Is it common to pay for pictures ?
 

Any views out there ?

Is it common for a prospective seller to want $35.00 per hour to take pictures of the parts he or she is selling? Most folks readily post pictures. I know I freely offer to take as many pictures as the prospective buyer may want. I would like the public's views on this open question. I think I am going to post this same exact question on the other MB forums as well. Thanks.

That's ridiculous. If some wants to sell something online then they should be willing to snap a few pic of a part. If they aren't willing take pics than I wouldn't do business with them. They are just trying to make more money.

I agree, but it was suggested I was being pushy because I wanted a picture to verify I was getting the correct part. Actually, I was really concerned about the seller selling me the wrong part. Silly me. I readily offer pictures, with ZERO limit on the pictures. I would rather someone be super informed which should equate to a happy customer versus a guessing game or paying a penalty for a picture or two. Thanks for your input. Any one else out there ??????

Sounds line a nutball. Run.... if someone cant be inconvenienced a little to push a button on a camera a few times then it aint worth your time

Yeah not worth your time if they will not take a picture to verify the item and condition for a prospective buyer.

yes charging for pictures is absurd, but of course there is always the "concerned" buyer who asks for numerous pics, wants to verify that the parts is working and then informs you that they bought it elsewhere. not that this has happened to me:rolleyes:...oh, wait...yes it has

That is crazy, find a new seller

future invoices
 

Great Idea!!!!

$35 per pic it is.

I will begin sending out invoices to all of those past purchasers of parts that I posted and or sent pics to you about the parts. In addition, I'm guessing this rate also applies to cars, right? I can count all the pics I posted on the Coda thread (sold that car to Chad) and the Ben thread (sold that car to Tyler).

This will probably stimulate our economy given the magnitude of pics I've posted on this forum or emailed over the course of the past 4.5+ years.


ps --- just reread the original post; I think $35 per hour is too cheap: It needs to be $35 per pic.:D

What a load of BS - tell the seller to stuff his head even further up his arse - if he goes deep enough he may start seeing the light.

Thanks guys. I also agree with Hogweed's concerns, but from my own experience buyers generally fall into two broad camps: those who are serious or somewhat serious about buying a part and those just browsing. Although there is nothing "wrong" with browsing, I feel it is somewhat a inconsiderate. However, the upside is that one has pictures for the serious or somewhat serious buyer. So far, I have been very lucky in the parts that I have bought off the forums, BUT I have never heard of someone asking for money for a picture and being told I should not push too hard for information because that person could always sell the part for a lot more money. Just sounded odd to me. Also, generally sellers are pretty straight forward with information. I get somewhat concerned when terms or words start being used interchangably so that the part is not being described accurately. Let's see if the prospective seller answers my last effort for a straight foward answer to a very simple question.

To me, it sounds like a stalling tactic..."I'll need $35.00/hr. to take and send pictures."

The ball is in your court...

You send the $35.00 for the pics to be taken and sent.

Two things are possible...

#1.) Seller takes pics and sends them...you're out the $35.00 before you even know what the parts look like or even if they are the right ones...

#2.) You're taken...there were no PARTS to begin with, the "seller" has $35.00 of yours, and where do you go from there?

Tell the seller to grab some tin-foil and practice that long-ago-forgotten art of rectal-origami. Then, like Army said, follow it up with a sincere attempt at "cranial upitis rectumus" to be followed with a size-12 boot.

Make sure he has a 55-gallon drum of Preparation-H on the side.

($35.00/hr. my @55!!!) :rolleyes:

are the parts very unique or hard to find? if not, then i would in all likelihood, move on to someone who isn't put out w/ simple requests to verify compatibility/functionality.....like me:) or Daw2 (at least he was before he started charging $35/picture:D:D)

The simple answer is I think that the vendor is doing what is known as 'creative dismissal'. You are being asked to buy somewhere else... politely.

But if you wish to play his game....well lessee... $35 per hour to take the pic, if I understand correctly. It takes how long to take the lens cap off (if applicable), put the lanyard around your neck (safety first!), press the ON/OFF button, press to focus and then snap?

I say about a minute per item.

Which indicates to me the rate should be about 60/35 per pic.

This sounds an awful lot like some of the 'policies' and demands I see from shops and old-fashioned businesses who are trying to apply the old ways of doing stuff on the Internet.

BTW, I used to pay for pics in the old days, before digital photography, but only when it was a car and I would specify to the vendor when the pics would be taken and exactly of what. So I would pay for film, processing and postage.

Had its faults but no worse than relying on jpeg images online....

Some follow-up -- very interesting. After I posed my "definitive question", I was told by the prospective seller that he's no longer interested in selling to me. He already wasted too much time on me. Rather, he is going to post pictures on EBAY and sell the item where the forces of supply-and-demand will fetch the real price of the item. I don't think it was creative dismissal as I got the the pictures for $35.00 demand rather quickly when I pointed out either an unresponsive email or terms being used too loosly so that the item to be sold was somewhat vauge. Or at least that was my concerns. I did point out that I cannot wait to see the pictures and maybe I did lose out on an incredible deal. Or, is that person now posting pictures and hoping someone bids on his item? At least I was ready to ship off a money order. Now, looking at Ebay lately, most items never get any bids. I guess it is better to have a bird in the hand than in the bush?

that all depends on the bush...;)

what were you trying to buy?

I've charged 50.00 to DRIVE and take pictures of a car someone else was selling... but I know what to take pics of...

Hey VSTech -- how's Charolette, NC?

-- NO Driving whatsoever. I was advised the parts were already PULLED, ready to ship. Actually, I was already told the costs of shipping, et cet. The part was ready to go. As a professional courtesy, I will refrain from identifying the part BECAUSE it will be pretty easy to figure out who it may be.

thats the most retarded thing I've heard lately.

Hey,

What's retarded ? Asking for $35.00 for photo's OR asking whether or not this is uncommon?

Tell the seller that $35 per hour is reasonable, but to understand that you need to be paid $35 per hour to review the pics in question. Your time has value as well...

Never heard of anything so asinine...
 

To charge for photos is INSANE. Being that it's a decade or more past a time when there was actually a material cost to take a photo, makes it even more galling. Reminds me of certain eBay retards who charge 200% of actual shipping AND a "handling" fee! Sheesh, "handling" the item - AND taking decent photos of it - is simply part of the cost of doing business.

Can you post more info so that we can find this fool online?

This is an easy one. He is just going to sit on these parts because he is unwilling to post pictures. I am not buying from a guy wanting to charge for pictures. If he is charging that for pictures, then he is likely going to ask retail on his used parts. No thanks...I would have to really need a part that I have had zero luck finding to go that route.

Asking 35 bucks for a photo.

I gave this a little more thought. The seller pointed out in his last email to me how he just made mega money selling parts (I think he was alluding to his very forum), but he does not have time for pictures to make more money. NOW -- he's going to post pictures on Ebay in the hopes of selling the same part in an unknown market. So far, no Ebay listing, nada, zip. If his time was so precious, and he was unable to answer my simple questions in a straight forward fashion, then how could he find time to get and post pictures where he has no identified buyer ? This simply wipes out his very important time because he is now taking pictures, posting them, subject to questions and answers, and no guarantee of any buyers. As I said in the beginning of this post, after some thought, he story gets really flaky. But then again, I was cautioned by the seller to not get pushy -- or maybe probe his "story."

I'm the nutball that wanted to charge for pics.
 

Poster wanted an EXTREMELY hard to find 123 Euro manual steering gear box. Wanted pics to verify that there were no holes in the unit for hoses.
I guaranteed that it was a true Euro manual steer and was helping him out at $85 plus shipping for the unit. Then he wanted pics of the unit & pics of the 4 manual crank window mechs OEM for a 123. An OEM mech is an OEM mech. I told him that they were still in the doors & had to be removed. Next thing... here came a boatload of emails. A $200 deal turned into a nightmare. Over 3 hours spent either on phone or digging up parts or answering emails. That is why I wanted $55 an hour for photography services (not the $35 he claimed).
I sell on Ebay & have a 100% positive feedback rating. But if I have to take all the pics...I might as well list it on Ebay & it would probably sell for 3 times the price I quoted him. I was trying to help him out. If you all want to black ball me my userid is: terrymeager I have sold tens of thousands of dollars in MBZ parts with no issues & the $85 isn't worth all the trouble. Sometimes U just need to cut bait & walk away.

Touche, and well spoken. Excuse our passion!

Well there we go - two sides to every coin.

Unfortunately, if Mr. Meager is going to come out of the wood work, he can at least be honest about what occured. I called him once as a result of his email to me and most of the talking was by him. His overall typing is about 100 words in a total of 6 emails, and he asked for $35 an hour for photos. Mr. Meager's "nightmare" was the result of his on-going failures to answer a simple question. Mr. Meager fails to point out that it was his 2nd email to me where he indicated I was being pushy for asking for pictures. That's right -- right up front he wanted money for pictures. Also, never asked for pictures of the manual window regulators. And, Mr. Meager agreed that I was probably the only person he heard of wanting a mechanical steering box. I opted to not disclose your name as a professional courtesy. BTW -- no one ever asked for your resume, just a definitive answer as to a part. As I said in my last email to you, I cannot wait to see your pictures on Ebay. Where are they and next time you come forward, be truthful.

Terry, I'm sorry but you are out of line. Especially if the buyer was looking for an EXTREMELY rare part. I'd want pics too. Unless I know the seller and have dealt with them before I always ask for pics. If you have really sold tens of thousands of dollars of parts on the web then you should know as well as anyone that pics are pretty much standard.

Greazzer don't beat yourself up. You didn't nothing wrong asking for pictures. It takes all of 5 or 10 minutes to snap a few pics. If I was buying a rare or hard to find part I'd want pics too.

OMG.

Seriously... read both sides here, and who cares. I'm a professional photographer and I don't even charge for parts pictures... god god. Even on NON rare parts. Your selling an item, the buyer has every reason to be entitled to what ever information required to show it the correct item and in the correct condition.

If you didn't want to deal with him, then end the transaction. But, to come back with a 55- hour charge for taking those pictures, your nutty.

Afternoon NGaRover -- I guess you're right to the extent of who cares. I care about individuals being truthful and accurately representing what occured and how it occured. Fabricating 3 hours for a 10 minute phone conversation and about 6 emails is false. Further, if the seller answered directly OR sent a picture up front as requested, then about 4 of the "nightmare" emails would have never occured. But, all those who responded did answer my concern: pictures are part of the process and not something paid for independently. I wasn't going bonkers afterall.

Because photo's are apparently more rare than a mechanical steering box for a W123 300D Turbo, 1985 4-door sedan, Does anybody out there have one ? I may be the universal demand for such a "RARE" part, but I am still looking for one. Mr. Meager was shipping me one for a total cost of $90. He already had the part pulled and knew the shipping costs to me. I am still accepting quotes at this price. Any takers ? I do want a picture, however.

The fact that it might take say 10 min. to take the picture(s), upload and then email them @ $35 would have cost you under $6. For me it would be worth the 6 bucks but it is unusual to want to charge (I've considered it but never requested it :D) but I can certainly understand both sides of this coin.

The W123 steering gearbox w/o power assist is readily available in bare-bone European models, without much options. In this side of the pond (in the US or North America), they are hard to find.

Is there a reason why you would opt for this type of gearbox when the power assisted types are readily available, for a 300D Turbo that already came from the factory with the power assisted unit?

If the seller's time if being wasted by you in his eyes, then he can ask whatever he wants- if you don't want to fulfill his requests then don't buy the part. He has no obligation to you whatsoever. If you think he's out of line, tell him so- in public or private. I've sold parts to people who asked for this and that and this other thing and oh! ... another detail and so on. I've also not sold parts to some people because they were a hassle. Sometimes buyers and sellers just do not mesh. If you do not agree with his prices or tactics by all means let others know, but otherwise get over it. The seller ought to be able to withstand criticism without getting rude no matter how agro the potential buyer gets. It seems Terry did not get rude and I applaud him.

MBeige,

My present steering box is in great shape, no leaks, turns nice, et cet. I just want to get rid of the PS pump because the pump takes away power. That is my no thrills reason. The mechanical steering boxes overseas are very common AND not sought after. But, the shipping is the problem.

:idea:
Sounds like it's time to go on vacation to the Pick 'n' Pulls in Europe!:D

....Honey you don't mind if it put the 30 year old steering box in the suitcase do you?

Indeed shipping would be the killer.

I could go and buy one for you tomorrow though...

Army,

Could you give me any information on the shipping ? Costs, process, et cet. I once bought some parts from Germany, and it was a real hassel. Shipping was ALOT and it took FOREVER to get the parts. Please PM me for the total price. THANKS.

I don't know how heavy the manual steering box is. The power steering one comes in at about 14kg (http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/303379-what-feeling-will-properly-adjusted-w123-w116-w126-power-steering-box.html)

UPS quote between 227 euros and 303 euros for a 30 X 30 X 30 cm package from here to LA!

I don't think it is going to be possible.

It is going to be cheaper to pay for the photographs!

Thanks Army,

You're right about the shipping being a killer. The Euro's W123 are here in sufficient numbers and I think most folks don't want the mechanical steering box, it is just finding one and keeping patience. I would rather pay the premium instead of finding one at Pull-A-Part where I can get the box for about $25.00. So, impatience will make my costs x4.

Hey Terry Meager -- I will pay the $6.00 for pictures, if you truly have a mechanical steering box for my car. I believe that raises my grand total to $96.00 which includes shipping and "handling". So, if you got the pictures, I will put out there in the public my offer for a good, working condition MECHANICAL, non-PS, steering box. That offer is good until Monday, 29th of August 2011 12 noon EST. If not, my search continues along with my patience. I guess it is not uncommon to pay for pictures after all...

I reckon the cost of a non power steering box would be about 75 euros here plus about 15 euros for them to send it to me...

As for the shipping to you; I think I can get it cheaper just through the normal postal service - it will take anywhere from 10 to 30 days - I guess it would be in the region of 100 euros with insurance. I can't give you an exact quote as the online post office system only seems to do European countries... (the wankers)

If I remember correctly it was nearly 40 euros with insurance to send another forum member a cross member that was about 3kg...

The cheapest I could possibly get it for you would be about 250 euros. Not really the best deal out there eh?

Sorry for the vagueness - I can't give exact prices until I know them!

Hey Army,

What is a Euro worth ? I assume because of our US debt issues, the US Dollar is taking a beating ? Where you are located? Do they have Pull a Part type locations ? Also, are you near a US Military installation ? If so, you can mail any item just like the USA.

Just cut the PS pump belt. remove pump and put capping bolts where the hoses go. Problem solved.

Simplest solutions are best.

OT: Did you make it to pull-a-part yesterday. I was there around 5(ish). Didn't see you. Didn't find anything anyway.

Today:-

1 U.S. dollar = 0.687899842 Euros

I'm kind of smack bang in the middle of the Netherlands.

Pull a part - no way the Dutch don't trust people that much! You have to pay premium for most second hand parts because they've gone through the trouble of taking them off for you...

...well that's a bit of a sweeping statement there are pull a part type places but the through-put is a lot quicker here as cars rot so much quicker. Older vehicles tend not to end up in those places - they usually end up in the more specialised "up market" scrap yards that have a counter and shelves system. There are several companies that import old Mercedes from dryer climates and strip them for parts. Those are the people I usually deal with 'cos it is basically a waste of time ringing up and driving about trying to find an old car in a scrap yard.

I'm not sure where the nearest US air force base is. There used to be one in Germany within reasonable distance from Arnhem but I think that it is shut now. As for getting on to a US air force base I don't have the ID necessary (any more).

I really prefer to go with the mechanical box which has different gearing than the PS unit (capped off or not). Plus, I don't want to run the risk of damaging my present PS unit. It works great, and no leaks at all. I will try it out running it very briefly to see if I like the mechanical feel anyway, although I understand the true mechanical box is slightly better than a PS unit without power. May be going with an electric pump hooked up to the box.

Do you think an electric pump would suck up less power? I'd be surprised if the power steering pump sucked up that much power anyway...

Although I do not have any super scientific measurements, the folks who know how to do this indicated to me that the power steering pump takes about 8 HP. On the other hand, an upgraded alternator -- 150 amps --is no more than 7 HP. It is about 20 amps per 1 HP. Even assuming super high amp draw on a panic turn, the pump will draw no more than 2 to 2 1/2 amps (50 amps). This would be rare, however. So, yes, there is at least 7 HP saved. That is assuming the 8 HP is accurate, but most folks suggested that number could be slightly higher, however. Assuming a constant draw of 1 HP, which is very high, then I am saving 7-8 HP.

Fair enough - it sounds also like the typical estimation for the cooling fan. Are you going electric for that one too?

Yes... All electric. The only thing being turned is altenator and A/C in the warmer months ... that is a majority in South Carolina. LOL.
The OM 617.952 started off around 125 HP from the factory. Getting rid of the pumps will save around 20 HP. That is a 16% increase, give or take.

Nope. Went camping. Eurovan trans crapped out AGAIN and spent the whole way back praying to god that I wasnt going to hit a red light (1st gear is dead).