One of my worst eBay online auction experiences was ironically when I purchased an Amethyst Carnival Glass Good Luck Plate.

• I read the description carefully.  The plate was advertised as mint
• I looked at the pictures … they looked perfect and the plate had great color
• I paid $450

The Good Luck plate arrived, and the color was great, except for a brown burn spot on the edge of the plate.  I frowned, wondering how I had missed the big brown spot in the description.  I logged into my computer, and looked at the picture.  The seller was holding the plate and his thumb was covering the brown spot.  GRRRRRR!

I sent a note to the seller and asked for a refund.  He promptly sent me a note back that showed that his auctions were “All Sales Final.”  My heart started beating fast and my face flushed with color.  I had been swindled.  It wasn’t a case of misunderstanding, he had purposefully covered a spot on the plate and mislead me.

Fortunately this story has a happy ending.  I contacted PayPal and returned the plate.  After 45 days, they refunded my money.  I left negative feedback and so did he.

My lesson learned - if the seller says, “ALL SALES FINAL” do not buy from them.  A reputable dealer will always give you a refund.  If the piece isn’t as described, they will even refund shipping.