Buying from e-bay

sarah · #1 (**permalink**) 10-03-2004, 09:25 PM

I'm nervous about buying from e-bay I've heard a lot in the media about fraud on the site and now the lawsuite about paypal accounts. How safe is e-bay and how do you protect yourself? Anybody have any tips?

jeffrey · #2 (**permalink**) 10-03-2004, 09:53 PM

The lawsuit and class action settlement with paypal was in regards to paypal limiting peoples access to their accounts and chargebacks. This was an issue mainly with people selling on eBay, not those buying. paypal actually offers you a good amouont of protection as a buyer. If you pay by paypal and an item doesn't arrive, you can make a claim with paypal and the seller has to prove that he sent the item to your address by showing a tracking number for the package.

Fraud does exist on ebay, but a lot depends on the type of items you'll be purchasing. Fraud usually appears in connection with more expensive items like computers, jewelry, brand items and digital cameras.

Although there is no foolproof method, take a look at the seller's feedback. If the seller has a rating of over 100 with no negative feedbacks, you are better off than buying from them than someone who has no feedback history or one with a lot of negatives. If a seller does have a negative feedback, go through his feedback to find out why.

I've sold thousands of items on ebay and only a few % don't pay for what they purchase. I have purchased far less on ebay, but have never had a problem with the purchases I have made.

terry1156 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-04-2004, 10:36 AM

I have had one bad transaction on ebay. The seller didn't describe the item correctly and refused to refund my money. It was a very frustrating experience. But all the others have gone well and I have gotten may things that I am very happy about. Things I probably could not have gotten anywhere else.

Do look at feedback. I don't think you'll have any problems if you purchase items under $100. If you are nervous, start by purchasing things that are inexpensive that you want and that should make you more comfortable.

Also use your common sense and gutt feeling. Sometimes I read a description and something just doesn't seem right about it...I always pass on those auctions.

DivaJen · #4 (**permalink**) 10-04-2004, 12:40 PM

Ditto to what the others said about checking out the seller's feedback. I always do that. Also, read the item description carefully and be sure you know if the item is new or used, reconditioned - what the shipping and handling fees might be - all of that good stuff. If you're looking at a big ticket purchase opt for insurance.

*knock on wood* I have yet to have a bad experience with ebay, either as a buyer or seller.

Tree0164 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-04-2004, 03:00 PM

Knock on wood here too. I have bought from ebay over the years and never had a bad transaction.

Sabbatha · #6 (**permalink**) 10-04-2004, 07:19 PM

Also a good idea is to know your prices. I've had no problems with buying on ebay, but I try to know what I'm looking for and always research pricing. I've seen things on ebay that the seller started the price higher than it sold for in stores and it was still available in store or anywhere on the internet.
But if you keep your eyes open and take the other hints listed here to heart you shouldn't have any problems.

keeneye · #7 (**permalink**) 10-08-2004, 12:04 PM

I've never had a problem buying stuff on ebay. I haven't bought a lot. I would just be sure about shipping before you buy. Some people charge a lot more in shipping than the actual cost.

Savaquid · #8 (**permalink**) 10-17-2004, 11:48 AM

I have made 7 purchases from E bay and been cheated on 2 of them, despite sellers having good feedback records. That's too high a proportion of duds for my taste. One dud can wipe out any savings on other purchases.

Ebay's procedures, if you are cheated , are inadequate. They send an email to the complainee and, if he does not respond, they inform you that there is nothing they can do. Deleting him from the approved sellers has, I suspect, little effect: he changes his ISP and comes back for more.

And the point made by a previous poster, about postal charges, is definitely one to watch.

midnight · #9 (**permalink**) 10-18-2004, 09:04 AM

Did you buy the item with paypal? I think you might be able to get your money back if it is not as advertised and you bought it with paypal.

Savaquid · #10 (**permalink**) 10-18-2004, 10:37 AM

Can't be sure at this late stage - over a year ago. Twice bitten is permanently shy in my book.

mbhunter · #11 (**permalink**) 10-29-2004, 09:35 PM

I've only had one bad transaction as a buyer, but it was a whopper ... I have over $800 tied up in bankruptcy court over it. The gentleman's feedback was great, and promptly started to go south almost at the moment that I purchased the item from him. He couldn't deliver, and started a repayment plan. I got about a quarter of my money back from him before the bankruptcy letter came. You can still lose out even if you do due diligence.

As far as selling goes I give people a lot of slack because most (99%) are honest people and the few % that are late usually have a very good reason, and understanding and compassion goes a long way here.

Also, with regard to pricing on eBay, I have an article that might be of interest to you all on my website:

http://www.mightybargainhunter.com/priceitonebay.htm

John