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Is it ok to ask a seller for serial number where it is considered a must have for collectable item?
lot_45
Member Posts: 2 ✭
Just as stated in the subject:
Is it ok to ask a seller for serial number where it is considered a must have for collectable item?
I recently got a very rude response for an active listing I was wanting to use the buy it now option.
Before I could use the BIN I had to know what the serial number was to ensure the item was worth what I was going to pay for it.
Thanks
Comments
OP doesn't mention a particular seller or auction, which would violate forum rules. Don't ask, don't tell.
jimdeer,
Thank you for allowing the question. I am trying to get some advice on how to ask for a serial number without offending any seller.
Thanks
Don't buy it, plain and simple.
There are one particular firearm I collect.
Serial number is very important for value of item to me.
So, someone is asking you to buy something and rudely refuses to answer a perfectly relevant question?? Screw them. Move on and buy the item somewhere else. Some folks get all hyper about serial numbers for no reason. I usually list serial numbers of anything collectable, and most are in my photos.
I don't think it is unreasonable to ask a seller for the serial number. If they can't provide that to a "ask the seller" request, buyer beware. imho.
In my opinion, as a collector of prewar Winchester Lever Actions and Colt Single Actions, in many cases it is imperative to know the exact serial number when you are collecting guns from a specific era or you want to contact the original manufacturer when factory letters are available and you want to verify the as shipped configuration and/or ship to location.
If a seller, for whatever reason, doesn't want to divulge the full serial number, that is their prerogative, but they don't have to be rude about it!
When you ask a seller for the full serial number, you might want to give them the reason why you are asking.
Just my opinion.
If you can't feel the music; it's only pink noise!
An emphatic NO. There is nothing wrong with asking for the serial number.
my 2 cents
just a guess as to why the fear of some one using the number to report it stolen or claim ownership even a long Strech to find out it was stolen in the past and dont want to be the one forfeiting it ?
to me its a reasonable question and if refused as stated just move on
Heck yes it's OK! Why would a legitimate seller refuse a request like that?
If a serial number is not stated in the listing or pictured then the serial number should be given on request. No serial number...no bid.
Welcome to the forum.
You could simply ask them if it falls in the certain range of SN ?
As stated, nothing wrong with asking. I sort of collect WW1 and WW2 1911s. At a minimum, the SN must be a manufacturer match to the slide.
Brad Steele
To report a stolen gun and get it listed on NCIC I believe requires a police report and to do that just for kicks when it is not your firearm is not a good idea.
I think its hilarious that people think giving a serial number out is somehow "dangerous".....there is nothing further from the truth. Its a myth that someone can report it stolen and somehow take ownership of your gun. If you were treated badly by someone the last thing I'd do is give them money.
I’m a big collector of vintage Rolex and serial numbers are all-important. Sellers usually provide a photo with the last 1 or 2 digits obscured so a replica cannot be made using a known good serial from the era.
You should email the bozo a link to this thread.
Not trying to throw water on your bad experience but maybe a little more finesse in the beginning would do the trick.
But there some that will be jerks no matter what.
I can't even fathom why a seller wouldn't give that information freely unless they had something to hide... collectible pieces ESPECIALLY.
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
Oh my 😮, the serial numbers to my vehicles are exposed just under the windshield, I guess I need to cover them up to prevent fraud and false claims of ownership.
"Never do wrong to make a friend----or to keep one".....Robert E. Lee
I always grind the those funny numbers off my guns so I don't have them protect.😁
I have an electro pencil and if it is a really nice gun I will engrave my driver's license number on the receiver. Sometimes on both sides. Then I rub that white mess over the numbers so they are real easy to see.
I do the same thing and I also carve my initials on the stock.
Well that just tacky.
Sounds as if you gentlemen are true connoisseurs of folk art!
This is a "first year" of 250-3000 production. Remarkably, not drilled for scope mount.