Lots of Helpful Ebay Information

I'd like to provide some helful information about Ebay, especially since some people are concerned about being cheated.

Fraud: For the guy who believes he got a raw deal, I would recommend filing for fraud. If you did not recieve the item or you believe the description of the item was obviously deceiving, you can file fraud against the seller with Ebay 30 days (no more than 60 days) after the auction has ended. Go to the bottom of the auction item's page and click on "Safeharbor (Rules & Safety)". Under "Dedicated Departments" click "Fraud Protection & Prevention". There you will see the rules of fraud protection and click on the link "Online Fraud Complaint" to begin filing your complaint. Ebay warns the seller he/she has had fraud filed against them and gives the seller 30 days to work it out. If things don't get worked out, Ebay reviews the case and makes a decision. If fraud is found, the seller is suspended from Ebay. I believe going to Court is also an option should you wish to carry it that far. The only down side is Ebay will only cover a portion of your lose with a max return of $200. Still, getting the crook seller suspended might be alone worth filing.

I've sold about 700 items on ebay and I once had fraud filed against me by a bad buyer. I was so scared of being suspended by chance, that I refunded the guy's $25 even though I believe he was lying through his teeth. It was only $25 so I sent him his money back and he gave me the item back, which I later sold. I justed didn't want to deal with the process. Fraud protection gives the buyer a big advantage!

Keeping Records: Try to only buy items in which you can pay with Paypal.com or a money order through Bidpay.com. Paypal.com costs nothing to the buyer and Paypal also provides fraud protection in case you don't receive the item. These methods give you proof that you paid and proof is valuable in case you run into a bad seller. Also keep records of email conversations, money order slips, or check slips. Sometimes sellers will lie within emails about when they sent an item or what shape the item is in. If you have proof, it's like gold when filing for fraud!

Escrow: Research Ebay Escrow services and similar services in which you send a company the money and the money isn't sent to the seller until you've got the item and it's as described. This service is often used on items over $500, so if you are going to spend a lot of money, look into further protecting yourself.

Feedback: Check feedback carefully, especially when buying an expensive item. If the seller doesn't have a lot of feedback, he doesn't have a extensive track record and you are taking a risk. However, don't take the fact that the seller hasn't received all of his feedback as proof he's a bad seller. I've sold 700 items and only received 520 feedback. Why? Many buyers just don't leave feedback or don't know how. It's not because of possible negative feedback retaliation, because I leave feedback as soon as I get the payment! I always leave feedback before the buyer gets the item, yet many just don't return the favor. However, if you do get feedback retaliation, that is illegal through Ebay and you can have the negative comment removed.

These comments are just some pointers I've learned over the years. The point is be careful, especially if it costs a lot. If the seller is being ambiguous about the item description or you just can't tell what condition it's in, be safe and don't bid, or bid lower then you would have.

Do research on Ebay. There's tons of info on how to protect yourself or take action if you feel wronged. Also, Ebay has always responded to my email questions within the next day and even told me what to do in situations! The buyer can protect himself!

Finally, for those who believe Ebay is full of crooks, I couldn't disagree with you more. There are some bad apples, but you'll find them everywhere. It reminds me of the guy who stole his own Steam Engine after a real auction because he didn't think it sold high enough. He even offered to help the buyer find it, even though he had it stored in his own barn! Proof crooks are everywhere.

Plus, in the past week, I just bought two engine items I never would have found elsewhere and got them for cheap! If you want to avoid Ebay, fine by me. I think the better solution is, just protect yourself! Finally, If you have any questions, email me and I'll try my best to help you.

-Jeff

Hi Jeff,

Thanks,that is some good helpful information it will help both buyer and seller.

Ed Kinch

Thanks for the info, it will help me out with my problem that I posted last week. I was really worried about getting retaliation feedback if I gave him a negative feedback and I didn't know that I could get it removed.

Thanks Tom Winland Ohio

Thanks for the good information. Can anybody tell me a good product used for sniping? I'm tired of loosing out at the last second. If you can't beat em join em.

bidnapper was one that I tried but since buying a house I no longer have the money to go ebaying anymore.

Tom Winland Ohio

try www.esnipe.com