buyer beware

[1package]

Most of you have likely placed internet orders in the past for live corals. I continue to do so even after learning the same lesson time after time.

I am not saying that the dealers/vendors are not reputable. What I am saying is that often the colors are "enhanced" normally by the use of a more blue light such as 20Ks. We are much better off buying/trading locally 2nd, 3rd generation coral for many reasons other than believing a photo.

I recently received 6 different "named" species of Zoos and Palys. They all did well during the shipment, I was promised 5 or more and received no less than 6 polyps of each, some as many as 10 all in good condition.

One of my named zoos came in - 6 polyps for $25 plus shipping of a zoo frag that I am sure I sold over a 100 of that same one to Phil a couple of years ago for $15.

Under 20k light you can make the peanuts in a turd shine like diamonds, so be careful if ordering online.

 

[igotsalt]

I have had that experience on e-bay. And yes it was over zoas. I never, ever got any blues. My purchase was to include baby blues, sapphire blues, and lavendars. The corals were healthy and the polyps was as stated. The colors were not NEAR the pictures of the WYSIWYG.

I still do internet sales and have had great success on the animals being true to seller statements. But I will not do ebay for corals again. The seller was very reputable and had numbers to prove it his great ratings. I am still experimenting under different lighting to get his results! Not a chance! There was never "blue" in their palate! After writing the guy twice I gave up! He had many suggestions that I should try to get my zoas to show their true colors. I'm sure other's have had better luck. Just telling you my experience so other's are not disappointed as I was.

 

[LtPiper]

I've been really lucky with my ebay stuff. Everything has been just what was pictured. Guess it's who you deal with on what you get. I have a couple of favorites and usually stick with just those sellers.

 

[Lee_Bay]

I've always been afraid to try ebay for coral.

 

[firefish2020]

Yep I will never do ebay again.
Your right to question those incredible colors you see on various sites. Most reputable dealers and sites will say there coral are raised under "X" lights. Even if they are raised under equivalent light to yours you have to remember that water conditions, chemistry and light brands can all cause colors to change, plus photoshop is just not helping the matter at all.

 

[phljess]

At least you did not have this happen to you. I learned a lesson, always require signature on packages over $250.00.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1332301

 

[Tazbader]

I have sold my 300th item on eBay just tonite and I have always required a signature for valuables and delivery confimation on everything else. Most of my eBay headaches come from the selling side.... I hate the cursed E-check. What's the point of doing a 1 or 3 day auction to wait a week to get paid? All In All eBay has been very good to me for corals here lately.