How Can I Tell If An eBay Seller Is Reputable?

If you're new to eBay it can be a very daunting task to search through the listings and find a product. Then, once you've found the product you might be wary to bid on an auction because you're not sure about the seller. Thankfully, there are things you can do to protect yourself.

The first thing you need to do when you want to buy something from an eBay auction is to find the item you're interested in. If there are many sellers offering that item you've got more to choose from. If there is just one or two then your job is a little harder.

Regardless of the situation, you need to check the seller's feedback rating. eBay uses its feedback system for this very reason. That way past buyers can alert potential buyers to any dangers of dealing with a particular seller. These buyers can also praise the seller if they had a great transaction.

There are two different things to think about with feedback. One is the amount of feedback they have. If someone has thousands of feedback ratings, and high percentage of positive ratings (in the 90's) then it's probably safe to buy from them.

If the seller only has a few feedback ratings, but they are all positive you might consider that safe as well. After all, everyone has to get his or her start at one point or another. If the seller only has a few ratings and one of them is negative you might want to think twice about going with them.

It's an individual decision and you can't go on the numbers alone. There really are some whacko buyers out there who expected something that wasn't listed in the auction or just want to stir up trouble. Read the feedback comments, and the reaction from the seller if they've commented.

It is best to go with your gut instinct if you're not sure about a particular auction. If there are many more choices you simply have to find a different seller. If that is the only item in that category and it's something you've wanted for ages you might just have to take a chance.

Keep in mind that eBay does offer a certain amount of protection for buyers. Before you start anything formal you do need to contact the seller. If you cannot get a hold of them after repeated attempts through e-mail or other means then it's time to be official.

If you are completely ripped off by a seller there is protection offered. If you purchased through PayPal, then a dispute should be opened there.

If there were other circumstances then you need to open an eBay dispute. This dispute can be opened through this page:

http://pages.ebay.com/help/tp/inr-snad-process.html#opens

The simple steps to this dispute are:

  1. Buyer contacts eBay to open the dispute
  2. eBay contacts seller
  3. Seller responds
  4. Buyer and seller communicate
  5. Dispute closed. If there was not a satisfactory resolution then the eBay Trust and Safety Team should be contacted and they will handle the matter further.

So, there are many ways you can be a smart shopper. If you do get taken advantage of there are steps you can take to get your money back.

Find anything you want on eBay. Register for eBay today to get started!