Does it matter if serial numbers dont match?

[Gambit]

I was browsing eBay and I finally found what I needed for my collection. Something I have been looking for, for quite some time.

It was a C= 128D in new condition with original box.

When it arrived the unit itself looked mint, with all manuals sealed in plastic and all cables still factory wrapped. But the serial number on the box did not match the serial number on the unit.

Now I think I might send it back, because I collect new items in original boxes. So I mostly received a very nice computer but I feel bad about it because the serial numbers dont match.

What would you guys do? Keep it because its so nice or return it because of the box? I paid $250 USD for it, and another $50 for shipping.

[gklinger]

Ouch. $250 is a lot of money if it isn't exactly what you wanted and you already paid $50 for shipping and you'll presumably be out another $50 to ship it back. Worse yet, that's only if the seller will take it back. I would say you would be better off trying to sell it to recoup your investment. If it's in really good condition you should be able to find a buyer although I fear that no matter what happens, you're going to be out a few bucks. Did the seller indicate that the serial numbers matched or that it was in its "original box"? Honestly, I've never heard of a situation like this so I haven't a clue who eBay would back in this case.

It's a bummer.

[Gambit]

Well I contacted the seller and he apparently he has 2 of the computers, both in with original boxes.

He put the best looking computer in the best looking box, not realizing about the serial number on the box.

I guess he figured he would make the most money selling one in really mint condition and one in so-so condition, then to sell two in so-so condition.

But now not really sure what to do. No doubt his second computer is going to go in the $200 range (he doesn't mention the s/n doesn't match), so no real way I can justify buying both computers just to get the box.

[gklinger]

Couldn't you ask the seller to check the serial number(s) on the other boxes and find the one that matches your 128 and then send you that box in exchange for you sending the box you have back? Surely that would be cheaper and easier than buying and shipping another 128 or returning the one you've already got.

As long as we're talking about this, could you tell me what other Commodore computers you have in NIB or next to NIB condition? Do you have a website with some pictures? I'm quite curious.

[Gambit]

I have pictures, just have not put them up on a website as of yet.

I have several NIB. I have a.... C128, 1571, 1581, 1541, 1541-II, 1660 and 1670 modem, Vic20, C64, C64C, C16, 1530, 1531, MPS-803, joysticks, paddles, auto rf switches, VIC-1515, 1702, and Plus 4. Plus dozens and dozens of games that are NIB. I also have the premeir issue of computes gazette, plus the entire third year. And many accessories that are for commodore but made by others.

Plus I have many commodore things that are not NIB, that I use for playing around with. Like I have a SX-64 but I dont consider that part of my vintage collection because it does not have its original box.

And that is just my commodore list. I also have alot of other computers that are NIB. Coco 2, Coco 3, TI-99/4a, Kaypro, several different Atari models, and more.

I went ahead and bought the second 128D the guy was selling, got it for $100. So when it gets here I will have 2 with original boxes, hopefully the other box is not in bad shape.

[Gambit]

I should note that the two 128D computers I just bought are the american 128DCR models, not the European 128D.

So I will have two of those in the original boxes, and I will keep the best and sell the other.

[gklinger]

Where do you find all these NIB computers?

[Gambit]

Where do you find all these NIB computers?

Probably half were on eBay. The others I have collected over the years from commodore clubs, auctions from computer repair centers, thrift stores, etc.

The best place to find NIB items are auctions for computer repair businesses that have gone out of business. I once saw 5 Commodore computers, some 128 and some 64C, still sealed, never opened. And since they had been shrink wrapped on a pallet with other things, the boxes still looked untouched. I ALWAYS read the going-out-of-business sale section of the daily paper.

I have a relative who works as a volunteer at the main office of a major thrift store and she lets me know when they get things in I might like. She cant save them for me, but she lets me know the exact day they will put it out and at what location, so I can be first in line when they open the doors. She is the one responsible for pricing the objects, so every store contacts her about the old computers, so she knows about every one they get in.

I used to have a friend who worked at a storage place and he would let me know when they had the non-pay auctions. But for some reason they seldom had anything good at those auctions.

[Gambit]

I do have a very sad story I will share.

A couple years ago on eBay I found a Commodore 64 and a 1541 that had never been opened or used, with seal still intact. They were wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper when the seller found them so the boxes were in absolutely perfect shape.

I already had a nice NIB 64 and 1541, but none as perfect as those. So of course I bid high, and watched the auction closely and ended up winning.

I was very excited, until I received them. Apparently the seller was an idiot. When he shipped them all he did was slap a shipping label on the original box, wrapped them good with shipping tape around the original box, and sent them through the postal service. By the time I had them in my hand the boxes were near shreds.

I died a little bit that day.

[wiskow]

It wasn't a computer, but it reminds me of a sandwich maker I bought on eBay once. The seller just put the sandwich maker in a PAPER BAG, and put a mailing label and postage on that. When it got to me, the thing was in a few hundred pieces. Luckily, the seller was honest, and gave me a full refund... But I didn't have a sandwich maker... Oh well, on eBay, you win some, and you lose some... Luckily, I've won on items I've bought on eBay WAY more times than I've lost. And I've been an eBayer since March 1999.

-Andrew