Abbat Books query
Discussion
Just a quickie 
Anyone bought from an eBay seller called "Abbat Books" in the last few months. They seem to specialise in rare motoring Books. Their email address also doesn't link to an active website.
I made an offer on a book. 20% below what they were listing it at. And they rejected it (fair enough) Then they ended the listing and UPPED the price. Again, not my concern.
But now they've come back to me offering the book at the price I offered. But the pic is a generic one from the publishers site and not an actual pic they could have taken. Unlike some of their listings. The description is accurate but VERY brief compared to others listing the same book at full RRP. Literally 1 line.
But its giving me the "if it feels too good to be true" vibe. So just looking for some thoughts/experiences
Thanks
Anyone bought from an eBay seller called "Abbat Books" in the last few months. They seem to specialise in rare motoring Books. Their email address also doesn't link to an active website.
I made an offer on a book. 20% below what they were listing it at. And they rejected it (fair enough) Then they ended the listing and UPPED the price. Again, not my concern.
But now they've come back to me offering the book at the price I offered. But the pic is a generic one from the publishers site and not an actual pic they could have taken. Unlike some of their listings. The description is accurate but VERY brief compared to others listing the same book at full RRP. Literally 1 line.
But its giving me the "if it feels too good to be true" vibe. So just looking for some thoughts/experiences
Thanks
It sounds like you’re right to be cautious. Here are a few things to consider:
Generic photo: The use of a stock image instead of an actual photo of the book is a red flag, especially for rare or collectible books where condition is key. You could ask the seller for more photos of the actual item to ensure it's legit.
Price fluctuations: The fact that they initially rejected your offer, raised the price, and then circled back to your original offer could just be negotiating tactics, but it also feels a bit inconsistent. It could be a sign they’re trying to make a quick sale.
Brief description: The short description might just be laziness, or it could mean they don’t have the book on hand or aren't familiar with its condition. Sellers of rare books usually provide detailed info about the edition, condition, etc., so it's odd that this one doesn't.
Reputation check: If you're unsure, check their eBay feedback for any similar complaints or issues. Negative reviews or even neutral ones can be telling.
Too good to be true: Trust your gut. If something feels off, it's worth proceeding with caution. Maybe ask if you can pay via PayPal to give you some protection, or find a seller with more transparency.
Hope that helps! Better safe than sorry when it comes to rare books.
Generic photo: The use of a stock image instead of an actual photo of the book is a red flag, especially for rare or collectible books where condition is key. You could ask the seller for more photos of the actual item to ensure it's legit.
Price fluctuations: The fact that they initially rejected your offer, raised the price, and then circled back to your original offer could just be negotiating tactics, but it also feels a bit inconsistent. It could be a sign they’re trying to make a quick sale.
Brief description: The short description might just be laziness, or it could mean they don’t have the book on hand or aren't familiar with its condition. Sellers of rare books usually provide detailed info about the edition, condition, etc., so it's odd that this one doesn't.
Reputation check: If you're unsure, check their eBay feedback for any similar complaints or issues. Negative reviews or even neutral ones can be telling.
Too good to be true: Trust your gut. If something feels off, it's worth proceeding with caution. Maybe ask if you can pay via PayPal to give you some protection, or find a seller with more transparency.
Hope that helps! Better safe than sorry when it comes to rare books.
leestanton said:
It sounds like you’re right to be cautious. Here are a few things to consider:
Generic photo: The use of a stock image instead of an actual photo of the book is a red flag, especially for rare or collectible books where condition is key. You could ask the seller for more photos of the actual item to ensure it's legit.
Price fluctuations: The fact that they initially rejected your offer, raised the price, and then circled back to your original offer could just be negotiating tactics, but it also feels a bit inconsistent. It could be a sign they’re trying to make a quick sale.
Brief description: The short description might just be laziness, or it could mean they don’t have the book on hand or aren't familiar with its condition. Sellers of rare books usually provide detailed info about the edition, condition, etc., so it's odd that this one doesn't.
Reputation check: If you're unsure, check their eBay feedback for any similar complaints or issues. Negative reviews or even neutral ones can be telling.
Too good to be true: Trust your gut. If something feels off, it's worth proceeding with caution. Maybe ask if you can pay via PayPal to give you some protection, or find a seller with more transparency.
Hope that helps! Better safe than sorry when it comes to rare books.
The AI has escaped Generic photo: The use of a stock image instead of an actual photo of the book is a red flag, especially for rare or collectible books where condition is key. You could ask the seller for more photos of the actual item to ensure it's legit.
Price fluctuations: The fact that they initially rejected your offer, raised the price, and then circled back to your original offer could just be negotiating tactics, but it also feels a bit inconsistent. It could be a sign they’re trying to make a quick sale.
Brief description: The short description might just be laziness, or it could mean they don’t have the book on hand or aren't familiar with its condition. Sellers of rare books usually provide detailed info about the edition, condition, etc., so it's odd that this one doesn't.
Reputation check: If you're unsure, check their eBay feedback for any similar complaints or issues. Negative reviews or even neutral ones can be telling.
Too good to be true: Trust your gut. If something feels off, it's worth proceeding with caution. Maybe ask if you can pay via PayPal to give you some protection, or find a seller with more transparency.
Hope that helps! Better safe than sorry when it comes to rare books.
smithyithy said:
The AI has escaped
Well Yes! I didn't purchase from them in the end. And now the item is onsale for full price give or take. Still with a generic pic and terrible description
I was sort of hoping someone would say "oh yeah, I've ordered from them. They are genuine but a it chaotic" (or similar) But no one did, so probably best avoided.
I did speak to Cotswold books and they said they can supply the book for a slight discount. And they seem genuine as they have stands at Goodwood and Bicester amongst others. So may treat myself in due course.
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