Online auction frustration

[wataugachicken]

I used to enjoy browsing Ebay for fish that might be a good deal, or even (miracle of miracles!) something i want that might be local pickup. They used to have more people listing stuff I was interested in, like plecos or cool snails. I got my bnose plecs this way - 7 of them for $30 and free shipping. Now it seems like all the individual sellers have been pushed out by big breeders - tons of listings for koi and *rare* African Cichlids (hint - if they are so rare, don't list 20 of them at a time). Oh, and now the flowerhorns are getting big there too. Lots of Asian/foreign sellers with shady English. It's become a major PITA just to try and look around. I wonder if they would start a separate category just for koi.

Not to mention the "village idiot" kind of auctions - a single top-grade cherry shrimp for $1.99. . . . . and $60 shipping within the US.

[clown-lover]

Well.. What do we as consumers expect when half of the get rich quick infomercials we see on TV actually happen to be in relation to Ebay.. I to used to like Ebay quit a bit.. But in reality you can find better specials just shopping around.

Example - Koralia Pumps.. Most stores list at the Suggested Price... Like on a 3, its 49.99.. What do a majority of them without shipping start their bidding at?? 49.99, its not a deal.. Only if you can't find them locally. You can find some things, rare things sure.. But Ebay has become like walmart, your not getting the best prices for everything. You have to shop around even more.. And then to top it off, I have been ripped off more on Ebay than I have from any brick and mortar store, or even reputable on-line e-tailer.. There are "some", but then I look for contact information.

If I can only contact them through their web mailing program, I won't purchase. They have to list some other information, phone, fax and a lot of times I'll check the phone with a reverse lookup just to make sure they are legit.. I'm not saying I still won't get taken, but with Ebay anyone can put up a shingle.

I'm to the point if they don't have 100% perfect feedback, I won't buy.

[Rbishop]

I'm to the point if they don't have 100% perfect feedback, I won't buy.

Yep.

[shoreliner]

I've seen the same sort of thing with eBay.

Are there any good online places to order fish? I am in a bad spot over here--the two local shops have a meager selection, and the fish are in rough shape. The next closest pet shop would be Virginia Beach, and it costs me $20 and 60 miles just to get there.

I'm looking for really red, red velvet swordtails. And good large neon tetras.