The Spotlight's On: eBay Member collectorguy1
by Robin
eBay Staff Member

People around the world find eBay in different ways. Some come to eBay as a result of an advertisement, others may discover eBay while surfing the Internet. However, many learn about eBay through a relative or friend.

eBay member collectorguy1 had the good fortune of having an art dealer friend recommend eBay to him in 1998. Having a large collection of art and photography and looking for a way to buy, sell, and trade, he realized he had found a great venue for his interests.

collectorguy1 now buys and sells, and he visits the site at least three to four times per day. He concentrates on photos of George Hurrell. If he sees something rare or under-priced, he always bids on it. He also owns the copyrights, publishing rights, and negatives to a number of Hurrells. He has sold several one-of-a-kind Hurrell photographs that are from his personal collection. He shared with us that probably the most rare are his Jean Harlow photos.

collectorguy1 also told us he has developed a dedicated base of eBay buyers who look for his auctions and that he always endeavors to describe things very accurately and precisely. When we asked him for tips he would give to people out there who are selling or buying their items, he replied:

"Be honest, follow up, ship fast, pack carefully and COMMUNICATE!"

From the very beginning of his selling, he says he worked very hard to develop a good feedback rating and now people comment regularly about how "glowing" his feedback comments are!

collectorguy1 says he has met some amazing people through his transactions on eBay.

"One person has purchased approximately one hundred photos from me," he says "I've met some really good friends whom I enjoy socializing with and I actually sold a Hockney litho to a sister of a summer camp buddy that I hadn't seen since I was 13!

"eBay is a place for me to indulge my passion - vintage photography - and to share my interest and love for it with other people, some who are as knowledgeable as me and others for are beginning to educate themselves! It has afforded me a way to make money on my hobby and increase my collection while disposing of things I'm no longer attached to!"

We would like to thank collectorguy1 for sharing his thoughts and comments with us! If you would like to be considered for Community Spotlight Program check out our Community Profile page and follow the instructions near the bottom of that page. Or, if you would like to be included in the Community Chatter, please let us know by writing to chatter@ebay.com.