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geekhack Marketplace => Great Finds => Topic started by: y11971alex on Sat, 14 May 2016, 01:49:14

Title: Topre for only $60?
Post by: y11971alex on Sat, 14 May 2016, 01:49:14
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/252384167565

Just saw this listing on eBay, hit "bid", and immediately regretted it.  I don't like black keyboards.  :(

Hoping that someone will outbid me.  :p
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: ika on Sat, 14 May 2016, 01:54:56
not sure you understand how ebay works, or what the point of this forum is...
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: appleonama on Sat, 14 May 2016, 02:01:23
not sure you understand how ebay works, or what the point of this forum is...
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: y11971alex on Sat, 14 May 2016, 02:07:14
not sure you understand how ebay works, or what the point of this forum is...
But it is a find.  Topre keyboards aren't usually this cheap :p
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: ika on Sat, 14 May 2016, 02:11:14
not sure you understand how ebay works, or what the point of this forum is...
But it is a find.  Topre keyboards aren't usually this cheap
Yes, exactly, and that's why it's not going to be a $61 topre board. My post stands.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: TalkingTree on Sat, 14 May 2016, 02:13:48
not sure you understand how ebay works, or what the point of this forum is...
But it is a find.  Topre keyboards aren't usually this cheap :p
That's what's ika is stating. That's not the retail price, it's the current highest bid in a auction with two days left.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: y11971alex on Sat, 14 May 2016, 02:17:46
not sure you understand how ebay works, or what the point of this forum is...
But it is a find.  Topre keyboards aren't usually this cheap :p
That's what's ika is stating. That's not the retail price, it's the current highest bid in a auction with two days left.
Yes, I know that.  In view of my dislike of black keyboards, I merely wish that someone will outbid me.  That's all there is to it.  :3
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: y11971alex on Sat, 14 May 2016, 02:23:06
Thanks!
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 14 May 2016, 06:43:06
In the event that you do end up with the keyboard, you could easily resell it for double that.

Or you could replace the keycaps on it, if you don't mind a variable weight RealForce ... $60 plus a set of keycaps would still be cheaper than a retail cost white RealForce.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: 1391406 on Sat, 14 May 2016, 11:15:20
$100 or less would be an outstanding deal, much less $60.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: Vanilla on Sat, 14 May 2016, 12:56:36
Looks like they're unloading their returns that were used and not restockable.

Their strict returns policies aside and as should be, there's not much a retailer can do when faced with a chargeback with as the other option for the customer. They'd be out the money and the board.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: GL1TCH3D on Sat, 14 May 2016, 14:00:49
Looks like they're unloading their returns that were used and not restockable.

Their strict returns policies aside and as should be, there's not much a retailer can do when faced with a chargeback with as the other option for the customer. They'd be out the money and the board.

Unless paypal rules changed significantly in the last year, I'm pretty sure you can't chargeback because you don't like it.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: fohat.digs on Sat, 14 May 2016, 16:55:59

pretty sure you can't chargeback because you don't like it.

Buyers screw sellers all the time that way. Return policies are usually extremely generous and many people take advantage of it ruthlessly.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 15 May 2016, 00:56:14
I hadn't noticed the seller was EK :))

They have a few listed, all around the same price.  All variable weight, unfortunately.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: ander on Sun, 15 May 2016, 02:50:37
Yes, I know that.  In view of my dislike of black keyboards, I merely wish that someone will outbid me...

I think what these guys are trying to say is, "Don't worry, they will."
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: drewba on Mon, 16 May 2016, 22:13:38
I snagged one for $125 shipped, there look to be a few left. This will be my first topre board, feel like I'm taking a bit of a gamble on the variant weight though...
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: 1391406 on Mon, 16 May 2016, 23:17:08
I snagged one for $125 shipped, there look to be a few left. This will be my first topre board, feel like I'm taking a bit of a gamble on the variant weight though...

I didn't think I'd like variable weighted switches, but it turns out they're my favorite of the lot.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: drewba on Mon, 16 May 2016, 23:41:09
I snagged one for $125 shipped, there look to be a few left. This will be my first topre board, feel like I'm taking a bit of a gamble on the variant weight though...

I didn't think I'd like variable weighted switches, but it turns out they're my favorite of the lot.

I'm happy to hear that. What's one more keyboard if I decide that I need a 55g too  ;D
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: Vanilla on Tue, 17 May 2016, 10:55:10
Looks like they're unloading their returns that were used and not restockable.

Their strict returns policies aside and as should be, there's not much a retailer can do when faced with a chargeback with as the other option for the customer. They'd be out the money and the board.

Unless paypal rules changed significantly in the last year, I'm pretty sure you can't chargeback because you don't like it.

True in a perfect world with trustworthy people but that cannot be said for all unfortunately; even those that share the same interests and hobby.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: ed_avis on Tue, 24 May 2016, 10:21:36
I got one of the Type Heaven 104-keys for $74 plus shipping.  This will be interesting as I've always been a buckling spring guy (though my home PC currently has a Minitouch with Monterey switches... but anyway, clicky).  The only downside is the shipping cost to the United Kingdom - I've asked if they will send it by surface mail but I'm not optimistic.  EDIT: nope, Ebay Global Shipping means it has to be airmail.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: Waateva on Tue, 24 May 2016, 10:39:39
Wow, they have a couple KUL ES-87s up too ranging from $21 to $50 USD and a Leopold TKL for $40.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: ed_avis on Wed, 08 June 2016, 09:52:40
Got my Type Heaven today.  It feels okay and noticeably lighter to type on than the F122 (the desk doesn't wobble as I strike the keys...).  It's US layout - is there a way to get some spare keycaps and convert it to ISO layout?
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 08 June 2016, 09:57:56
Got my Type Heaven today.  It feels okay and noticeably lighter to type on than the F122 (the desk doesn't wobble as I strike the keys...).  It's US layout - is there a way to get some spare keycaps and convert it to ISO layout?

I'm 99.99% sure that isn't possible due to the way topre works.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: 1391406 on Wed, 08 June 2016, 10:32:38
Got my Type Heaven today.  It feels okay and noticeably lighter to type on than the F122 (the desk doesn't wobble as I strike the keys...).  It's US layout - is there a way to get some spare keycaps and convert it to ISO layout?

I'm 99.99% sure that isn't possible due to the way topre works.

And even if it were possible, good luck finding a few spare ISO key caps.

Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: Olumin on Thu, 09 June 2016, 12:02:50
Early bidder.

Let me tell you one thing buddy, the ones bidding on a item BEFORE the LAST 3 SECONDS of the auction, never win the auction. The only exception is when some idiot bids a stupidly high amount that no other sane person is willing to pay. In that case, congratulations, you have successfully over-bid and paid. That is not winning an auction, you have still lost. Winning does not only mean being the one winning the auction, but also paying a price one is comfortable with paying for that item. Early bidders are the ones making it a pain in the ass for all the serious bidders, since all they do is jacking up the price for everyone else, and never ending up actually getting the item. If you bid, you place your bid in the LAST 3 SECONDS of an auction, not a second before that, and you bid the highest amount you are wiling to pay for that item. That is how you end up winning an auction, and that is how all serious bidders do it.

How to Win at eBay: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/ebay/
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: y11971alex on Thu, 09 June 2016, 16:27:25
Don't be so bitter.  It's just a Topre.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: Olumin on Thu, 09 June 2016, 16:28:59
Don't be so bitter.  It's just a Topre.

It wasn't supposed to be "bitter".
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: y11971alex on Thu, 09 June 2016, 16:34:20
Don't be so bitter.  It's just a Topre.

It wasn't supposed to be "bitter".
:3
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: ed_avis on Mon, 13 June 2016, 05:08:40
Steady on.  You enter your maximum you're prepared to pay.  If you win the auction, you got it for that amount or less, so you're happy.  If somebody else wants to pay more, they will pay more and get the item instead, and it makes little difference whether this happens soon after bidding or in the last three seconds.  (In fact, I would prefer to find out sooner, so I can forget about that item and look for something else instead.)  So just put down what you're prepared to pay, and let Ebay automatically bid for you (including in the last three seconds).  That's how I won one of the Topre boards listed in this thread, and at a good price (actually I was surprised that my lowball bid didn't get beaten).  Just like casinos, people are full of schemes to 'beat the system' on Ebay, but they are largely futile, and most seem to depend on assuming that everyone else is an idiot except you.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: saturnotaku on Thu, 23 June 2016, 15:29:25
Steady on.  You enter your maximum you're prepared to pay. 

Exactly. Bid once, bid the maximum you're willing to pay, move on with your life if you don't win. There is no magic formula.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 23 June 2016, 20:13:36
Steady on.  You enter your maximum you're prepared to pay. 

Exactly. Bid once, bid the maximum you're willing to pay, move on with your life if you don't win. There is no magic formula.

Except sometimes just after you're out-bid you realise that you might be willing to pay just a little more.

Of course by that time it's usually too late.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: 1391406 on Thu, 23 June 2016, 20:35:24
My strategy is to watch and wait. If it looks like I can swing a few extra bucks to win something at the last minute, I'll throw in during the last few seconds.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: Elrick on Thu, 23 June 2016, 21:22:31
Good ole Brian, trying to sell off his used junk  ;D  .


If anyone likes to pick up his rubbish for cheap then start bidding....
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 23 June 2016, 21:27:04
Good ole Brian, trying to sell off his used junk  ;D  .


If anyone likes to pick up his rubbish for cheap then start bidding....

If it works ...

I'd get one, but shipping costs from eBay seem to be even more than they are ordering direct.

Also I've run out of money again.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: Elrick on Thu, 23 June 2016, 22:58:10
I'd get one, but shipping costs from eBay seem to be even more than they are ordering direct.


You're kidding right, that clown has a feedback rating of 97.7% hence why risk it?


Stopped buying off anyone on Ebay if they have a rating below 99%, simply because they can't be trusted.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 25 June 2016, 21:37:15
I'd get one, but shipping costs from eBay seem to be even more than they are ordering direct.


You're kidding right, that clown has a feedback rating of 97.7% hence why risk it?


Stopped buying off anyone on Ebay if they have a rating below 99%, simply because they can't be trusted.

I have no problems with Elite Keyboards in general.

There is one negative feedback for the past 12 months: "Unresponsive to communication, but product shipped quickly".

And one neutral in 12 months: "Did not notify if they shipped but still got the item within the time frame".

Down here I'm used to a lack of shipping notifications, and what shipping notifications I get usually stop as soon as the package has reached Australia.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: Elrick on Sat, 25 June 2016, 22:31:52
I have no problems with Elite Keyboards in general.


The problem is that what he sells on his site can be bought everywhere else, at a far lower price.

Besides I hate Brian and no one can force me to hand over any money for his items that I can acquire easily from other far more reliable sellers.  There's too much choice when it comes to keyboards and key-caps here and dealing with him shouldn't be tolerated at any cost.

Sorry for the Brian Felcher Fan Club here because you lot need to really open your eyes and maybe look past what little, he actually offers for sale on his website.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: Elrick on Sat, 25 June 2016, 22:47:30
There is one negative feedback for the past 12 months: "Unresponsive to communication, but product shipped quickly".

And one neutral in 12 months: "Did not notify if they shipped but still got the item within the time frame".


Right, so you are coming to a conclusion based upon his edited website, I thought you weren't that gullible by nature.  Because Brian allows what he wants you to see on his website.

On Ebay he has NO control on what people post about his so-called service there.  That is why Ebay is far more honest and complete than Brian's Controlled/Edited Website.  Never draw your conclusions from a controlled business website because then it looks like, I can sell you some space rock from Jupiter quite easily here  ;D .
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 26 June 2016, 00:19:35
There is one negative feedback for the past 12 months: "Unresponsive to communication, but product shipped quickly".

And one neutral in 12 months: "Did not notify if they shipped but still got the item within the time frame".


Right, so you are coming to a conclusion based upon his edited website, I thought you weren't that gullible by nature.  Because Brian allows what he wants you to see on his website.

On Ebay he has NO control on what people post about his so-called service there.  That is why Ebay is far more honest and complete than Brian's Controlled/Edited Website.  Never draw your conclusions from a controlled business website because then it looks like, I can sell you some space rock from Jupiter quite easily here  ;D .

I've bought a few things from eBay, and only ever had one gone sour, and that was from Queensland.

I've bought a few things from EK, mainly keycaps, and have no problem with them.

They do not have a lot of eBay feedback, and you mentioned his 97% positive feedback.  brief research showed that both items with non-positive feedback had shipped quickly but communication was lacking.  I was just indicated that lack of communication is not an issue for me as long as the items ship in a timely manner, which it seems they do.
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: 1391406 on Sun, 26 June 2016, 00:41:54
The problem is that what he sells on his site can be bought everywhere else, at a far lower price.

For a 104U / 87U? Where?
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: Elrick on Sun, 26 June 2016, 02:31:52
They do not have a lot of eBay feedback, and you mentioned his 97% positive feedback.  brief research showed that both items with non-positive feedback had shipped quickly but communication was lacking.  I was just indicated that lack of communication is not an issue for me as long as the items ship in a timely manner, which it seems they do.

Again let's take a closer look at Ebay's stats according to Brian's involvement there.  Signed up in June 8 2009 and only got 49 feedback ratings.  Out of that tiny number he accrued some negative/neutral feedback, hence why the mistakes on such a very low number of sales?

The difference here is that I've been on Ebay since 2004 with over 6000 items bought and sold, yet I still retain a 100% feedback rating.  I am NOT a seller, mostly a buyer yet when I decide to offload anything I do it according to all the rules laid down by Ebay.  I don't make mistakes because the buyers don't want excuses, only their items 100% delivered safely and securely.  I have a full-time job (nothing to do with input devices or retail) thousands of kilometers away from where I live, yet I still make sure anyone who buys from me gets exactly what they paid for quickly.

Again you keep saying he's not to blame for these feedback's that he receives, yet I'm not a registered Retailer selling keyboards or key-caps unlike him.  Any normal person here would ask if you can't maintain a 100% positive feedback on Ebay, why would you trust someone like that in real life?

Brain never gives a toss about the buyers yet you lot will happily defend him until something goes wrong, then that would be another story to tell....... only from the other perspective  8) .
Title: Re: Topre for only $60?
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 26 June 2016, 04:59:50
They do not have a lot of eBay feedback, and you mentioned his 97% positive feedback.  brief research showed that both items with non-positive feedback had shipped quickly but communication was lacking.  I was just indicated that lack of communication is not an issue for me as long as the items ship in a timely manner, which it seems they do.

Again let's take a closer look at Ebay's stats according to Brian's involvement there.  Signed up in June 8 2009 and only got 49 feedback ratings.  Out of that tiny number he accrued some negative/neutral feedback, hence why the mistakes on such a very low number of sales?

The difference here is that I've been on Ebay since 2004 with over 6000 items bought and sold, yet I still retain a 100% feedback rating.  I am NOT a seller, mostly a buyer yet when I decide to offload anything I do it according to all the rules laid down by Ebay.  I don't make mistakes because the buyers don't want excuses, only their items 100% delivered safely and securely.  I have a full-time job (nothing to do with input devices or retail) thousands of kilometers away from where I live, yet I still make sure anyone who buys from me gets exactly what they paid for quickly.

Again you keep saying he's not to blame for these feedback's that he receives, yet I'm not a registered Retailer selling keyboards or key-caps unlike him.  Any normal person here would ask if you can't maintain a 100% positive feedback on Ebay, why would you trust someone like that in real life?

Brain never gives a toss about the buyers yet you lot will happily defend him until something goes wrong, then that would be another story to tell....... only from the other perspective  8) .

Again, I am not defending him, just saying that the reasons for the non-positive feedback (poor communication or tracking information) is not as much of an issue for me, should I choose to buy from him via eBay.