After a lot of digging, I pulled out my sets. I actually have two Mail Order sets and there are some differences. Since the set was sold a couple of different times, I think that may account for the variations.

The first one I bought many years ago. It was loose, but complete and seller claimed it was from her original collection.  She was missing the instruction sheet but had a scanned copy she included.  I don't know if it's the same instruction sheet, but it matches the one I got from my 2nd mail order set. 

The 2nd set is the one from the auction Hathorcat mentions!  I remember those ice cream bits now and ruled them out as MLP when I got them. They're in a miscellaneous accessory box that's buried at the moment. But they were a different plastic and the style was different. None of the pony pamphlets that show the MO SSSS set show those pink and yellow icecream scoops either. I believe it was a case of mixed up toy lines.  The seller even found the original mailing slip, proof it's definitely a mail order set.

Anyway, there are some differences between the two MO sets.

MAIL ORDER SET 1:  Pretty much identical to the store version set I have, except for the hat and apron pattern. 
~ Pastel striped hat & apron (pink yellow blue)
~ Hong Kong Scoops with bright pink scoops symbols in light purple sundae glasses (same as store-bought, unless I happen to have another one accidently with my store set!)
~ Base of playset is a standard bubblegum pink color (same as store-bought)

MAIL ORDER SET 2: 
~ Darker striped hat & apron (Purple teal blue)
~ China Scoops with magenta scoops in dull grey-lavendar sundae glasses
~ Base of playset is noticeably darker pink

SET 1:
   
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Set 2:
   
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(look who else she ordered!)
 
Bottoms of playsets - MO set 1 on the left.  Doesn't look to be a case of yellowing or fading. They appear to be distinct plastic colors.
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bumpy bump

I think I do pretty well, and really only my hubby gets to see my reactions to losing ebay auctions.

If I lose because of something stupid I did, like forgot it was ending or misjudged my bidding amount or missed it during my searches, I go through an "ARGH!" stage every time I think about it. Then I kick myself, sigh, and tell myself it'll come around again. Eventually. 

If my max got fairly outbid, I handle it much better. I'm still sad, but I tell myself that's how the game is played and I got beat    

I was A LOT worse when I used to watch the auctions end. My heart would race, my blood pressure went way up, I couldn't concentate on anything else, and it took me awhile to calm down after it ended, even when I won.  If I lost, I felt really badly.  So 99% of the auctions I bid on are done through a sniping service so I don't have to babysit each auction.  It's REALLY helped with my ebay anxiety, not to mention I don't have to set alarms or stop what I'm doing or sneak a peak online during work  

I agree - if the seller doesn't respond or won't give you the address, there's not much more you can do.

If it were me, I'd feel badly for keeping the ponies. I'd wait to see if the buyer leaves her feedback and then contact them directly if ebay gives their full ID and see if they'd like to pay for shipping them to them.  I'm sure they'll get their money back, but most times that doesn't quite cover the disappointment in not getting the ponies.  You're not obligated to, but might be something nice to do for a fellow ebayer that got screwed.


A different problem with this seller a.ramone:   I bought a lot that had a boxed sticker kit in it. I asked if the set had specific stickers and sent a link that showed what the stickers looked like. The seller said the lot had those stickers in it (the ones in the link I sent) so I bid fairly high on the lot and won. I got the package.  One sheet of stickers was included that was fine (unfortunately the set I don't need).  The second set of stickers had all the packaging but no stickers. Two other sets of stickers was missing completely.  It doesn't sound like this person is going to be fun to work with, but I was told the stickers I needed were included 

I'm coming and can help with....


Australia* -  I've got alt. BF ponies.
Japan* - I don't have a pony, but I do have a MIB ponywear outfit
Netherlands/Dutch*  - I have all adults and babies

Just let me know if I can help

To add buyer requirements to your listings:
1. Click My eBay at the top of the page. You may have to sign in.
2. Click on your Account tab.
3. Click Site Preferences
4. Click the "Show" link in the Buyer Requirements section.
5. Click the Edit link.
6. Select your buyer requirements.
7. Select Apply above settings to current and future listings.
8. Click Submit.

Quote from: Wardah on March 25, 2012, 06:10:28 PM

I am excited 64 Colors is one of the artists tho I am disappointed Junko isn't on the list this time.

*shrug* I think it would be a bit disappointing to have the same artists multiple times - we want variety and to showcase different creators!

Didn't Junie Moon (Blythe) do one last time?  We may see some repeat artists... a few of them sound familiar.

Geez, I wanno go so badly but I'm cutting it close on vacation time as it is!

I agree with leaving positive feedback but low stars.  I'm kind of surprised she gave you that much (maybe she's learning?)   5gbp isn't *too* bad for a single package delivery, but it's still over twice the original postage. Then again, a pound or two for handling isn't uncommon either.  I would probably say "Fast shipping, needs more care in packing" or something like that and give a low star rating.  The star rating is completely anonymous, so she won't be able to tell, even if she notices.  Ristvak is right though - it might help her change her policies if enough customers make it so ebay has to take notice. 

I wouldn't doubt more of those comb auction winners will get a surprise postage stamp when they receive their auctions too. 

As for me, I'm not leaving feedback, or at least not yet.  I sent the payment, but haven't heard back. Since the payment wasn't through ebay, I want to keep a little leverage in case she tries to complain.