If you're looking for good skin advice, finding acne treatments on eBay might not be the best course of action unless they're recommended by your dermatologist.
This auction is for a home laser treatment for acne and other skin problems such as cold sores and eczema. These raise my inner skeptic, especially when it's going for under $30 USD whereas typical treatments at an actual clinic will go for several times this amount. This is the type of marketing push that you'll see in the late night informercials pushing this product. While research has been done, it is still too embryonic to be considered valid proof of its efficacy.
Caveat Emptor, readers.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
12 Dog Chux Pad Washable Incontinence Pet Bed Underpad
Filed under pet beds, this one is a little harder to classify, since the seller has several suggested uses for the product apart from its primary use as an incontinence training pad for puppies. As he notes, "Used in good condition!!! Still have plenty of life!!....guaranteed!!)"
It's not so much the longevity of the product due to wear and tear that I'm worried about, but the fact that the product is being sold as an incontinence training pad and it has been USED. Um...ew?
It's not so much the longevity of the product due to wear and tear that I'm worried about, but the fact that the product is being sold as an incontinence training pad and it has been USED. Um...ew?
Monday, September 28, 2009
SAMSUNG Semiconductor Products Guide 1986
You know you're getting old when items that were made within your lifetime are considered "vintage."
Samsung has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the 1930s as a small little electronics shop in Daegu, South Korea and has even surpassed Sony in terms of consumer electronics market share. Heck, my monitor is a Samsung. Having manufactured just about every single consumer electronic conceivable from home appliances to computers, they've done quite well for themselves.
Now you can own a piece of history. Okay, RECENT history. Because some 23 years after its printing, the use for a 1986 Samsung Semiconductor Products Guide will be somewhat useless for anything other than historical value.
Samsung has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the 1930s as a small little electronics shop in Daegu, South Korea and has even surpassed Sony in terms of consumer electronics market share. Heck, my monitor is a Samsung. Having manufactured just about every single consumer electronic conceivable from home appliances to computers, they've done quite well for themselves.
Now you can own a piece of history. Okay, RECENT history. Because some 23 years after its printing, the use for a 1986 Samsung Semiconductor Products Guide will be somewhat useless for anything other than historical value.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
PORCELEYNE FLES DELFT CLOISONNE TILE - AMSTERDAM no res
The interesting thing about doing reviews for eBay auctions is that I get to learn stuff about things I was previously knowledgeable about, such as porcelain tile. While it is most commonly used for home improvement and the like, it is also an artistic medium, with many hand-painted designs up for grabs on eBay.While many of them have zero bids on them, occasionally you see a truly unique piece, such as this one.
As the seller states, this is a pre-war piece with a lot of detail into the work and craft. Of course, it must go to the truly discerning buyer.
1938 Chevy ORIG stainless steel car grille L@@@@@@@@@@K
While I may be slightly annoyed at the seller's method of attracting interest in the item, the item appears to be selling itself anyway.
Given the interest in old car restoration and the difficulty in finding parts such as car grilles, punching that item into eBay will list a part for every modern vehicle ever made, and since most of them are "buy it now" type auctions, there won't be any bids on any of them.
But for a rare piece like this (reserve still not met), there are several. This is for a 1933 Chevy, which was newly polished and restored. It's so old, in fact, that it doesn't actually have a specific part number or interchange number. It's interesting that they still call it "new", however.
Given the interest in old car restoration and the difficulty in finding parts such as car grilles, punching that item into eBay will list a part for every modern vehicle ever made, and since most of them are "buy it now" type auctions, there won't be any bids on any of them.
But for a rare piece like this (reserve still not met), there are several. This is for a 1933 Chevy, which was newly polished and restored. It's so old, in fact, that it doesn't actually have a specific part number or interchange number. It's interesting that they still call it "new", however.
Improving the Social Security Disability Decision Progr
I'm pretty sure that I've seen titles of eBay auctions that were a little longer than this one, so I don't know if there's any excuse as to why the seller can't spell out "Improving the Social Security Disability Decision Process". As it is, it's cut off, so you think it's going to say "Program" when the picture of the book says "process."
This is probably one of the lazier auctions I've seen, as they haven't gone into a lot of detail on the product itself. Perhaps that's how they are able to keep their prices relatively low and they assume that you've already done your homework and already have read about it. This isn't entirely smart, as anyone would probably go on Amazon.com to find information on it (and they do sell it), and will discover that it's actually cheaper.
This is probably one of the lazier auctions I've seen, as they haven't gone into a lot of detail on the product itself. Perhaps that's how they are able to keep their prices relatively low and they assume that you've already done your homework and already have read about it. This isn't entirely smart, as anyone would probably go on Amazon.com to find information on it (and they do sell it), and will discover that it's actually cheaper.
Official Novelty Doctor Dr Who Darlex Bed Floor Rug
With college students studying abroad and finally settling into their dorms, they are likely sparse on furniture. Designer discount rugs are probably out, being that they need money for important things like beer, food, and books (in that order).
That is, until the geeks stumble upon this. Definitely made for a sci-fi geek, this...is actually sorta tacky, actually. Since Dr. Who is fairly niche sci-fi (although probably the most prominent...it's listed as one of the longest running sci-fi series of all time), and college dorm dwellers are likely sharing the space with others, and Dr. Who fans are likely to be outvoted by the others. Oh well.
And isn't it called a "Dalek"?
That is, until the geeks stumble upon this. Definitely made for a sci-fi geek, this...is actually sorta tacky, actually. Since Dr. Who is fairly niche sci-fi (although probably the most prominent...it's listed as one of the longest running sci-fi series of all time), and college dorm dwellers are likely sharing the space with others, and Dr. Who fans are likely to be outvoted by the others. Oh well.
And isn't it called a "Dalek"?
Water Temp Sensor Green/Blue/Red LED Sink Faucet Light
This is actually sorta cool, actually. You've remodeled your bathrooms, got new sinks and tiles, and if you think your bathroom isn't nearly high tech enough, there's this.While it's sold as a safety gadget, it's more for the novelty than anything else (ThinkGeek.com sells a model for the shower, although they completely skip over the possibility that it can have any practical applications, but their version is powered by the moving water whereas this one needs batteries).
But, you'd have the coolest bathroom around. Get the one for the showerhead and you'd never leave the bathroom.
FENPHEDRA +120 HARDCORE DIET PILLS TFuel BEST! 2X MORE
This auction sort of bothers me. While they don't necessarily claim to be selling the "best diet pills," some of the claims that they are making and their selling points for making this a desirable item are enough to make me really question the validity of their health claims.
For one, they named their product "Fenphedra," which appears to be a portmateau of two weight loss supplements, Fen-Phen, a drug that was implicated in the deaths of several users; and ephedra, a stimulant that is banned by the FDA. But, on the plus side, the seller is actually just giving it away as a free sample (gee, thanks), because they really want to push something they call TFuel.
But even still, there's something a little worrisome about it...as the auction says...We do not know how much longer this product will be available either, due to recent FDA regualtions, so stock Up NOW while you still can!!
Maybe later.
For one, they named their product "Fenphedra," which appears to be a portmateau of two weight loss supplements, Fen-Phen, a drug that was implicated in the deaths of several users; and ephedra, a stimulant that is banned by the FDA. But, on the plus side, the seller is actually just giving it away as a free sample (gee, thanks), because they really want to push something they call TFuel.
But even still, there's something a little worrisome about it...as the auction says...We do not know how much longer this product will be available either, due to recent FDA regualtions, so stock Up NOW while you still can!!
Maybe later.
Reliable Salicylic Acid Box Full 1 oz. Md. 1933
Even if you don't have a chemistry background, you'll know that salicylic acid has many uses in today's households, whether it be for cosmetic use as an exfoliating product (showing up in dandruff shampoos and acne medication) or as the active ingredient in Aspirin. And what do you, know, they actually used to sell it by the box.
For the starting bid of $4.99, you can be the proud owner of a box of "Reliable Salicylic Acid", from circa 1933. Being that it's the better part of 80 years old, it stands to reason that it probably won't be active anymore, but that's not stopping the person from selling it (and indeed, they qualify it is for collector's value only). However, it can only be sold to the "right" type of buyer. Maybe that person is you? Hey, it's only $4.99.
For the starting bid of $4.99, you can be the proud owner of a box of "Reliable Salicylic Acid", from circa 1933. Being that it's the better part of 80 years old, it stands to reason that it probably won't be active anymore, but that's not stopping the person from selling it (and indeed, they qualify it is for collector's value only). However, it can only be sold to the "right" type of buyer. Maybe that person is you? Hey, it's only $4.99.
Monday, September 21, 2009
VIZY VEST Yellow mesh Safety Vest with Flashing LED
Okay, not exactly the flashiest and sexiest item around, but safety vests are an important piece of equipment for a lot of different industries, ranging from film production to construction, and can even be used for sports safety, especially with nighttime.
This one is for a slightly fancier model, which is powered by batteries and has flashing LED lights. Selling something like this isn't really rocket science - you either need it or you don't. However, I don't know why the seller really needs to call it a "breathable material", as it's usually not form-fitting anyway.
This one is for a slightly fancier model, which is powered by batteries and has flashing LED lights. Selling something like this isn't really rocket science - you either need it or you don't. However, I don't know why the seller really needs to call it a "breathable material", as it's usually not form-fitting anyway.
RSJBW Weight Loss VERY FAST Diet Pills BEST Of ALL #1
I do a lot of reviews of eBay auctions offering diet pills and this is yet another one.
I've seen this one before. This particular auction sells a dietary supplement with large claims about fat burning and weight loss, but finding any information about this particular product (it doesn't even have a brand name, just 15 Chinese herbs as ingredients). Doing research about this particular product doesn't really dig up much either, as many of the listed ingredients don't have corresponding Wikipedia pages.
While the feedback rating of this seller is promising, always do your research first before you spend money on something you're putting into your body. ALWAYS.
I've seen this one before. This particular auction sells a dietary supplement with large claims about fat burning and weight loss, but finding any information about this particular product (it doesn't even have a brand name, just 15 Chinese herbs as ingredients). Doing research about this particular product doesn't really dig up much either, as many of the listed ingredients don't have corresponding Wikipedia pages.
While the feedback rating of this seller is promising, always do your research first before you spend money on something you're putting into your body. ALWAYS.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
BUSINESS DIRECTORY PROFITABLE ONLINE WEBSITE HOME BIZ
With a large number of eBay auctions offering entire online businesses for sale, such as your own personal web site directory, it can be pretty tempting for those wishing to make money with minimal effort.
Sadly, there are no shortcuts, contrary to what a lot of eBay auctions selling businesses like these tend to offer. Things like search engine optimization and getting more traffic to your site can be very challenging for newcomers, which is why businesses like these exist. Consequently, the people who are good at things like that are very well compensated for their efforts.
I've dabbled in it briefly, and unless you know what you're doing, you will waste a lot of time.
Sadly, there are no shortcuts, contrary to what a lot of eBay auctions selling businesses like these tend to offer. Things like search engine optimization and getting more traffic to your site can be very challenging for newcomers, which is why businesses like these exist. Consequently, the people who are good at things like that are very well compensated for their efforts.
I've dabbled in it briefly, and unless you know what you're doing, you will waste a lot of time.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Funny 1gb flash drive - Broken USB cable FREE US SHIP!!
Finding a flash drive on eBay is pretty simple, but if you want something truly unique, you may have to sacrifice capacity to get it, but it's on eBay. These are 1GB portable USB drives that are made to look like a hacked and frayed USB cable.
I've actually seen these offered on ThinkGeek.com and they make pretty neat novelties, although if it's security you're looking for (ie: no one is going to steal a frayed USB cable, right?), it might not be the best choice...people aren't as likely to summarily throw away something that looks like a USB flash drive, but they'll likely throw away a piece of cut and frayed USB cable.
I've actually seen these offered on ThinkGeek.com and they make pretty neat novelties, although if it's security you're looking for (ie: no one is going to steal a frayed USB cable, right?), it might not be the best choice...people aren't as likely to summarily throw away something that looks like a USB flash drive, but they'll likely throw away a piece of cut and frayed USB cable.
$349 DIAMOND HEART PENDANT NECKLACE 1/3 CTW~GREAT BUY
In my latest review of eBay auctions, I bring you one for heart pendant jewelry. This is when I stress that when one is looking at an auction for something that "regularly retails for $349" (according to the auction) but is selling for a fraction of that (as in, $49.99 buy it now price), that's when I say read the thing carefully.
Of course, there's no way anything with mined diamonds could ever retail for less than $49.99, but it pretty much says it all when the seller says it is "almost impossible for the untrained eye to tell the difference." As to whether or not it's a reasonable price for costume jewelry is not for me to decide. But the seller doesn't even go onto say whether they're lab-grown diamonds (I'm assuming they're not) or even cubing zirconium for that matter. I'm going to assume it's the latter.
Of course, there's no way anything with mined diamonds could ever retail for less than $49.99, but it pretty much says it all when the seller says it is "almost impossible for the untrained eye to tell the difference." As to whether or not it's a reasonable price for costume jewelry is not for me to decide. But the seller doesn't even go onto say whether they're lab-grown diamonds (I'm assuming they're not) or even cubing zirconium for that matter. I'm going to assume it's the latter.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
4GB USB 2.0 Flash Memory Stick + FREE Online Storage
Either electronics tend to be more expensive in the UK, or this is kinda overpriced. This guy is selling a 4GB memory stick that comes with free online storage for GPB 19.95, which translates to about $33.27 USD. Here in Vancouver, that same amount of money will buy a USB drive double in size, although I can't really for the quality as Veho is a brand mostly found in the UK.
However, slight exagerrations are a little annoying. 4GB is not "huge", especially when consumer models have cracked the 128GB mark. My computer hard drive isn't even that big. Crap, I need to upgrade.
However, slight exagerrations are a little annoying. 4GB is not "huge", especially when consumer models have cracked the 128GB mark. My computer hard drive isn't even that big. Crap, I need to upgrade.
3 Pkgs of New Fat Burning coffee "B Skinny"
If you're interested in fat burning, you can always take doctor recommended supplements, engage in high-intensity exercise and sensible eating, and have realistic expectations as to what you can achieve in a certain amount of time.
Or, you can drink a lot of this coffee.
I review a lot of eBay auctions on weight loss products and this is yet another one. I'm relatively unfamiliar with this product, so I googled it, only to find that there are no respected news sources that are writing about this, save for a short blurb in The Examiner. This really comes across as home-based marketing, where people are selling vitamins out of their own homes and getting stuck with tons of inventory.
Or, you can drink a lot of this coffee.
I review a lot of eBay auctions on weight loss products and this is yet another one. I'm relatively unfamiliar with this product, so I googled it, only to find that there are no respected news sources that are writing about this, save for a short blurb in The Examiner. This really comes across as home-based marketing, where people are selling vitamins out of their own homes and getting stuck with tons of inventory.
Womens Shoes Black Dansko sz 39 8.5 9 M Leather Oxfords
Not much to review in this particular auction for Dansko shoes. Since a large bulk of auctions on eBay are of the professional type (ie: it's as a major source of income for the seller, as opposed to just someone getting rid of stuff around the house), in order for your auction to stand out, you have to abide by several rules.
As this is from someone with a powerseller rating, they got so by having clear pictures, detailed yet brief descriptions, and an easy to way to contact the seller in case you have questions. Unlike the last guy I reviewed.
As this is from someone with a powerseller rating, they got so by having clear pictures, detailed yet brief descriptions, and an easy to way to contact the seller in case you have questions. Unlike the last guy I reviewed.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Cheap Car Insurance Info Brokers Dont Want You To No
If you're looking to get cheap insurance, I think it goes without saying that you really shouldn't go with what this guy has to say.
This must be one of the most poorly written eBay auctions in recent memory, and I've done a lot of reviews of eBay auctions. I THINK what he's giving tips and tricks for getting significant discounts on car insurance that presumably goes beyond the standard factors like driving habits, frequency of accidents, driving experience, age, and the like.
Unfortunately, the guy's writing is an absolute headache to read. Here's an excerpt of his item description:
ever looked on internet for quote for cheap car insurance,and been told there quote is the best and wont be beaten,well believe me it can be beaten i have the details for you that was given to me by broker this is info insurance companies dont want you to have like how to get your insurance lowered just by your job title etc,from builder to brick layer,these little tricks can actually save you from £60-£120 and more also i have list of job titles that i will give to you and also the other info that can save you lots one buyer said he saved £420 right away with being new driver so dont knock it till you tried it i am the only seller of this item and once you have bought this i will send you all the info you need to get saving right away each year so save it so you can keep going back to it for the price of £3.99 what have you got to loose????
With spelling and grammatical skills like this, I wouldn't trust this guy for directions to the nearest bathroom. And how is knowing that one's job title can affect one's insurance rate going to be practical, exactly? What are you going to do when you're filling out your insurance forms, LIE? Do that, and one audit will get you in a mess of trouble.
This must be one of the most poorly written eBay auctions in recent memory, and I've done a lot of reviews of eBay auctions. I THINK what he's giving tips and tricks for getting significant discounts on car insurance that presumably goes beyond the standard factors like driving habits, frequency of accidents, driving experience, age, and the like.
Unfortunately, the guy's writing is an absolute headache to read. Here's an excerpt of his item description:
ever looked on internet for quote for cheap car insurance,and been told there quote is the best and wont be beaten,well believe me it can be beaten i have the details for you that was given to me by broker this is info insurance companies dont want you to have like how to get your insurance lowered just by your job title etc,from builder to brick layer,these little tricks can actually save you from £60-£120 and more also i have list of job titles that i will give to you and also the other info that can save you lots one buyer said he saved £420 right away with being new driver so dont knock it till you tried it i am the only seller of this item and once you have bought this i will send you all the info you need to get saving right away each year so save it so you can keep going back to it for the price of £3.99 what have you got to loose????
With spelling and grammatical skills like this, I wouldn't trust this guy for directions to the nearest bathroom. And how is knowing that one's job title can affect one's insurance rate going to be practical, exactly? What are you going to do when you're filling out your insurance forms, LIE? Do that, and one audit will get you in a mess of trouble.
FISH: BLACK CRAPPIE Tumbled Marble Mural 8x4 BACKSPLASH
If doing renovations on your home , a stainless steel backsplash is a good way to add value and function to your kitchen, as well as keep it clean for guests. However, if you're looking for something slightly more avant guarde, there's this.
A backsplash guard typically goes into a kitchen, but if you're making appetizing meals, seeing the word "Crappie" doesn't exactly inspire culinary excellence. Why not call it by a slightly more appetizing name such as "calico bass," which is another name for it?
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