I used to sell a lot but now I buy and collect Aussie tin badges.  I have recieved a lot of badges lately that have faults not described in item descriptions.  For example, they may have lost their pin at some stage and had a dressmaker pin bent into place as a replacement or they may be depressed (slightly crushed).  As many sellers know, collectors aim for as close to original as possible so it is dissapointing when such items arrive; however, I usually want to keep the item regardless because it is a worthwhile addition to my collection.  So, I email the seller and point out the "problem" in the hope s/he will respond to buyers' needs and describe more carefully in the future.  I always stress I am going to keep the item and am not seeking redress.  I am careful to be polite about it.  In every case lately I have gotten an email back along the lines of "send it back for a refund".  I don't want a refund - I want to know I can confidently buy from the seller in the future..... that an effort to describe collectible items accurately will be made.  I think, perhaps, that only sellers who are collectors themselves understand this...... or perhaps I am just looking for a part of Ebay that is lost in the past.

So, to those who sell collectible items.  If it has a defect that can't be seen in your photos please please please note it in the description.   If it is rare and desirable it will sell regardless.  It is a pain for seller and buyer to have to ask/answer questions about condition for every item.

cheers, Bill