Is It Safe to Buy From eBay?
Your friend Sam bought a DVD from eBay, and he never received it. You'd rather pay top dollar for your own DVDs than ever buy from that scammy place!
If you've ever heard a similar story, or had similar thoughts yourself it's time to rethink them. Yes, there are a few who have been burned by buyers or sellers on eBay, but there are many more who have learned to use the system to avoid having any problems. In fact, these people blissfully buy and sell on eBay everyday and always have smooth transactions.
The fact is that eBay is one of the most unique websites in the world. Sellers love to sell there because they are able to profit on things that would collect dust otherwise. Some are even able to sell retail goods with high profit margins because there is very low overhead. Buyers love to buy on eBay because they are able to save some money or find items they can't find anywhere else.
If buying and selling on eBay were not safe then these buyers and sellers would not be able to thrive like they are. There are rotten people out there who do try to spoil it for everyone but you can take steps to prevent that from happening.
First, let's consider buying on eBay. When you are the buyer you are required to pay the seller upfront. You are occasionally even required to pay the seller right away. That can definitely make cautious people uneasy as those digital dollars leave your hands.
So, how are you going to make sure you actually get your item? The first thing you need to do is thoroughly check the seller out before you ever bid on their auction. The easiest way to do this is to look at their feedback rating.
eBay includes the feedback system where buyers can leave feedback for the public to see. That means that if there was a smooth transaction they are likely to get great feedback. If the item was not received or was not received as described the seller will get negative feedback.
You will see a percentage of their positive vs negative feedback. Generally, you want this feedback to be higher than 90-95% to be absolutely safe. There are sellers who've maintained a 100% positive feedback rating! You have to keep in mind that there are bound to be grumpy buyers who give feedback that is unwarranted if you find a few negative transactions weighed against many positives.
It's up to you to decide how much bad feedback is too much. Pay close attention to the types of transactions that are being rated and whether or not you feel confident in picking that particular seller. If you have any feeling of unease you should find another seller who has a better rating.
On the other hand, you might be a seller (or potential seller) and want to make sure the transaction with your buyer goes as smoothly as possible. In that case you might want to put a few requirements of your buyers on your sales page. Some sellers restrict a buyer with zero or negative feedback.
Another thing you can do as a seller is require that the buyer pay immediately after winning the auction. That's the best way to ensure that you won't be waiting for days on end wondering if your buyer is really going to send the money or not. If the buyer doesn't pay up within the specified time frame you can re-list the auction or offer it at second chance.
It is safe to buy and sell on eBay as millions of users prove each day. The more you learn the eBay ropes the safer you will be. Just make sure you are holding up your end of the bargain and you'll likely attract others who will as well.
Find anything you want on eBay. Register for eBay today to get started!