Okay, i'm definitely listing on eBay ...

[Baron Kurtz]

Because of this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8389154437&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

I have a green stratoliner to sell (you'll note that there's no evidence that this hat - auction above - is even a stratoliner). Mine is sage green, and mint condition. I'll post some pics later this evening. What pics do you need to help me date the hat?

cheers,
bk

 

[spiridon]

GEEEEZZZ Leweeeeezzzzzz!!!! Glad I didn't get in to a "bidding war" on that one! (not that I ever could.:fing28: )

 

[Feraud]

Cripes!! I was just going to post about that.
Is it a matter of perspective or did that hat sell for a LOT of money!!
It is a good time to be a hat seller.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

It won't last. Get in quick ...

bk

 

[Alan Eardley]

Zounds!!! Someone has paid a fortune for that listing. Pure BS. But who wouldn't willingly pay over $200 for something described as having 'an auxiliary windstring' and being 'unbesmirched'...

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Salesmanship

That seller always tells a little story for each hat listing. Maybe that's what sells them? Plus the fact that they sell some nice hats. I wish that black Spanish number was my size! That's exactly what I'm looking for.

 

[Absinthe_1900]

Maybe the seller could explain why Hughes wore a leather helmet & goggles when flying racing aircraft, and not a fedora. (That must be his lucky parachute too:fing28: )

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

THIS is the hat for you. You look good in this hat!

Maybe he wore his so-called lucky fedora over the flight helmet?

 

[Kaleponi Craig]

You know, it's strange. That seller never seems to have anything bigger than a 7 1/4. What's up with that?!?!?!?!...KC

 

[John in Covina]

Info needed for the Experts!

What pics do you need to help me date the hat?
cheers,bk

*********
Moring BK!

It always seems that beyond the usual outside shots,
to clearly show all of the written info, so:
The liner showing the crest
ALL imprints on the sweat band
If there are any Price tags
or reorder tags
or production tags under the sweat band

If you can't get a good close up then describe and list the info as clearly as possible.

Also if it has a hat size, re-enforce the true size by measuring the circumfrence by hand to double check it, also add crown height and brim width to your listings.

Then do your best smooze describing the the fit and finnish, the luxurious felt and its color and manly elements of such a fine hat.

Sage green is both sophisticated and outdoorsy. Also! hat colors seem to be difficult to represent in the photos, do your best.

Best wishes for a very succesful sale.

 

[spiridon]

That seller always tells a little story for each hat listing. Maybe that's what sells them? Plus the fact that they sell some nice hats. I wish that black Spanish number was my size! That's exactly what I'm looking for.

I always enjoy reading that seller's listings, like you said always a little story, and usually very nice pics to go along with it. I'm sure in most cases, it does help increase the interest/price in the advertised hat. (IMO)


....sure does make it hard for a poor guy like me to bid on it though.:cry:

 

[John in Covina]

Sales Pitch

I always enjoy reading that seller's listings, like you said always a little story, and usually very nice pics to go along with it. I'm sure in most cases, it does help increase the interest/price in the advertised hat. (IMO) ....sure does make it hard for a poor guy like me to bid on it though.:cry:

********
That's the thing, by giving a great smoozing, highlighting all of the positives and turning posible negatives into positives, plus the little story. It makes you say I want that and I want to be a part of what it stands for, so it results in making for a great sales pitch.

 

[Pilgrim]

I've swapped emails with that seller, and I consider him one of the really good ones. His write-ups are always tasteful and beautifully descriptive, and he goes to great pains with the photos in every auction. He's very honest about any shortcomings or imperfections, and he knows hats very well.

All in all, a combination of wonderful salesmanship, honesty and good photography....and it adds up to his consistently getting more for his hats than most sellers do. GOOD for him!

 

[John in Covina]

When you give the best and most complete description (with in reason) and a little schmooze story, you really are giving the best possible service to your potential customers you can, and that makes a difference to the buyers.

 

[Mr. 'H']

"Rilico" has always produced top notch listings on E-bay.

I just wonder where in the heck does he get his contant supply of vintage hats?

Anyone have an answer to that...?

 

[J.B.]

Heh. Another of the seller's auctions counsel us that "...examination reveals several rather conspicuous moth bites, which punctuate the beauty of the hat's form much like the mole on the cheek of Marilyn Monroe....."

:arated:

Gee. I never thought of them as beauty marks?! Guess I should go out to the dumpster and retrieve a couple of those "cow's breakfasts" that I just chucked...

...I mean, seeing as how they have beauty punctuatin' them and all...

I love eBay!:cool2:

 

[Damon Falzone]

About a month or so ago, there was a dark brown Royal Stetson up for ebay auction. It looked like it might have been an interesting prospect, my size but the one posted picture was so unclear that I just didn't want to bother with it. At the bottom of the seller's listing he actually stated his frustration at no bids at the 11th hour and would someone give him some advice. So I had to stick my 2 cents in and emailed him the obvious: Take several good, clear, color photos to accompany an honest, complete description, give the hat a good shape so that the would-be buyer can't help but WANT TO PUT IT ON HIS HEAD! This Stratoliner seller does exactly that and more even with not so great hats. And he sells them all at good prices. My hat's off to him. Maybe he gets his hats from "jimblue 896".

 

[Snrbfshn]

I've noticed...

The seller bids low on obscure listings, then spiffs up the hat, gives it an attractive bash and writes an imaginative description. It's a good formula, and one I'll emulate once I get around to selling the dozen or so hats I've determined I won't keep.

 

[jeboat]

Ebay salesmanship

His success is called "salesmanship" plain and simple. I always look at his offerings but get outbid by a "zinger" at the end of the auction everytime .

Obviously the guy does his homework as to what is hot and what is not. His creative use of photography and wordsmithing makes a huge difference everytime!!!

jeboat:cool2: :cool2: :cool2:

 

[Hemingway Jones]

Maybe the seller could explain why Hughes wore a leather helmet & goggles when flying racing aircraft, and not a fedora. (That must be his lucky parachute too:fing28: )

Hughes wore a fedora when he flew in a closed cockpit, as in his S-43 and the ill-fated XF-11 where his REAL lucky fedora was lost and burned. Also, when he set his speed record around the world (the name of the plane escapes me), he wore his lucky fedora. Just FYI.

As for this seller, he is the J. Peterman of eBay. You have to hand it to him. It is ridiculous, but it works. He is selling the sizzle of the steak.