The title says it all. Not that many years ago when I was working in retail I was instructed to get to know the products I am selling, so if a customer asks a question I will be able to provide a response that at least sounds informed.
Recently I asked a question to an ebay seller, "You say your switch is a momentary on/off switch but you show two different switches in the same ad. Do you mean it is a momentary non-latching type of switch or a latching type switch?"
Reply: "I happy to please you. Yes, it momentary on/off."
That did not answer my question, just repeated the same confusion in their listing.
Another seller, another question: "Is your switch reversible?"
Reply: "Yes, 100%, your satisfaction guaranteed or full refund."
I bought the switch and guess what? It was NOT reversible and the postage would have cost more to send it back than it was worth. I think by "reversible" he thought I meant "Could I send it back?"
Another seller had switches advertised that were momentary but of two types: "latching momentary" or "permanently maintained". I could not be bothered asking them the difference because I am sure even they have no idea.
Another question I asked another seller: "Is this a normally open or normally closed switch?"
Reply: "I will contact designer and find out for you. If you not hear back from me in 2-3 days, please remind me? We aim to please you."
Three days went by, so I contacted the seller again to remind him and got this in reply: "I will contact designer and find out for you. If you not hear back from me in 2-3 days, please remind me? We aim to please you."
Just for fun I waited another two days and sent a reminder. You guessed it, I got this in reply: "I will contact designer and find out for you. If you not hear back from me in 2-3 days, please remind me? We aim to please you."
Another seller, another question: "Are the switches on the handlebar mount 12mm, 16mm, or 19mm? I need to know in case I ever have to replace one of the switches."
Reply: "Mount diameter is 22mm handlebar."
That was not even the question I asked!
I ended up buying two different types of switches just so I could find out what they are really like. Both were fairly cheap, but wow, oh so flimsy. The switch and mounting looks solid enough, but the wiring is far too fine and guaranteed to break or short out due to vibration within a few weeks. Also they have plastic parts moving on angles against metal parts, so how long is that going to last?
Finally I got so fed up I contacted an Australian company that I had dealt with before. They were about three times the price, but they had heavy duty switches and they at least knew their products. Don't waste your time on these lazy eBay sellers who care more about their ratings and number of sales than the products they are selling. Most know diddly squat about the products they are selling.
