So I have been looking on ebay to expand my collection. I was wondering if anyone here has ever bought a safety razor lot? If so, any advice? I would really appreciate it. Thanks,
-Bill
-Bill
Razor lots?
- Thread starter bcraig.waciii
- Start date
Most people who buy razor lots know what they are looking at. They can tell if it's just a bunch of common superspeeds or if there are some harder to find things like Fat Boys or Super Adjustables mixed in.
Once you scan the pics and know what is there, you can come up with general estimate of what it might all be worth together and bid accordingly (or if it is a BIN, is the seller asking too much).
The other possibility with razor lots is the presence of an incredible jewel among the mundane razors. Many of us here are guilty of spending hours on ebay squinting at pics of razor lots to see if maybe, just maybe, there is not a double ring or Toggle hidden in the background. It used to be that you might be the only one to notice such a thing, but nowadays these things never go unnoticed, so a razor lot that seems to be full of cheap Gem single edge razors goes for a phenomenal price because of that one razor in the background.
A lot of it depends on the pics the seller puts up. Sometimes they take detailed photos of a few of the razors at a time, but at other times they include one blurry photo of all the razors laid on a table. Just be careful. Don't go in thinking you will find something no one else will see. That's rare. It's better to estimate if the entirety of the collection is a decent bargain.
Also, look at the condition of the razors. Do they look gunked up and horrible, and will they require tons of cleaning? Cleaning is not bad if it is knocking off some accumulated soap scum, but things like bent and broken teeth on open combs and severe plating loss might make them a no go. With adjusables, you may not know (unless the seller has a good description) if the adjustments work properly. It's good to contact the seller and ask if you have any questions.
Once you scan the pics and know what is there, you can come up with general estimate of what it might all be worth together and bid accordingly (or if it is a BIN, is the seller asking too much).
The other possibility with razor lots is the presence of an incredible jewel among the mundane razors. Many of us here are guilty of spending hours on ebay squinting at pics of razor lots to see if maybe, just maybe, there is not a double ring or Toggle hidden in the background. It used to be that you might be the only one to notice such a thing, but nowadays these things never go unnoticed, so a razor lot that seems to be full of cheap Gem single edge razors goes for a phenomenal price because of that one razor in the background.
A lot of it depends on the pics the seller puts up. Sometimes they take detailed photos of a few of the razors at a time, but at other times they include one blurry photo of all the razors laid on a table. Just be careful. Don't go in thinking you will find something no one else will see. That's rare. It's better to estimate if the entirety of the collection is a decent bargain.
Also, look at the condition of the razors. Do they look gunked up and horrible, and will they require tons of cleaning? Cleaning is not bad if it is knocking off some accumulated soap scum, but things like bent and broken teeth on open combs and severe plating loss might make them a no go. With adjusables, you may not know (unless the seller has a good description) if the adjustments work properly. It's good to contact the seller and ask if you have any questions.
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Never bought a lot, only singles.
It depends on why you're buying the lot for in the first place. If your goal is to get a lot of razors at once, you can usually find some lots that go for a relatively good price. If like LiveOak has said that there is a 'jewel' in the mix (fatboy, slim, double ring, toggle, [add your holy grail razor here]), don't be surprised if several others have also spotted it and have put it on their watch lists too. There are many sharp-eyed collectors out there (and here) who regularly browse and I've seen quite a few auctions go way way beyond what I was willing to pay because of said 'jewel' razors.
My advice is know what you're buying and know what you're willing to pay for it: this way you don't get in over your head. Research each item to the best of your ability, look at the pictures carefully, and estimate what you'd be willing to pay for ONLY the razors you're interested in and bid accordingly. This way, if you win, you get your razors at your desired price, and a few extra to boot (sometimes good for PIF's or gifts). If not, there's always another lot out there looking for a bidder...
Good luck!
My advice is know what you're buying and know what you're willing to pay for it: this way you don't get in over your head. Research each item to the best of your ability, look at the pictures carefully, and estimate what you'd be willing to pay for ONLY the razors you're interested in and bid accordingly. This way, if you win, you get your razors at your desired price, and a few extra to boot (sometimes good for PIF's or gifts). If not, there's always another lot out there looking for a bidder...
Good luck!
- Thread starter
- #5
LiveOak and Buma, you both bring up good points. I am looking to convert a few people, and am looking to fuel my new found hobby. So I am looking for a few razors I can restore myself and sell at a small profit.
- Thread starter
- #6
Now I am beginning to think I was suffering from some AD there for a minute. 
