I recently received a twelve-pony collector's case that I won on eBay. I paid about $17 total (including S&H). The original auction I was bidding on had a pristine case and a pretty parlor with its box, but of course that auction got bid up far too high, especially since I wasn't really interested in the parlor (besides matching it to the Peachy I already have). So this one was my second choice, especially since the only other case for auction had sides that pooched out.

In the auction description, it said that the cardboard behind the handle was missing. I couldn't figure out what that meant because I hadn't seen one in person before. Now I know that it means that the closing mechanism is kaput. Also, the vinyl had "some tears." To be honest, the vinyl in the pony compartments is beautifully preserved, but the vinyl on the closing door is practically demolished. The cardboard joints have broken in places, and some of the cardboard sides have been bent a bit. The shelves sag a bit, but not as much as some I have seen.

Was I ripped off? I'm unsure, especially since I have DIY streak and see this as a challenge to my restoration skilz.

See, I used to work on dollhouses as a young girl. Miniature structures are my specialty. I see no problem with fixing the closing flap by removing it, discarding the vinyl, reinforcing the carboard's joints from behind with duct tape, sewing a new vinyl casing for the flap from a shower curtain with some hot pink faux leopard fur or a pretty flower patterned gingham on the inner part, and grommeting it back into place using its old studs' original holes. I can even figure out how to fix that latching mechanism no doubt (it helps that I live near a quilting supply emporium that has all these grommet and snap supplies). With a little lathe and some pine scaps, no doubt I can get those sagging shelves back into position and add some nice cupboards to the bottom where the pony wear "drawer" is.

Just wondering if anyone here is laughing at me for this. Have I paid for a hassle, or is this a normal, admirable situation for a pony lover?

(moving to Trader Support Dragonfly)

Hmm. I don't think you're crazy for wanting to restore it. On the one hand, you received something in a condition that is not as good as you thought it could be. On the other, restoring is FUN and you get a real sense of accomplishment when you can make something look good.

A similar situation happened to me recently - I received a pony that was deffinitely not in the condition that I expected (not to mention an entirely different pony than I thought I would be getting) But after cleaning her up (and it took a lot of work too) I feel great about it, and I love her a lot.

Still, my little ponies will have to wait a few weeks before moving in I am tempted to completely mod the inside with pink leopard faux fur, a mini disco ball, and my extensive collection of glamorous postcards. Gee, if only I could add some strobe lights...

I don't know about the value or anything, but I know it can be frustrating to not get what you were hoping for.

However, good on you for looking at ways to restore it! I think that would be a great idea

Hmm... the longer I look at it, the more I think it was misleading. I would post a link to the item's old auction page, but I don't know what exactly the auction-link-rules are here.

If the auction is closed, then it's fine

Okay then:
cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayIS...%3AIT&rd=1

It doesn't say, "Back door is so messed up it is almost falling apart."

I was outbid on that auction. Since the auction says, "Please contact me with questions before buying." and the auction says "some tear on the inside of the plastic and cardboard and the cardboard part of the handle is missing but the plastic one is still there." but doesn't have pictures its good to ask questions.
This is what the seller told me "the condition is good but not perfect by any means. The plastic and the cardbopard both have tears on the inside and the plastic snap handle is broken off."

I asked for pictures, but she didn't send them in time. Even with pics, I probably would have kept going anyway, due to the pony housing crisis on my end >^.^< "Back door falling apart," would have made me hesitate, though. Nothing beats being able to inspect an item in person. If anything, the experience has been educational, and my pony housing problem has a solution.

If you are still going to fix it, I would love to see pics of it when you are done!

Sure thing! I still haven't posted pics of my restored Sundrop and Sundance. Eeek!

I think restoring it would be a great idea and I would love to see pics as well when you are done.

Salutations, I wanted to let you know I have PM'd you in reply to this post because this was my auction.
I am sorry that the condition was less than you were expecting. I am also sorry for the condition not being described in full for you. This was an early auction and I was new to listing and not very good with condition descritptions. I have improved and now list very detailed!
It did have tear and rips and I did take extra pictures, they are on my hard rive, I am sorry if I did not send them to you, I thought I did.

I must have forgotten before the listing ended.
I hope you do not harbor any bad vibes about this and I want this to end on a happy note. Please PM me if there is any thing I can do to make it up to you or assist you better.

xoxoxo
Lovely

No hard feelings >^.^< Remember, I'm new to pony auctions, too, and I didn't understand how the case was made (snaps closure and such).

I was poking around with it this morning, and it's not so bad. Mainly I just have to fix the door. Could be worse.

I am glad that you are not unhappy with it, and I think pictures of it when you refurbish it will be really neat! PM me any time!