Monday, July 28, 2014

~YOU'VE HEARD OF BUYER'S REGRETS? ~


Well, I'm almost there..but..not quite.  However, the seller is another story!

I have had this pretty set of dishes in mind for a very long time.  I love roses and I also love a deal.
This was a set that I really could not justify getting.
Some people have things, other people have children.  I had children.  Seven to be exact!

Then a few days ago I came upon it on ebay and it seemed to obviously be someones collection.
It was a "best offer" sort of thing, which I hate because if you don't know the value of something..it makes it difficult.
So I began looking at other dishes in this pattern.  Some were very expensive and others were..not too bad.
In other words..my searching and comparing didn't help me one bit.
I decided to throw my hat into the ring.
I put in my (I suppose) rather low bid and held my breath
Nothing.
The next day came and went..and still no response at all.
I began to think ..."Either they are not at home OR they are insulted and refuse to answer!"
Another day went by.
I kept peeking but no response.
Then I noticed there were LOTS of "watcher's"
Why so many and what were they watching?  Maybe to see if I got told off by the seller.
WHAT?

There are 134 pieces of china in the set.
Two tea pots.
One coffee pot
Three covered sugar bowls
Three creamers
:)  "Oh, do go on!"  you say??  Okay. :)
11 dinner plates, 11 luncheon plates, 12 salad plates, 18  bread and butter plates, 12 cereal bowls 8n soup bowls, 8 berry bowls, 8 regular tea cups and 8 saucers, 8 extra saucers, 4 large coffee cups and 4 saucers,  and six extra saucers, 2 serving platters, 1 oval serving bowl, 1 round serving bowl, 1 covered serving bowl, one gravy boat with 1 underplate and 3 votive candle.  One mug.  ??
Another day passed.
Panic swept me and suddenly I found myself just hitting the button that said "BUY IT NOW!"  and it was over!
I owned them.
I was so darned excited!

Very shortly thereafter a note arrived from the seller.
It went something like this:

Dear Seller,
Hi!
Thank you for your purchase and prompt payment.  They are a lovely set and I know you will enjoy them.  I am traveling over the weekend but will get them packed and shipped to you by next Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest  and will send you the packing number.  Thank you again, and I can't WAIT for you to see them!
Sara
***********
I was so pleased that I wrote a short note back thanking her for her note.  Said I was sure I would enjoy them.
Not a chip!  Not a crack!  Not a scratch!
Hooray!
She wrote in her ad on ebay "This set is extensive!"
and it is.
One hundred and 38 pieces.
I was really excited, and then another letter arrived.  This one was longer.

Dear Wsprsweetly*of*roses,  (this is my ebay name)
Hi!
Thank you for the note.  I'll make sure they're well packed so they make the trip safe an sound.  We're moving and have company over the weekend but I'll get them out early next week.  They are one of the prettiest patterns Johnson Bros. made, in my opinion.  If you like to use complementary pieces , they mix beautifully with the Chippendale in red.  It's a big set and if I were you I would put some aside for "company" and get a small set you can use whenever you want and not feel guilty.  If you're a tea drinker, it's soooooo relaxing  to make a pot of tea, sip it from one of these graceful cups and nibble on a snack from one of the plates!
I love this set and hate to see it go but I'm so happy you like them!  They look like a Victorian Garden when the table is set with these and a few bouquets of fresh flowrs.  Just lovely!!
Use the dishes  Theyre too beautiful to save for only special occasions!
Sara
******************
Awww...bless her heart.  She really hates to part with them.  I feel a little bad..but I write to her assuring her they will be well cared for.  I promise her this.
Another day passes..
Another letter arrives from Sara.  About the dishes.

****************
Dear Mona,
Hi again!

I also wanted to tell you that while you can put these in the dishwasher, I wouldn't advise it....every day!
It will speed up the crazing process.  They are JUST not used to the heat.
Also, not a great idea to put them in the microwave.  Again, they'll be okay but it will take a real toll on them.

To keep them looking their best, avoid using sharp knives on them that will leave utensil marks.  If you do get scratches on them, you can rub them out with a stone polish.
Remember, they are basically ironstone so they're pretty strong and tough.
I think I mentioned it in the listing but many of these pieces came from Canada and are from the early firings of this pattern.  They are true antiques and not the modern day refires.

If you're interested in learning more about these types of dishes and the history behind them there are lots of great books.
Anyway, thank you again for your purchase.  I really hope you get much enjoyment from them.  I will miss them.
Sara
*******************
I really feel bad that she had to part with these dishes!  So I write to her again and at a loss as to how to make her feel better..I write:
Dear Sara..
I feel so bad that you have had to give up your dishes.  I want to assure you that I will never put them in a dishwasher because I don't own one.  I promise I will take very good care of them and I won't let people use knives on them.  Also, if you are ever in Southern Calfornia...please do come by and visit them.  My invitation is very sincere.
I hope this helps to keep you from worrying.
Mona :)

Have you ever bought something and just felt so sorry for the person you bought it from?
Poor baby!
Do I still want them?  Heck yes!!

Love,
Mona

~I am joining Marty @ A Stroll Thru Life  for her Inspire Me Tuesday  party.
Come by and see all the pretties! ~

30 comments:

  1. Mona, It did seem sad for Sara, didn't it? You are so kind to write her those reassuring letters. I hope you love them as much as Sara. Blessings xoxo,Susie

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  2. Wow, she is either super interested in making sure you know about them or she is really sad to sell them. I know you will love them, so good for you. So glad you will have them.

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  3. Yes, you were kind. I am so glad that you are getting these beautiful dishes. Wow, what a collection. I do feel a little sad for the seller. Wonder why she is giving them up. They were probably given to her by a relative.

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  4. That is a lot of communication! I'm certain that they will be very well cared for in your home. It truly is a beautiful several sets!

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  5. Hi Mona! Oh, poor Sarah, but lucky you! How kind of you to have such a heart to write to her and assure her you'll love and take care of the dishes. I love this pattern and that's the biggest set I've ever seen! Yay, again for you.
    Be a sweetie,
    Sheila ;)

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  6. What beautiful dishes. They will set a lovely table with a pink table cloth and pretty flowers. Perfect for a ladies tea. They would also look stunning mixed with you red dishes on a white table cloth with red roses as a centerpiece. Hope you share a picture of your next family dinner using these dishes.
    I feel bad for Sara, she obviously doesn't really want to part with them. But a great treasure for you.
    Sherry

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  7. Those are the same dishes Susan Branch has and often features on her blog! Lovely!

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  8. This is such a beautiful set of dishes, Mona...hurray for you! I think after the third letter from Sara I would have asked why she was selling them. Maybe she was downsizing with her move? I loved the part when you said you had no dishwasher!! I thought next you were going to say you weren't allowed to have knives! Ha!

    Jane xx

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  9. Those dishes are just gorgeous Mona....I am so glad that you got them! If you do a post on the dishes, Sara can come to your blog and visit them anytime she wants to...lol! I can't wait for you to show them to us...hugs...

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  10. Aw, the dishes are beautiful! I know it had to make her feel better to know they were going to a good home. Does she read your blog? She can see you set a table with them maybe.

    I'm happy you went for it, Mona. You deserve dishes that make you smile.

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  11. 138 pieces...yowzers!!! where are you going to put them? i love that pattern and they certainly are going to the right person. i can't wait to see them when you get them!

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  12. Oh poor Sara I am sure she is happy someone will take such good care of them and love them as much as her. It makes me sad though. I think she should read your blog maybe you can send her the link. Hug B

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  13. Well, Sara is parting with something she loves and you are receiving something you have always looked for. She is happy to know where they are going and if she reads this comment, I shall say that Sara sold her dish set to the best person possible - they will be used and loved and cared for. Oh Dear Lord, I can just see you sending PH out to the front of the house with binoculars and the mirror, with which he will both be watching and signalling the delivery guy to the correct driveway, eh - GREAT STORY and so nice that Sara wrote about the care and history. Lucky you :)

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  14. OMYGOSH...these is a beautiful set of some awesome dishes. I know you are gonna love getting them out when all your family is there to have dinner. Just beautiful.

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  15. Oh Mona! I am in love with this lovely set of Johnson Brothers! My heart breaks for the owner having to part with something she loved so, but I am ever so happy they are now at home with you. You create such beauty with florals both inside and outside of your home, so the pattern could not be more suiting to their new owner! It will also be a beautiful setting for your lovely family during the holidays! It was meant to be I think! Congratulations darling!

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  16. These may at one time been Sara's dishes, but they sure have "Mona" stamped all over them! They are you! I know we've never met in person but I'm looking at that pattern and they just fit your decorating and personal style I see on your blog. I know Sara will be happy that they have a good home and I know you'll take great care of them...hopefully they arrive safe and sound!

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  17. Mona... I am gob smacked. So, so many pieces. Will they fit in your dresser. Well of course!!!! you will make them fit. It is so so pretty. Now you have children as well as pretty dishes. I am so happy for you.
    Hugs Kay

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  18. Dear Sweetpea,

    I've seen your love for your beautiful treasures over the years we've been friends, and cannot imagine a better person to pass a lovely, cherished collection to. These are absolutely lovely---the ultimate in romantic style and pattern---and all the PIECES!! These could have graced a Victorian tea, dinner party, sumptuous soiree, The-Night-The-King-Came-To-Dinner, or any other beautifully arranged occasion where there are sterling knives and forks we know-not-the-use-for.

    They're the ones I'd choose out of all the ones in the world, I think, and since I have absolutely NO room in house (though in heart) for such an extensive array, and since I've seen your impressive credentials as a curator, caretaker, and lover of all beautiful things, (and because I think if I had one more thing come into my HOUSE right now, I'd have to go check into a quiet, white room and just dwell), I joyfully, gladly give you custody and keeping of my heart-dishes, to have and to hold, to foster and adopt, for, say---the next forty years or so.

    Thank you for your kind offer to see after them, til I'm able to tend them some years down the road. Much joy and entertaining to you and all of them,

    love,

    rachel

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  19. Enjoy those beautiful dishes it is quite a set. I hope Sara knows that you will take good care of them. Have a blessed day.

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  20. tell us, the moment the package arrives!!!

    no... make that, the moment you get 'em all unpacked, and looked at.

    :-)

    tessa~

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  21. an addition... because i am so hard-hearted. ,-)

    i really don't think it is acceptable, for the seller to make you feel guilty, about buying the dishes.

    come on, seller-lady. for some reason, you can't keep them... you sold them... they were purchased...

    what's with the self-pity-party??? at mona???? hu????

    -pout-

    tessa~

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  22. What a fun purchase and the letters back and forth too! Must cost a fortune to ship!
    Lucky you . . . and so pleasant to Sara! Let us know when they arrive!

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  23. What a beautiful purchase and I can't wait for you to receive them:) I know that Sara will love it that they are going to someone who will care for them and love them like she did! Enjoy your day dear friend, HUGS!

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  24. I'm sure as much as the seller hates to see them go, she's also equally happy to have them go to someone who will truly cherish them. Enjoy!

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  25. Hi Mona...the lady could have not sold her dishes to a better person. A dish lover! If she is like us she has several sets of dishes and probably only let those go because she had so many. She can spend her bucks on another set! Enjoy them...they are lovely!

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  26. What can I say, LOVE THOSE DISHES.
    I have never went to Ebay, guess I should give it a try.

    Barbara

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  27. Mona, thank you so much for visiting my blog! I think you will love your new dishes. It is a very pretty pattern. Yes, I still have the dishes. My set was my mother's, but is newer and doesn't have the pattern inside the teacups. I don't have all the extras, but I really don't have room for them anyway. One of these days I'll have to do another post about the Rose Chintz. That has turned out to be my most popular post by far ... wish I had known that would be the case! But I'm glad you liked it. I hope you'll drop by again, and I will be visiting you again. Blessings, Bess

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  28. Dear Mona, such a lovely story.. I almost thought that you we going to say she never send them.. I love this set of dishes.. I now own four dinner plates and four square bowls a tea cup and saucer and a creamer. It's the most beautiful every. congrats.. Happy weekend with love Janice

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  29. I have done that - but I mostly buy and wish I hadn't! lol

    Those are beautiful dishes.

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  30. If they do not arrive in a timely manner or in damaged condition, make sure they're insured.

    Can't wait for you to get them.

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