DEALING WITH UNSATISFIED BUYERS

When selling our collectibles we are bound to connect with a buyer that is unhappy or not satisfied with his/her purchase. Sometimes, this is only buyer's remorse. Since we are all buyers and sellers, we eventually have our own buyer's remorse experiences. I recently sold a fabulous looking RCA catalin radio. The catalin radios sell for quite a bit more than a plastic or bakelite because of their beautiful candy type finish. I packed the radio with the usual care and precision, but I worried about its journey to its new home until it arrived. Because of its value a signature was required for delivery. Within a day after the radio arrived the buyer wrote to me pointing out that one of the screws that was hidden inside the rubber foot at the bottom was different than the other three. Whew! This is not something that is obvious because the screw is well hidden. Quite frankly, I never noticed this when I worked on the radio. I explained that I had installed all the parts that were originally with the radio. Time passed and I heard nothing more.
Then, three weeks later I receive another email from this gentleman who claims that he took apart the radio and found another disturbing item. He claimed that the dial face was a replacement and not the original. I do not like to have unhappy customers, so I offered the buyer two choices. A price adjustment or return the radio for a full refund for the purchase price.
A few more days passed until I received his answer. He would accept a partial refund as opposed to returning the radio. I believe that it was a good compromise for both of us. I must confess that I compromise when necessary to close the deal.
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As for me, I have purchased only five catalin radios. I have sold two. I have left three FADA art deco radios nicknamed "the Bullet." I do not plan to buy anymore catalin radios because they present a number of problems. First, the catalin plastic shrinks over the years. This makes it difficult is some cases to remove the chassis from the plastic body. Second, the shrinkage may cause the glass dial face to crack. Replacing the dial face in most cases is impossible. Third, because of the high cost of catalin radios buyers are more particular and demanding to the condition. I don't argue that point either, but any used item is unlikely to be perfect or in mint condition. Especially one that is 60-70 years old and was used and displayed by former owners.
Fourth, the cost of one catalin radio does not make sense to me. I can easily buy 4-6 outstanding plastic, bakelite, or wood table radios for the cost of one catalin. I personally believe that their prices are too high for what one receives in return.
As a result, I will shy away from making any more catalin radio purchases. The experts in catalin radio restorations could have them, and the perfectionists who wants the best can pay the piper for the privilege!