I would like to put a little input on the recent events involving ebay and selling and the big "?" about the RDB.

I am not here to start another debate or a fight. I am a man of reason and I try to work things out but sometimes things get out of hand.

I was recently contacted by a member that has a very large collection and his opinions are very credible.
He told me the RDB that the not so known seller was/is selling could infact be an "RDB". He went on by saying that the reason why his RDB looks the way it looks is because of the possibilties of being in the greenhouse and/or over watering. He also went on by saying his is one of Bauds RDB's he has.
I don't want to go on and on so here is what I think.

Could have we been wrong? At this point I think and my opnion is the scale of justice has been tilted. Bridges have been burned and the damage has been done. Not only with the seller but with a certain (ex)member. And I cannot go with a guitly conscience.

I want to be the first to say I am sorry.

I wish Vasile and everyone selling this and every other fig the best of luck, including the man that was questioned.

Good luck to all and happy figging.

Rafed:The false Ronde De Bordeaux was described as being grown in the Ground and resisting Winter just fine.
So your friend explanation  does not hold water.
My Ronde de Bordeaux is also in Ground and it had a lots of rain this year in my climate,I can say tones of rains this year,while ripening,yet it maintained the shape and color ,Ronde de Bordeaux suppose to have.
The only wrong person in all these discussion,was the seller of the misnamed plant period.
Nobody else is wrong.

YIKES!  $385 now with time to go!

Suzi

I'm speechless. 

Maybe it pays to have an auction end on a Sunday when people may have a little extra time on their hands.

Do you think this bidder was someone who got outbid on the other, and saw what that went for, yet didn't know the buyer never paid, so thinks this is a very rare and valuable tree?

I will say Herman marketed it well!!

This still is a rare and valuable tree. Show of hands, who has a 2+year old RdB?

I just hope it is not the same person from a different account causing trouble.

Again I say wow and congrats to Vasile ! Hoping for a better outcome for him this time . :-)

Three eighty five. Wow.

Did I read that correctly? The RDB auction that ended 9/14 hit $385 (but didn't pay), and the auction that ended today hit $385? And there was recently a lively debate over an ebay RDB auction?
Hmmmmmm......

I hope Herman comes in here and tells us if the high bidder actually paid, because this sort of smacks manipulation by Ebay... Not the seller.  EBAY.  The only one who truly wins!

Suzi

Manipulation in what way?  If the buyer does not pay Ebay makes nothing as the posters fees are refunded.  

I hope Herman gets paid, if you bid you better be prepared to pay what you bid, period. Having said that, I have no idea why anyone would bid so high for one tree regardless of the variety. I think people do get caught up in the competition of the bidding process. Way over my head for price. I think I will be propagating for sale next year.

Barry,

Between RDB and JT you could make thousands!

I would also like to use this post to give props to drivewayfarmer for offering his surplus RDB's a few months ago at a reasonable price. Thank you again!

I hope he gets paid too!  Selling on Ebay is a pain!  And he went through the whole thing.  Not his fault Ebay manipulates by sending those "you've been outbid" emails to all the bidders, and to the watchers, " You need to bid." or something like that.  EBAY wants your money!! 

Herman will be kind enough, and I'm sure of this (as I am of all forum members who sell on Ebay), to send members of 3 years plus who actually participate in this forum, fig cuttings.  We may not get the 2 year old babies, but... it is what it is.

Suzi

And this is why some sellers request a minimum feedback rating before you bid.

Hope Vasile gets paid

That's not 'manipulation' Suzi. People need to take personal responsibility for their own actions and not depend on someone else to stop them from doing stupid things. Of course ebay wants your money - most businesses do. Learn to 'just say no'. ;)

This bidder is not a new person on ebay, he/she has a record of purchases, so hopefully will honor their bid

I hope they honor their bid too, because one of our treasured members here is the seller. 

Suzi

Maybe it's being bid up by the other seller of the potential RDB as payback?

I have never seen anything like what's going on over something as inconsequential as a plant. That Cajun fig guy is reporting he received a death threat from somebody over what is and isn't a RDB.

Gina, I don't know how to quote on here so:
"People need to take personal responsibility for their own actions and not depend on someone else to stop them from doing stupid things. "
Right on!
YOU bid and YOU win the bid, YOU bought it!, It's not rocket science.

i really don't understand why the price of fig tree is so high on ebay. i mean, it's good that the seller is getting what they deserve and all, but when you can just get a cutting and grow a tree, it seems insane to pay $260 for a tree.

The eBay seller who has Paradiso as RdB certainly made out better than he would have otherwise. Lets say he is the one doing the fake bidding, he inflates the price, prevents serious bidders from buying the real deal, and offers a false replacement for anyone fool enough to take it.

Take that "death threat" with a grain or twelve of salt, he was not kicked of 2 forums for being honest...

Gina, You are so right!!
Ebay is a good vehicle to sell just about anything.  I have over 1000 transactions and yes, there has been a few problems, but no more than the problems I would experience if I were in a brick and mortar retail store.  I have had "NO PAY" sales, I turned around and re-listed it or contacted the second bidder.  The biggest problems I have had involved the shipping, good ole USPS.

Caveat Emptor also applies to the seller

This is my opinion, debate will not change it, I live with my actions and opinions.

That's my point. The only one who would have motive for bidding up that tree is the guy selling the other tree. And all Ebay will do im sure is a slap on the wrist.