eBay questions

[rollcage]

I'd like to get several items on eBay. I've never tried it before but have heard all the horror stories about not receiving items etc.
Do any of you use Ebay and if so could you give me a short rundown on what to watch out for? I shure would appreciate it!!

[sralmas]

I've done dozens of transactions over the years (both as buyer and seller). Never had any trouble. :-)

[sdsdsd]

Check the seller's feedback. Read especially any negative feedback to get an idea of what people are saying (was the problem actually the seller's fault?). Ask lots of questions. If the picture does not correspond to the text, or if you think you see a blemish in the picture or if you see or read anything about which you have a question, email the seller and ask. Avoid sellers who don't answer your questions. Keep the emails until the transaction is complete. Check completed auctions to get an idea of how often that particular item is sold (the word "rare" is horribly overused on eB*y). Check places that sell the item new or used; for some reason, people frequently get carried away and bid stuff way too high -- higher than it costs to buy it from a real, authorized-type vendor. If the item is more expensive than you want to "buy twice," make sure the shipment is insured -- even if you have to pay for it. Don't assume. If you choose to use a money order for payment, use a U.S. Postal Service Money Order if possible, because if the seller messes around with you, it's then a mail-fraud issue and not so easy to get around. Just keep your head on you and you'll be okay.

[Ericknextel]

sdsdsd sums it up 4 u...

I trust everyone I do business with on eBay. Feedback is a very important thing. eBay is great!

-Erick

[utahjazz85]

http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=781

There is some good advice in this thread. ebay Is mostly about common sense, street smarts, knowing what you are doing. Reading ebay's tutorials is good for a beginner as well. Sign up for paypal too http://www.paypal.com It's an online payment source, more people prefer it.

Here is a link I found the other day-

http://www.lacetoleather.com/ebaysecrets.html

I didn't read all of it, but it has some good advice so far.

Like I said, common sense and street smarts, example-

I read on that site not to let your auction end when a big TV show is on. Make sure that it doesn't end when American Idol the crap show is on.

#2
I was going to put an authentic Reggie Miller Pacers jersey on ebay on Wednesday night but the next Wednesday night they have a game so that wouldn't be a good idea because most of the pacer audience that I am trying to reach might be watching the game.

[Ericknextel]

Utah, I have never thought about that.... I don't sell a whole bunch of stuff on eBay, but enough that this may make a difference. THANKS!

I did know that the last few minutes of the auction is where most of the bids are placed, but never even thought about it this way..

-Erick

[Tixx]

I just bought something for the first time on ebay last night and have never sold on it. So well see how it goes.

[kstuart]

but have heard all the horror stories about not receiving items

That's an interesting urban myth, because ebay has insurance against any seller that doesn't ship an item that is paid for, and will refund your money. It's the only horror story that has never happened on ebay. (Usually the horror stories are about items that are not quite as good as advertised - which is why reading the seller's feedback is very important.)

Some advice:

Never list an item to sell that ends on a Sunday.

Always check to see if the item that you want to buy, is available in an auction that ends on a Sunday.

Never list an item to sell that ends in the second half of December.

Always spend the second half of December checking ebay auctions for things that you want.

[rollcage]

Originally posted by kstuart

... ebay has insurance against any seller that doesn't ship an item that is paid for, and will refund your money.

Thanks for the feedback! Does the insurance thing really work?

[jmg_NX21]

I bought a my NX on ebay & a SUN BLADE machine on ebay... MY bro really wanted the latter and considering the cost + GIG of memory & free shipping MY BRO saved a bit o' $$$.

He has been wary of ebay BUT I did assure him THAT NO ONE in their right mind would WANT to destroy their ebay reputation (esp for something THIS expensive)

SO far it's gone WELL , I have gotten some bargains AND I sell ok... just one KID probably won't pay for something SO i'll rip into the kid with a negative comment, his/her doing..

[rollcage]

Well if someone doesn't pay and you give them negative feedback - you still don't have your money, and as I've heard you can open and close an account just like that! So what's the deal?

[jmg_NX21]

IF they do not pay THEN I file with ebay :Non-paying Buyer Program" AND I get refunded the fees for listing the item (and the final value fee??)

I lose nothing, BUT time, so I might as well RE-list and have someone else buy it.

[rolando]

Originally posted by kstuart


Some advice:

Never list an item to sell that ends on a Sunday.

Always check to see if the item that you want to buy, is available in an auction that ends on a Sunday.

Never list an item to sell that ends in the second half of December.

Always spend the second half of December checking ebay auctions for things that you want.

Why?

[tstarky]

Always, always, always find out the shipping fee. Never assume it will be cheap because it is light weight. Some sellers add handling fees that will make your head spin (not me! LOL). I always figure out the max amount I want to spend on an item and subtract the shipping fee and the final result is what I bid. It has worked for me every time.

Have fun! :)

[utahjazz85]

Originally posted by kstuart




Never list an item to sell that ends on a Sunday.



This has the potential to be good advice, but why?

[ErnieB]

Protect yourself when making an eBay purchase.


READ THE FINE PRINT.  You'd be surprised how many times "new in box" means it's new, and in the box, but the box has been "opened for testing and inspection".  I can't tell the difference between something that's new and something that's used once or twice, and then put back in the original box.  My wife can get a CD out of its jewel case, listen to it, and then put it back in such a way that you'd NEVER know it was out.
Look for sellers that are part of the "Square Trade" program.  It offers additional protection to the buyers.
Use a VISA or MasterCard (you can dispute charges, and you generally win if your claim is valid). Sending a Money Order is like sending cash.  If you have to use a Money Order, send it with some kind of return receipt.
Try to find a vendor that will accept Visa or MC directly.  If not, use one of the go-betweens (like PayPal, c2it, etc.).  I like PayPal because, for a nominal fee, you can get additional insurance on your transaction.
If the shipping price isn't listed, contact the seller and get the EXACT amount.  If they won't give it, find a different seller.
Make sure the item is shipping with enough insurance to cover what you paid for the item.
Find out when the item will be shipped before you bid.  Some sellers will wait 2 days for you to pay, then wait 2 weeks before they get around to shipping.
Try to use UPS or FedEx for shipping.  Trying to get a claim through the Post Office can be a real nightmare.
Don't buy an item with a "stock" picture or no picture at all, unless the seller is willing to send a picture via e-mail.
Don't leave feedback (either as a seller or buyer) until the transaction is complete and both parties are satisfied.
If you're not sure or feel uncomfortable, don't do it.


If something goes wrong,


Work with the seller.  The vast majority will be helpful.
Remember, the seller (shipper) has to file a claim for damages--not you, the buyer.  So, work with the seller if you can.
Give the seller only one chance to make it right.  If they don't, demand your money back.  Some sellers will stall forever, hoping you'll just "go away".
Follow eBay's fraud procedures.
File a claim with your credit card company immediately.  If you've really been defrauded, you'll probably win and will only be out the cost of return shipping.
Use the independent arbitration methods eBay recommends.  It worked for me once.
When you're all done, then leave negative feedback (if it's deserved).  Be forwarned, when you leave negative feedback, the cheater on the other end will probably leave negative feedback for you in retailation.  It happened to me (the only black mark on my record).  Unfortunately, eBay won't take it off your record, so you're stuck with it.


I've had over 200 transactions (buying and selling) on eBay and have had problems with three.  On one, the seller refunded my money, including shipping.  On another, I had to use an independent arbiter to get my money back.  On the third, I had to contact my credit card company.  Overall, I'd say the experience is positive.  It has to be--eBay wouldn't be around if no-one trusted it.

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by jmg_NX21
IF they do not pay THEN I file with ebay :Non-paying Buyer Program" AND I get refunded the fees for listing the item (and the final value fee??)

I lose nothing, BUT time, so I might as well RE-list and have someone else buy it.

I don't think they will refund the listing fee.

[gif]

I got scamed out of nearly $600 as the seller of an item. I'm sure my experience is not typical for e-bay, but when you get burned you can get burned bad. My advice is to just be careful. If you are truly worried about a deal going bad it may be worth following your intuition and forgo saving a few bucks in exchange for your piece of mind.

[jmg_NX21]

I must read carefully... must search pages read...

THANKS for the heads up...

[Galley_SimRacer]

Originally posted by kstuart


Some advice:

Never list an item to sell that ends on a Sunday.



I almost always list my auctions to end around 10:00 p.m. EST. An eBay expert on TechTV said 8 - 11 p.m. was the busiest time of the week as far as traffic goes. I have done very well that way.

[rollcage]

Thanks to all of you for your kind and competent advice! I sure appreciate it!

[utahjazz85]

Originally posted by Galley_SimRacer


I almost always list my auctions to end around 10:00 p.m. EST. I have done very well that way.

That's what I figured too.

[Baloo]

Originally posted by kstuart


That's an interesting urban myth, because ebay has insurance against any seller that doesn't ship an item that is paid for, and will refund your money.
Some advice:

Never list an item to sell that ends on a Sunday.



I am probably getting way off topic for this forum, but...

Ebay only covers up to a certain amount. The maximum reimbursement is $175
see http://pages.ebay.com/help/community/fpp-guide.html

Read the Feedback, it works. If there are a higher then 2% negative without plausible explanations, move on. 2% might even be high.

As a user with 2132 feedback comments on my business ID and 1451 on my family's and a 100 Plus on my individual ID (I use EBay way too much.) I have only been burned twice. Neither time cost me money. Once, they tried to double the price with shipping and handling (always get this before you bid) and once, the buyer did not read what came with the item and I had to live with him forever until EBay explained to him that he got what I advertised.

The one comment I disagree with is you the comment about Sunday. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS END YOUR AUCTIONS AS CLOSE TO 10:PM Eastern Time AS POSSIBLE. This is 9 PM CST and 7 PM Pacific.

The reason is Friday and Saturday people are too busy to be home to bid and Sunday is traditionally the time people are "cruising" EBay.

I have tried with simlar items, selling them for 3, 7 and 10 days ending them at different times on different days and have the most success with 7 PM Pacific time on Sunday.

[Baloo]

Originally posted by utahjazz85
http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=781
I#2
I was going to put an authentic Reggie Miller Pacers jersey on ebay on Wednesday night but the next Wednesday night they have a game so that wouldn't be a good idea because most of the pacer audience that I am trying to reach might be watching the game.

Probably right, but I'd sure post it to end within 24 hours either side of a game.

baloo

[Ronbot]

Originally posted by kstuart


Never list an item to sell that ends in the second half of December.

Always spend the second half of December checking ebay auctions for things that you want.

I don't understand the reasoning for this advice. I sold my last PDA (Visor Edge) on eBay last December (ending around the middle of the month), and I think I got a higher price than I could have at other times of the year. It seems like people are often willing to pay more in December as they are trying to buy gifts. My advice would be to avoid buying in December as bids may get out of control.

[rolando]

I don't know. I'd think that the last half of December would be a bad time to sell something used. People are buying gifts, and most people don't buy used things as gifts. While you can certainly buy new things on ebay, I'd think that the majority of ebay shoppers are looking for good bargains and used items.

Then, in January, they unload all the gifts that they got on ebay.

Rolando

[Baloo]

Originally posted by rolando
I'd think that the majority of ebay shoppers are looking for good bargains and used items.

Then, in January, they unload all the gifts that they got on ebay.

Rolando

This would be correct, however even though EBay has been catagorized as an "Electronic Garage Sale", it really isn't close.

EBay was started for collectables (very popular at Christmas), primarily PEZ dispensers.

If you factor out the collectables, over 50% of what is in EBay now are new items.

If you went there as of the writing of this and search on Sony NX70 you get 20 hits, all accessories and all new.

Used items seem to bring in more then their worth in most cases (never understood this but have benefited from it) so I guess I'm on the fence post as far as the 2nd half of December thing.

I now go to EBay first for many of my purchases before buying to make sure I get the best deals. Unfortunately, when I bought my NX70V/U they were too new to appear yet, since then they have cropped up on a regular basis.

[utahjazz85]

Baloo, change your title to ebay expert :)

[packrat_24]

Hi Everyone,

Awhile back, there was a message regarding a site that contained information on bad eBay sellers and buyers. I think it was created by someone who had been burned by a buyer and he documented his story. Now they list the bad experiences and the paper trails for all the problems. I was wondering if someone remembers the URL. It was really interesting reading.

Thanks,

Paul

[tstarky]

http://www.ebayersthatsuck.com/main/index.php 

Is this the one?  :)

[packrat_24]

That's the one! Thanks!

[jamesj1k]

Feedback is the most important!

Make sure they have a rating of 100+ and at least 96% OR MORE positive feedbacks. That's how I do it.

BTW - my feedback is 3300 and 99.4% positive :-)
ink@inkkitsales.com

James

[sdsdsd]

>>Make sure they have a rating of 100+ and at least 96% OR MORE positive feedbacks.

Yeah, but if you do that, how do people with less than 100 ratings ever _get_ to 100?

[packrat_24]

If I want to purchase a high value item (computer equipment, etc), I will look for people with a decent amount of positive feedback. If it's a small value item (book, old software, etc), I will look at people with less feedback. However, they must have only positives.

[mdrsteve]

Well, I've had many positive ebay experiences. Unfortuantely just last weekend I won an auction for an NX70V, and the seller has flown the coop! He/she ripped off many people using many auctions for thousands and thousands of dollars! I'm out $411!!! This seller had an ebay rating of "84." Ebay can be great, but be careful, and remember...there are no guarantees!!!!

[Silverback]

What was the seller's ID or the item number so the rest of us can look them up and not get burned.

Sorry you had such a bad experience, mine (thankfully) turned out OK.

Good luck with getting your money back from that loser.

[mdrsteve]

Well....new news. Apparently he didn't scam a bunch of us. He died. :(

Reports have been filed with the Pembroke police, but I get the feeling this will be a mess to sort out now. If it doesn't get sorted out...oh well, it was just money. I was more upset about the fact that somone had scammed me. Now I just feel bad. But yes, I really would like to get my "just money" back, if possible (Otherwise, I can't afford an NX for a while, but my T615 still has a lot of life let in it!)

[JwY]

wow.

[Leb]

Yikes, ironic.

[mdrsteve]

Okay, the story continues...he didn't just "die." It was a scam after all. He put the money he stole in a separate bank account for his family, and then killed himself. The cops are now trying to figure out if his wife was in on his ebay scam ( I would assume that even if she were, she didn't know about the 'end' of his plan!) I wonder what I'll find out next? I wonder if I'll ever see my money again?

[JwY]

the plot thickens........