Make it Simple for the Seller
When it's time to pay the seller, make it easy for them. You might be only buying one item, but the seller could be dealing with numerous buyers. If you don't use the automatic Paypal link supplied via eBay, make sure to clearly state what item you are purchasing. Paypal does prompt you for the for the auction number, shipping price etc, but it doesn't hurt to confirm what the item is in the note section.
When paying by mail, include the confirmation email from eBay or the seller. As mentioned above, if the seller is dealing with lots of buyers -- it's easy to get confused. Confirm your address on the email copy and since check and envelopes can get separated, it doesn't hurt to write the item number on the check. Notify the seller when the check has been mailed. Mail can sometimes get lost or slow, this lets them know you are holding up your end of the sale.
Bits and Pieces:
- Never buy an item without securing insurance. The only instance might be for a very inexpensive item when insurance would be a large percentage of the cost.
- Buying fragiles/breakables? Request the seller to pack it carefully, you might even offer to pay a little more for the extra packing supplies. It's worth the piece of mind and often the seller won't even ask for additional funds, but will still take the extra time.
Hopefully your package should arrive within a week or so. When your stuff does arrive, let the seller know it's arrived by leaving Feedback, positive if the transaction was a good one. An email note to the seller is also a nice touch.
Problems
Oh no! Sometimes things do go wrong and it's time to try and resolve the problems.
No matter how carefully you check things out, problems can still happen. Your money has been sent, check has been cashed or Paypal was accepted, but no merchandise! Most auctions go off without a hitch, but there will always be one or two that will test your patience.
If you feel too much time has gone by without receiving the merchandise, send an inquiring email to the seller. I usually give the seller at least 10 days before sending off an inquiring email. Be pleasant! The shipment could have been delayed for any number of reasons and two weeks is really not that long. Depending on the sellers location, it can take at least a week for me to receive items from the either coast via UPS and we live in the middle of the country.
The majority of sellers usually respond quickly for updates, but give them a few days to get back to you. In well over 1000 auctions, I've never had the need to call a seller, but if you don't hear back from the seller in a reasonable amount of time, get their contact information from eBay and call!
If there are problems with the actual merchandise, get in touch with the seller to find out how it can be resolved. There are sellers who can be difficult, but they are really rare. As a whole, most want their customers to be happy and will work with you to resolve problems.
Been Ripped Off?
If you've tried everything else and feel you've been a victim of fraud, there are additional several steps to take. Auction Bytes has an online fraud resource section with a long list of articles, links and resources.
Bottom Line
Finding and buying your stuff on eBay can be great fun, you might even meet your new best friends. And there is nothing like clicking on a link and seeing your personal Holy Grail right there in front of you.
The majority of transactions are trouble free, the key is to carefully read the descriptions, checking the feedback and realizing that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Overall the majority of eBay transactions are trouble free, the key is to read everything carefully
The ABCs of Buying on eBay
- Starting Out
- Search & Find Your Stuff
- Don't Bid Yet
- Bidding & PayPal
- Completing Your Purchases & Possible Problems
National Fraud Information Center
Filing a Fraud Complaint
Feedback FAQ
Buyer Protection Programs
