First MB purchase-advice appreciated

[JPizzzle]

Hi Everyone,

So, I've been looking to pickup a starwalker in rubber for a while now, and found this one on ebay. The dealer is offering it to me for $200, but this is outside my area of knowledge and have no way of knowing whether the pen is authentic. The pen does not come with any paperwork or the service manual, but the dealer has a high rating. The stamping of the serial number does look a little sloppy to me, but I'm not sure if that's normal for MB. Any help would be appreciated!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Montblanc-St...item1c4428fb3a


JP

[SUBversive]

No clue. But basically 1/2 off for a used but perfect pen.

Tgtbt.

[Bling72]

Well if you were the person who purchased it, you will find out when you receive the pen and use a magnifying glass to confirm the serial number. It is a really bad idea to reveal the serial number on the net. It encourages anyone to forge a replica with that serial number, register it with Mont Blanc, then yours becomes 'a fake' when you take yours in for a service. Mb won't touch replicas/fakes.

When you buy pre-loved of course it is cheaper, and by some chance the pen may be authentic. If it is not, then it really is a waste of money isn't it ? How many fake rolexes get sold every day on e-bay it's beyond a countable number.

The experience of buying a brand new pen from Mont Blanc cannot be compared. They register the International 2 year warranty for you right on the spot, excellent customer service and buying experience. Ok you pay more because it is a brand new pen, but you normally pay more for brand new for most things.

I would never buy off e-bay even if I was desperate, the rules on ebay only benefit the seller. The buyer is really up the creek.

[2careless]

I beg to differ. 30% of my MB pens were from the bay and so far I only got one dud deal.
You've got to know what you're looking for, do the research and wait patiently for one you like appears.

[Bling72]

It is still a risk, even if it's 1/3 a dud deal, or even if it's a 1/5. Just not a fan of ebay.

If you're a regular customer in some stores, there merit and other benefits. I rather not get into the specifics, but I'd be more than happy to show to anyone I meet.

[JPizzzle]

I decided to skip it. That serial number looks so sloppy compared to the other ones I've seen. Not sure if that's a sign of a fake, but I don't know enough to take the chance. Thanks guys

[2careless]

It's prudent to skip this one. While there are no red flags that I can find, the pictures don't show what I normally would classify as "clear".

[Rusty888]

I must say that pen felt nice to hold.

I would of avoided this. Have you looked for an online authorised seller. MB wont allow them to publish prices however you just get the price via email.

Otherwise jump on the fountainpennetwork forum and look there from reputable sellers.

Still id rather just pay the extra and get it new

[Lion]

When buying on Ebay to me you have to trust and have faith in the seller and see what his or her feedback has been in past transactions before taking a chance. It's just too easy for a seller to rip you off and do you really want to take that chance? Also they can make mistakes too with out any malicious intent and do you want to be the recipient of their snafu???

2careless is correct though, if you know what you are doing and looking for there are some really good deals to be had on Ebay. But if you are a "Newbie".....do you really want to take a chance and especially on your first purchase!!!