Buying on eBay: Always Read the Merchant Feedback and Caveat Emptor!
I don't remember much from the Latin classes I took in High School, but some reason one phrase always stuck in mind: caveat emptor-"let the buyer beware". It is the belief that the buyer is solely responsible for determining the quality of a product before purchasing. While caveat emptor definitely applies to eBay purchases, the merchant feedback section offers plenty of information that will help you in your buying decisions.
When you click on to an eBay auction, on the right side of the landing page you will find an area that's titled "Meet the Seller". There is a lot
At the top of the section you should find an email address for the seller. This allows you to communicate with the merchant should you have any questions. Merchants should be happy to field your inquiries, so don't hesitate to ask.
Hopefully next to the merchant email address you will see a small green star. This means that the merchant you are dealing with has between 5000 and 9000 reviews from eBay buyers. If you see this first, you are off to a great start in finding a reputable merchant.
You can feel even better about the merchant if they also have a "Power Seller" icon next to their name. eBay gives this designation to sellers who consistently produce solid, sustainable sales volume and have a positive feedback rating of 98% or higher. Power Seller merchants always operate within eBay policies and procedures and maintain their account in good financial standing. It is highest designation eBay gives its merchants and is not easy to achieve.
eBay merchants are given Power Seller status based on their Detailed Seller Rating or DSR. A merchant DSR is determined by four categories: accurate product descriptions, communication, prompt shipping of products and reasonable shipping costs. It is not an easy standard to achieve-which is good news for you.
Two other icons to look for are the "me" designation and a red door. The "me" icon will provide you with some personal information, such as the merchant's name and location. The red door provides a link to the merchant's "store", or complete inventory list. Both of these items also indicate to the buyer that you are dealing with a serious, reputable merchant who is running a business and not a fly by night operation.
The last piece of information to take a look is the "Check the Seller's Reputation" section. This provides you with a statistical breakdown of the feedback on the merchant (positive and negative) and the actual written feedback from past buyers. You can read first-hand about other people's experiences with the merchant and will hopefully provide you even more comfort.
If you are viewing a merchant that does not meet all of the criteria, it doesn't mean you are dealing with someone who lacks integrity. They could be a relatively new merchant who doesn't have the track record yet to meet these standards. You shouldn't avoid these auctions, but pay close attention to the feedback that has been given so far.
There is a great deal of information in that little box on the right side. Take your time and use it.
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