Just Make Money Online

Bad eBay Experiences

by Shai Coggins on February 23rd, 2008

I love eBay. After over 5 years of using it both as a buyer and a seller, I’ve hardly ever had bad experiences. The extent of my bad experiences before was just one non-paying bidder (who left a negative!) and buyers/sellers who withhold positive feedback.

But, lately, my bad experiences seem to be increasing. So, I decided that I’ll start taking more notes here. As a reminder to me of bad selling and buying experiences, as well as to serve as case studies/learning experiences. And also, as a warning to other folks.

Bad Buying Experiences:

• mycameras2006 - Bought a camera remote from this seller. I paid as soon as the transaction closed. The item took a long time to get shipped. I had to file a Paypal/eBay dispute to get the seller to take action. After a few weeks, the item finally arrived. I left a neutral feedback due to shipping slowness and the seller’s poor communication. The seller retaliated with a neutral feedback and accused me of being personally abusive. Seller also receives negative and neutral feedback regularly plus receives similar complaints of being slow in shipping. So, I know it’s not just me.

  LESSON/TIP: Make sure to check not just the seller’s feedback. Also check seller’s habits of leaving feedback. What kind of things do they say to other folks? It says something about the seller.

• jupiter-fam - Also known as Virginia’s Collectibles. I bought a bunch of craft-related items from this person that never arrived. I was told that it was shipped. And, I was even promised that a second batch was sent. No tracking numbers were ever sent both times. Resorted to Paypal/eBay dispute. Paypal/eBay ended up refunding me for my payment (thank goodness!). When I left negative, the seller continued to lie in her replies to my feedback. This one’s a Power Seller who receives negative feedback on a regular basis. Yet, her average is still at 99%. Similar complaints. Shows that the ‘Power Sellers’ symbol doesn’t always protect you.

  LESSON/TIP: Make sure you check seller’s feedback before buying. Don’t rely on the Power Sellers symbol or the overall feedback score.

What about you? What have been your bad experiences with eBay? Any sellers you’ll never buy from - and why? And, if you were to have an eBay wish list to protect you from such bad experiences, what will be included in your list?

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