The great type sample mystery: Why don’t sellers test drive their typewriters? 🤔

[phdezra]

Hi all!

So you've come across a typewriter you may be interested in—it's on eBay, Etsy, or Facebook Marketplace. The seller even does a very good job identifying the brand, model, year, and condition. They mention whether or not it includes a case and throw around phrases like "in excellent condition" or "professionally restored."

BUT… drumroll please : They fail to post a type sample!

Never mind that this leaves you completely in the dark about whether it's elite 12, pica 10, or maybe even cursive. The real concern is that nagging question: are ALL the keys 100% functional? Could some be slightly bent? Might a few not strike correctly? What about a million other potential issues?

Sure, cosmetic condition matters (unless you're buying it as a paperweight or for decorative reasons only—rare among us enthusiasts! ), but seriously…
It's like buying a car without a test drive!
At least post one sentence with a sample type line! Come on!

I'd say 90% of Facebook Marketplace listings never have a type sample , while Etsy sellers are much more knowledgeable since many are professional sellers who actually know what they're doing. So Etsy's not completely moronic in this regard. What a mixed bag though!

But seriously… zero thought? Just a passing pet peeve of mine! Anyone else find this mildly infuriating, or is it just me losing my mind over here?

Type on!

Ezra

 

[pitchblackvoid]

Looks like nobody's jumped in yet, so I'll throw in my 2 cents. I agree it's frustrating when sellers skip the type sample. Without it, you're left to guess the typeface and worry about stuck or misaligned keys. Posting a short typed line takes less than a minute and saves a buyer from surprises. Are you mostly shopping for older machines or newer reissues?

 

[phdezra]

I’m always just browsing, in general. Some sellers cleaning out their attic do not know better. No problem. BUT there are professional sellers, restoration experts posting typewriters for sale and they STILL don’t have the wherewithal to post a sample print?!? Bizarre and borderline clueless. I mean—really? There are listings for $1000 or $500 and nary a single letter on paper rolled in the typewriter. Just shaking my head.

 

[typistman]

I'm always just browsing, in general. Some sellers cleaning out their attic do not know better. No problem. BUT there are professional sellers, restoration experts posting typewriters for sale and they STILL don't have the wherewithal to post a sample print?!? Bizarre and borderline clueless. I mean—really? There are listings for $1000 or $500 and nary a single letter on paper rolled in the typewriter. Just shaking my head.

I completely agree with you, by the way!

 

[pitchblackvoid]

I'm always just browsing, in general. Some sellers cleaning out their attic do not know better. No problem. BUT there are professional sellers, restoration experts posting typewriters for sale and they STILL don't have the wherewithal to post a sample print?!? Bizarre and borderline clueless. I mean—really? There are listings for $1000 or $500 and nary a single letter on paper rolled in the typewriter. Just shaking my head.

Yep, if someone's asking $500 or more, you'd expect a typed line at minimum. Even a quick photo of "The quick brown fox…" would show alignment, imprint, and ribbon quality. Some might not realize how much it matters to buyers who actually plan to use the machine.