brake light but a much bigger flick as so to speak, there are however some drawbacks with this spoiler, the first one is depending on your clio you mite need to extend the brake and washer jet cables, the second is again depending on your clio you mite need special struts to stop it catching the back of the car and your aerial, and the last been it is quite a big spoiler, so if your car isnt at least a renault sport it mite look a bit too much, but i guess thats down to taste..., this spoiler can be found suprisingly on the mk2 v6 clio, and also on the special trophy clio, of which there were only 500 made (indicated by dark turini alloys and trophy decals on the skirts).
There is also supposadly whats called a renault "double spoiler" however i know very little about this particuler spoiler or even if its something you can still purchase from renault.
Regarding the spraying of spoilers most bodyshops tend to charge between 30 and 50 for spraying a spoiler, so bare that in mind when you purchase one that isnt the right colour for your car, and just because it says its silver doesnt mean its going to be the same silver as your car, there is at least 4 different renault "silver" clio colours.
Hmm thats all for now, i may add more when i get time, hope it helps someone
Disney Princess Fleece blanket/throwover for single bed
I just wanted to let you know that you can get these blankets in the different characters for only 4.99 in morrisons. I have seen some advertised for around 10.00 on here and i just wanted to share my find with every one else out there, whos got disney princess mad daughters!!!
GET A BARGAIN WHEN BUYING JEWELLERY
Basically when buying gold or sterling silver jewellery on eBay the same rules applies whether your buying yourself a small piece of jewellery or for example like us buying from large manufacturers in Italy 100 of kilo's at a time . All jewellery is more or less measured in weight whether it be gold or silver which is measured in grams or diamonds which is measured in carats. The most important factor is basically the weight and to a lesser extent the style or manufacturing process in making the piece of jewellery.
So we suggest when comparing between sellers you read carefully what the item weighs and also taking into consideration the style but it will be the weight which will basically tell you more or less what you be receiving and what the piece of jewellery is worth.
We also understand this is a little hard to determine as most people haven't got the sort of scales we use in the jewellery trade, so a good idea before purchasing especially if its a expensive item would be is to go to a jewllery store and ask to see more or less a similar weighing piece of jewellery this will help you to know exactly more or less what you'll be receiving and if you have picked yourself a BARGAIN !!!!!!!!!!!.
REVERSE PAYPAL PAYMENT
Hi,just a quick message
.I recently sent goods to an address supplied by paypal as a verified address,the buyer left positive feedback for me and i did the same.Three days later paypal informed me that the buyers account was used fraudulently and reversed the payment,this left me out of pocket for the item and postage costs, plus paypal still charged me for the privelidge of being ripped off.I have contacted the member since it was their addressI sent the parcel to and have recieved no reply(surprise surprise)I also contacted paypal(an almost impossible task)and was told that since I didnt send the item recorded delivery I am not covered by paypal protection!!!.despite them authorizing the payment to me and telling me where to send it!!!!Thanks paypal your such a help
So the moral is always send your parcels recorded delivery or risk getting ripped off like me,
p.s. Its now well over two months since posting this guide and still no payments even though the member sent me an email saying that she had the item!!!! still no help from paypal,tried an unpaid dispute but ebay closed it after the other member failed to respond, wrote to member and asked for payment or paypal transaction number and surprise surprise no joy,so i thought that i would warn you all about this buyer.the user name is sznncmpncq16 and i suggest that you treat all bids with suspicion.Remember that i had the payment in my account and sent the goods then they reversed the payment(not unlike the nigerian scams)seller beware!!!
BR Loco Depot Plaques - Fake or Real?
Buying a tattoo machine, or machine coils.
Having bought a few tattoo machines from several places, then got rid of them or reworked them, I think its time to set people straight. When you buy, ask the seller if they know the details of the machine, or indeed coils or parts of a machine. One capacitor does not fit all machines. Also there are different types of capacitor, Some are non-polar and others are bi-polar. The non-polar tend to be smaller, if they are facing the wrong direction they will heat up and may explode! If the seller cannot give you details don`t buy. You could leave yourself open for a nasty surprise indeed!!
Now to the coils, they are the twin cylinders that make up the bulk of the machine. I havew stripped two recently, the first was because it always ran very hot, OOw! Very hot!! When I stripped it to rewind the coils I got about four fifths of the way through and then..... a loose end! The wire had been started at the centre of the coils then after two wraps, the copper wire had run out. The winding was started again without joining the two ends together. The copper wire is insulated (coated) with enamel, in this instance I had one good coil and one coil that was not playing any part at all in the operation. In order to make thier electro magnetic properties, the wire must, MUST!! be of one piece all the way through, not that there is a problem joining them and soldering. Remeber to remove the coating.
On a final note, take a look around the internet, check the prices and always always ask questions. If buying from hina costs you half the amount this is generally because a lot of people buy from China etc:- I buy from China and Shanghai many times. Their goods have always been safe transactions. In fact I have had many deals ruined in UK but never even one from China. Last of all do not buy gimmicks, they can not be used as tattoo machines, thier original seller will tell you the truth.
My experience with BMW Angel eye kits "Ultra-bright"
The Surface Mail Scam
A gentle little scam and it works like this:
A buyer on the far side of the world bids on and wins a lowish value item from you. They politely ask if you'll ship surface as airmail will be several times the cost of the item. You explain the time this will take, possibly 12 - 16 weeks, and the risk, but they say they're happy to go that way and you give them a price which they quickly pay by PayPal, asking you to confirm the date you posted on. You ship the goods and email to say that their goods have been despatched.
They then email back asking if you've actually posted the item as they've just seen other items you're selling that they'd like to bid on. You confirm that the first item has gone so you can't combine a despatch if they win the other item(s).
You then find that they've bid on, and won, one or more other items, this time at much higher prices. Again they ask if you'll ship surface and, because they've appeared to be a good eBay buyer so far, you agree and they again pay promptly by PayPal. You give them more positive feedback and carry on with life.
An email then arrives thanking you for the first item which has apparently arrived with astonishing speed and they give you glowing positive feedback accordingly. This is not as outlandish as it seems as Royal Mail do sometimes put surface stuff in the airmail bag and it gets there in a couple of weeks, but the contact and feedback make you feel you're dealing with a good and honest buyer.
All goes quiet until you get a note saying that the second despatch has not come, and they need to open a dispute before the 90 days is up to protect themselves. You point out that 90 days is only just into the 12 - 16 week window for surface items, but they say sorry, they have to protect their payment. You offer to refund in full if the items don't turn up after 16 weeks, but they file the dispute anyway and you lose. You have no evidence as to whether or not the goods got there before or after the dispute, but either way you've lost them and are out of pocket.
Having suckered you with the low value buy, they've got you on the high value purchase(s). Earlier this year I was caught for over 20 (exc the post and packing costs) and my son for 35 by buyers in neighbouring towns down under which suggests to us that it may not be co-incidence, especially with the MO the same in both cases. Both buyers were into transport related books and memorabilia and, talking to a seller of these items at a collector's fair at the weekend, they told me they've had a similar experience.
Our eldest daughter lives down under and we regularly use surface mail to send stuff to each other. 15 or 16 weeks for delivery is not uncommon, but in 5 years we've never had anything go astray in either direction, so we're pretty sure that the eBay postings did get there.
We now refuse to post eBay items by surface mail. I don't like having to get into lots of heavy terms and conditions, but for all the decent people out there on eBay, there are still a few rogues who will manipulate the system to their own advantage.
Standard DS Lite vs Homebrew DS Lite
If you are not sure about the standardDS Litespecifications then have a look at the official site. (I am unable to post external links in this guide, so you will have to google it yourself)
Do you want aDS Litethat can do more than a standard version? Maybe a homebrewDS Liteis for you...
A homebrewDS Liteuses aspecial cartridgethat allows you to run 3rd party software. This turns your standardDS Liteinto versatile device that can domore things than a regular version. The most popular feature of a homebrewDS Liteis that you can playgamesdirectly from a memory card. Remember, you should only have backup ROMsfor original games you own.
There are many different homebrewcartridgesavailable, but I have found the best currently available is the R4 cartridge (this is based on functionallity and price). It looks very similar to a normal game cartridge, but has a slot in it where you put a Micro SD memory card. The R4 cartridge is bundled with a USB Micro SDcard reader, so you can simply plug it into your PC and then drag and drop games directly to the memory card. The R4 cartridgeis very easy to use, and when you turn the DS Lite on with the cartridge inserted you are greeted with a menu system that allows you to see all the games currently on the memory card. To play a game you simply choose one from the list (it's as easy as that). Compared to homebrew on other games consoles the R4 cartridge on the DS Lite is so much easier to use, and you can be up and running in a matter of minutes. You will even find thata goodseller will be willing to set it all up for you.
Using the R4 cartridge does not invalidate the DS Lite warranty.
I hope that this updated guide has been helpful. Feel free to contact me directly if you want any further advice.
Buying a Lord, Lady, Laird, Knight, Baron title
Your guide to becoming Titled
If you are looking to acquire a title, you need look no further than this guide. There are many people out there who will accept your money, the difficult thing is differentiating the legitimate titles (and sellers) from the fraudsters and con artists.
The types of titles I will review here areKnightsBaronsLord and Lady of the ManorLaird and LadyLord and Lady ScamsDeed Poll
General Advice
Make sure the seller is prepared to be identified and traced. Request a postal address and their telephone number. If you are unsure of anything, pick up the phone. If they are a genuine seller they will be happy to talk to you and answer your questions. If they are bogus they wont want to give out their details and will disappear as soon as they have your money and have posted you your worthless documents. It is always worth a phone call to put your mind at ease and ask about the seller and their product.
Is the seller a registered company? or a private individual. If they are a company then generally you could expect them to be selling within the law. They should be registered and they will be able to provide their company registration number and other details. Again this makes them traceable should you have a problem.
Individuals are probably more risky to deal with, as they do not have the same legal standing as a Company or Corporation and can easily move house with no forwarding address. You should always make this judgement yourself and choose the seller you feel is the most reputable.
TITLES REVIEWED
Knights
This is a cut and dried case. You cannot purchase a Knight title. However hard you try, and whatever promises the seller makes, it is illegal. A Knight title can only be granted by the Crown, and it is always for services to the British Empire, not because you have paid someone.
What you will often find is people offering to sell you a Knight title, and what you will receive is a certificate, printed from their home, on their printer saying John Smith is now a Knight As you can imagine, you can do this cheaper yourself at home, and it will be equally invalid!
If you press most of these sellers they may admit that it is a novelty item. It is worth asking, and if they wont admit it is a novelty then you should ask them on what authority they are able to issue Knight titles.
Our advice? Dont touch a Knight title with a barge pole
English Baron
The situation here is exactly the same as with a Knight title
Scottish Baron
The Scottish Barony is a feudal title, it is not a rank of peerage and is therefore IS possible to purchase. These titles do not come cheaply, as there are only certain estates in Scotland that actually provide the owner with the status of Baron. They do sell every few years and usually fetch in excess of 100,000, often with a house as well as the land.
For the average person, a Scottish Barony is not a viable option.
Our Advice? If you win the lottery then buy one!
Lord or Lady of the Manor
Again these are perfectly valid titles. Many sellers incorrectly promise that you can call yourself Lord John Smith. In fact it is only recognised as John Smith, Lord of the Manor of
Changing Your PayPal email Address to Receive Payments
to claim the payment - what do I do' is a question that regularly is
asked on the Community Discussion Boards.If you've had a PayPal
payment made to the wrong payment email address, or if you are going to
change the email address you want to accept PayPal payments to, here's
what to do:Adding a New PayPal Payment email AddressYour PayPal ProfileLog into your PayPal account.Go to the Profile Tab.Under the 'Account Information' heading, click the 'Email' hyperlink.Click the add button and
add your new email address (you can have up to 8 email addresses in a
single PayPal account), not forgetting to press the save button.You will then see this screen telling you that the email has been added.Next
click on the confirmation link in the email that is sent to your newly
added email address, to confirm that you are the holder of that email
address. The email address will then be confirmed in your PayPal
account. If you don't receive the email in your inbox, check your spam folder.I would advise you to not delete the 'old' email address,
even if you no longer have control of it, unless you have to to add another email address and your quota of 8 is already full. You will not be able to confirm a defunct email address in the future because you no longer control it. Just leave it in your PayPal account, it won't do any harm and could save you a lot of grief.When You Next List an ItemYou
must change the PayPal email payment address on the listing form. This
tells the buyer which payment email address to send the payment to at
the end of the auction (assuming they pay by PayPal).Quick Sell SYIAdvanced Sell SYITurbo ListerOnce
you have changed the email payment address on the SYI forms, it should
be remembered thereafter, but it's advisable to double check when you
list an item.
If you are re-listing, or using a listing template, again, don't forget to check the email payment address.In Turbo Lister, don't forget to change the email address in any files / templates you have already created.In addition, you can alter the default payment email address via:ToolsOptionsAuction Defaults / Fixed Price Defaults / Classifies Ad Defaults / Shop Inventory DefaultsPayment MethodsPayPal Account EmailWhat to do if you did not change the payment email address on the listing formWhat
happens here depends on whether you deleted the old email address from
your PayPal account. If you left it there, the payment will go to your
PayPal account as normal.If you deleted the old address, then
the payment will be 'unclaimed' in the buyer's PayPal transaction
status and 'Pending' in your my eBay status.You will receive a payment notification from PayPal asking you to sign up to a new account to claim the payment.You can see what email payment address the payment was made to by a couple of methods.1.
Open the transaction details in your my eBay. Across the top of the
page, it will display the payment email address the payment was made to.or2.
Open the transaction details in your my eBay. Click the 'Sell Similar'
or 'Relist' button (don't worry, you are not going to send the item
live).Then
scroll down to the 'Decide how you'd like to be paid' section (as
pictured above) and check the payment email address there. Close the
window, or press page back on the browser when you've taken a note of
the address to check against your PayPal payment email address.If
it was your old email address and if you control the old email address,
simply re-add it to your PayPal Profile (as described above).If
you no longer control that address (such as if you've changed ISP) you
will not be able to re-add that you your PayPal Profile if you have
deleted it. What you need to do is ask the buyer to cancel the
transaction in their PayPal transaction details. Because the old email
address is no longer associated with a PayPal account, it will remain
'Unclaimed' for 30 days. The buyer needs to open the PayPal transaction
and press the 'Cancel' button. The payment will be returned to their
funding source. If the buyer does nothing, the payment will be
automatically returned in 30 days.Once the buyer has canceled
the transaction, you can ask the buyer to pay manually from their PayPal account. If they do it correctly, the purchase will still be covered by PayPal Buyer Protection:http://tinyurl.com/37t7zaePayPal Buyer Protection13.5 What are the eligibility requirements for PayPal Buyer Protection?You must meet all of these requirements to be eligible for a payment under PayPal Buyer Protection: 1. Use PayPal to purchase an eligible item on eBay or use PayPal to purchase an eligible item on or off eBay which is funded by PayPal Credit. 2. Pay the full amount of the eligible item in one payment. Items purchased with multiple payments like a deposit followed by a final payment are not eligible. 3. Send the payment to the seller through: * The eBay Pay Now button or the eBay invoice, or * The Send Money button of your PayPal account by selecting eBay Item and entering your eBay User ID and the eBay item numberThe buyer goes toSend Money tab 'Purchase''eBay Items'Fill in the sellers correct email addressEnter 'eBay User ID' and 'eBay Item Number'Press the 'Continue' buttonWhat to Do if You Entered an Incorrect Payment email Address (a Typo)If
you made a typo in your email address, but got the domain name correct,
you could try signing up to that email provider with the typo email
address.So for example if your PayPal email payment address is
bob@isp.com but you entered the email address bub@isp.com, see if you
can sign up to the email address bub@isp.com and then add that to your
PayPal Profile (as described above).If not, or you made a typo in the domain name, see the section above for canceling the payment.
Thursday 22 July 2010
Maharishi
UPDATE 7th February 2007.
It seems the Maha patches fakers have also produced counterfeit Hoodies which are starting to be sold on ebay - avoid like the plague.
UPDATE: 19th January 2007.
A new fake: It looks like a new Maharishi fake design has hit ebay this week. This is what appears to be a counterfeit version of a legitimate Maharishi design of snopants. The design is the Maha Patches snopants - which feature a series of embroided patches, including a skull on the back pocket, LDN at the ankle and a lightening bolt on the front. Several pairs have been recently listed on ebay. Notice that the snobotton system is positioned across the knee pleats and not on the outer and inner leg seems, and that the snocords do not appear to be maharishi snocords, also the waist button appears to be on the outer side of the waist band and not on the inner side. I can not be 100% certain that these are fake, but they certainly look like it - tread carefully.
The good news is that fake Maharishi or mhi (maharishi's more "street" orientated lable) pieces are very rarely seen on ebay. The main reason for this is that Maharishi are most famous for their heavily embroided items. The cost of producing fakes which feature expensive and complex embroided designs is high, much higher than, for examplescreen printing a fake BAPE design onto a T-shirt. As such with the cost of production acts as a deterant for back-street rip-off merchants. The chance of you coming across a fake heavily embroided maharishi copy is increadibly low. In three yearsI have seen only 1 pair of fakemaharishi embroided pants - these were from a seller from China and to even the least experienced maharishi fan they were clearly fake due to the distorted form of the dragon.
This is not to say fakes never appear on ebay.As of now (June 2006) three types of fake items have appeared on ebay.
1. Fake plain coloured original snopants.
The way to tell they are fake is by the lable printedon the pocket lining. Firstly, no size is printed on thelable and secondly the camo used is much duller and is not a Maharishi house camo. Maharishi only use their own house camo designs for the pocket linings and not pre-existing camo used by armies. The only exception is the early (1997-1998) designs which used woodland dpm camo (used as a standard camo by theUS militairy).
These were often sold initially in lots of 12, but have since been listed (sometimes knowingly, sometimes unknowingly) as single items.
2. So-called Kung-Fu Jeans.
These have criculated occasionally on ebay. They are dark blue and havediagonal bronze lines embroided on the knees. These are usually listed on one day auctions with starting prices of GBP19.99-GBP29.99.
3. MhiStretch Logo Sweatshirts.
This wasalso a design wihch was faked and sold on ebay. These featured a towelin Mhi logowith the tips ofeach letter extended. The design was on the back of the sweatshirt. Blue and Black fakes appeared on ebay a couple of years ago.
4.
Currently a seller is listing different coloured t-shirts with the maharishi original dragon embroidery. The seller has a history of selling fake items and these T-shirts are Fake.
To reiterate fake Maharishi or Mhi is very, very rare. There are trands to look out for though. Be aware of sellers selling the same item in bulk (often in lots of 12), and often using one day auctions. The reasons are obvious, firtsly the sellers are looking to off load items quickly (to hope to avoid Maharishi reporting them to ebay), secondly by selling in bulk the time taken to offload items is further reduced.
Generally, the features which should alert ebayers to fake bape or nike items do not really apply to maharishi. So, unless you are looking at one of the items listed above, the following features should not put you off bidding or buying.
1. Low prices (even for new items) do not usually mean the item is fake.
2. One day auctions do not usually mean the item is fake - some sellers do this for convenience or because they believe the item will sell at a higher price at auction.
3. 0 feedback sellers do not always sell fake items. Every single ebay user was once a 0 feedbackebayer - without exception. If however, you deciede to bid on an item from a seller with a negative feedback score, whether a maharishi item or not, you run the risk of ending up with junk (not necessarily fake junk, but junk none the less).
4. Sellers based in the far east (excluding Japan) or Eatern Europe do NOT always sell fakes. I have seen 100% authentic maharishi items listed from countries which are often though of as being hot beds for counterfit merchandise. This is particularly true for maharishi crossover items wth Hong Kong or Japanese artists or companies such as Michael Lau or Kubrick which are often released in Far East countries before being released in the UK.
5. Maharishi sometimes release samples to the public - these may not feature maharishi sizes on the lable or indeed feature a lable at all. They may also incorporate newer features such as X shaped snocords with older features such as night desert camo pocket linings. These items are not fakes and are manufactured to the same high standards used by maharishi for their collection-pieces.
So, if you are looking to buy maharishi or mhi on ebay, the chances of you ending up with a fake item are very slim. This is the case whether you are buying from ebayers looking to sell on their used items or from sellers that specializein Maharishi such as myself or others such as missyparrot, *theflowers, unklemikesboutique or golfbirky.
Of course, if you see an item that you feel may be fake you can always contact me and i can confirm to you whether it is a fake or authentic.
Whether fake items are actually produced by gangsters or terrorists wishing to finance crimes like international terrorism orsexual slavery is highly debatable. I doubt that such organizations really need to to-up their incomes by producing cheap rip offs of maharishi snopants. However, you should not buy fakes, simply for selfish reasons - because you will be supplied with an item of inferior quality and style.
When Items Get Damaged In The Post
buyer in full. If the buyer has returned the item to you, you could
also refund return postage costs but this is at your discretion. If the item is not broken (for example a piece of electrical equipment that the buyer may have not known how to work) you should advise the buyer and send it back to them (by trackable means). If the item the buyer has sent back to you is not your original item (for example a similar but broken piece of electrical equipment) you should contact the buyer to ensure that a genuine error has not occurred. In the event of fraud being attempted, you should report the matter to the Police. There is an excellent eBay Guide on 'Reporting Fraud to the Police'.Buyer - once the seller has decided to issue a refund this should be completed within a reasonable time. If the refund is not forthcoming you may open a paypal claim (within 45 days of auction end) to obtain a refund. The claim is called 'Significantly Not As Described' SNAD) and will entitle you to a full refund less return postage costs. You will have to return the item by trackable means and enter the tracking number online.Seller - if the damage is a result of bad handling by the Post Office you can make a claim for compensation. For items sent by a standard service, you will require a proof of posting certificate and will need to complete a form available from the Post Office - you will be able to claim up to 32 per parcel. For items sent with tracking, many claims can now be submitted online. If the item is over 32 in value, you should send by a service with additional insurance - certain items such as glass, pottery and jewellery are also not covered by standard service insurance.For Sellers whose terms and conditions state that they are not responsible for items that get damaged in the post - YOU ARE!
STONE ISLAND FAKES / HOW TO TELL
STONE ISLANDIf you're sick to the back teeth of 'AUTHENTIC', '100% GENUINE', 'BOUGHT BY MY GIRLFRIEND', 'STAKE MY LIFE ON IT' (and some of them should),GARBAGE Stone Island garments, have a read of this.
I bought three different coats, Raso Gommatto (sure !) ,various sizes and all 'Pukka'. What a load of crap! All three went back having paid what i thought would keep me out of 'Fakesville' an average of 130+, let me tell you that you are waisting your money !! I moved heaven and earth to get my money back and so should you.
I do own severaloriginals,bought in Firenze( Florence, Italy)with no bull promises,so here's what i know............
First of all, the tags should be identical. The sewn in tag number and the tie-on tag number. As stated elsewhere, 2006 items WILL start with a 44 or 45. If the tags don't match, bin it.
The sewn in tag (S.P.A., ART etc) WILL show country of origin(various countries involved are Italy,Romania,London..for ventile jackets(woven in Great Britain)..and Cina....this last one is actually China,but as with the word CIAO,the italians pronounce 'C' as ..ch.....) these countries produce various parts or materials and the tag will always readRAVARINO (Mo), ITALY in smaller print.
Next,the patchbuttons WILL be unique, black with stone island etched around the outside and the middle of the button WILL be a '+' sign,this will make the holes where the thread goes quarter circles, NOT regular holes as any other button with a '+' sign between them.....Since i first started writing this,i have updated this guide with information gained first hand, so, there seems to be yet another arsehole making fakes out there, someone can now immitate the '+' sign buttons, tho' not very well !! The new batch of fake buttons have a '+' sign for the eyes,BUT,they areDULLplastic copies,as opposed toGLOSS S.I. originals. Also, the fakebuttons place the '+' sign very deep into the button,noticeably deep. The fakes are also sharp edged to the inside of the button, whereas S.I. are smooth. The final damnation is this, on the back of these buttons, (usually the patch button ), the fakes are smooth. The original buttons havetwo round indentations,almostholes, on the reverse of the words 'STONE' and 'ISLAND', this is where the buttons were held in the press.
The arm patch, a great source of pride, should be silk backed,but more importantly,it MUST have the badge detail (compass and writing ) showing in FULL on the reverse side, many fake badges are only part sewn onto the reverse
If i cannot see clear pictures of any garment,my initial reaction is they are trying to hide something
I hope this helps, these bastards should be exposed for selling fake gear to a,(sometimes),unsuspecting public.
The only buttons with holes will be the larger buttons,the sleeve patch buttons and all other small buttons will be as above
Zips are not just for doing up the jacket,they too must be quality items YKK,LAMPO etc ...not kanglidanglicheapaschipsbutrightcolourshite (mine are all YKK or LAMPO)
Next is the sizing, go on the stoneisland.co.uk site and you will see the european size chart is different to ours. A jacket marked M, WILL be a small in our sizing, L medium and XL obviously large. This IS the case,all those fakes sold as M are medium in our sizing but then prove themselves fake, they'll fit you great if you're used to a 40''-42'' chest size,but they'll be fake
Many ebay sellers are genuine,butIT WILL COSTfor quality........MOST are CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My advice.............if you want something special (and stone island are special) dig deep and pay for it, the feeling of wearing such quality is magic
cheers
ebay seller ripoff acer ferrari
brilliant bumbo!
i bought a bumbo for my little girl when she was 4 months old as she was starting to get a bit wriggly and trying to sit up.
i found putting her in it just before she could sit herself uphelped to support and strengthen her back ( as the rim of the seat goes up to the back of the neck so no worries on head support) and she was sitting unaided in no time at all.
also if you travela lot its a great seat to feed baby in as its very light and portableand goes anywhere plus baby is in the upright position giving better digestion and less tummy pains or wind!.
once she started to get really wriggly i didnt need to worry about where to put her if i needed to pop to the loo she would go in her bumbo and i knew she would be safe and comfy.
it is so heavyduty and comfy that my bumbo is currently doing the rounds through my family!!
bumbo is defo worth buying whether new or pre loved.
thanks for reading
Korg Triton Extreme 88 Scam beware
You will see the item as something along the lines of: KORG TRITON EXTREME 88 BRAND NEW.
Then there will be a ridiculously low start price usually 1.00, but if you read the description it says Email me for a Buy it now price of 900euro's. Do not be taken in by this as you will then find that the seller will accept payment through Western Union, another deifinte no no and he will ask you to declare the money as a gift to a friend, his excuse is so that he doesn't have to pay tax on the funds, but you will pick up the tab for these tax funds instead. You will be told that the keyboard will be sent via courier and that it will be 48 hour delivery, enough time for him to collect your money. You will find that 900 euro's equates to about 650.00. This keyboard sells for anything from 1700.00-2200.00 when brand new. If you see it cheap like this andwithan email address offeringbuy it now, then be very cautious and only trade if the seller offers Paypal and if your gut tells you it's genuine. I knew it was a scam, as soon as he contacted me and told me Western Union and as soon as I was contacted back, the item was taken off e-bay. I did not continue with this trade, but pretended to go along with it. The next day the same item was on again, the same e-mail address, but a different seller name. Sadly I didn't get either name, but I am sure that wouldn't matter as he changes it every time and the country of origin is always different with each name too.
DVDs: PIRATES, COPIES
With the sheer amount of DVDs for sale on eBay there are always bound to be a fair few which are not what the inexperienced buyer is expecting. So how can you tell and what do the different terms for dodgy DVDs actually mean?
I myself don't sell illegal DVDs of any description but I do have over 20 years experience of selling music and entertainment items on all formats. Ialways have hundreds of DVDs and CDslisted in my eBay shop which are all 100% legitimate and are mainly 4.99 Buy-It-Now. So if you want a safe and easy purchase, visit my shop at http://stores.ebay.co.uk/rainbowjam. Well, that's the plug over; now back to the matter in hand.
Pirates:
These are probably the worst kind of dodgy DVD as they are being passed off as official, often current,items. They are illegal, generally poor quality,DVDs which are an exact copy of a legitimate DVD. Virtually any current popular film will have been pirated in vast quantities; pirate copies are often sold at larger well-established car boot sales and also by dodgy eBay sellers. They are difficult to spot on an eBay listing as the seller will be pretending they are the real thing so someone who is selling pirate DVDscan only really be spotted once the negatives start to roll in. So, always check feedback before you buy. Once you're holding the pirate DVD in your hand, they're easy to spot (although, if you've bought it on eBay, it's a bit late by then). A pirate will look like the real thing at first glance but, on closer inspection of the artwork, it's easy to spot the poor quality of the printing and often a slight difference in shades of colour and also the lack ofserial numbers around the inside rim. Also the quality and cut of the paper used for the inserts will usually be noticeably sub-standard. The disc itself will have poor quality, strangely printed or missing details on the label side and will usually be a DVD-R rather than a "proper" DVD.
Copies:
Thisis just another term forpirate DVDs: an illegal sub-standard DVD-R copy of an officially released DVD. Sometimes people will openly offera copied (pirated) DVDfor sale and state that it is legal to buy as a back-up if you already own a legitimate version, thusplacing the onus on you to remain within the law (or not). Whatever they tell you and regardless of whether you and / or they own legitimate issues of the DVD in question, it's illegal for them to sell it and for you to buy it. It's just a common misinterpretation ofthe law that sellers ofdodgy goods try to use to their advantage.Copied DVDs sold as back-ups will usuallybe sold in a plastic wallet without artwork or case, willoften have a blank label and will be DVD-Rs of the same sort of standard as a pirate being passed off as legitimate.
Bootlegs:
These are unofficial (ie: illegal) DVDs which contain recordings which are not, and have never been, officially available for sale on DVD. Theyoften contain material that has previously been available on video but has not yet had a DVD release and are more commonly old TV series rather than films. There is a large collectors' market for bootlegs as they contain material which has never been legally released so can be very attractive toanyone trying to get hold of some TV programme from their dim and distant past. A lot ofbuyersare happyto buy bootlegs as there is no legal way of obtaining the material on them so opinion is divided as to whether they do any harm. Obviously, with more and more old TV series being given official DVD releases, the demand for a certain bootleg title can vanish overnight. Recent examples of this include Adam Faith's Budgie TV series andkids' series,Grange Hill. However, it's still illegal and in breach of eBay rules so eBayare constantlyremovingany listingswhich are reported to them that offer bootlegs for sale. Ebay has it's own VeRO (Verified Rights Owner) programme whichfilm companies can join - you can view a list of VeRO members in the Movies, Television
How to spot a fake anime DVD
We have NOT licensed to anyone called Anime Cartoon in Hong Kong, and these
sets must be pirated. We have a reputable licensee in Hong Kong who would
certainly not be involved in this.
Buying
;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
Toby Jug in general
History
Toby jugs have been made in this country since about 1770, and there are known examples from Germany before this time, and now various countries from arround the world produce toby jugs. Early examples were made in Britain from the late 18th century, continuing up to about 1820 when Victorian mass production took over. Other countries that have produced toby jugs are Sampson in Germany, Delft in Holland, and Japan after Word War II ( very cheap examples). Jugs have been produced the the US, on a revolutionary theme, in Australia, and modern examples can be found from Portugal, Italy and Czeck, most made for UK market. Very collectable examples are still being made by Kevin Francis, anda fewsmall producers still exist. In the latter half of the 20th century, more toby jugs in the form of Winston Churchill have been produced than anyone else.
Toby Jug or Character Jug ?
In the 1930's, Royal Doulton created a new collectable jaundre, called the Character jug, this highly sucessfull collectable item sometimes get confused with toby jugs, but the difference is quite specific, toby jugs are modelled on the whole body, and character jugs are just the head and shoulders. More information about Character jugs and Royal Doulton can be found here : Link to Character Jugs and Royal Doulton
Ralph Wood,
In about 1770 a Berslam potter named Ralph Wood produced a jug in the shape on a man, dressed in a tricorn hat, a frock coat, breeches, and holding a drinking pot on his left knee, said to be modelled on his grand father. The detail was superb, the colouring subtle was so sucsessfull it was imeadiatly copied by potters every where.
Whieldon, Pratt, Askew
These are the main potters whofollowed Wood in making different, yet eaqually well modelled jugs, each withthere own specific design and finish
Pratt or Prattware
Yet another equally well made jug made by the Pratt pottery. Known for thier colouring, yellow and orange predominate, and jugs have a very light weight feel, with the finish being slightly biscuity. Muti coloured stripped stockings are also well known as well. Price is dependent on a lot of things, the most being I think damage, with mould quality a very close second.
Victorian
With the advent of industial production methods, the victorian jugs were made by a much simpler method, often from a single mould, and painted in very garish colours, and mass produced. The give away clue as to this type is the use of a single mould, fright often blue colouring, painted face, a red horizontal line arround the base, poor quality definition. Some poorly made victorian jugs even have the date 1787 inprinted on the base.
Types of Toby Jugs.
Toby jugs are often made to represent types of people, or even famous people, here is a basic list.
Salior
Also produced by Ralph Wood, taking the form of a salior, sitting on a sea chest, with his arm out stretched, sometimes with writing on the sea chest, such as Dollars. Normally having a bluejacket, and blue stripped trousers. Sometimes these is an anchor moulded on the base. Many versions exist, from superb jugs by Ralph Wood, victorian versions that have not so much detail, to almost modern reproductions by Wood and Sons.
Ordinary
Name given to a ordinary toby jug,man sitting on a chair, frock coat covering the back of the chair, tricorn hat, breeches with a beer jug on left knee. Shoes can be either buckle or laced. The handle is attached to the rear of the chair and sometimes has a thumb grip. He also has a neckchief and waistcoat. The base is normal;ly quite plain, and the toes might slightly overlap the base.
Benjemin
Similar to the ordinary, but with one hand raised holding a glass
Yorkshire
A generic name given to toby jugs made in yorkshire, made to a type of formular. Real exaples exist from about 1800, andcontinue to be made in the era of Victorian mass production. This jug is made both sitting and standing. Victorian examples have the small drinking jug as a 6 sided beaker, the curley pipe is totally missing, and the colouring is sometime applied after firing and therfor often rubs off from areas like arround the knees. Very difficult to specify what makes a jug a yorkshire, but here is the list that points towards the type :-
Scolopped hat decoration
Sponge decorated coat
Slight lean to left
Curly pipe in right hand
Miniture toby jug in left hand, or a sparrow beak jug
Eybrows painted in the form of dots
Criss cross patterns on the base
Standing or Sitting
Quite heavy
.
Hearty Good Fellow
Toby jug of a standing man, with a drinking vessel that is held to his breast, later victorian examples have the name, hearty good fellow on the base. Early examples exist, also Victorian mass produced reproductions dominate the market. Very few modern examples exist that have been made in the country, but I have found foriegn made examples. On early examples the waistcoat and the detail of the pipe is important.
Drunken Parson or Dr Johnson
Seated man, spilling a jug of beer, with powdered wig slightly askew, with a white neckchief. The most collectedable examples are made by Enoch Wood, and have a marbled base. Other victorian examples exist and are very collectable. Various sizes exist, and most are quite heavy. Early examples about 800, victorian examples about 400, and modern Kevin Francis about 150.
Thin Man
Highly sought after, of a very thin man, sitting in a chippendale chair. Original examples in good condition can sell for over 2000. Modern reproductions can be found made by Kevin Francis.Examples are very hard to atribute to definate makers, and tend to be attributed to factoriesor just Staffordshire. Pale translucent or even monocrome colours exist.
Squire
Quite a large jug, showing a man with a hook nose, with a vase like jug in his left hand, and a church wardentype pipe in his left hand. A few examples by Ralph Wood are found, but most examples are late victorian, and made by William Kent. These Kent examples normally have a blue coat, and brick red breeches. In most examples the pipe is missing and the cheaper reproductions don't even have a hole for the pipe.
Nelson
A toby jug in the form of Admiral Nelson, often with the word Nelson written on the base, modelled in the same form as the statue on top of Nelsons Column, in Trafagar Square. Most people think that these jugs are dated about 1805, but these jugs are later in date, made to commemorate the erection of the statue, any time after 1857. The jug form is standard Nelson, blue coat, gold eppelettes, with a coil of rope under his left foot. These jugs were massed produced by the Victorians, and although very collectable, because of the sheer numbers produced can be bought or sold for about 100.
Snuff Taker
A toby jug in the form of a man taking snuff, sometime holding a snuff box, normally with a grin on his face. This type of jug comes ion several sizes, and is almost exclusivly Victorian. Prices vary accourding to details and moulding, but and average of about 100 is a good guide.
Martha Gunn
A toby jug in the form a woman, with long skirt, and named after the famous Martha Gunn of Brighton, bather to the Price of Wales. This jug can be recognised by the Prince of Wales Feathers on the hat at the front, but some later jugs do miss this out. Early jugs are very collectable, again according to quality, even later reproductions demand high prices, anthing up to 200.
Pig and Parson, or Tythe Jug
Toby jug depicting a parson, with a pig, taking the pig as part of the tythe. Very collectable as very few examples exist, and no know reproductions have been made. According to condition, but could hkakeup to 1000.
Fan Lady
Toby of a jug in thge form of a lady with a fan. Made by Minton, sometimes in monocrome white, or treacle glaze. Other examples have a Majolica colouring, others have a mottled effect. Prices seems to be very variable, odd examples can sell for over 800, but most go for about 200. This jug is sometimes found as part of a pair, the other jug being a Barraster, also by Minton. Also collected by Minton collectors.
Barraster
A partner to the fan lady, see above. The same rules regarding colouring apply here as well. The jugs is about 10 inches high, and the pony tail from the barrasters wig continues down the back and forms the handle of the jug.
Gin Woman
Very similar to Martha Gunn, but withouit the Prince of Wales feathers. Normally show with a bottle, and an inebriated expression. Early examples by Ralph Wood can sell for 2000, Victorian examples exist and sell for between 100 and 200, and also modern reproductions exist by Kevin Frances.
Barrel Toby
Generic name to almost any toby jug with a barrel, norally show between the legs. These jugs are mostly made by Whieldon, about 1790 - 1800, and blue colourings predominate. Some of these jugs have what I can only describe as a potato print pattern arround the base. According to condition and modelling, these sell for between 500 - 1000.
Puzzle Toby
Very unique toby. This jug has various holes and spouts, these have to be blocked off by the drinker, or else when the jug is drunk from, the liquid purs out not from the intended spout. Most because of thier novelty vvalue, and the fact that they have been used a lt are in quite poor condiion. Good examples, even in a very used condition command excellent prices, any where in the reguion of 2000 plus.
Cross Leg Toby
Very common toby, almost exclusively of Victorian manufacure, show a happy man, sitting on green foliage, with his legs crossed, both hand grasping a beer jug to his chest. Sometime a yellow border to his hat, which is quite low or shallow. Coat normally dark blue in colour, face painted on with little moulded detail. Value from 100 to 200.
Half Size
Very under valued at present, and set to get a lot more expensive. These jugs are normally about 6 to 8 inches high, and contain nearly as much detail as the original. Most potters did these, and there is a story that these size jugs were used as trade samples, for salesman to take round as a samples. Nice story, but take it with a pinch of salt. Ralph Wood and Pratt both produced half size tobies, and these command high prices in perfect condition, anything up to 1000. Damage can be important, and a lot of these sized jugs may have hadextensive restoration. Some very nice jugs exist that have double or even triple bases, and these can sell for about 100 to 400, although the exact date of these is debatable, are very collectable.
Squat Toby
Exclusively Victorian, brightr blue coat, sometime gold bourders of hat and coat. Sometime known as Goudy Welsh. Various sizes exist from about 4 to 8 inches. Very few are maked on base. Average cost can be from 10 to 50. Sometimes come in sets of small, medium and large.
Lord Howe
Jug in the form of a man sitting on a barrel, the barell being on its side, with a dog lying down on the base. The jug he is holding is quite large as well. These jugs date from about 1790, and are attributed to Ralph Wood. None, or very few Victorian examples exist, and the only modern known examples are by Kevin Francis. Price for early examples are aboout 2000, and reproductions are about 150.
20th Century Manufacturers
Kevin Francis
Wade
Burlington
Allerton
William Kent
H Wood
Tony Wood
Wood and Sons
Royal Doulton
Sumida
Clanance Cliff
Goulde-Wilkinson
Burleigh
Manor