Is it ok to ask a seller for serial number where it is considered a must have for collectable item?
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
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OP doesn't mention a particular seller or auction, which would violate forum rules. Don't ask, don't tell.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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An emphatic NO. There is nothing wrong with asking for the serial number.
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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
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Heck yes it's OK! Why would a legitimate seller refuse a request like that?
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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.
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You could simply ask them if it falls in the certain range of SN ?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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You should email the bozo a link to this thread.
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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.
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I can't even fathom why a seller wouldn't give that information freely unless they had something to hide... collectible pieces ESPECIALLY.
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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.
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I always grind the those funny numbers off my guns so I don't have them protect.😁
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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.
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Ricci.Wright: 30495999338907/comments/30496011597211
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.
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Well that just tacky.
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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.
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